James Coburn Net Worth, Relationships, Age/Birthdate & Birthday

The Making of a Screen Icon: Early Roots and Rise to Stardom

James Coburn was born August 31, 1928, in Laurel, Nebraska, a son of Scots-Irish and Swedish descent.  From those humble Midwestern roots, he would rise to become one of Hollywood’s most recognizable “cool” presences. He grew up partly in Compton, California, where he cultivated his interest in acting — a passion that would soon define his life.

He studied acting at Los Angeles City College, training under notable instructors alongside contemporaries.  Coburn made his stage debut at the La Jolla Playhouse, paving his way into a career that spanned decades. 

From early television roles to small parts in cinematic Westerns and dramas, Coburn steadily carved a reputation for himself. By the late 1950s and early 1960s, his signature lanky frame, steely gaze, and understated charisma began turning heads — setting the stage for his transformation from supporting actor to leading man.

Peak Cool: From Agent Flint to Western Gunslinger

Coburn’s career truly soared when he embraced versatility: one moment a suave spy, the next a hardened gunslinger. His breakthrough came with the 1966 release of Our Man Flint, a tongue-in-cheek spy film that allowed Coburn to channel charm, wit, and a satirical take on Cold War espionage tropes.  The success of Flint — and its sequel the following year — cemented his status as a leading action star and cultural symbol of ’60s-era cool.

Yet, Coburn never limited himself to one genre. Over a career spanning nearly five decades, he appeared in more than 70 films and over 100 television productions.  He moved between Western epics, war dramas, comedies, and even voice-over work later in life. That bold variety is a hallmark of his legacy — an actor unafraid to evolve, adapt, and push boundaries.

A Quiet Warrior: Personal Life, Passions, and Private Battles

Off-screen, Coburn’s life was layered with complexity beyond the glitz of Hollywood. He married his first wife, Beverly Kelly, in 1959. The couple had two children before divorcing in 1979.  Years later, love came again — he wed actress Paula Murad on October 22, 1993, in Versailles, France. The marriage endured until his death in 2002. 

Despite outward success, Coburn faced serious personal challenges. He suffered from severe rheumatoid arthritis, a condition that at times threatened his ability to perform and slowed his output. 

Yet he remained driven. Coburn developed interests beyond acting — notably in martial arts (he was once a student and friend of Bruce Lee) and Eastern spirituality. Through these outlets, he found a balance between the demands of stardom and the search for deeper meaning. 

Valuing a Legacy: Net Worth and the Cost of Stardom

At the time of his passing, many sources estimate that James Coburn left behind a net worth of approximately US$10 million. 

That figure reflects decades of prolific work — more than 70 films and over 100 television roles — covering genres from Westerns and action to drama and comedy.  But Coburn’s wealth cannot be reduced to just monetary value: it also speaks to enduring cultural capital. His influence spans generations, and his name still evokes a distinct era of Hollywood cool.

The Final Curtain — And a Lasting Influence

Coburn’s journey ended on November 18, 2002, when he passed away in his Beverly Hills home. His death marked the close of a chapter — but his legacy endures.

Today, when writers speak of “cool” in classic cinema — the understated gunslinger, the smoky-eyed spy, the quietly intense supporting actor — Coburn’s name still resonates. His varied body of work, willingness to adapt, and soulful off-screen life make him more than just a name in film history: he remains a template for authenticity, versatility, and understated charisma.

Why James Coburn Matters — Still

• Coburn’s career arc shows the power of reinvention — from Western bit-parts to spy icon to Oscar-winning supporting actor.

• His personal journey — battles with health, multiple marriages, spiritual curiosity — humanizes the Hollywood legend.

• His estimated net worth captures commercial success, but his real legacy is artistic influence and the memorable characters he brought to life.

• As film history evolves, Coburn stands as a bridge between eras: the golden age of Westerns, Cold War spy thrillers, and the modern character-drama renaissance.

In remembering James Coburn — born August 31, 1928, and celebrated for a career that defied easy categorization — we recognize more than a star. We recognize a life lived at the intersection of grit, elegance, resilience, and artistry.