Cleavon Little Net Worth Overview
Cleavon Little was an American actor and comedian best known for his role in the 1974 Mel Brooks film Blazing Saddles. His Cleavon Little net worth reflects earnings from film, television, and stage work spanning the 1960s through the early 1990s. Public estimates place his total career earnings in the low millions, primarily from acting roles and limited business ventures.
Most sources focus on his iconic performances rather than detailed financial disclosures, so exact figures remain difficult to verify. His income streams include motion picture salaries, television guest appearances, and theatrical productions. Any precise Cleavon Little net worth figure should be treated as an approximation based on available career data.
Career Earnings and Major Roles
Little gained national recognition with his portrayal of Sheriff Bart in Blazing Saddles, which became a box office hit and a cultural landmark. He later starred in the television series Temperatures Rising, which aired from 1972 to 1974 and added to his professional visibility and compensation during that period.
His filmography includes roles in movies such as The World's Greatest Lover and several television movies throughout the 1980s. These projects contributed to his overall Cleavon Little net worth by providing steady acting income and residual payments from syndication and rebroadcasts.
Legacy and Financial Impact
Cleavon Little passed away in 1992, but his work continues to generate value through streaming platforms, DVD sales, and television airings. His performances remain referenced in discussions of comedy and representation in Hollywood, which supports ongoing royalty and licensing activity.
While he did not build large business empires or public companies, his career serves as a case study in entertainment income and long-term asset value. Information about his financial history is often explored alongside broader profiles of 1970s and 1980s actors on sites like IMDb and the Television Academy.
Key Career Milestones
Film Breakthrough
His casting as Sheriff Bart in Blazing Saddles marked a turning point, leading to wider recognition and higher-profile offers in both film and television.
Television Work
Roles in series such as Temperatures Rising and guest spots on major shows helped sustain his career and income between film projects.
Stage Performances
Little also appeared in theater productions, which supplemented his earnings and demonstrated his range as a performer.
Posthumous Earnings
Residuals from classic films and television reruns continue to contribute to the Cleavon Little net worth conversation, reflecting the lasting commercial value of his work.