Robert Englund is an American actor best known for his iconic role of Freddy Krueger in the horror movie franchise, A Nightmare on Elm Street. He has appeared in numerous films and television shows and is a horror genre veteran. In addition to his acting career, Englund has become a popular public figure, appearing worldwide at public events and conventions. With such a successful career, Robert Englund net worth is around $16 million.
In this article, we will disclose the life and career of Robert Englund, including his early days in Hollywood and his business ventures.
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Robert Englund Net Worth
As of 2023, Robert Englund has an estimated net worth of around $16 million, according to Celebrity Net Worth. Much of his wealth has come from his work in the entertainment industry, particularly his portrayal of Freddy Krueger. Englund’s net worth has also been boosted by his other film and television roles, voice work, and directing projects.
Englund’s net worth is quite impressive compared to other horror movie icons. He has a higher net worth than other actors who have played iconic horror villains, such as Kane Hodder and Doug Bradley.
Early Life and Career
Robert Barton Englund was born to John Kent Englund and Janis MacDonald in Glendale, California. Englund was raised in a middle-class family and attended several schools in California, including the University of California, Los Angeles. He later moved to Europe and continued his education at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London.
Englund began his acting career in the 1970s with guest appearances on popular TV shows such as Kojak, The Rookies, and Police Story. He also appeared in films such as Buster and Billie and Stay Hungry. But his role as Willie in the 1977 “Roots” miniseries first brought him widespread attention.
Breakthrough Role as Freddy Krueger in A Nightmare on Elm Street
In 1984, Englund landed the role of Freddy Krueger in the first A Nightmare on Elm Street movie. The film was a massive success, grossing over $25 million at the box office and earning critical acclaim. Englund’s portrayal of Freddy Krueger, a burned and scarred man who haunts teenagers in their dreams, was terrifying and charismatic. The character quickly became one of the most recognizable and beloved horror villains ever.
Englund continued to play Freddy Krueger in several sequels, including A Nightmare on Elm Street 2: Freddy’s Revenge, A Nightmare on Elm Street 3: Dream Warriors, and A Nightmare on Elm Street 4: The Dream Master. His performance as Krueger earned him fans and cemented his place in horror movie history.
Film and Television Career
While Englund will always be most closely associated with the character of Freddy Krueger. He has also had an impressive career outside of the A Nightmare on Elm Street franchise. Englund has appeared in numerous films, including the horror classic The Phantom of the Opera. He played in this movie as the title character. However, he also had roles in movies such as Urban Legend, The Mangler, and Behind the Mask: The Rise of Leslie Vernon.
Englund has also had a successful television career, with guest appearances on MacGyver, Knight Rider, and Babylon 5. He also had a recurring role on the TV series V, where he played Willie.
Other Ventures and Business Ventures
Englund has also tried his hand at directing and producing. He directed an episode of Freddy’s Nightmares, a spin-off of A Nightmare on Elm Street. And he produced the 2001 film 2001 Maniacs. He has also worked as a writer, penning the screenplay for the horror movie 976-EVIL, which he also directed.
Englund’s creative pursuits have not been limited to the entertainment industry. He is an accomplished artist with several art exhibitions in Los Angeles and New York. Englund is also an avid golfer who has participated in several celebrity golf tournaments.
Awards and Honors
Englund’s portrayal of Freddy Krueger has earned him numerous accolades and recognition throughout his career. He has been nominated for several awards, including a Saturn Award for Best Supporting Actor for his role in A Nightmare on Elm Street 3: Dream Warriors.
Englund has also received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, which he was awarded in 2008. The honor recognized his contributions to the entertainment industry, particularly his role as Freddy Krueger.
Personal Life and Philanthropy
Englund has been married three times and has one child from his second marriage. He has been open about his addiction struggles but has been sober since the 1980s.
Englund is also known for his philanthropic work. He advocates for several charities, including the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation and the Starlight Children’s Foundation. He has also participated in several fundraisers for various causes.
Career Trajectory
Robert Englund’s career in entertainment spans more than four decades. He started in theater, appearing in various productions in California before landing his first television role in 1974 on the show “Welcome Back, Kotter.” Over the years, he has appeared in dozens of TV shows and movies. But his role as Freddy Krueger launched him to superstardom.
Englund’s portrayal of Freddy Krueger was so successful that he reprised the role in several sequels and a television series. But Englund didn’t limit himself to horror movies. He also appeared in various other genres, including comedy, drama, and action.
Englund’s versatility as an actor is evident in his filmography. Some of his notable non-horror roles include playing Willie in the miniseries “V” and starring in the TV movie “Dance Macabre.” He also appeared in the films “The Great White Hope,” “Galaxy of Terror,” and “The Adventures of Ford Fairlane.”
The Legacy of Freddy Krueger
Robert Englund’s portrayal of Freddy Krueger in the “Nightmare on Elm Street” franchise is one of the most iconic performances in movie history. Freddy Krueger is a character that has become synonymous with horror movies and has inspired countless imitators.
One of the reasons why Freddy Krueger is such a beloved character is that he is more than just a typical slasher villain. He is a complex character with a tragic backstory. In the movies, we learn that Freddy Krueger was a child murderer who was burned alive by the parents of the children he killed. He returns as a vengeful spirit, seeking revenge on the children of the parents who killed him.
Salary
Robert Englund is best known for his iconic portrayal of Freddy Krueger in the A Nightmare on Elm Street franchise. His impressive career spans over four decades and includes dozens of memorable roles. With such a long and successful career, it is no surprise that Englund commands a hefty salary. According to sources, he earns $1.8 million annually, making him one of the highest-paid actors in Hollywood.
Englund’s impressive salary is partly due to his decades of experience in the industry. He is a veteran actor with a long list of credits, including cult classics like The Adventures of Ford Fairlane and the cult classic V: The Series. He has also been featured in popular television shows like the hit shows Smallville and blockbuster movies such as The Mangler and the original A Nightmare on Elm Street.
FAQs on Robert Englund Net Worth
What other movies and TV shows has Robert Englund appeared in?
Robert Englund has appeared in dozens of movies and TV shows. Some of his notable non-horror roles include playing Willie in the miniseries “V” and starring in the TV movie “Dance Macabre.” He has also appeared in the films “The Great White Hope,” “Galaxy of Terror,” and “The Adventures of Ford Fairlane.”
Has Robert Englund retired from acting?
While Robert Englund has slowed down somewhat in recent years, he has not officially retired from acting. He has continued to work in the entertainment industry, appearing in a handful of movies and TV shows and providing voiceover work for video games and animated series.
Conclusion
Robert Englund’s career has spanned several decades and has left an indelible mark on the horror movie genre. His portrayal of Freddy Krueger is one of the most iconic performances in movie history, and his other film and television roles have cemented his status as a versatile and talented actor.