Ken Kercheval Net Worth, Relationships, Age/Birthdate & Birthday

Ken Kercheval was an American actor best known for his unforgettable portrayal of Cliff Barnes on the iconic TV series Dallas.

Introduction

Ken Kercheval was a celebrated American actor whose career spanned decades, leaving a lasting mark on television and theatre. Born July 15, 1935, Kercheval’s passion for performance carried him from Broadway stages to international fame as Cliff Barnes. At the time of his death, his estate’s value was estimated at around US$800,000.  Throughout his life he experienced multiple marriages and fathered children — details that shape a complex picture of his personal life and relationships.

Quick Facts

From Small-Town Indiana to Broadway Spotlight

Ken Kercheval’s journey began in Wolcottville, Indiana, where he was born in a family grounded in medicine — his father was a physician, his mother a nurse.  Raised in the nearby town of Clinton, he spent early years with his father in the operating room, even assisting in minor medical tasks. 

Despite this upbringing, Kercheval discovered a passion for the arts. He initially studied music and drama at Indiana University, then went on to University of the Pacific, and ultimately honed his craft in New York at the Neighborhood Playhouse School of the Theatre under the tutelage of Sanford Meisner. 

His professional debut came in 1962 on Broadway with Something About a Soldier, followed by roles in celebrated stage productions like Fiddler on the Roof and Cabaret.  Before TV fame, Kercheval paid his dues — working odd jobs, selling encyclopedias door-to-door, photographing babies, even helping build sewer tunnels in Manhattan, all while waiting for his break. 

Defining moments in Ken Kercheval’s journey include:

• Earning a place at Neighborhood Playhouse and training under Meisner.

• Making his Broadway debut in 1962 and later starring in Fiddler on the Roof.

• Transitioning to television with early soap-opera roles in Search for Tomorrow, The Secret Storm, and How to Survive a Marriage. 

• Landing the role of Cliff Barnes on Dallas — a character that would define his legacy. 

The Core Pillars of Ken Kercheval’s Wealth

The core pillars of Ken Kercheval’s wealth include:

• Long-term television success: His decades-long association with Dallas provided steady income and residuals. As one of the few cast members to stay through the entire original run (1978–1991), Ken’s earnings were anchored in this iconic role. 

• Theatre and varied screen roles: Kercheval continued to act on stage, in films and guest-starring roles on TV — diversifying his professional income streams. 

• Business investments: In 1985, he invested in the Old Capital Popcorn Company, though the venture later soured. 

While his net worth remained modest by celebrity standards, these pillars underpin the estimate of approximately US$800,000.

Relationships & Personal Life

Ken Kercheval’s personal life was as complex and multifaceted as his career. He was married three times — each marriage ending in divorce — and fathered five children.  His children came from different unions: some with his first wife, others from subsequent marriages. 

Despite the ups and downs, Kercheval remained connected to his family. In his later years, he chose to spend much of his time in his hometown of Clinton, Indiana — drawn by simplicity, community, and family ties. 

Key insights into Ken Kercheval’s relationships and personal life:

• Kercheval’s three marriages show a life marked by personal complexity, common in Hollywood’s pressure-filled environment.

• Fatherhood: he was a father to five children — indicating that alongside a demanding career, he nurtured a substantial family life.

• Rooted in Indiana: despite fame, he maintained strong ties to his hometown, suggesting a grounded sense of identity.

Beyond the Spotlight: Lifestyle, Interests & Struggles

Beyond career success, Ken Kercheval led a lifestyle that reflected both passion and purpose, including:

• A deep appreciation for theatre and craft — returning to the stage even after TV fame. 

• Personal resilience: Kercheval was a lifetime smoker and, in 1994, underwent surgery to have part of his lung removed after a cancer diagnosis.

• A preference for quiet, community-oriented living: in later years, he avoided Hollywood glamour, choosing instead the familiarity of his Indiana hometown, attending local fairs and events. 

Net Worth Breakdown & Analysis

Public estimations of Ken Kercheval’s net worth converge around US$800,000. Because his wealth was accrued over long decades and relatively modest residuals by modern standards, the breakdown likely reflects a conservative mix of earnings, limited investment success, and personal expenses.

Because detailed public records of investments, real estate, and ongoing royalties are scarce, the figure remains an approximation rather than a precise accounting.

Public Image, Legacy & Influence

Publicly, Ken Kercheval is remembered primarily through the lens of his most iconic character — Cliff Barnes of Dallas. His portrayal of the embattled oilman — desperate, resourceful, flawed, yet human — resonated with audiences worldwide. He and his on-screen rival Larry Hagman (as J.R. Ewing) anchored one of television’s most enduring feuds. 

Critics and fans alike appreciated Kercheval for bringing depth to a character that could easily have been a one-dimensional villain. As he once noted, Cliff was “the only one J.R. Ewing keeps having to worry about.” 

In the theatre world, his Broadway beginnings and range — from musicals to dramatic roles — reaffirm his versatility. Despite the modest net worth, his legacy lies less in financial legacy and more in cultural impact — continuing to define rivalries, ambition, and pathos in television drama.

Conclusion

Ken Kercheval’s story is one of transformation — from small-town Indiana to the bright lights of Broadway and global television fame. With a birthdate of July 15, 1935, and a legacy grounded in his unforgettable portrayal of Cliff Barnes on Dallas, Kercheval’s life blended ambition, talent, and resilience. Though his estimated net worth stood at around US$800,000, his true wealth was in his enduring influence on television and theatre, and in the lives he touched through his craft. His personal life — marked by multiple marriages and devotion to family — reflects the complexity often hidden behind public personas. Ultimately, Ken Kercheval remains a testament to persistence, reinvention, and the power of a well-played role.