Paul Dooley Net Worth, Relationships, Age/Birthdate & Birthday Facts

Paul Dooley Net Worth, Relationships, Age/Birthdate & Birthday

Paul Dooley is an American character actor celebrated for his enduring roles in film, television and voice work, with a career spanning decades—from improv and Broadway to voice-acting in major animated features.

Introduction

Born Paul Brown on February 22, 1928, the actor widely known as Paul Dooley has carved a remarkable presence through stage, screen and voice-over roles. His estimated net worth reflects decades of steady work and versatility. In his personal life, his long-standing marriage to playwright-screenwriter Winnie Holzman frames his relationships and home life, adding a creative partnership to his public profile.

Quick Facts

From Small-Town Beginnings to Silver-Screen Staples

Growing up in Parkersburg, West Virginia, Paul Dooley was born into modest circumstances—his father, Pete James Brown, a factory worker, and his mother, Ruth Irene (née Barringer), a homemaker.  Even as a youth he displayed creative ambition: drawing cartoons for a local newspaper, listening to comedy on the radio, and eventually enlisting in the U.S. Navy. 
After his military service, he attended West Virginia State University, then made the bold move to New York City. There, he swapped his real name Paul Brown for the name Paul Dooley—derived from a clown persona he performed in high school—so as not to conflict with an existing Broadway actor named Paul Brown. 
The early theatre and comedy circuit became his training ground: stand-up comedy for five years, improv with Compass Players and The Second City, and a breakthrough stage role in Neil Simon’s The Odd Couple on Broadway. 
Defining moments in Paul Dooley’s journey include:

• Performing as a clown and drawing cartoons in his youth in West Virginia.

• Serving in the U.S. Navy before turning to acting.

• Joining the New York improv scene and transitioning into stage roles.

• Co-writing and serving as head writer for the PBS children’s show The Electric Company. 

• Breaking into film and television, and later voice acting major studio features with wide reach.

The Core Pillars of Paul Dooley’s Wealth

Paul Dooley net worth rests on several income streams, bolstered by his long career and creative collaborations:

• Acting in Film & Television – A huge body of work including Breaking Away, Sixteen Candles, Popeye, and voice work in Disney/Pixar’s Cars franchise. 

• Writing and Production – He co-created and wrote for The Electric Company, built a commercial-production company, and even co-wrote a play with his wife. 

• Voice Acting & Licensing – Long-term roles like Sarge in the Cars films ensure residual earnings and ongoing recognition.

• Real Estate & Assets – Among reported assets is a Malibu beachfront cottage listed in 2019 and other holdings. 

Relationships & Family Life

Paul Dooley’s personal life reflects creative harmony and long-term partnership. After a first marriage to Donna Lee Wasser in 1958 (which ended in divorce) and three children from that union, he married writer-dramatist Winnie Holzman in 1984.  Together they share a daughter, Savannah Dooley, who has pursued writing and production. Their home has been in Toluca Lake, Los Angeles. 
Key insights into Paul Dooley’s relationships and personal life:

• His marriage to Winnie Holzman represents a creative partnership balancing acting and writing.

• He became a step-father and father through both marriages, with children working in entertainment themselves.

• Paul has spoken about the longevity of his marriage being rooted not just in shared profession but in shared values.

Lifestyle, Assets & Interests

Beyond career success, Paul Dooley leads a lifestyle that reflects both passion and purpose, including:

• Beachfront Real Estate – His La Costa Beach home was listed for $7.5 million in 2019. 

• Voice-Roles in Major Franchises – His work in the Cars franchise connects him to multigenerational audiences and family-friendly entertainment.

• Writing & Theatre Collaboration – With Winnie Holzman, he co-wrote and starred in a play (“Assisted Living”) exploring themes of communication and aging. 

• Philanthropy & Mentoring – While not deeply publicised, his long tenure in theatre, television and film positions him as an informal mentor and respected figure in the acting community.

Net Worth Breakdown & Analysis

Analysis:
While net worth estimates vary (some list as high as $70 M though more commonly ~$25 M), the majority stems from a sustained career in character acting, writing credits, and noteworthy voice roles. The real estate holdings and creative assets provide long-term value and residual streams. His association with high-visibility projects like the Cars franchise and his writing contributions help extend his financial and cultural footprint beyond one-off paydays.

Public Image, Legacy & Influence

Publicly, Paul Dooley is regarded as a consummate character actor—versatile, dependable, and affable. His ability to inhabit supporting roles with depth has earned him respect among peers and longevity in an industry known for volatility. His voice-over work in major animated films has introduced him to new generations of viewers, while his writing credits on children’s television illustrate breadth beyond acting.

In legacy terms:

• He created and led writing for The Electric Company, shaping educational television for children. 

• He demonstrates how a working actor can build a rich and varied career without always leading the marquee.

• His marriage to Winnie Holzman and their collaboration point to a model of creative partnership in entertainment.

• He has quietly become a bridge generation: early improv, Broadway, television, film, voice work—a map of evolving media over seven decades.

Conclusion

From his birth on February 22, 1928 to a robust career built on creativity, adaptability and consistency, Paul Dooley’s story is one of enduring relevance. His estimated net worth of around $25 million underscores the financial viability of sustained character work and diversified creative output. His marriage to Winnie Holzman and their combined family and creative life provide a compelling narrative of partnership both personal and professional. Whatever the birthday may bring, Paul Dooley’s legacy remains rooted in performance, writing and the unglamorous, steady labor that underpins the world of craftspeople in entertainment.