Claude Jarman, Jr. Net Worth, Relationships, Age/Birthdate & Birthday

A celebrated American child actor and film advocate whose early Oscar-winning performance and later cultural leadership left a lasting imprint on cinema.

Claude Miller Jarman Jr. was born on September 27, 1934, in Nashville, Tennessee — a date that would usher in one of Hollywood’s most earnest and beloved juvenile performers. He first captivated audiences as the natural-hearted Jody Baxter in The Yearling (1946), earning a Juvenile Academy Award for that role and launching a cinematic journey that spanned film, festival leadership, authorship, and cultural stewardship. Jarman’s story weaves together early fame, diversified achievements, and enduring personal bonds, culminating in a rich legacy in both entertainment and community life.

Quick Facts

A Boy from Nashville Whose Heart Found the Screen

Claude Jarman, Jr.’s entrance into the film world reads like a Hollywood fable. Discovered in a fifth-grade classroom by a Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer talent scout seeking an authentic rural boy, Jarman was cast as Jody Baxter in The Yearling, an emotionally rich story about youth, nature, and loss. His age/birthdate — September 27, 1934 — became synonymous with an era when studio scouts still combed the country for raw talent.

From that moment, his presence in the industry was more than just youthful charm; it was a testament to the power of natural performance. Critics acclaimed his portrayal of Jody, and he was honored with the Academy’s Juvenile Award for outstanding performance.

Defining moments in Claude Jarman, Jr.’s journey include:

• Being selected from thousands of hopefuls for The Yearling lead role. 

• Receiving the Academy Juvenile Award for his performance.

• Appearing in classic films like Intruder in the Dust and Rio Grande. 

• Transitioning from acting into cultural leadership in San Francisco.

The Core Pillars of Claude Jarman, Jr.’s Wealth

Claude Jarman’s estimated net worth — around $500,000 — reflects a career that blended film earnings with long-term professional roles, leadership positions, and business initiatives.

The core pillars of Claude Jarman, Jr.’s wealth include:

• Film earnings and residuals from acting roles in major studio productions. 

• Executive leadership roles (e.g., San Francisco International Film Festival) that brought honor and professional stability.

• Business endeavors, including founding and leading Jarman Travel Inc. 

Many estimates on net worth in public databases rely on available records and typical compensation for industry roles and film royalties; they represent approximate figures rather than audited valuations.

Relationships & Family Life

Claude Jarman’s personal life was marked by deep family ties and a sequence of meaningful partnerships.

He married Virginia in 1959, and together they had three children before their divorce in 1968. 
Later, he wed Maryann Opperman in 1968, with whom he had two daughters, including Vanessa Getty, before that marriage ended in the early 1980s.
In 1986, he married Katharine (Katie), with whom he had twin daughters, Charlotte and Sarah.

Key insights into Claude Jarman, Jr.’s relationships and personal life:

• Three marriages over his lifetime, each bringing children and extended family connections.

• Seven children and multiple generations of descendants.

• Sustained bonds with family even as his professional life evolved. 

Life Beyond Public Fame

Beyond his screen achievements, Jarman’s world included cultural leadership and personal hobbies that shaped his identity:

Beyond career success, Claude Jarman, Jr. led a lifestyle that reflects both passion and purpose, including:

• Serving as executive director of the San Francisco International Film Festival, elevating the event’s prestige. 

• Acting as Director of Cultural Affairs for the City of San Francisco, promoting arts across communities. 

• Leading Jarman Travel Inc., which catered to corporate and executive travel. 

• Writing his memoir My Life and the Final Days of Hollywood, sharing deep reflections on cinema and industry transitions.

Net Worth Breakdown & Analysis

His wealth wasn’t driven by blockbuster box office earnings alone; rather, it reflected a lifetime of artistic, managerial, and entrepreneurial achievements.

These figures present an analytical view of income sources rather than definitive accounting, offering perspective on how his roles translated into lifetime earnings.

Public Image, Legacy & Influence

Claude Jarman’s public image evolved from that of a precocious child star to a thoughtful cultural ambassador. In film history circles, he is revered for embodying the cry of innocence and authenticity in The Yearling, a performance that still resonates with classic cinema aficionados. His leadership at San Francisco’s major festival strengthened that city’s artistic fabric and reaffirmed his commitment to cinema’s evolving dialogue.

Peers, critics, and descendants echo a narrative of humility — a man who embraced opportunity without ego and enriched every community he touched.

Conclusion

Claude Jarman, Jr.’s life was defined by a blend of youthful brilliance and mature stewardship of cultural spaces. His net worth may reflect modest financial accumulation by Hollywood standards, but his impact resonates far beyond numbers. Born on September 27, 1934, and celebrating his birthday each year with family and friends, his journey endowed lasting lessons in artistry, leadership, and relational depth. From the forests of The Yearling to the halls of cinematic festivals, his personal and professional paths intertwined to leave an enduring legacy in American film heritage.