Ty Hardin Net Worth, Relationships, Age/Birthdate & Birthday Facts
Learn about Ty Hardin’s net worth, relationships, age/birthdate, and birthday with insights into his life and legacy.
loveness92 
Ty Hardin Net Worth, Relationships, Age/Birthdate & Birthday
Ty Hardin is an American television and film actor best known for his starring role as Bronco Layne in the Western series Bronco and his prolific work in Hollywood and international films.
Ty Hardin’s journey from a Korean War veteran to a Western television star embodies a classic Hollywood arc marked by rugged screen presence, varied personal relationships, and a legacy in classic TV lore.
A Maverick’s Tale: From Soldier to Screen Star
Orison Whipple Hungerford Jr. was born on January 1, 1930, in New York City — the birthdate that would come to be synonymous with one of television’s most memorable Western leads. Known professionally as Ty Hardin, he grew up in Texas after his family relocated when he was very young. Hardin served as a pilot in the United States Army during the Korean War before pursuing acting, where his commanding looks and athletic background quickly saw him cast in film and television roles.
Despite a long career across film and television, Hardin passed away on August 3, 2017.
Quick Facts at a Glance
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Orison Whipple Hungerford Jr. |
| Age/Birthdate | January 1, 1930 |
| Birthday | January 1 |
| Nationality | American |
| Profession | Actor |
| Estimated Net Worth | $5 Million (estimated) |
| Relationship Status | Married multiple times (see below) |
| Known For | Starring as Bronco Layne on Bronco |
The Western Rise: How Hardin Became Bronco
Hardin’s road to fame reads like a script from a classic Western itself. After military service and college football, he moved to California where he was discovered by a Paramount talent scout. Initially credited as Ty Hungerford, he appeared in several films in the late 1950s, including The Space Children and I Married a Monster from Outer Space.
His breakthrough came when Warner Bros. cast him as Bronco Layne in their Western TV universe. The character proved popular, earning Hardin his own series, Bronco, which aired across several seasons and made him a household name in Western entertainment.
Defining moments in Ty Hardin’s journey include:
-
Transitioning from military service to Hollywood acting.
-
Landing the starring role in Bronco.
-
Expanding his career to international films in Europe and Australia.
The Core Pillars of Ty Hardin’s Wealth
Though Hardin’s financial records are not as thoroughly documented as modern celebrities’, estimates place his net worth around $5 million—a figure drawn from public records of his acting earnings, royalties, and long-term industry presence.
The core pillars of Ty Hardin’s wealth include:
-
Screen acting contracts from television and films.
-
Residuals from syndicated TV series like Bronco.
-
International film work across Europe and Australia.
Relationships & Family Life
Hardin’s personal life was as eventful as his screen roles. He was married eight times and had multiple children, reflecting a complex personal journey offscreen.
Among his spouses was Marlene Schmidt, a German beauty queen and Miss Universe 1961, whom he married in the early 1960s and with whom he had a child.
Key insights into Ty Hardin’s relationships and personal life:
-
Married eight times with numerous children.
-
His marriage to Marlene Schmidt is one of his best-known unions.
-
At the end of his life, he lived with his eighth wife, Caroline.
Lifestyle & Interests Beyond Acting
Hardin was known not just for his work in film and television, but for a life that embraced both adventure and controversy. After his Hollywood peak, he spent time working internationally and later engaged in various personal pursuits, including founding groups based on his political views.
Beyond career success, Ty Hardin led a lifestyle that reflects both passion and purpose, including:
-
International travel and film work.
-
Engagement with causes reflecting personal beliefs.
Net Worth Breakdown & Analysis
Hardin’s total estimated value reflects decades in entertainment and the enduring popularity of Bronco. The breakdown below offers a timeless view of typical wealth contributors:
| Category | Estimated Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Acting and TV Work | $3–4 Million | CelebrityNetWorth |
| Residuals & Royalties | $500K–$1 Million | Industry Estimates |
| Other Ventures | $500K | Estimated |
Figures are approximate and based on available public estimates.
Public Image, Legacy & Influence
Hardin’s career left a lasting mark on Western television. His portrayal of Bronco Layne has embedded him in the genre’s history, celebrated by fans of classic TV Westerns. Though he passed away in 2017, his work continues to be recognized among Western aficionados and classic television circles.
Conclusion
Ty Hardin’s life was defined by rugged roles, memorable performances, and relationships that spanned continents and decades. Born on January 1, 1930, his birthday became the starting point of an influential career in television and film. His net worth, while modest by Hollywood standards, reflects a long tenure in entertainment. Through varied relationships and a life lived both on and off screen, Hardin’s legacy continues to reverberate in the world of classic Western storytelling.
