Don Ameche Net Worth, Relationships, Age/Birthdate & Birthday

Don Ameche is a celebrated American actor and radio-star whose illustrious career spanned vaudeville, Hollywood’s golden age and a late-era Oscar® win.

Introduction

Don Ameche was born Dominic Felix Amici on May 31, 1908, and his birthday falls annually on May 31. He became a household name through his work in radio and film, later earning the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for Cocoon. At the time of his passing, his estimated net worth stood at approximately US $5 million. He was married to Honoré Prendergast from 1932 until her death, and together the couple had six children.  As one of Hollywood’s enduring figures, his personal life and professional achievements alike continue to draw interest.

Quick Facts

From Midwest Beginnings to Silver-Screen Stardom

Don Ameche’s journey begins in Kenosha, Wisconsin, where he was born into a family with Italian and Scottish/Irish/German roots.  His father, Felice Amici, was an immigrant from Montemonaco in Italy, and his mother, Barbara Hertel, was of mixed ancestry.

He studied at institutions including Marquette University and the University of Wisconsin, before gravitating toward performance art.  Early exposure to stock companies, vaudeville tours and radio programs honed his craft. For example, his work in the early 1930s radio anthology First Nighter and the soap-opera precursor Betty and Bob made him a familiar voice.

Hollywood beckoned in the mid-1930s when 20th Century Fox signed him and cast him in romantic leads. His portrayal of Alexander Graham Bell in The Story of Alexander Graham Bell in 1939 even led to the slang “ameche” meaning telephone, underscoring his cultural imprint. 

Defining moments in Don Ameche’s journey include:

• His breakout radio performances in the early 1930s that established him as a national voice.

• Signing with 20th Century Fox and starring in major films like The Story of Alexander Graham Bell (1939).

• Transition into stage and television work in the 1950s and ’60s as his film career slowed.

• The remarkable late-career revival culminating in Cocoon (1985), earning him his Oscar.

The Core Pillars of Don Ameche’s Wealth

The core pillars of Don Ameche’s wealth include:

• Film contracts & pay-roster earnings: During his 20th Century Fox tenure, Ameche was among the highest-paid actors. For example, his 1943 salary with Fox was reported at around US $247,667—an exceptional sum for its time. 

• Radio and television hosting: His work in dominating radio formats and later TV helped extend his earning timeline beyond the big screen.

• Royalties and late-career resurgence: His comeback with Cocoon and other later features bolstered his legacy and revenue streams.

Note: As of the time of his passing, public-domain sources estimate his net worth at about US $5 million. While exact brand deals or asset listings are not readily published, the core film/radio earnings remain the primary foundation.

Relationships & Family Life

Don Ameche’s personal life was anchored by his long marital relationship and family. He married Honoré Prendergast in 1932; the union lasted until her death in 1986. The couple had six children—four sons (Lonnie, Dominic, Thomas, Ronald) and two daughters (Bonnie, Connie).

Key insights into Don Ameche’s relationships and personal life:

• He remained married for over five decades, an indicator of long-term commitment in Hollywood.

• Despite the glamor of his career, he maintained a private family life with six children and relatively few publicized romantic entanglements beyond his marriage.

• His familial ties included a brother, Jim Ameche, who also worked in entertainment.

• His wife’s passing preceded his own, and in later years he did not remarry publicly.

Lifestyle, Assets & Interests

Beyond career success, Don Ameche led a lifestyle that reflected both passion and purpose, including:

• A move from the Midwest to Hollywood era-style living, though specific property holdings are less documented than many modern stars.

• Passion for the performing arts across media: stage, radio, film and television.

• Philanthropy and civic engagement were not broadly publicized in the detail of contemporary celebrity-profiles, but his legacy includes influencing subsequent generations of entertainers.

• A penchant for versatility: from romantic lead to comedic villain to voice work (he voiced “Shadow” in Homeward Bound: The Incredible Journey). 

Public Image, Legacy & Influence

Don Ameche is viewed as a consummate professional—a performer who navigated transitions across entertainment media and eras. His presence in Hollywood’s golden age cemented him as a romantic lead, yet his later shift into character and supporting roles demonstrated adaptability. The comeback with Cocoon revitalized his profile and underscored his staying power.

He remains influential in several domains:

• Industry respect: His Oscar win late in life proved that longevity and reinvention matter as much as youthful stardom.

• Cultural imprint: The very use of “ameche” as slang for a telephone points to how deeply he entered public consciousness in his era.

• Cross-media artistry: From vaudeville to film to radio to television, his career path maps the evolution of 20th-century entertainment.

Conclusion

Don Ameche’s story is one of resilience, adaptability and quiet success. Born on May 31, 1908, he celebrated his birthday each year on May 31, and built a career that saw him transform from radio star to Hollywood leading man and eventual Oscar winner. His estimated net worth—around US $5 million—reflects the earnings of his time and the value of a career that spanned decades. His marriage to Honoré Prendergast and their six children reflect a steady personal foundation in an often turbulent industry. His legacy lives on in the roles he played, the influence he exerted, and the example he set for reinventing one’s career while staying connected to one’s art. Whether remembered for the vintage romantic lead or the late-career triumph, Don Ameche remains a model of enduring artistry.