Bobby Darin Net Worth, Relationships, Age/Birthdate & Birthday Facts

Bobby Darin Net Worth, Relationships, Age/Birthdate & Birthday

Bobby Darin is an American singer‑songwriter and actor recognized for his genre‑spanning hits like “Mack the Knife” and for his Hollywood presence in film and television.

Introduction

Born Walden Robert Cassotto on May 14, 1936, Bobby Darin emerged from humble beginnings in New York City to become one of the most versatile entertainers of his generation—moving seamlessly between rock & roll, jazz pop, folk and country. His estimated net worth at the time of his death was approximately US $700,000, which has been described in contemporary sources as the equivalent of roughly US $5 million in today’s terms. 
In his personal life, he was publicly known for his marriage to actress Sandra Dee and for his earlier romantic involvement with singer Connie Francis. His birthday—May 14—is a date often referenced by fans and the entertainment industry in commemorations of his legacy.

Quick Facts

From Local Ambition to Global Success

Cassotto grew up in an East Harlem borough of New York City and, at a young age, suffered multiple bouts of rheumatic fever which left him with a weakened heart.  Despite his frailties, he displayed a hunger to perform and write music. He eventually adopted the stage name Bobby Darin and began working as a songwriter—early credits include work for singer Connie Francis. 
His breakthrough came in 1958 with the novelty rock hit “Splish Splash”, leading into the ballad “Dream Lover” in 1959. He then surprised many by scoring a major hit with “Mack the Knife”, a jazz‑pop interpretation of the Kurt Weill standard, which not only sold millions of copies but won him the Grammy Award for Record of the Year and Best New Artist. 
Defining moments in Bobby Darin’s journey include:

• Co‑writing “Splish Splash” and launching his solo artist career.

• Crossing genres from rock into jazz/pop and then country, showing stylistic versatility.

• Starring in the film Come September (1961) and shifting into acting.

• Establishing a record label (Direction Records) and publishing interests in the late 1960s, embracing protest/folk music. 

The Core Pillars of Bobby Darin’s Wealth Include:

• Recording and songwriting royalties – from his hit singles and albums across multiple genres.

• Film and television appearances – including leading roles and variety show productions.

• Music publishing and label ventures – he founded Direction Records and ran publishing companies in the later 1960s.

• Live performance income – appearances at high‑profile nightclubs (such as the Copacabana) and Las Vegas engagements. 

Relationships & Family Life

Bobby Darin’s personal life was as eventful as his career. His early professional and personal collaboration with singer Connie Francis evolved into a romantic attachment, but parental opposition and Hollywood pressures ended the relationship. 
He married actress Sandra Dee on December 1, 1960—after meeting her during the filming of Come September. The pair became one of Hollywood’s most visible couples, and they had a son, Dodd Mitchell Darin (born December 16, 1961).  Their marriage endured until divorce in March 1967. 
Key insights into Bobby Darin’s relationships and personal life:

• He kept a deeply personal letters archive of his correspondence with Connie Francis, underscoring the intensity of that early relationship. 

• His marriage to Sandra Dee placed him firmly in the public eye; yet behind Hollywood glamor, marital strains, demanding work schedules and health issues took a toll. 

• Though divorced, he remained close to their son Dodd and continued to support him through his health struggles and career path. 

Lifestyle, Assets & Interests

Beyond career success, Bobby Darin led a lifestyle that reflected both passion and purpose, including:

• Hosting live nightclub performances in Las Vegas, where his showmanship and genre‑hoping style became part of his mystique.

• Playing competitive chess and sponsoring chess tournaments—he arranged with the U.S. Chess Federation to stage matches under his name. 

• Launching his own production and label ventures, demonstrating entrepreneurial ambition as well as creative drive.

• Maintaining a robust live schedule in spite of his lifelong heart condition, a testament to his drive.

Net Worth Breakdown & Analysis

This figure reflects reported historical valuations and adjusted values; exact breakdowns vary by source.

Although modest by today’s superstar standards, this net worth must be understood in context: Darin’s earnings peaked in the late 1950s and 1960s, and his ventures into label publishing in the late 1960s suffered reversals when his Direction Records and associated publishing were sold or bankrupt. 

Public Image, Legacy & Influence

Bobby Darin is widely remembered for his fluidity across musical forms—rock, jazz, pop standards, country—and for his ambition that was, in part, fuelled by his awareness of mortality. The story of a frail child who refused to wait for success became part of his legend. 
His artistry continues to be celebrated: he was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1990 and the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 1999. 
In recent years, his story has regained attention via the Broadway musical Just in Time, which chronicles his life and relationships. 
From a legacy perspective:

• His signature song “Mack the Knife” remains a benchmark for pop‑jazz reinterpretation.

• His marriage to Sandra Dee remains one of Hollywood’s iconic yet cautionary tales of fame and relationships.

• His entrepreneurial efforts in publishing and label management show an under‑recognized side of his career beyond the microphone.

Conclusion

Bobby Darin’s journey—from his birth on May 14, 1936, through his meteoric rise and his later personal and business struggles—is a portrait of ambition bridled with mortality, innovation tempered by risk, and fame tempered by fragility. His estimated net worth of approximately US $700,000 at his passing may appear modest, yet the richness of his output—across genres, media, and entrepreneurial ventures—defines his enduring impact. His relationships, especially his marriage to Sandra Dee, formed a significant part of his personal narrative, while his age/birthdate and birthday remain focal points for fans who commemorate his work and life. Ultimately, Bobby Darin reminds us that true legacy is not measured solely in dollars but in the range of a life lived fully, creatively, and with unrelenting purpose.