Richard Crenna Net Worth, Relationships, Age/Birthdate & Birthday Facts
A deep dive into Richard Crenna net worth, relationships, age/birthdate and birthday—how the actor’s career and personal life intertwined.
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Richard Crenna Net Worth, Relationships, Age/Birthdate & Birthday
Richard Crenna is a celebrated American actor and television director, best known for his roles in radio, TV and film, including the iconic “Colonel Trautman” in the Rambo trilogy.
Introduction
Richard Donald Crenna, born on November 30, 1926, left an indelible imprint on entertainment across radio, television and film. While he passed away on January 17, 2003, his legacy lives on through memorable performances and enduring influence. At the time of his passing, estimates of his net worth placed it at approximately US $5 million. In his personal life, Crenna was married to Penni Sweeney until his death.
Quick Facts
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Richard Donald Crenna |
| Age/Birthdate | November 30, 1926 |
| Birthday | November 30 |
| Nationality | American |
| Profession | Actor, Television Director, Film Director |
| Estimated Net Worth | US $5 million |
| Relationship Status | Married to Penni Sweeney |
| Known For | Radio success on Our Miss Brooks, The Real McCoys, film roles including Colonel Sam Trautman in the Rambo series |
A Journey from Radio Roots to Silver-Screen Stature
Richard Crenna’s story begins in Los Angeles, where he was born to Edith Josephine (née Pollette), a hotel manager, and Domenick Anthony Crenna, a pharmacist. With Italian-American ancestry, young Richard attended Virgil Junior High School and Belmont High School in Los Angeles. After service in the U.S. Army from 1945-46, he earned a Bachelor of Arts in English literature at the University of Southern California.
Crenna’s very early start in entertainment—he once recalled earning $1.25 to appear on a Saturday morning radio show at age 10—set the tone for a long career. In radio he made his mark playing Walter Denton on Our Miss Brooks (1948-57) and then seamlessly transitioned to television. He achieved further recognition as Luke McCoy on the sitcom The Real McCoys (1957-63), where he also directed episodes.
Defining moments in Richard Crenna’s journey include:
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His breakout radio role on Our Miss Brooks, then adaptation to television.
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Directing episodes of The Real McCoys while actively acting.
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Shifting gracefully into dramatic film roles like The Sand Pebbles (1966).
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Landing the iconic part of Colonel Sam Trautman in the Rambo franchise (1982-88).
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Earning a Primetime Emmy Award for his performance in The Rape of Richard Beck (1985).
The Core Pillars of Richard Crenna’s Wealth
The core pillars of Richard Crenna’s wealth include:
| Income Stream | Description |
|---|---|
| Radio & Television Acting | Long-running roles on radio and TV, residuals from shows like Our Miss Brooks and The Real McCoys. |
| Film Roles | Major motion pictures including The Sand Pebbles, Wait Until Dark, and the Rambo trilogy elevated his earnings. |
| Directing & Producing | He directed episodes of television series and had production credits, adding to professional diversification. |
| Enduring Reputation / Royalties | His iconic screen presence means continued interest and licensing value after his active years. |
While detailed breakdowns vary, one source from CelebrityNetWorth lists his net worth at US $5 million, acknowledging his prolific output across mediums.
Relationships & Family Life
Richard Crenna’s personal life was deeply rooted in steadfast commitment. He married interior decorator Penni Sweeney in 1959, and remained married until his passing. Together they raised two children (a son, Richard, and a daughter, Maria) and welcomed Penni’s daughter from a prior marriage into their household.
Key insights into Richard Crenna’s relationships and personal life:
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He enjoyed a long-lasting marriage with Penni Sweeney that spanned decades.
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His children followed paths influenced by his entertainment legacy—his son Richard Anthony Crenna also pursued acting.
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Crenna’s family life was relatively private, emphasizing stability rather than tabloid-style exposure.
Lifestyle, Assets & Interests
Beyond career success, Richard Crenna led a lifestyle that reflected both passion and purpose, including:
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A star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame at 6714 Hollywood Boulevard, a testament to his enduring impact.
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An early era of film and television work that required adaptability—radio host at age 10, sitcom actor, dramatic film lead.
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Philanthropic and service-oriented background: He served in the U.S. Army during World War II (1945-46) before embarking on his entertainment career.
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Though specific assets (homes, cars, collections) are less documented publicly, his legacy is rich in career milestones and cultural footprint.
Net Worth Breakdown & Analysis
How his net worth is evaluated: According to reliable aggregators, his net worth estimate stands at US $5 million. Given his multi-decade career spanning radio, television, film, directing and producing, this figure reflects residuals and historical earnings rather than current active projects.
| Category | Estimated Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Business Ventures (acting/directing) | US $3 million approx. | Derived estimate, CelebrityNetWorth context |
| Brand Deals & Partnerships | US $1 million approx. | Speculative, residual earnings & licensing value |
| Investments & Assets | US $1 million approx. | Approximate, based on total net worth figure |
While the exact allocation is not publicly disclosed in fine detail, the overarching story is that Crenna’s diversified entertainment roles—as actor, director and producer—underpinned his wealth. The longevity of his presence in pop-culture, notably via Rambo, continues to add to his legacy value.
Public Image, Legacy & Influence
Richard Crenna is widely regarded as a consummate professional whose career traversed media platforms with rare agility. In radio he was the voice of adolescent mischief; on television he became a recognizable sitcom lead; and in film he transformed into a commanding figure—most memorably as Colonel Sam Trautman opposite Sylvester Stallone in the Rambo series.
His Emmy win for The Rape of Richard Beck cemented his dramatic credentials. His star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame signals his wide-ranging influence. Beyond his personal performances, he inspired actors and directors who value adaptability across formats. His career path underscores the value of steady work, resilience, and reinvention.
Crenna’s personal life mirrored his professional one: quiet dignity, consistent relationship values, service to craft. That combination ensures that his legacy is not just one of roles and numbers, but of character and example.
Conclusion
Richard Crenna’s story is one of sustained growth—from a radio child actor earning his lunch money to a respected film lead and television director. Born on November 30, 1926, he built a craft that spanned decades and earned an estimated net worth of US $5 million. His longstanding marriage to Penni Sweeney speaks to a personal life grounded in stability and mutual support. His birthday, November 30, reminds us of the day the entertainment world welcomed a committed and versatile performer.
In remembering Crenna, we reflect not just on the number of credits or the size of the paycheck—but on the quiet discipline behind a multi-platform career and the mark left on audiences and industry alike. The story of Richard Crenna is a vivid example of how talent, tenacity and character combine to create a legacy worth watching.
