James Coburn: Age, : Wealth Report Net Worth 2026: Career Earnings & Assets
Updated: May 05, 2026
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Recent news about James Coburn: Age, has surfaced. Official data on James Coburn: Age,'s Wealth. The rise of James Coburn: Age, is a testament to hard work. Below is the breakdown of James Coburn: Age,'s assets.
Overview and Mini Bio
James Harrison Coburn III (August 31, 1928 – November 18, 2002) was an iconic American actor known for his rugged charm, charismatic screen presence, and a career spanning over four decades. With his distinctive toothy grin and lanky physique, Coburn became synonymous with “cool” during the New Hollywood era. He appeared in over 70 films and 100 television shows, earning critical acclaim for his versatility in action-packed roles and dramatic performances. Coburn won an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his role in Affliction (1997) and left an indelible mark on Hollywood as one of its most memorable tough guys.
Charitable Work and Legacy
Coburn supported numerous charities during his lifetime but preferred to keep his philanthropy private. His legacy lives on through his groundbreaking performances that redefined masculinity on screen.
Career Beginnings and Key Milestones
Coburn’s acting career began on stage at the La Jolla Playhouse in Herman Melville’s Billy Budd. He transitioned to television in the late 1950s with guest appearances in Westerns such as Bonanza and Wagon Train. His breakout role came in Ride Lonesome (1959), where he played a memorable outlaw.In 1960, Coburn gained widespread recognition as Britt in John Sturges’ The Magnificent Seven. Despite having only 11 lines in the film, his portrayal of the knife-throwing cowboy captivated audiences. This role cemented his status as a rising star.Coburn’s next major success came with The Great Escape (1963), where he played Australian POW Louis Sedgwick. The film became one of the highest-grossing movies of its time and solidified Coburn’s reputation as a versatile actor.He achieved leading-man status with Our Man Flint (1966) and its sequel In Like Flint (1967), spoofing the James Bond archetype with humor and style. These films showcased his ability to balance action with comedy.
Coburn also worked extensively in television throughout his career. He appeared in over 50 TV episodes between 1959 and 1964 alone.His accolades include:
- Full Name: James Harrison Coburn III
- Date of Birth: August 31, 1928
- Place of Birth: Laurel, Nebraska, USA
- Nationality: American
- Date of Death: November 18, 2002
- Profession: Actor, Producer
- Notable Works: The Magnificent Seven,The Great Escape,Our Man Flint,Affliction
- Spouse(s): Beverly Kelly (1959–1979), Paula O’Hara (1993–2002)
- Children: James H. Coburn IV, Lisa Coburn
- Net Worth: Estimated $10 million at the time of his death
Notable Works and Achievements
Coburn’s filmography includes some of Hollywood’s most celebrated classics:
Early Life and Family Background
James Coburn was born on August 31, 1928, in Laurel, Nebraska. His father, James Harrison Coburn II, was of Scots-Irish descent and owned a garage business that suffered during the Great Depression. His mother, Mylet S. Coburn (née Johnson), was a Swedish immigrant. The financial hardships of the Depression forced the family to relocate to Compton, California.Coburn attended Compton Junior College before being drafted into the U.S. Army during the Korean War. While stationed in Texas and Germany as a truck driver and radio disc jockey, he began narrating Army training films—an experience that sparked his interest in acting. After his military service, Coburn enrolled at Los Angeles City College to study acting under Stella Adler’s tutelage.His early exposure to adversity shaped his resilience and determination to succeed in Hollywood. Coburn’s upbringing in a working-class family also instilled a sense of humility that he carried throughout his career.
Net Worth and Lifestyle
At the time of his death in 2002, James Coburn’s net worth was estimated at $10 million. His wealth came from decades of acting roles across film and television. Notable assets included luxury properties in Beverly Hills and a collection of vintage cars.
Personal Life and Relationships
Coburn married Beverly Kelly in 1959; they had two children—James H. Coburn IV and Lisa Coburn—before divorcing in 1979. In 1993, he married actress Paula O’Hara; their marriage lasted until his death in 2002.Coburn was close friends with martial arts legend Bruce Lee, who trained him extensively. He served as a pallbearer at Lee’s funeral in 1973.Despite his public persona as a tough guy, Coburn battled severe rheumatoid arthritis for over two decades. The condition left him in chronic pain until he found relief through alternative treatments like MSM supplements.
Future Plans and Impact on Culture
Although James Coburn passed away in 2002 from a heart attack at age 74, his influence endures. Films like The Magnificent Seven continue to inspire modern cinema, while actors cite him as an icon of effortless cool.
Disclaimer: James Coburn: Age, wealth data updated April 2026.