Perry Como Net Worth - Pulptastic -

What was Perry Como’s Net Worth?

Perry Como, the American singer and television personality, had a net worth of $40 million at the time of his death. Known for his easy-listening recordings and friendly personality, Como sold millions of records and helped pioneer the weekly variety television show format.

Born in Canonsburg, Pennsylvania in May 1912, Como passed away in May 2001. He won five Emmy Awards, a Peabody Award, and a Christopher Award, and received a Kennedy Center Honor in 1987. He was inducted into the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences Hall of Fame in 1990 and posthumously received the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 2002.

Bing Crosby once described Como as “the man who invented casual”. Como was 88 years old when he passed away on May 12, 2001.

Perry Como’s Record Sales and NBC Deal

Perry Como’s career spanned over 50 years, during which he sold millions of records under RCA Victor. He sold so many records that he asked the record company to stop counting.

In 1959, he signed a deal with NBC that paid him $1.2 million per year. Adjusted for inflation, that would be roughly $10 million today.

Perry Como’s Early Years

Perry Como was born on May 18, 1912 in Canonsburg, Pennsylvania. He was the seventh of 13 children of Italian immigrants Pietro and Lucia. Como grew up attending music lessons and playing a variety of different instruments. He played trombone in his town’s brass band, sang at weddings, and served as an organist at his church during his teenage years.

Despite his musical skill, Como was more focused on becoming the best barber in Canonsburg. By the age of 14, he owned his own barber shop.

Perry Como’s Musical Career

In 1932, Perry Como moved to Meadville, Pennsylvania, where he impressed singer Freddy Carlone at the Silver Slipper Ballroom. He joined Carlone’s band and later moved on to Ted Weems and his orchestra. In 1943, he debuted on CBS and signed to RCA Victor, recording “Goodbye, Sue.” He became popular performing in theaters and nightclubs, including the Copacabana. Como also hosted “The Chesterfield Supper Club” and later returned to performing with occasional engagements in Las Vegas and Lake Tahoe. In the 1980s, he performed with Frank Sinatra and co-hosted the radio show “Weekend with Perry” until his passing in 2001.

Perry Como’s Television Career

Perry Como transitioned to television in 1948 with “The Chesterfield Supper Club,” which continued to be televised through 1949. He then moved to CBS with “The Perry Como Chesterfield Show,” and in 1955 launched his best-known program, “The Perry Como Show,” featuring his signature cardigan sweaters and announcer Frank Gallop. Como later hosted “Perry Como’s Kraft Music Hall,” becoming the highest-paid performer in television history at the time. Although he cut back on appearances in the late 1960s, he continued to host seasonal and holiday specials, including Christmas specials through 1994.

Perry Como’s Hollywood Career

Perry Como’s good looks landed him a seven-year contract with 20th Century Fox in 1943. He appeared in four films for the studio through 1946: “Something for the Boys,” “March of Time,” “Doll Face,” and “If I’m Lucky.” His final film was the 1948 MGM musical “Words and Music.”

Honors and Accolades

Perry Como received numerous honors and awards throughout his entertainment career. He won a Grammy Award for Best Vocal Performance, Male, five Emmy Awards, a Christopher Award, and a Peabody Award. In 1987, he was honored with a Kennedy Center Honor. Como was also posthumously awarded a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 2002 and was inducted into the Long Island Music Hall of Fame in 2006. Additionally, he has three stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, one for his work in music, one for radio, and one for television.

Perry Como’s Personal Life and Death

In 1933, Perry Como married Roselle Belline, whom he had met at a local picnic a few years earlier. They had three children together. Roselle passed away in 1998, after 65 years of marriage.

Perry Como died on May 12, 2001, at his home in Jupiter Inlet Colony, Florida. He reportedly suffered from symptoms of Alzheimer’s. He was 88 years old at the time of his death, just six days shy of his 89th birthday.

Perry Como’s Waterfront Mansion

Perry Como resided in a 6,000 square foot waterfront mansion in Jupiter Inlet Colony, Florida during his later years. The estate sold the home for $3.25 million in September 2002. Today, the home has an estimated worth of $17 million.