If you’ve spent any time watching cable news over the last decade, you’ve seen him. He’s usually standing on a ranch, maybe holding a fishing rod or leaning against a vintage plane, telling you why paper money is basically a disaster waiting to happen. William Devane is the face of gold. But while he’s busy convincing the masses to hedge against inflation, people are mostly curious about his own pockets. Specifically, what is William Devane net worth after sixty years in the cutthroat world of Hollywood?
The number most people toss around is $5 million.
Honestly? That feels a bit low for a guy who was a lead on a prime-time soap for a decade and has appeared in some of the biggest blockbusters of the 2000s. But wealth in Hollywood isn't just about a salary. It’s about the "long game"—land, royalties, and those ubiquitous commercials that seem to run every twenty minutes on Fox News.
The Knots Landing "Oil" Money
To understand Devane’s financial foundation, you have to go back to 1983. He joined the cast of Knots Landing as Greg Sumner, a character who was supposed to be a short-term villain. Instead, he stayed for 269 episodes.
In the '80s, being a lead on a top-ten show was like hitting the lottery every single week. While specific contracts from 1983 aren't public record, lead actors on comparable soaps like Dallas or Dynasty were pulling in anywhere from $30,000 to $50,000 per episode by the mid-80s.
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Do the math on ten years of that.
Even after the agents and the taxman take their cut, that’s a massive pile of liquidity. And because Knots Landing was a massive international hit, the residuals—those checks that show up in the mail when a show airs in France or on a random cable channel at 2:00 AM—provided a steady "pension" for decades.
That Rosland Capital Payday
You can’t talk about William Devane net worth without mentioning those gold commercials. Since 2013, Devane has been the primary spokesperson for Rosland Capital.
This isn't just a "one-and-done" gig. It’s a long-term brand partnership.
Industry experts suggest that a celebrity of Devane’s stature—someone who radiates "old-school American trust"—can command high six-figure or even low seven-figure annual contracts for these types of spokesperson roles. It’s a genius move for an actor in his 80s. It keeps his face on screen and keeps the cash flow consistent without the grueling 14-hour days of a film set.
But there's a kicker. Devane doesn't just talk about gold; he claims to buy it. If he’s been putting a percentage of his earnings into physical bullion as long as he’s been telling us to, his actual net worth is likely much higher than the "estimated" five million. Precious metals have seen massive spikes over the last twenty years. If he bought in early, he’s sitting on a very shiny nest egg.
Real Estate and the Polo Lifestyle
William Devane isn't a "Beverly Hills" kind of guy. He’s a horse guy. Specifically, a polo guy.
He famously developed an equestrian and polo property in Thermal, California—near Palm Springs. We’re talking about roughly 140 acres of prime land. In 2017, a portion of this land (around 10 acres) was listed for about $1.275 million.
When an actor owns a massive ranch or a specialized sports facility like a polo field, the "net worth" calculators usually miss the mark. Land value in California is notoriously volatile but generally trends upward. Between his holdings in the Coachella Valley and his storied history of ranching, Devane’s portfolio is built on dirt and grass, which is a lot harder to lose than a tech stock.
The Blockbuster "Side Quests"
Most actors fade away after their big show ends. Devane did the opposite. He pivoted into being the "go-to guy" for authority figures.
- He played the President of the United States in The Dark Knight Rises.
- He appeared in Christopher Nolan’s Interstellar.
- He was a series regular on 24 as James Heller.
These aren't just bit parts. They are high-profile roles in billion-dollar franchises. While he wasn't making Christian Bale money, the "quote" for a veteran actor of Devane’s caliber for a major studio film is substantial.
Why the $5 Million Figure Might Be Wrong
Most celebrity wealth sites use a "one-size-fits-all" algorithm. They look at known salaries and subtract an estimated lifestyle cost. But they often miss:
- Private Investments: Devane has been vocal about his disdain for traditional "paper" markets.
- Asset Appreciation: The value of his California ranching properties has likely outpaced the general inflation rate.
- Spousal Assets: He’s been married to Eugenie McCabe since 1961. Sixty-plus years of a stable marriage in Hollywood is a financial superpower. No divorce settlements means no splitting the fortune.
The Reality of a 60-Year Career
William Devane started in 1966. Think about that. He’s worked through the New Hollywood era of the 70s, the blockbuster era of the 80s, the prestige TV era of the 2000s, and the commercial spokesperson era of today.
He’s a worker. He doesn't stop.
Even if the $5 million figure represents his "liquid" cash, his total asset value—including the gold, the land, and the residuals—paints the picture of a man who is very, very comfortable. He’s lived a life that allows him to fly his own planes and play polo whenever he wants.
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Actionable Takeaways from Devane’s Wealth Strategy
- Diversify beyond the Screen: Devane didn't just rely on acting; he moved into real estate (polo fields) and long-term commercial endorsements.
- The Power of "The Face": Building a brand of reliability (the "man's man" persona) allowed him to secure high-paying spokesperson roles late in life.
- Consistency is King: Sixty years of steady work beats one massive paycheck every time.
- Hard Assets Matter: Whether it's the gold he shills or the land he lives on, Devane clearly believes in things you can touch.
If you want to track how celebrity wealth like this changes over time, look at land sales in the Thermal/Palm Springs area and the spot price of gold. Those two metrics will tell you more about Devane’s actual financial health than any Hollywood tabloid ever could.