What was Albert Broccoli's net worth?
Albert Broccoli was an American film producer who had a net worth of $150 million at the time of his death in 1996. Albert "Cubby" Broccoli was a film producer renowned for his critical role in bringing Ian Fleming's suave spy, James Bond, to the silver screen. As the co-founder of Eon Productions, Broccoli's vision and tenacity turned the James Bond series into one of the most successful and enduring franchises in film history.
In 1961, Albert and a partner named Harry Saltzman acquired the rights to produce films based on Ian Flemming's James Bond novels. They soon struck a deal that gave movie studio MGM the exclusive right to produce and distribute their films.
Broccoli and Saltzman produced a number of hugely popular movies including "Dr. No", "From Russia with Love", "Goldfinger", "You Only Live Twice", "On Her Majesty's Secret Service", "Diamond are Forever", "Live and Let Die", and "The Man and the Golden Gun."
In the mid 1970s, Henry Saltzman sold his rights to MGM. The resulting deal gave MGM and the Broccoli family 50/50 ownership over James Bond. That deal still exists today, even after Amazon's acquisition of MGM.
Outside of the "Bond" world, Albert Broccoli produced the films "The Red Beret", "Fire Down Below", "The Trials of Oscar Wilde", "Jazz Boat", "Call me Bwana", "Chitty Chitty Bang Bang", "The Spy Who Loved Me", "Moonraker", "For Your Eyes Only", and "Octopussy". He produced the films "A View to a Kill", "The Living Daylights", and "License to Kill" with Michael G. Wilson.
Broccoli won an Academy Award in 1982 and received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame for Motion Picture at 6910 Hollywood Blvd.
Estate Inheritance
Albert was married three times and had three children including producer Barbara Broccoli.
Albert Broccoli passed away on June 27, 1996 at 87 years old.
Upon his death, Albert's daughter Barbara Broccoli and step-son Michael G. Wilson inherited a 50/50 ownership in the family's production business. Before dying, Albert told Barbara and Michael:
"We have the golden egg here. Don't let anybody else screw it up."
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Early Life
Albert "Cubby" Broccoli, born on April 5, 1909, and passed away on June 27, 1996.
Broccoli began his journey in the film industry from humble beginnings. His family, known for their vegetable farming, including the broccoli variety, moved to Los Angeles when Albert was a young man. Starting off in the film industry as a coffin polisher and assistant director, Broccoli gradually worked his way up the ranks.
Breaking into Production
After World War II, Broccoli moved to London and co-founded Warwick Films with Irving Allen. The company saw considerable success in the 1950s with a series of adventure films. However, a growing desire to create something enduring led Broccoli to part ways with Allen and seek out new opportunities.
The Birth of James Bond on the Big Screen
In 1961, Broccoli and Canadian producer Harry Saltzman co-founded Eon Productions with the express purpose of adapting Ian Fleming's James Bond novels. Despite initial skepticism from studios, the duo's persistence paid off when "Dr. No" premiered in 1962, launching the Bond franchise and skyrocketing Sean Connery to international fame.
Revolutionizing the Spy Genre
Under Broccoli's stewardship, the Bond series revolutionized the spy genre, blending exotic locations, thrilling action, high-tech gadgets, and charismatic villains with the charm and sophistication of Bond. Broccoli's vision for Bond was consistent yet adaptable, allowing the franchise to evolve with changing times and audience expectations.
Transition and Legacy
In the 1970s, Saltzman sold his share of Eon to United Artists, making Broccoli the sole custodian of Bond. Despite the massive responsibility, he successfully steered the franchise through multiple Bond actors, ensuring its continued success. In the late 1980s, Broccoli began to step back from active production, passing the reins to his stepson Michael G. Wilson and daughter Barbara Broccoli, who continue to produce Bond films today.
Real Estate
From 1969 until his death in 1996, Albert and his wife lived in a lavish 3+ acre Beverly Hills mansion. He bought the house in 1969 for $440,000, which is the same as around $3 million in today's dollars. After his death, Albert's widow Dana lived in the house for several years then leased the house to Diane Keaton. The Broccoli family sold the home to interior designer Kelly Wearstler and her wealthy husband Brad Korzen in 2004 for $25 million. For a period, Kelly and Brad leased the house for $350,000 per month. In 2016, designer Tom Ford, who coincidentally dressed James Bond actors in several Bond movies, paid $50 million for the house.
