Sonny Landham Net Worth, Relationships, Age/Birthdate & Birthday

Sonny Landham was an American actor, stuntman, and occasional political figure best known for his rugged roles in action films like Predator and 48 Hrs.

Introduction

Sonny Landham — born February 11, 1941 — emerged from humble beginnings to become a recognized face in Hollywood action cinema. His striking presence and fierce on-screen roles made him famous, though his financial standing remained modest: some sources estimate his net worth at just US$100,000 at one point.  Over his life, Landham experienced a turbulent personal path, including marriage(s), fatherhood, and public controversies, shaping a life story as dramatic off-screen as on.

Quick Facts

From Humble Roots to Hollywood Spotlight

Sonny Landham was born William M. Landham on February 11, 1941 in Canton, Georgia. Raised in Rome, Georgia, Landham came from a mixed heritage — part Cherokee, part Seminole, with his lineage also including German, English, and Irish descent.

After attending local schools (including Saint Mary’s Catholic School and Darlington School) and some time at the University of Georgia, he transferred to Oglethorpe University, from which he graduated.  Before entering film, Landham served in the U.S. Army, worked in oil fields, and even spent time as an ordained Baptist minister and model.

His early entrance into acting came via adult films in the 1970s — a decision he later reflected on with regret.  From there, he trained at the Pasadena Playhouse before making the move to New York in the late 1960s to pursue mainstream acting.

Defining moments in Sonny Landham’s journey include:

• The leap from adult films to mainstream cinema, demonstrating a willingness to reinvent and risk everything.

• His first credited film role in the cult classic The Warriors (1979), playing a subway policeman — a modest debut that opened doors.

• Breaking out in a substantial role in 48 Hrs. (1982) as “Billy Bear,” which established him as a credible presence in Hollywood action films. 

• Landing the iconic role of Billy Sole, the Native American tracker in Predator (1987), cementing his legacy in pop-culture as a rugged action star. 

These moments transformed Landham from a struggling actor to a recognizable name in Hollywood.

The Core Pillars of Sonny Landham’s Wealth

The core pillars of Sonny Landham’s wealth include:

• Film acting roles and stunt work — his consistent roles in action films through the 1980s and early 1990s.

• Secondary entertainment ventures — occasional stunt coordination (for example, on the television series Ryan's Hope) and lesser-known projects. 

• Residuals, royalties, or attempted licensing income — though public records suggest limited financial returns.

Given public estimates — notably a listing that pegged his net worth at approximately US$100,000 — it appears that although Landham had a moment in the limelight, long-term financial stability eluded him.

Sonny Landham Relationships & Personal Life

Sonny Landham’s personal life was as tumultuous as his on-screen battles. Public records indicate he was married multiple times. He fathered at least two children: a son named William and a daughter named Priscilla. 

His later years were marked by serious hardships. According to some reports, after a car accident, his health declined, and he lost mobility — circumstances that reportedly led to financial difficulties and appeals for help via public fundraising.

Key insights into Sonny Landham’s relationships and personal life:

• He married at least twice, with known spouses including Jessica Wilson and Belita Adams.

• He is survived by two children — son William and daughter Priscilla. 

• His later years were impacted by health challenges and financial struggles, casting a poignant shadow over his legacy. 

Beyond the Spotlight: Lifestyle, Assets & Interests

Beyond career success, Sonny Landham’s later life reflected a dramatic shift from Hollywood glamor. His interests and assets — insofar as they are publicly known — were overshadowed by health and personal struggles:

• Health struggles: Reports describe a serious car accident that led to the amputation of at least one leg, affecting his mobility deeply.

• Financial hardship: As his acting roles dwindled, public appeals and fundraisers reportedly attempted to support him financially.

• Commitment to career reinvention: Despite setbacks, Landham turned to politics — a sign of his resilience and ambition.

These facets reveal a man whose life beyond the silver screen was complex, sometimes tragic, but shaped by grit and survival.

Net Worth Breakdown & Analysis

Because official, comprehensive financial disclosures are unavailable, Landham’s net worth is estimated based on public data. One of the most frequently cited figures is US$100,000.

Overall, the net worth breakdown suggests that while Landham made a name for himself in film, his financial gains were modest and did not translate into long-term wealth accumulation. The decline in roles, health issues, and other personal challenges appear to have significantly affected his economic standing.

Public Image, Legacy & Influence

Sonny Landham’s public image is a mosaic of larger-than-life charisma, physical presence, and controversial moments. In Hollywood, he remains best remembered for his role as Billy Sole in Predator — a performance that continues to resonate with fans of 1980s action cinema.

Among colleagues and fans, he was often described as a “tough guy” with a booming voice and distinctive presence — traits that earned him casting in villainous or warrior-type roles.

Yet his later forays into politics — including a bid for Governor of Kentucky and a brief Senate campaign — complicated how he was viewed publicly. His controversial remarks during the 2008 campaign led to the withdrawal of his political backing, casting a shadow over his legacy.

Despite personal and financial struggles, fans and certain peers remembered Landham fondly. In tributes at his passing, many recalled his “larger-than-life personality” and the energy he brought to every role.

In the larger tapestry of 1980s and 1990s action cinema, Landham remains a memorable — if polarizing — figure: a symbol of raw physicality and determination, whose life off-screen was as fraught and real as the battles his characters fought on-screen.

Conclusion

Sonny Landham’s story is one of ambition, reinvention, and harsh reality. Born on February 11, 1941, he transformed from a working-class upbringing in Georgia to the bright lights of Hollywood. Though his estimated net worth was modest — around US$100,000 — his impact was far greater than that number suggests.

Through bold performances in films like Predator and 48 Hrs., Landham etched his name into the annals of action cinema. His relationships, personal struggles, and later health and financial challenges add complexity to his legacy.

Sonny Landham’s journey — marked by talent, trials, regret, and resilience — speaks to the volatility of fame and the unpredictability of life behind the camera. His birthday, February 11, remains a date remembered by fans — a reminder of the man whose on-screen bravery masked a life of real battles.