Introduction
Arthur Lake was a renowned actor in Hollywood’s golden age, and he gained fame for his iconic role as Dagwood Bumstead in the famous comic strip “Blondie.” However, not many people know about his net worth. It is surprising to note that despite his success in Hollywood, his net worth was not as lavish as one would expect from a famous actor of his caliber. In this blog post, we will explore everything you need to know about Arthur Lake’s net worth. From his early life to his career and personal life, we will provide an in-depth look at the life of Arthur Lake.
Early Life of Arthur Lake
Arthur Lake was born on April 17, 1905, in Corbin, Kentucky. His birth name was Arthur Silverlake III, and he was the son of Arthur Silverlake Jr., who was an actor and theatre director. After the death of his father in 1917, Arthur Lake, along with his mother Ruth and sister Florence, moved to California. Arthur Lake was only 12 years old then.
Arthur Lake started acting as a teenager in silent films. He changed his last name to “Lake” to honor his father’s stage name. He appeared in minor roles in various silent films, including “The Kid” in 1921, starring Charlie Chaplin.
Career of Arthur Lake
Arthur Lake’s career eventually took off in 1931 when he landed his first significant role in the film “Up Pops the Devil.” He then went on to star in several other films, including “Blondie Johnson” and “Hold Your Man.” Nonetheless, his most notable role was that of Dagwood Bumstead in the long-running “Blondie” film series. The series ran for 28 films and made Arthur Lake a household name.
Despite his success on the big screen, Arthur Lake’s film career began to decline in the late 1940s. He then turned to television and starred in several TV series throughout the 1950s and 1960s, including “The Adventures of Superman” and “Dennis the Menace.”
Arthur Lake’s Net Worth
At the peak of his career, Arthur Lake earned a handsome salary for his role in the “Blondie” film series. However, his net worth was not as extravagant as one would expect from a famous actor of his caliber. According to sources, at the time of his death in 1987, his net worth was estimated to be $250,000. Compared to other actors of his time, such as Clark Gable and Humphrey Bogart, Arthur Lake’s net worth was relatively modest.
Personal Life of Arthur Lake
Arthur Lake was married three times throughout his life. He first married actress Florence Lake, his sister, in 1927. The couple had two children before their divorce in 1933. He then married Patricia Van Cleve in 1937, with whom he had one son, and they later divorced in 1949. In 1950, he married his third wife, Patricia Dane, and they stayed married until her death in 1995.
Interesting Facts About Arthur Lake
- Arthur Lake’s son-in-law was comedian Alan King.
- He was a close friend of the legendary actor, Humphrey Bogart.
- Arthur Lake was only six years younger than his on-screen wife, played by Penny Singleton, in the “Blondie” film series.
- He was also an avid equestrian and owned several racehorses.
FAQs About Arthur Lake
Q1. What was Arthur Lake’s most famous role?
A1. Arthur Lake’s most famous role was that of Dagwood Bumstead in the long-running “Blondie” film series.
Q2. How many children did Arthur Lake have?
A2. Arthur Lake had three children.
Q3. Was Arthur Lake married?
A3. Yes, Arthur Lake was married three times throughout his life.
Q4. When did Arthur Lake die?
A4. Arthur Lake passed away on January 9, 1987, in Indian Wells, California, due to heart failure.
Q5. Who did Arthur Lake marry first?
A5. Arthur Lake married his first wife, Florence Lake, who was also his sister.
Q6. Was Arthur Lake friends with other famous actors?
A6. Yes, Arthur Lake was friends with Humphrey Bogart, who was also a legendary actor of his time.
Q7. What was Arthur Lake’s net worth at the time of his death?
A7. At the time of his death, Arthur Lake’s net worth was estimated to be $250,000.
Conclusion
Arthur Lake’s life was one filled with success and wealth, albeit not comparable to some of his contemporaries. He was a well-known actor in Hollywood’s golden age, known best for his portrayal of Dagwood Bumstead in the “Blondie” film series. Though his net worth was modest compared to other stars of his time, his popularity on the big screen remained unwavering. Arthur Lake’s legacy lives on as he remains an integral part of Hollywood’s history.