Errol Flynn Net Worth

Errol Flynn’s Net Worth: A Look at the Hollywood Legend’s Fortune and Life

Introduction: The Swashbuckling Star

Errol Flynn, a name synonymous with adventure, romance, and Hollywood’s Golden Age, captivated audiences worldwide. Known for his dashing looks, charismatic performances, and roles in classic swashbucklers, Flynn’s life was as colorful as the characters he portrayed. But what was the net worth of this iconic actor at the time of his death? This article delves into Errol Flynn’s financial standing, career, and the tumultuous personal life that shaped his legacy.

Early Life and Turbulent Beginnings

Born as Errol Leslie Thomson Flynn on June 20, 1909, in Hobart, Tasmania, Australia, to Marelle and Theodore Flynn. Flynn’s parents were of English, Scottish, and Irish descent. His early life was marked by a rebellious streak. He attended several schools, including the Hutchins School, Hobart College, the Friends School, and Albura Street Primary School, but was expelled from each. His academic struggles continued; he was also expelled from Sydney Church of England Grammar School. After a brief stint as a junior clerk, from which he was fired for theft, Flynn sought adventure in Papua New Guinea, working in tobacco planting and gold mining.

The Rise to Fame: Early Film Career

Flynn’s journey to Hollywood began with the 1933 Australian film “In the Wake of the Bounty.” He moved to Britain to hone his acting skills with the Northampton Repertory Company. However, he faced challenges, including dismissal after an altercation with a stage manager. His breakthrough came when he landed the lead role in “Murder at Monte Carlo,” which led to a recommendation to Warner Bros. in Hollywood.

Hollywood Breakthroughs and Iconic Roles

1935 marked Flynn’s entry into Hollywood, starting with roles in “The Case of the Curious Bride” and “Don’t Bet on Blondes.” His true breakthrough came with the swashbuckling pirate film “Captain Blood” (1935), directed by Michael Curtiz. This role, alongside co-star Olivia de Havilland, launched him to stardom and began a prolific partnership. The pair starred together in “The Charge of the Light Brigade” (1936), solidifying their status as a box-office draw. Flynn continued to star in major films like “Green Light,” “The Prince and the Pauper,” and his first comedy, “The Perfect Specimen.” In 1938, he starred in “The Adventures of Robin Hood,” arguably his most famous role. This film reunited him with de Havilland and Curtiz, and was a landmark production for Warner Bros., as the first to use three-strip Technicolor. “The Adventures of Robin Hood” became an international sensation, establishing Flynn as a leading figure in romantic swashbucklers.

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Later Film Career: From Swashbucklers to Westerns

After “The Adventures of Robin Hood,” Flynn’s collaboration with de Havilland and Curtiz continued with “Four’s a Crowd,” a screwball comedy that wasn’t as successful as their earlier films. He also starred in “The Sisters” and “The Dawn Patrol.” His career then diversified into Westerns, beginning with “Dodge City” (1939). That year, Flynn also starred with de Havilland and Bette Davis in “The Private Lives of Elizabeth and Essex.” He returned to the Western genre with “Virginia City.” He continued with the swashbuckler “The Sea Hawk,” a collaboration with Curtiz, and “Santa Fe Trail,” co-starring with de Havilland. His final film with Curtiz was the aviation film “Dive Bomber” (1941). Flynn’s filmography in the 40s also included Raoul Walsh’s “They Died with Their Boots On,” marking the beginning of another productive partnership, while also being the last movie with de Havilland. He then starred in Walsh’s “Desperate Journey,” “Gentleman Jim,” “Northern Pursuit,” “Uncertain Glory,” and “Objective, Burma!,” along with other movies such as “Edge of Darkness,” “Thank Your Lucky Stars,” “San Antonio,” “Silver River,” “Adventures of Don Juan,” and “That Forsyte Woman.”

In 1950, Flynn returned to Warner Bros. to star in the Westerns “Montana” and “Rocky Mountain.” He ventured into production, writing and co-producing the low-budget film “Adventures of Captain Fabian” (1951). He later starred in “Mara Maru” (Warner Bros.) and “Against All Flags” (Universal). His final film for Warner Bros. was the swashbuckler “The Master of Ballantrae” (1953). He then moved to Europe, making the swashbuckler “Crossed Swords” with Gina Lollobrigida. He then attempted to produce “The Story of William Tell”, which was a financial disaster. Needing funds, he took a supporting role in “Lilacs in the Spring.” His final films included “The Dark Avenger”, “King’s Rhapsody”, and “Istanbul”, before finishing with “The Sun Also Rises”, “Too Much, Too Soon”, “The Roots of Heaven”, and “Cuban Rebel Girls”.

Flynn’s final known credit was as the narrator of the 1959 documentary “Cuban Story: The Truth About Fidel Castro Revolution.”

Controversies and Scandals

Beyond his on-screen persona, Errol Flynn led a life marked by controversy. His womanizing, heavy drinking, and often abusive behavior were well-documented. A major scandal arose in 1942 when two 17-year-old girls accused him of statutory rape. Although he was acquitted, the charges cast a shadow over his career. Later, it was revealed in 1961 that he had been in a sexual relationship with actress Beverly Aadland since she was 15.

Personal Life and Tragic Death

Throughout his life, Flynn was romantically linked to several prominent women, including actresses Marlene Dietrich and Dolores del Rio. He was married three times: to actress Lili Damita (1935-1942), with whom he had a son, Sean; to actress Nora Eddington (1943-1949), with whom he had two daughters, Deirdre and Rory; and finally, to actress Patrice Wymore (1950), with whom he had a daughter, Arnella.

In 1959, while traveling with Beverly Aadland, Flynn experienced severe leg and back pain. He was taken to the home of a doctor, where he received medicine. Later that evening, Aadland found him unconscious. He was rushed to the hospital, where he died of a myocardial infarction with liver damage at age 50.

Legacy: Remembering Errol Flynn

At the time of his death, Errol Flynn’s net worth was estimated to be around $10 million (adjusted for inflation). This figure reflects not only his acting success but also his lifestyle. Despite his personal controversies, Errol Flynn remains a beloved figure. His films continue to entertain audiences, and his name is still associated with the Golden Age of Hollywood and adventure. His influence on the swashbuckler genre, his charismatic screen presence, and his complex personal life ensure that Errol Flynn’s legacy endures.