Earl Anthony Net Worth, Relationships, Age/Birthdate & Birthday

Earl Anthony is a legendary professional bowler recognized for his record‑setting PBA titles and pioneering earnings in the sport.

Introduction

Earl Anthony (born April 27, 1938) emerged from humble beginnings to revolutionize professional bowling and become the sport’s first man to earn a million dollars and more in tournament earnings.  With an estimated net worth of approximately $2 million (according to CelebrityNetWorth) at the time of his passing, his legacy extends far beyond mere dollars.  His relationships included two marriages: first to Marylou Devish, later to Susie Shelly.  In this article we explore Earl Anthony’s rise, wealth, relationships, and enduring influence.

Quick Facts (Table Summary)

From Tacoma Ambitions to Bowling Royalty

Born April 27, 1938 in Tacoma, Washington, Earl Anthony was the son of Earl Anthony and Laura Davis.  His early athletic promise included a stint in the U.S. Air Force before he turned seriously to bowling. Originally a baseball prospect—he reportedly received a signing bonus offer from the Baltimore Orioles organization—he suffered a rotator cuff injury, which effectively ended his baseball pursuit and propelled him toward bowling. 

His professional bowling career began in earnest when he joined the Professional Bowlers Association (PBA) Tour in 1970 as a rookie.  He quickly distinguished himself with disciplined technique, a powerful left‑hand delivery, and a résumé of titles that would reshape the sport’s landscape. Over the next decade he amassed 43 PBA Tour titles, including six PBA National Championships and two Masters titles (retroactively awarded) making him one of the most decorated bowlers in history. 

Defining moments in Earl Anthony’s journey include:

• Winning his first PBA Tour title in June 1970 at the Heidelberg Open in Seattle. 

• Becoming the first bowler to earn over $100,000 in a single season (1975) and the first to surpass $1 million in career earnings (1982). 

• Sustaining a dominant streak with at least one title in 15 consecutive PBA seasons. 

• After retiring from full competition, founding a bowling center in Dublin, California and serving as a color commentator—extending his influence beyond the lanes. 

The Core Pillars of Earl Anthony’s Wealth

The wealth of Earl Anthony was built not from conventional business ventures but from a legendary athletic career and leveraged reputation.

• Tournament winnings and prizes: As the first bowler to surpass $1 million in career PBA earnings, his base income derived from competition. 

• Sponsorships and endorsements: Though specific deals are less publicized—given the era—he benefited from the growth of televised bowling and equipment endorsements tied to his success.

• Business venture (bowling center ownership): Anthony operated a bowling center in Dublin, California, capitalizing on his reputation and brand.

These pillars combined allowed him to translate sporting excellence into a measured, sustainable net worth.

Earl Anthony Relationships & Family Life

In his personal life, Earl Anthony navigated two marriages and parenthood, balancing the demands of competitive sport with family commitments.

He first married Marylou Devish in 1957; the couple had three children—one son, Mike, and two daughters, Tracy and Jeri—before divorcing in June 1978.  In 1980 he married Susie Shelly and remained married to her until his untimely death in 2001.

Key insights into Earl Anthony’s relationships and personal life:

• Marriage to Marylou occurred early in his career, setting a foundation as he began to climb within the PBA.

• His second marriage to Susie Shelly coincided with his peak competitive era and business maturation.

• He remained private in his personal life, focusing public attention on his sport rather than tabloid spotlight.

Lifestyle, Assets & Interests

Beyond career success, Earl Anthony led a lifestyle that reflects both passion and purpose, including:

• Enthusiasm for golf: After his bowling career, Anthony maintained a near‑scratch handicap and once set a course record of 64 at Crow Canyon Country Club. 

• Ownership and operation of a bowling center in Dublin, California—a business asset and community hub. 

• Minimal “celebrity excess” in public assets; his reputation was built on performance and integrity rather than flashy public spending.

• Philanthropic legacy: A memorial scholarship fund—the Earl Anthony Memorial Scholarship Fund—was established post‑humously to support young bowlers. 

Net Worth Breakdown & Analysis

Earl Anthony’s net worth is modest by modern celebrity athlete standards, but it remains remarkable given his era and sport.

It’s important to note that published figures (such as the $2 million estimate) come from third‑party sites and are historical; the true value likely reflects a combination of his prize earnings, business ventures, and modest investments. His value stems more from what he achieved than the number alone—he set milestones for the sport and elevated bowling to a wider audience.

Public Image, Legacy & Influence

Earl Anthony remains an icon in the world of bowling and sport more broadly. He is routinely cited as the greatest bowler in PBA history, recognized by the USBC and PBA for his records and influence. 

His public image was that of a consummate professional—disciplined, understated, effective. He carried the nickname “Square Earl” among peers, a nod not to criticism but to his no‑nonsense, focused approach on the lanes. 

His legacy includes:

• Being the template for how a bowler could succeed commercially in a sport outside major league franchises.

• Inspiration for future generations of bowlers to treat the sport with both athletic and business seriousness.

• A lasting presence: his name attaches to patterns (e.g., the Earl Anthony 43 foot oil pattern) and tournaments, ensuring that “Earl Anthony” remains a part of bowling vernacular. 

Conclusion

Earl Anthony’s story—beginning with a birthdate of April 27, 1938 and a journey into professional bowling—underscores how exceptional achievement can translate into influence, brand, and legacy. His estimated net worth of around $2 million is modest by celebrity standards but significant for the context of his sport and era. His marriages—to Marylou Devish, then Susie Shelly—reflect a personal life that resembled his professional one: steady, discreet, devoted to craft. On his birthday each year, the numbers in bowling history recount his greatness. In looking back at Earl Anthony’s net worth, relationships, age/birthdate, and birthday, we see not just a champion, but a figure who transcended lanes and earned a place in athletic history. His legacy invites us to remember: excellence isn’t measured only in multimillion‑dollar deals, but in achievement, influence, and the lives we touch beyond ourselves.