William Devane Net Worth, Relationships, Age/Birthdate & Birthday Facts

Learn about William Devane net worth, his relationships, age/birthdate and birthday through a professional story-driven look at his life and legacy.

William Devane Net Worth, Relationships, Age/Birthdate & Birthday Facts
William Devane Net Worth, Relationships, Age/Birthdate & Birthday

William Devane Net Worth, Relationships, Age/Birthdate & Birthday
William Devane is a veteran American actor recognized for his commanding screen presence and memorable roles in television and film.

Introduction

William Joseph Devane was born on September 5, 1939, and celebrated each year on his birthday, September 5. With a career spanning theater, film and television, he has carved out a lasting legacy in the entertainment world. His estimated net worth stands at around US $5 million, reflecting decades of work across stage and screen.  He is married to Eugenie McCabe Devane (commonly known as Eugenie), a partnership that has remained largely private and consistent over the years.

Quick Facts

Category Details
Full Name William Joseph Devane
Age/Birthdate September 5, 1939
Birthday September 5
Nationality American
Profession Actor (film, television, theatre)
Estimated Net Worth US $5 million
Relationship Status Married to Eugenie McCabe Devane
Known For Role as Greg Sumner on Knots Landing; James Heller on 24

Charting a Path from Albany to Hollywood Spotlight

Born and raised in Albany, New York, Devane grew up under modest family circumstances—his father, Joseph Devane, once served as a chauffeur to Franklin D. Roosevelt when Roosevelt was Governor of New York.  He attended Philip Schuyler High School and later honed his craft at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in New York City, graduating in 1962. 

His early theatre work, notably with the New York Shakespeare Festival, laid the foundation for a strong stage discipline. From these beginnings, Devane transitioned into film and television—earning notice for roles that drew on his poised intensity and authoritative presence.

Defining moments in William Devane’s journey include:

  • Portraying President John F. Kennedy in The Missiles of October (1974), which brought significant recognition. 

  • Sustaining a decade-long role as Greg Sumner on Knots Landing, which positioned him as a recognizable TV figure.

  • Expanding into major films such as Marathon Man (1976), Rolling Thunder (1977) and Space Cowboys (2000), diversifying his screen presence. 

Through steady work, Devane built up a career defined less by explosive breakout stardom and more by resilience and versatility—a hallmark of his professional identity.

The Core Pillars of William Devane’s Wealth

The core pillars of William Devane’s wealth include:

  • Film & television roles: Compensation from hundreds of credits (movies and TV) across decades has been the primary income source, particularly high-profile roles in major productions.

  • Theatre and stage work: Though less prominently monetized than screen roles, early theatre credits add to his professional gravitas and income base.

  • Brand use & residuals: Some residual earnings from TV reruns and licensing of major projects contribute modestly to his net worth.

While precise breakdowns are not publicly detailed, the available data implies that the bulk of his US $5 million net worth stems from his screen acting career. 

Relationships & Family Life

In his personal life, William Devane has maintained a strong foundation in family and partnership. He married Eugenie McCabe in 1961, and together they have two sons. 

Key insights into William Devane’s relationships and personal life:

  • The long marriage with Eugenie reflects a stable behind-the-scenes personal life that has supported his professional journey.

  • His children have largely remained out of the spotlight, preserving the family’s privacy. 

  • Though most public profiles focus on his work, Devane’s off-camera life has emphasized continuity (place of residence: Sherman Oaks, Los Angeles). 

This balanced personal backdrop has allowed Devane to focus on his craft and maintain longevity in an industry known for volatility.

Lifestyle, Assets & Interests

Beyond career success, William Devane leads a lifestyle that reflects both passion and purpose, including:

  • Equestrian and outdoor interests: Devane is known to enjoy fly-fishing, horse riding and the equestrian lifestyle—activities that speak to a more private, grounded side of his life. 

  • Business venture: He and his wife reportedly once owned “Devane’s Italian Kitchen” in Rancho Mirage, California—illustrating interest in hospitality and real-estate adjacent opportunities. 

  • Real estate: A base in Sherman Oaks, Los Angeles, aligns with his acting work; meanwhile, remote retreats and ranch-style settings reflect his preference for calmer surroundings away from camera lights. 

These elements give texture to his public persona—an actor with serious craft and a lifestyle anchored in authenticity rather than exaggeration.

Net Worth Breakdown & Analysis

Category Estimated Value Source
Business Ventures (restaurants, real estate) US $0.5 million * estimated from public reports
Brand Use & Residuals US $0.5 million * industry residual norms
Acting Career (film/TV) US $4.0 million net worth estimate from CelebrityNetWorth 

* Approximate estimates within the total net worth of US $5 million.

Analysis:
While many actors with long careers accumulate substantial portfolios, Devane’s net worth indicates a career built on consistent work rather than blockbuster paydays. His longevity, versatility and discreet financial exposure suggest he prioritized artistic continuity over commercial hustle. The net worth figure aligns with his professional niche: respected character actor rather than headline-salary star.

Public Image, Legacy & Influence

William Devane’s public image has long been one of reliability and gravitas. Within the industry, he is acknowledged as a dependable actor who brings authority and nuance to his roles—traits that have carried him through decades of evolving television and cinema landscapes.

His legacy includes:

  • Imbuing supporting and lead roles with depth, often when portraying figures of power or moral complexity (politicians, executives, military officers).

  • Influencing younger actors through a career model focused on craft, consistency and character rather than celebrity hype.

  • Quietly contributing to screen culture by bridging classic theatre training with mainstream screen success.

In social media and fan circles, Devane is often cited not for tabloid drama but for enduring professionalism—a different kind of influence, subtle yet significant.

Conclusion

From his birth on September 5, 1939, William Devane has navigated a remarkable career that underscores the value of craft, consistency and quiet professionalism. His estimated net worth of US $5 million reflects a lifetime’s work in service of his art. At the same time, his long-standing marriage to Eugenie and his grounded personal lifestyle offer a counter-narrative to celebrity excess. As his birthday comes around each year, it serves as a reminder of both his personal journey and his enduring impact on film and television.

In an industry defined by flash and turnover, William Devane stands out for persistence and depth—his legacy less about being everywhere and more about being reliably unforgettable.