Daniel von Bargen Net Worth, Relationships, Age/Birthdate & Birthday Facts
Discover Daniel von Bargen net worth, relationships, age/birthdate and birthday in this in-depth profile of the acclaimed actor’s life and legacy.
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Daniel von Bargen Net Worth, Relationships, Age/Birthdate & Birthday
Subheadline: Daniel von Bargen was an American character actor recognized for memorable authority-figures on stage, film and television.
Introduction
Daniel von Bargen, born June 5, 1950 — whose birthday falls on June 5 — built a distinguished career known for playing commanding characters such as Mr. Kruger on Seinfeld and Commandant Edwin Spangler on Malcolm in the Middle. His estimated net worth stood at approximately $0.2 million at the time of his passing. His personal life included a public marriage and later divorce, and his professional journey spanned theater, film and television with a versatile presence.
Quick Facts
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Daniel von Bargen |
| Age/Birthdate | June 5, 1950 |
| Birthday | June 5 |
| Nationality | American |
| Profession | Actor (film, television, theater) |
| Estimated Net Worth | ~$200,000 |
| Relationship Status | Divorced (formerly married to Margo Skinner) |
| Known For | Memorable authority-figures: Mr. Kruger on Seinfeld, Commandant Spangler on Malcolm in the Middle |
From Midwestern Roots to Screen Presence
Born in Cincinnati, Ohio, on June 5, 1950, Daniel von Bargen grew up in a family of German and English descent. He earned his drama chops at Purdue University and spent time honing his craft in theater, including a long stint with the Trinity Repertory Company in Providence, Rhode Island.
The path to his more visible screen roles was deliberate. His early work in stage productions paved the way for guest-spots in television during the 1980s and then supporting film roles in the early 1990s (including The Silence of the Lambs and Basic Instinct).
Defining moments in Daniel von Bargen’s journey include:
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Securing a recurring television role as Mr. Kruger on Seinfeld.
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Landing the role of Commandant Edwin Spangler on Malcolm in the Middle, showcasing comedic authority.
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Transitioning from theater to prominent supporting film roles, often cast as law-enforcement or military figures.
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Battling health issues later in life that impacted both personal and professional trajectories.
The Core Pillars of Daniel von Bargen’s Wealth
While his estimated net worth was modest relative to Hollywood megastars, the structure of his earnings reflects a long career of consistent work:
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Television Roles: Recurring parts and guest appearances on major network shows provided steady income.
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Film Credits: Supporting roles in films like O Brother, Where Art Thou?, The Postman, and more added to his portfolio.
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Stage Work: Early and sustained theater engagements (especially with Trinity Repertory) demonstrated range and contributed to his professional foundation.
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Residuals / Licensing: As happened with many actors of his era, reruns and syndication may have generated more modest residual income.
Given available public data, his net worth is largely derived from these earnings streams rather than high-value investments or endorsements.
Relationships & Personal Life
Von Bargen maintained a degree of privacy around his personal affairs, but certain facts are publicly available:
His most familiar relationship was with actress Margo Skinner; they married in the early 1980s and later divorced. The marriage did not produce children (according to public records).
Key insights into Daniel von Bargen’s relationships and personal life:
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Married to actress Margo Skinner; later divorced.
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No publicly recognized children or second marriage reported.
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Health struggles (notably diabetes and an amputation) deeply affected his personal life and well-being.
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He lived privately for significant periods, especially in later years.
Lifestyle, Assets & Interests
Beyond his acting work, while detailed asset disclosures are scarce, several lifestyle and interest-based facts are known:
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He lived in Ohio (Montgomery) at the time of his later years.
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He was passionate about theater and the craft of acting — his long tenure in stage work underscores that dedication.
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His later life was impacted by significant health challenges (diabetes, leg amputation) which curtailed his ability to work and likely influenced his lifestyle significantly.
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While not known for ostentatious public displays of wealth, his work-life reflects a commitment to performance over accumulation.
Net Worth Breakdown & Analysis
Public sources estimate his net worth at about $200,000. Here's a hypothetical breakdown, based on typical actor-earnings for his profile:
| Category | Estimated Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Business Ventures | $150,000 | Celebrity NetWorth estimate |
| Brand Deals & Partnerships | $25,000 | Limited data; modest given profile |
| Investments & Assets | $25,000 | Assumed low-key asset base |
This breakdown underscores that his accumulated wealth was derived primarily from decades of steady, modest professional income rather than large deals or investment windfalls. His health issues later in life likely constrained earning capacity and asset growth.
Public Image, Legacy & Influence
Daniel von Bargen is remembered as a dependable character actor whose presence brought gravitas, nuance and often humor to roles of authority. His portrayal of Mr. Kruger on Seinfeld and Commandant Spangler on Malcolm in the Middle made him a memorable figure in television comedy.
In industry terms, he exemplified the working actor: less celebrity-icon, more craft-professional. His legacy remains in the body of work; for many fans he is a familiar face even if his name was not always front-page.
On a human level, his candid collision with health and personal crisis (notably his 2012 suicide-attempt linked to his diabetes diagnosis) drew attention to the vulnerabilities of actors behind the scenes.
His influence is subtle but real: a reminder that longevity in acting can be built on character roles rather than star status, and that the contribution of such actors enriches the fabric of film and television.
Conclusion
Daniel von Bargen’s journey — born June 5, 1950 (birthday June 5), and known professionally for his unwavering work ethic and memorable screen authority figures — reflects a career marked by consistency, craft and quiet resilience. His estimated net worth of ~$200,000 is modest, yet emblematic of a lifetime devoted to acting rather than headline earnings. His relationships, particularly his marriage to Margo Skinner, and his later personal health struggles, paint a portrait of an actor who experienced both the opportunities and the harsh realities of a long career. His legacy endures in the roles that fans continue to watch and appreciate — a testament to the impact of dedicated character actors in shaping television and film.
