Born Walden Robert Cassotto on the 14th May 1936 in East Harlem, New York City USA, of Italian and English ancestry, and as Bobby Darin was a musician, singer-songwriter, and actor as well, best known to the world for his songs such as “Splish Splash” (1958), “Dream Lover” (1959), “Beyond the Sea” (1960) among many others. Bobby’s career started in the late ’50, and ended with his death in 1973.
Have you ever wondered how rich Bobby Darin was, at the time of his death? According to authoritative sources, it has been estimated that Darin’s net worth was as high as $5 million, an amount earned through his successful careers asa musician and actor.
Bobby Darin Net Worth $5 Million
From day one of his life, Bobby thought of his grandmother as his birth mother, however, a few years before his death, Bobby found out the truth, that his supposed sister was his mother, Vanina Juliette “Nina” Cassotto. She became pregnant when she was 17 years old, in those times regarded as a scandalous act, and as a result, Nina and her mother deployed a scheme in which Bobby would be Nina’s younger brother. From an early age he had severe health problems, that would later cost him his life.
Before entering his teen years, Bobby knew how to play several instruments, including drums, guitar, piano, and later he would learn to play xylophone and harmonica.
He lived in the Bronx throughout his childhood,.nz and attended the prestigious Bronx High School of Science. After matriculation, he enrolled at Hunter College where he studied drama. However, after just two semesters, Bobby decided that studying was just lost time and decided to focus on pursuing an acting career.
However, his songwriting talents were much better than his acting; he struck a partnership with Don Kirshner and the two focused primarily on jingles, and then songs which launched Bobby’s career. Then he met Connie Francis, and worked on few of her songs, and their relationship became not only professional but also romantic.
Unfortunately, Connie’s father disapproved of their romance and the two broke up, professionally as well. After that, Bobby switched labels, moving from the Decca Records to Atco Records. There, he flourished into a successful songwriter, but songs he performed did not stick with the public. That changed in 1958 with the release of the song “Splish Splash”, which became an immediate hit, selling more than million copies, which increased Bobby’s net worth and also encouraged him to continue in the same rhythm. Since that hit until his death, Bobby released more than 20 studio albums that produced numerous hits, the sales of which increased his net worth.
Despite success in music, Bobby did not neglect his first love, acting. He made a debut in the TV series “Hennesey” in 1959, while in 1961 he had his breakthrough role as Tony in the romantic comedy “Come September”, starring Rock Hudson, Gina Lollobrigida and Sandra Dee, winning a Golden Globe Award in the category Most Promising Newcomer – Male. He continued with success in the early ’60, appearing in such films as “Pressure Point” (1962), “Captain Neman, M.D.” (1963) – for which he received an Academy Award nomination in category Best Actor in a Supporting Role – while in 1965 he starred in the romantic comedy “That Funny Feeling”, further increasing his wealth. Until the end of the ‘60s, on the top of his fame Bobby appeared in such films as “Cop-Out” (1967), “Gunfight in Abilene” (1967), and “The Happy Ending” (1969). His last appearance was as Eddie Martin in the mystery “Happy Mother’s Day, Love George” (1973).
After hearing the truth about his mother, Bobby withdrew from the scene and his state of sadness also affected his health, which deteriorated such that in 1971 he underwent heart surgery, after which he was often administered oxygen during both acting and singing performances.
In 1973 he contracted sepsis, which further damaged his heart; he underwent one more surgery that lasted more than six hours, however, he died on the 24th October 1973 in the recovery room, without awakening after the surgery.
Before his death, Bobby decided to donate his body to science for medical research, and it was sent to UCLA Medical Center, which is now known as Ronald Reagan Medical Center.
Thanks to his contribution to music, Bobby received a Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, while he was also inducted into the Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Fame, and Songwriters Hall of Fame. He also posthumously received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Recording Academy.
His life and career were showcased in the biopic “Beyond the Sea” (2004), directed by and starring Kevin Spacey as Bobby.
Regarding his personal life, Bobby was married to Sandra Dee from 1960 to 1967 with whom he had a child. In June 1973 he married Andrea Joy Yeager, however, he died in October that year.
