The $5 Million Man: How Actor William Devane Built His Net Worth From Knots Landing To Rosland Gold

Veteran actor William Devane, a familiar face across five decades of film, television, and theater, holds an estimated net worth of $5 million as of December 2025. This valuation is a testament to a prolific career that spans from the gritty anti-hero roles of the 1970s to his iconic, long-running presence on primetime soap operas and, more recently, his highly visible endorsement deals. Devane’s financial standing is not the result of a single blockbuster but rather a sustained, high-earning career built on consistency and versatility in Hollywood.

The 86-year-old star, who is perhaps best known for his role as the ruthless businessman Greg Sumner on *Knots Landing* and his various portrayals of high-ranking government officials, has diversified his income beyond acting salaries. His financial portfolio includes earnings from lucrative commercial endorsements, director’s fees, and even past entrepreneurial ventures, solidifying his status as a financially savvy Hollywood staple.

William Devane: A Complete Biography and Profile

William Joseph Devane has enjoyed one of the most consistent and respected careers in American acting, often playing powerful, authoritative, and sometimes morally ambiguous figures. His ability to embody both the hero and the villain has made him a perennial favorite for casting directors across genres.

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• Full Name: William Joseph Devane
• Date of Birth: September 5, 1939
• Age (as of Dec 2025): 86 years old
• Place of Birth: Albany, New York, USA
• Nationality: American
• Parents: Joseph Devane and Kate Devane. His father, Joseph, worked as a chauffeur for Franklin D. Roosevelt when the latter was Governor of New York.
• Profession: Actor, Director, Writer, Soundtrack Artist
• Spouse: Eugenie Devane (married 1961)
• Children: Two sons (one of whom, Joshua Devane, tragically passed away in 2009)
• Education: Graduated from the American Academy of Dramatic Arts.
• Notable Awards: Soap Opera Digest Award for his role in *Knots Landing*.
• Key Roles: Greg Sumner (*Knots Landing*), James Heller (*24*), President of the United States (*The Dark Knight Rises*).

The Core Pillars of William Devane’s $5 Million Net Worth

The majority of William Devane’s estimated $5 million net worth stems from his acting salaries across his extensive film and television career. Unlike many stars who rely on a few high-paying films, Devane’s wealth is a result of consistent, high-level work across decades, securing him significant residual income and high per-episode salaries for major network shows.

1. The Television Earning Power: *Knots Landing* and *24*

Devane’s work on television provided the most stable and substantial income throughout his career. His 14-year run as the manipulative and charming Greg Sumner on the CBS primetime soap opera *Knots Landing* (1983–1993) was a financial cornerstone. Appearing in 266 episodes, his presence was a key factor in the show's success, commanding a high salary for a long duration.

Another significant payday came from the action-drama series *24*. Devane played Secretary of State and later President James Heller across multiple seasons, including *24: Live Another Day*. While exact figures for *24* are undisclosed, his role in the 1979 miniseries *From Here to Eternity* reportedly earned him a substantial $100,000 per episode, demonstrating his high earning potential even early in his career. This figure gives a strong indication of the kind of salary he would have commanded for later, high-profile network roles like those in *24* and *The Grinder*.

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2. Lucrative Commercial Endorsements: The Rosland Capital Deal

In recent years, one of the most visible and consistent sources of income for William Devane has been his role as the celebrity spokesperson for Rosland Capital, a firm specializing in gold and precious metals. These commercials, which feature Devane in an authoritative, trustworthy light, have been a fixture on cable television, ensuring a steady, high-paying revenue stream outside of traditional acting roles.

Endorsement deals of this magnitude are often multi-year contracts that provide a substantial annual income, sometimes rivaling or exceeding the salary from a single season of a television show. This deal is considered a key factor in maintaining his current net worth, especially as his acting roles have become less frequent in the 2020s. The long-running nature of the Rosland Capital partnership highlights his enduring appeal as a figure of authority and trust to a key demographic.

3. Major Film Roles and Career Diversity

Devane’s film work, though often in supporting roles, has added considerable wealth and topical authority to his career profile. His filmography includes numerous high-caliber projects that contribute to his residual income and overall financial portfolio. Key movie roles include:

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• President of the United States in Christopher Nolan's blockbuster *The Dark Knight Rises* (2012).
• Major Charles Rane in the cult classic action film *Rolling Thunder* (1977).
• Dr. Dix in the popular *Jesse Stone* television movie series alongside Tom Selleck.
• Important roles in Alfred Hitchcock's final film, *Family Plot* (1976), and the critically acclaimed *Marathon Man* (1976).

His ability to smoothly transition between major film roles, presidential portrayals, and long-running television series like *Stargate SG-1* and *The West Wing* showcases his versatility, which has been a major asset in his long-term financial success.

Comparing William Devane’s Net Worth to Other Veteran Actors

William Devane’s net worth of $5 million places him in a respectable, though not elite, category among his peers. While some sources suggest a higher valuation, potentially up to $12 million, the $5 million figure is the most widely reported and accepted estimate for 2024.

When comparing his wealth to others in his professional circle, it’s clear that Devane’s financial success is based on his dedication to consistent work rather than massive franchise payouts:

• Comparison to *Knots Landing* Co-stars: Devane’s net worth is comparable to some of his former *Knots Landing* colleagues, reflecting the steady earnings of a long-running, successful show.
• Comparison to Action Stars: Actors who led major film franchises often command significantly higher net worths due to profit-sharing deals. Devane’s wealth is more typical of a highly successful, in-demand character actor.

In addition to his acting and endorsement income, Devane is also known to have owned a restaurant, Devane's, in Indio, California, and has directed episodes of television shows, providing him with additional income streams beyond the camera. His enduring presence in Rosland Capital commercials, a public-facing role that continues to generate income, ensures his financial portfolio remains robust and current, cementing his legacy as one of Hollywood's most enduring and financially stable veteran performers.