As one of the most talked-about figures, Scatman Crothers has built a significant fortune. In this article, we dive deep into the assets and career highlights.
What was Scatman Crothers's Net Worth?
Crothers transitioned into acting in the 1950s. His first major role came in Douglas Sirk's 1953 musical film "Meet Me at the Fair." Later that year, Crothers appeared in Budd Boetticher's "East of Sumatra" and Lloyd Bacon's "Walking My Baby Back Home." His credits over the remainder of the decade included "Johnny Dark," "Tarzan and the Trappers," and "Porgy and Bess." In the 60s, Crothers appeared in "The Sins of Rachel Cade" and "The Patsy"; he also had uncredited parts in such films as "Lady in a Cage," "The Family Jewels," and "Hello, Dolly!"
Scatman Crothers, whose real name was Benjamin Crothers, was born on May 23, 1910, in Terre Haute, Indiana. He launched his music career as a teenager, educating himself on guitar and drums and also learning how to sing.
(Photo by United Artists/Getty Images)
Career Beginnings in Music
Crothers began the 80s with arguably the most famous role of his career: telepathic hotel chef Dick Hallorann in Stanley Kubrick's horror film "The Shining." This was his fourth and final film with Jack Nicholson. Crothers next appeared inClint Eastwood'sWestern "Bronco Billy." He had further roles in such 80s films as "Zapped!," "Deadly Eyes," "Twilight Zone: The Movie," "Two of a Kind," and "The Journey of Natty Gann." Crothers's final theatrical film credit was "The Transformers: The Movie," in which he reprised his voice role as Jazz from the television series.
Kicking off the 70s, Crothers appeared inRoger Corman's"Bloody Mama" and voiced the Scat Cat in the Disney animated film "The Aristocats." He subsequently had roles in a string of films, including "Chandler," "Lady Sings the Blues," "The King of Marvin Gardens," "Detroit 9000," "Black Belt Jones," and "Truck Turner." In 1975, Crothers was in five films: "Linda Lovelacefor President," "Friday Foster," "Coonskin," and theJack Nicholsontitles "The Fortune" and "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest." His credits in the latter half of the 70s include "Stay Hungry," "The Shootist," "Mean Dog Blues," and "Scavenger Hunt."
In the 1930s, Crothers formed a band in Akron, Ohio, and performed on the radio; it was during this time that he adopted the name "Scatman" due to his predilection for scat singing. After moving to California in the 40s, Crothers performed often in Los Angeles. He also traveled to perform in such cities as Las Vegas and New York City. A number of Crothers's singles went on to be released by Capitol Records, including "Television Blues" and "I'd Rather Be a Hummingbird." Later, High Fidelity Records released his album "Rock and Roll with Scatman Crothers." Among his other music-related activities, Crothers went on USO tours withBob Hopeand performed with bandleader Slim Gaillard.
Scatman Crothers was an actor and musician who had a net worth of $500 thousand at the time of his death in 1986. Scatman Crothers was best known for his roles as Louie the Garbage Man on the television sitcom "Chico and the Man" and Dick Hallorann inStanley Kubrick'shorror film "The Shining." Crothers was also prolific as a voice actor, with credits including the animated television shows "Harlem Globetrotters," "The Transformers," and "Hong Kong Phooey." Among his other credits, Crothers appeared in the films "Lady Sings the Blues," "Friday Foster," "The Shootist," and "Zapped!"
In summary, the total wealth of Scatman Crothers reflects strategic moves.
Disclaimer: All net worth figures are estimates based on public data.