Richard Dysart Net Worth, Relationships, Age/Birthdate & Birthday Facts

Richard Dysart Net Worth, Relationships, Age/Birthdate & Birthday

Richard Dysart is an acclaimed American actor celebrated for his Emmy-winning role on L.A. Law and a distinguished stage and screen career.

Introduction

Richard Allen Dysart (born March 30, 1929) earned his place as a formidable character actor through memorable roles on both stage and screen, most famously as senior partner Leland McKenzie in the television drama L.A. Law. By the time of his passing, his estimated net worth stood at around US $4 million, reflecting decades of professional work and modest financial accumulation.  Married to artist Kathryn Jacobi since 1987 until his death, Dysart’s personal life remains relatively private yet stable. 

Quick Facts

From Maine Roots to Hollywood Gravitas

Born in Boston, Massachusetts and raised in Maine, Dysart spent his early years in Skowhegan and Augusta.  His mother encouraged his interest in acting, leading him into summer stock theatre at Lakewood Theater in Maine.  After serving four years in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War, he returned to pursue theatre studies at Emerson College and George Washington University.  In the late 1950s and 1960s, Dysart built a foundation in theatre: a founding member of the American Conservatory Theatre in San Francisco and a standout on Broadway, notably in That Championship Season, which earned him a Drama Desk Award in 1972. 

Defining moments in Richard Dysart’s journey include:

• Joining the U.S. Air Force and taking a hiatus from formal education to serve.

• Founding the American Conservatory Theatre and establishing credibility in serious dramatic work.

• Breakthrough Broadway role in That Championship Season, leading to national recognition.

• Transition to film and television, culminating in his flagship role on L.A. Law, which won him a Primetime Emmy Award. 

Through these experiences, Dysart transformed from regional actor to trusted authority figure on screen—often playing judges, executives or other power-figures—carrying gravitas rooted in his stage background.

The Core Pillars of Richard Dysart’s Wealth

Dysart’s earnings and wealth accumulation stemmed from multiple sources, albeit not at the scale of blockbuster-stars. The core pillars of his wealth include:

• Long-running television role: His work on L.A. Law (1986–1994) provided sustained income and residuals.

• Stage and screen credits: With dozens of film, television and theatre roles spanning five decades, each job contributed to income and reputation.

• Voice acting and licensing: Later in his career, he also lent his voice to projects, adding incremental revenue streams.

Relationships & Family Life

Dysart’s private life was marked by stability in its later years.
He married artist Kathryn Jacobi in 1987; the two remained together until his passing.  Prior to that, he had two earlier marriages, both ending in divorce.  He had no children of his own, but had a stepson and two step-grandchildren through his marriage to Jacobi. 

Key insights into Richard Dysart’s relationships and personal life:

• Third marriage to Kathryn Jacobi marked a long period of personal stability.

• No biological children—his legacy is carried through his step-family and professional work.

• He avoided the celebrity sensationalism often associated with Hollywood stars, reflecting a measured, private personal life.

Lifestyle, Assets & Interests

Beyond career success, Richard Dysart led a lifestyle that reflects both passion and purpose, including:

• A residence in Santa Monica, California, where he passed away after a long battle with cancer. 

• His interest and commitment to theatre arts carried through to philanthropic gestures and mentorship of younger actors.

• A reputation for professional discipline and personal modesty—he never flaunted celebrity excess, which aligns with his reported moderate net worth.

• Hobbies such as diving (he was a certified open-water diver) and his long-standing membership in actor associations show his wider interests beyond the screen. 

Net Worth Breakdown & Analysis

When evaluating Richard Dysart’s net worth, the estimate is sourced primarily from CelebrityNetWorth which lists approximately US $4 million.  This figure modestly reflects his steady income, long career and legacy—but also indicates that his wealth was not of blockbuster-star scale.
Here is a timeless breakdown:

Analysis:

• The television role on L.A. Law serves as the anchor of his income—regular episodes over eight years, plus syndication/residuals.

• His stage and early film work constituted foundational earnings but did not generate blockbuster paydays.

• His modest net worth suggests prudent financial management rather than aggressive accumulation or large-scale investment.

• Post-humous residuals or estate growth may slightly impact his lasting wealth, but available public data remains unchanged.

Public Image, Legacy & Influence

Richard Dysart is widely respected among his peers and audiences as a consummate actor who brought authenticity to roles of authority. His portrayal of Leland McKenzie became iconic for the legal-drama genre. Through wins and nominations (including his 1992 Emmy for Outstanding Supporting Actor) he cemented his position as a serious artist rather than a type-cast performer.

His legacy can be seen through:

• Influence on character-actors who followed, proving that long-term respect and steady work build durable careers.

• Theatre-to-screen trajectory underlines the importance of craft and training in sustaining a career.

• Philanthropic and mentoring underpinnings of his later life offer proof many actors give back quietly, without fanfare.

Conclusion

Richard Dysart’s story is one of steadfast dedication and refined achievement. Born on March 30, 1929, and known for his dignified bearing both on stage and screen, he earned an estimated net worth of around US $4 million through decades of consistent work. His marriage to Kathryn Jacobi underscored a personal life grounded in commitment. Dysart’s birthday remains March 30 each year—a simple marker of a life lived with purpose. His legacy reminds us that acting is not always about blockbuster wealth, but about respect, longevity, and impact. Richard Dysart’s journey—from theatre roots to Emmy-winning screen presence—stands as a compelling blueprint for artistry grounded in integrity.