Jonathan Winters Net Worth - Pulptastic

What Was Jonathan Winters’ Net Worth?

Jonathan Winters, an American comedian, actor, writer, producer, and artist, had a net worth of $5 million at the time of his death in 2013. He won a Grammy for his 1995 comedy album “Crank(y) Calls” and a Primetime Emmy for his performance on the sitcom “Davis Rules”.

Winters released numerous comedy albums and had over 80 acting credits, including roles in “It’s a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World” and “The Flintstones”. He also voiced characters in various animated series and wrote and produced TV specials and short films.

Additionally, Winters was a published author, with books such as “Mouse Breath, Conformity and Other Social Ills” and “Maude Frickert Tells All”. He passed away in 2013 at the age of 87.

Early Life and Career

Jonathan Winters was born in Dayton, Ohio in 1925. His parents split up when he was seven, and he went to live with his grandmother in Springfield. There, he started creating characters and sound effects, which eventually led to his career in comedy.

Winters dropped out of high school to join the Marines during World War II and later attended Kenyon College and the Dayton Art Institute. It was at the latter where he met his future wife, Eileen Schauder.

Jonathan Winters’ Career Highlights

Jonathan Winters won a talent contest in the late ’40s, which led to his job as a disc jockey for various radio stations. He moved to New York City and started performing stand-up comedy in clubs, making his network TV debut on the DuMont Television Network show “Chance of a Lifetime” in 1954. He appeared in several TV shows in the ’50s, including “The Tonight Show” and “The Jack Paar Show.” Winters made his big-screen debut in 1963’s “It’s a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World,” which earned him a Golden Globe nomination. He appeared in several other films, including “The Russians Are Coming, the Russians Are Coming” and “The Flintstones.” In the ’70s, Winters starred in TV specials and a syndicated show, and he hosted the NBC documentary series “Hot Dog.” He had a recurring role on “Mork & Mindy” and voiced Grandpa Smurf on “The Smurfs.” In the 2000s, Winters appeared in several films and starred in the mockumentary “Certifiably Jonathan.” He voiced Papa Smurf in the live-action/computer-animated films “The Smurfs” and “The Smurfs 2.” Numerous videos and DVDs of his work have been released.

Marriage, Family, and Personal Struggles

Jonathan Winters married Eileen Ann Schauder on September 11, 1948, and they had two children together. Eileen battled breast cancer for twenty years before passing away in January 2009.

Winters struggled with bipolar disorder and had nervous breakdowns throughout his life. In an interview, he admitted to spending time in a private psychiatric hospital in 1959 and 1961.

Aside from comedy, Winters enjoyed painting and visiting art galleries. He even exhibited his art in one-man shows.

Jonathan Winters’ Death and Tributes

Jonathan Winters passed away from natural causes at the age of 87 at his home in Montecito, California on April 11, 2013. He was cremated, and his cremains were given to his children.

Robin Williams wrote on Facebook, “First he was my idol, then he was my mentor and amazing friend. I’ll miss him huge. He was my Comedy Buddha. Long live the Buddha.” Steve Martin tweeted, “Goodbye, Jonathan Winters. You were not only one of the greats, but one of the great greats.”

Awards and Nominations

Jonathan Winters earned two Primetime Emmy nominations, winning for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series for “Davis Rules” in 1991. He also received a Golden Globe nomination for Best Actor – Comedy or Musical for “It’s a Mad Mad Mad Mad World” in 1964. Winters earned 11 Grammy nominations, taking home the prize for Best Spoken Comedy Album for “Crank(y) Calls” in 1996. He also received awards at the American Comedy Awards, including a Lifetime Achievement Award in Comedy in 1987 and an award for Funniest Male Performer in a TV Special (Leading or Supporting) Network, Cable or Syndication for “Jonathan Winters and His Traveling Road Show” in 1991. Jonathan received a Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2000 Ojai Film Festival, a Lifetime Achievement Tribute at the 2003 Orinda Film Festival, and he won the Pioneer Award at the 2008 TV Land Awards. He was honored with the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor in 1999 and received the American Academy of Achievement’s Golden Plate Award in 1973.

Winters also received nominations for various awards, including Outstanding Guest Actor in a Comedy Series for “Life with Bonnie” in 2003 at the Primetime Emmy Awards, Best Guest Actor in a Comedy Series for “Life with Bonnie” in 2003 at the Online Film & Television Association Awards, and Best Supporting Actor (in a DVD Premiere Movie) for “Comic Book: The Movie” in 2005 at the DVD Exclusive Awards. He earned multiple Grammy nominations for his comedy performances and albums, including Best Comedy Performance – Spoken Word, Best Comedy Recording, Best Spoken Word Album, Best Album for Children, and Best Comedy Album.

In addition, Jonathan received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame for Television in 1960.