Robert Reed Net Worth

Robert Reed’s Net Worth: A Look at the Life and Legacy of the ‘Brady Bunch’ Star

Robert Reed, best known as the patriarch Mike Brady on the iconic sitcom “The Brady Bunch,” left a lasting impact on television and film. But what was Robert Reed’s net worth, and what else defined this versatile actor? This article dives into his life, career, and the lasting legacy he created. At the time of his death in 1992, Robert Reed’s net worth was approximately $3 million (after adjusting for inflation), a testament to his successful career spanning over three decades.

Early Life and Education

Born John Robert Rietz Jr. on October 19, 1932, in Highland Park, Illinois, Robert Reed’s early life was shaped by his parents, Helen and John Rietz Sr. His father’s government career led to a childhood spent in various locations, including Texas and Oklahoma. Reed’s formative years included education at West Division School in Illinois and Woodrow Wilson Grade School in Oklahoma. His passion for performance ignited in his teenage years at Central High School in Muskogee, Oklahoma, where he participated in stage productions and singing. He also began his career in media, working as a radio announcer and creating radio dramas. Reed continued his education at Northwestern University in Illinois, appearing in numerous plays. He further honed his craft at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London for one term.

Career Beginnings

After his studies in London, Reed returned to the United States and gained experience in summer stock in Eagles Mere, Pennsylvania. He then joined the Shakespearewrights theater group, followed by the Studebaker theater company in Chicago. It was during this time that he adopted the stage name Robert Reed. In the late 1950s, he moved to Los Angeles, eager to pursue his acting career in film and television. This move marked a pivotal point, setting the stage for his breakthrough roles and widespread recognition.

Start of Television Career

Reed’s television debut came in 1959 with appearances on shows like “Father Knows Best,” “Make Room for Daddy,” and “The Californians.” In the early 1960s, he took on guest roles in series such as “Men into Space,” “Bronco,” “Lawman,” and “Tallahassee 7000.” His first starring role arrived in the CBS courtroom drama “The Defenders,” which ran from 1961 to 1965. In “The Defenders,” Reed portrayed defense attorney Kenneth Preston, alongside E. G. Marshall. After “The Defenders,” Reed took on a recurring role in the NBC medical drama “Dr. Kildare.” He also made guest appearances on shows including “Family Affair,” “Hondo,” “Ironside,” and “Journey to the Unknown.” In 1968, he began a recurring role as Lieutenant Adam Tobias in the detective series “Mannix,” which lasted until 1975.

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The Brady Bunch: The Role That Defined Him

In 1969, Reed landed the role that would define his career: Mike Brady, the widowed architect and patriarch of the blended family in “The Brady Bunch.” He starred alongside Florence Henderson, who played his wife, Carol Brady. While the show brought him immense fame, Reed reportedly felt the role was beneath his abilities as a classically trained actor. Despite his dissatisfaction with the role, he remained a professional, but his disagreements with the show’s creators and producers were well-known. Although he was nearly replaced before the sixth season, the show was canceled in 1974. However, Reed reprised his role in various “Brady Bunch” television specials, films, and sequel series, including “The Brady Girls Get Married,” “A Very Brady Christmas,” and “The Bradys.”

Further Television Career

While “The Brady Bunch” was still on the air, Reed continued to appear in television films, including “Assignment: Munich,” “Haunts of the Very Rich,” “Snatched,” and “The Man Who Couldn’t Talk to Kids.” He also made guest appearances on shows like “The Mod Squad,” “Mission: Impossible,” and “Owen Marshall, Counselor at Law.” After “The Brady Bunch” ended, Reed had a notable two-episode role on “Medical Center,” portraying a transgender doctor. This performance earned him an Emmy Award nomination. He received another Emmy nomination for his work in the 1976 miniseries “Rich Man, Poor Man,” and again in 1977 for his performance in the miniseries “Roots.” His television film credits include “SST: Death Flight,” “The Hunted Lady,” “Mandrake,” and “Love’s Savage Fury.” He also made appearances on “The Love Boat,” “The Runaways,” “Vega$” and “Fantasy Island.”

In the 1980s, Reed appeared in television films such as “Casino” and “Death of a Centerfold: The Dorothy Stratten Story,” as well as the miniseries “Scruples.” He also starred as Dr. Adam Rose in the medical drama “Nurse” from 1981 to 1982. Following this, he took on guest roles in shows like “Hotel,” “Matt Houston,” “Cover Up,” “Murder, She Wrote,” “Hunter,” and “Duet.” In the late 1980s, he made appearances on the sitcoms “Day by Day” and “Free Spirit,” as well as the crime dramedy “Snoops.” Reed’s final television appearance was in a 1992 episode of the crime drama “Jake and the Fatman.”

Film Career

Though primarily a television actor, Reed also made several notable appearances on the big screen. After uncredited roles in films like “Pal Joey,” “The Hunters,” and “Torpedo Run” in the late 1950s, he took on a prominent role in the 1961 horror thriller “Bloodlust!” He then appeared in Otto Preminger’s 1967 drama “Hurry Sundown,” starring Jane Fonda and Michael Caine. The following year, he was in Robert Wise’s musical “Star!,” starring Julie Andrews. His other film credits include “The Maltese Bippy” and “Prime Target.”

Personal Life and Death

Reed was a private person, and his personal life was kept largely out of the public eye. He was gay, but he concealed his sexuality for most of his career. In 1954, he married Marilyn Rosenberger, a fellow student from Northwestern University; they had a daughter, Karen, before divorcing in 1959.

In late 1991, Reed was diagnosed with colon cancer. He passed away on May 12, 1992, in Pasadena, California, at the age of 59. While his death was initially attributed solely to cancer, it was later revealed that he was also HIV-positive.

Robert Reed’s Legacy

Robert Reed left behind a legacy as a versatile actor, remembered for his role as Mike Brady and his extensive work in television and film. Though he felt constrained by the “Brady Bunch” role, he delivered a memorable performance. His other work demonstrates his range, showcasing his dramatic capabilities and dedication to his craft. Reed’s contributions to the entertainment industry are still recognized and appreciated today. His career, though sometimes overshadowed by his most famous role, remains a testament to a dedicated actor.