Born John Randolph Webb on the 2nd April 1920 in Santa Monica, California USA, he was an actor, screenwriter, producer and director, still best known for portraying Sgt. Joe Friday in the highly popular 1950s TV series “Dragnet”, which he also wrote and directed. His career was active from 1946 until 1979. He passed away in 1982.
Have you ever wondered how rich Jack Webb was, at the time of his death? According to authoritative sources, it has been estimated that Jack Webb`s net was as high as $10 million, earned through his successful career in the entertainment industry.
Jack Webb Net Worth $10 Million
Jack was the son of Margaret Smith and Samuel Chester Webb, however, his father left his mother before Jack was even born. He went to Our Lady of Loretto Elementary School, located in Echo Park, and served as an altar boy. Jack was then a student at Belmont High School, and after matriculation, he enrolled at St. John`s University, Minnesota to study art.
World War II interrupted his intentions, as he joined the US Army Air Force, but was granted a hardship discharge, as he was the only one who had income in his family. Jack settled in San Francisco, and found a job at the ABC`s KGO Radio, working as a host of his own show “The Jack Webb Show”, after which he and Raymond Burr starred in the radio drama “Pat Novak For Hire”, and soon made his professional acting debut in the film “He Walked by Night” (1948), with Richard Basehart and Scott Brady in lead roles. His next appearance was in the film “The Men” (1950), and he also had a notable role in Bill Wilder`s film “Sunset Boulevard” (1950), starring William Holden, Gloria Swanson and Erich von Stroheim. His net worth was rising.
In 1951, his TV series “Dragnet” was screened, and it lasted until 1959, during which time his net worth and popularity grew to a large degree; the series also featured Ben Alexander and Olan Soule. While the show lasted, Jack also made several other appearances, including a leading role in “Pete Kelly’s Blues” (1955), and he featured in the film “The D. I.” (1957), which also increased his net worth. In 1954, Dragnet was also made into film with its original cast, and in addition such actors as Richard Boone, among others. Although the series was extremely popular, the film failed to make an impact and received mixed reviews. Another installment saw the light of the day in 1969 with much greater success, featuring Webb, Harry Morgan and Vic Perrin in lead roles. Another four seasons of “Dragnet” were aired from 1967 until 1970, increasing further Jack`s net worth.
Apart from Dragnet, Jack had several other roles before retiring, including in films “The Last Time I Saw Archie” (1961), and TV series “G.E. True” (1962-1963), and “Project U.F.O” (1978-1979), among others.
Jack was also a creator of several other TV series, including “O`Hara, U.S. Treasury” (1971-1972), and “Adam-12” (1968-1975), which successes also added to his net worth.
During his successful career, Jack has also served as executive producer of such productions as “Noah’s Ark” (1956-1957), “The D.A.’s Man” (1959), “Pete Kelly’s Blues” (1959), “77 Sunset Strip” (1963-1964), “Emergency!” (1972), and “The 25th Man” (1982), among others. His directorial debut was the 1954 “Dragnet” film, and from that point until the late 1970s, he directed several successful films and TV series, including “-30-“ (1959), with William Conrad and David Nelson, and “Chase” (1973), among others.
Thanks to his skills, Jack received a number of prestigious awards – including two stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame – for his contribution to radio and television.
Regarding his personal life, Jack, was married four times, firstly to actress Julie London(1947-53), and the couple had two children. Two years later he married Dorothy Towne, but their marriage lasted for only two years. In 1958 he married Jackie Loughery, but they divorced in 1964. His fourth wife was Opal Wright; the couple married in 1980, however, Jack`s death marked the end of the marriage he died on the 23th December 1982 from a heart attack.
Because of his high connections with and devotion to police and detective work, Jack received full police honors for his funeral; he is interred at Forest Lawn, Hollywood Hills Cemetery in Los Angeles. Also, badge number 714, which he wore in “Dragnet”, was retired by the LAPD after his death.
Edgar Award for Best Television Episode Teleplay, PGA Hall of Fame - Television Programs, Edgar Award for Best Radio Drama, TV Land Coolest Crime Fighting Team Award, TV Land Favorite Crimestopper Award
Nominations
Primetime Emmy Award for Most Outstanding Personality, Primetime Emmy Award for Best Actor, DGA Award for Outstanding Directorial Achievement in Television, Primetime Emmy Award for Best Actor Starring In A Regular Series, Primetime Emmy Award for Best Director - Film Series
Movies
The D.I., Pete Kelly's Blues, Dragnet, He Walked by Night, Sunset Boulevard, Appointment with Danger, The Last Time I Saw Archie, Dark City, Red Nightmare, Halls of Montezuma, -30-, You're in the Navy Now, The Men, Star Spangled Salesman
TV Shows
Dragnet, GE True, O'Hara, U.S. Treasury, Adam-12, Emergency!, Project U.F.O., Sierra, Escape, Chesterfield Sound Off Time, The New Dragnet
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Trademark
1
Deep gravelly voice
2
Rapid-fire delivery of lines
3
His stories often dealt with complex social issues
4
A buzzsaw flattop haircut. He first wore it for the title role of The D.I. (1957) and kept it for the rest of his career.
5
Best known for his realistic television series featuring supremely professional civil servants such as police officers, police detectives and firefighters.
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Quote
1
[on Julie London] Julie was a hell of an actress--people forget--before she became a singer.
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Fact
1
He was named production head of Warner Bros. Television, but his tenure only lasted eight months before he was terminated and replaced by old friend William Conrad, whose background was similar to Webb's. Webb relocated his production unit to Universal.
2
It was Webb's hands that were seen dropping the hammer during the Mark VII logo sequence at the end of Dragnet (1951), Dragnet 1967 (1967), Adam-12 (1968) and other series he and is company--Mark VII Productions--produced.
3
Was a Republican.
4
Met 34-year-old struggling actor Harry Morgan while the two were working in Dark City (1950), and they became friends until Webb's death in 1982. They also worked together in Appointment with Danger (1951)--ironically, as a team of professional killers.
5
Met Julie London when she was singing in a jazz club in 1942, when she was age 15.
6
Best remembered by the public for his starring role as Sgt. Joe Friday on Dragnet (1951).
When he approached young and unknown actor Randolph Mantooth to play the role of Johnny Gage in Emergency! (1972), Mantooth--like his future co-star Robert Fuller--also politely turned down the role. Webb also wouldn't take no for an answer, and told Mantooth what he told Fuller: "Sit down and shut up!".
9
Always showed a lot of seriousness on Dragnet 1967 (1967).
10
He allowed Harry Morgan to show his own sense of humor when he co-starred with him on Dragnet 1967 (1967).
11
Despite his divorce from singer Julie London, the two remained close friends until Webb's death late in 1982. She was his first choice for the female lead role of nurse Dixie McCall in his series Emergency! (1972), along with her second husband Bobby Troup as Dr. Joe Early. She and Troup both accepted the roles.
12
When he approached veteran western actor Robert Fuller to play the male lead role of Dr. Kelly Brackett in Emergency! (1972), Fuller politely turned down the role. Webb wouldn't take no for an answer, and told Fuller to "shut up and sit down!".
Despite being unhappy with an article Jack Jones had written about "Dragnet", Webb insisted on paying for Barbara Stewart's wedding to Jones after she told Webb that she had just returned from performing for the military in Europe.
Appears as Sgt. Joe Friday on a 44¢ US commemorative postage stamp, issued 11 August 2009, in the Early TV Memories issue honoring Dragnet (1951).
17
He was awarded two stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame for Radio at 7040 Hollywood Blvd. and for Television at 6728 Hollywood Blvd.
18
Featured in "Bad Boys: The Actors of Film Noir" by Karen Burroughs Hannsberry (McFarland, 2003).
19
Was a huge baseball fan, and chose badge #714 for Sgt. Friday because it was the number of home runs Babe Ruth hit.
20
Biography in: "The Scribner Encyclopedia of American Lives". Volume One, 1981-1985, pages 851-853. New York: Charles Scribner's Sons, 1998.
21
Was part of the investigation of the infamous "Black Dahlia" murder case in Los Angeles in the 1940s--in which an aspiring actress was murdered, dismembered and left in an open field--which helped to inspire him to create Dragnet (1951).
22
At the height of Dragnet (1951)'s popularity, people would actually call the LAPD wanting to speak to Webb's character, Sgt. Joe Friday. The Department eventually came up with a stock answer to the large volume of calls: "Sorry, it's Joe's day off".
23
Was the basis for the "Brett Chase" character in L.A. Confidential (1997).
He turned down the role of the Dean in Animal House (1978) because he felt it would be poking fun at his straight-laced, law-and-order image; he was closely identified with law and order, in particular police officers, and he felt that the film would be making fun of that, although he claimed he was willing to poke fun at himself--and, in fact, did just that in a famous skit on The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson (1962).
26
Had just over 6,000 jazz albums in his private collection.
27
Contrary to popular belief, his character, Joe Friday, never said, "Just the facts, ma'am" in any episode of "Dragnet". The actual line was, "All we want "need"] are the facts, ma'am."
28
Not only did the Los Angeles Police Department use Dragnet (1951) episodes as training films for a time, it also named a police academy auditorium after Webb.
29
Was buried with full honors befitting an LAPD detective, including a 17-gun salute.
30
Upon his death, the badge number 714, used by his character Joe Friday in the "Dragnet" TV shows, was officially retired by the Los Angeles Police Department. The badge belonged to Lt. Dan Cooke, his close friend.
31
Performed charity work related to widows and children of police officers killed in the line of duty.
TV Series created by - 174 episodes, 1968 - 1975 written by - 1 episode, 1968
O'Hara, U.S. Treasury
1971-1972
TV Series creator - 22 episodes
Dragnet 1967
TV Series created by - 98 episodes, 1967 - 1970 written by - 1 episode, 1967
Dragnet
TV Series creator - 276 episodes, 1951 - 1959 writer - 3 episodes, 1953 radio play - 2 episodes, 1953 - 1954 original radio play - 1 episode, 1953 radio script - 1 episode, 1953 based on a radio play by - 1 episode, 1952 screenplay - 1 episode, 1952
Pete Kelly's Blues
1959
TV Series teleplay - 1 episode
Noah's Ark
TV Series writer - 2 episodes, 1956 creator - 1 episode, 1956 teleplay - 1 episode, 1956
The Ford Television Theatre
1956
TV Series story - 1 episode
Dragnet
1954
screenplay - uncredited / television series - uncredited
Actor
Title
Year
Status
Character
Project U.F.O.
1978-1979
TV Series
Narrator / Announcer
Adam-12
1970-1973
TV Series
Announcer
The Partners
1971
TV Series
Commissioner Norton
O'Hara, U.S. Treasury
1971
TV Series
Narrator
Dragnet 1967
1967-1970
TV Series
Sergeant Joe Friday Sgt. Joe Friday
Dragnet 1966
1969
TV Movie
Sgt. Joe Friday
Patrol Dogs of the United States Air Force
1968
Short
Narrator
Star Spangled Salesman
1968
Documentary short
Security Man
The Jerry Lewis Show
1967
TV Series
Sergeant Joe Friday
G.E. True
1962-1963
TV Series
Narrator / John Burke / Host - Narrator
Red Nightmare
1962
Short
On-Camera Narrator
The Last Time I Saw Archie
1961
William 'Bill' Bowers
-30-
1959
Sam Gatlin
Dragnet
1951-1959
TV Series
Sgt. Joe Friday Lt. Joe Friday
The D.I.
1957
Gunnery Sgt. Jim Moore
Pete Kelly's Blues
1955
Pete Kelly
Dragnet
1954
Sergeant Joe Friday
Chesterfield Sound Off Time
1951
TV Series
Sgt. Joe Friday
Appointment with Danger
1951
Joe Regas
You're in the Navy Now
1951
Ens. Anthony 'Tony' Barbo
Halls of Montezuma
1951
Correspondent Dickerman
Dark City
1950
Augie
Sunset Blvd.
1950
Artie Green
The Men
1950
Norm
Sword in the Desert
1949
Hoffman (uncredited)
He Walked by Night
1948
Lee Whitey
Hollow Triumph
1948
Bullseye (uncredited)
Three on a Match
1932
Boy in Schoolyard (uncredited)
Producer
Title
Year
Status
Character
The 25th Man
1982
TV Movie executive producer
Project U.F.O.
1978-1979
TV Series executive producer - 26 episodes
Little Mo
1978
TV Movie executive producer
Sam
1977-1978
TV Series executive producer - 7 episodes
Mobile One
1975
TV Series producer
Mobile Two
1975
TV Movie executive producer
The Log of the Black Pearl
1975
TV Movie executive producer
Sierra
1974
TV Series executive producer - 11 episodes
The Rangers
1974
TV Movie executive producer
Adam-12
TV Series executive producer - 102 episodes, 1968 - 1972 producer - 1 episode, 1974
Chase
1973
TV Series producer
Chase
1973
TV Movie producer
Hec Ramsey
1972
TV Series executive producer - 1 episode
Emergency!
1972
TV Series executive producer - 12 episodes
O'Hara, U.S. Treasury
1971
TV Series executive producer - 3 episodes
The D.A.
1971
TV Series executive producer
D.A.: Conspiracy to Kill
1971
TV Movie executive producer
Dragnet 1967
1967-1970
TV Series producer - 98 episodes
D.A.: Murder One
1969
TV Movie executive producer
Dragnet 1966
1969
TV Movie producer
Temple Houston
1963-1964
TV Series executive producer - 26 episodes
77 Sunset Strip
1963-1964
TV Series executive producer - 20 episodes
The Man from Galveston
1963
executive producer
G.E. True
TV Series executive producer - 4 episodes, 1962 - 1963 producer - 1 episode, 1962
Red Nightmare
1962
Short producer - uncredited
The Last Time I Saw Archie
1961
producer
Calvin and Clyde
1960
TV Movie producer
-30-
1959
producer
Dragnet
TV Series producer - 27 episodes, 1953 - 1959 executive producer - 10 episodes, 1952 - 1956
Pete Kelly's Blues
TV Series executive producer - 12 episodes, 1959 producer - 1 episode, 1959
The D.A.'s Man
1959
TV Series executive producer - 7 episodes
People
1957
TV Movie executive producer
The D.I.
1957
producer
Noah's Ark
1956-1957
TV Series producer - 7 episodes
Pete Kelly's Blues
1955
producer
Director
Title
Year
Status
Character
Project U.F.O.
1978
TV Series
Sam
1977
TV Series 1 episode
Emergency!
1972-1975
TV Series 2 episodes
Adam-12
1968-1974
TV Series 2 episodes
Chase
1973
TV Series
Chase
1973
TV Movie
The D.A.
1971
TV Series
O'Hara, U.S. Treasury
1971
TV Series 1 episode
Dragnet 1967
1967-1970
TV Series 98 episodes
Dragnet 1966
1969
TV Movie
G.E. True
1962-1963
TV Series 4 episodes
The Last Time I Saw Archie
1961
Calvin and Clyde
1960
TV Movie
-30-
1959
Dragnet
1951-1959
TV Series 85 episodes
Pete Kelly's Blues
1959
TV Series 1 episode
The D.A.'s Man
1959
TV Series 2 episodes
The D.I.
1957
Noah's Ark
1956
TV Series 2 episodes
Pete Kelly's Blues
1955
Dragnet
1954
Miscellaneous
Title
Year
Status
Character
Emergency!
1978
TV Series segment director - 1 episode
Self
Title
Year
Status
Character
The Hollywood Squares
1976
TV Series
Himself
Jack Benny's Second Farewell Special
1974
TV Special
Himself
MCRD, San Diego
1973
Documentary
Narrator
Escape
1973
TV Series
Himself (Narrator) (1973) (voice)
The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson
1968-1970
TV Series
Himself
The Jerry Lewis Show
1968
TV Series
Himself
Today
1967
TV Series
Himself - Guest
G.E. True
1962-1963
TV Series
Himself - Host
The John Glenn Story
1962
Documentary short
Narrator (voice)
The 14th Annual Primetime Emmy Awards
1962
TV Special
Himself - Presenter
Here's Hollywood
1961
TV Series
Himself
A Force in Readiness
1961
Documentary short
On-Camera Narrator
This Is Your Life
1958-1961
TV Series
Himself
Calvin and Clyde
1960
TV Movie
Himself (host)
The Jack Benny Program
1959
TV Series
Himself
The Jack Paar Tonight Show
1958-1959
TV Series
Himself
Some of Manie's Friends
1959
TV Movie
Himself
The Ed Sullivan Show
1957
TV Series
Himself
24 Hour Alert
1955
Short
Himself - Jack Webb
The Colgate Comedy Hour
1953-1955
TV Series
Himself - Actor / Himself - Host / Himself
The 26th Annual Academy Awards
1954
TV Special
Himself - Presenter: Best Sound
Texaco Star Theatre
1953
TV Series
Himself / Sgt. Joe Friday
All Star Revue
1952
TV Series
Himself - Actor
Army Information Film AIF No. 7: Code of Conduct - To Resist