Bill Daily may have passed away in 2018, but his legacy and earnings are still making waves in 2025. Best known as the lovable Major Roger Healey on I Dream of Jeannie and quirky neighbor Howard Borden on The Bob Newhart Show, Daily was a staple of classic American television. With a decades-spanning career filled with fan-favorite sitcoms and a few surprising ventures behind the scenes, he left behind a legacy that’s still financially relevant.
So, what is Bill Daily’s net worth in 2025? His estate is estimated to be worth $4 million, thanks to steady syndication royalties, wise career choices, and a few lesser-known income streams.
Why now? With retro TV enjoying a resurgence and his shows once again trending on streaming platforms, there’s renewed interest in how Bill Daily built his fortune.
In this article, we’ll break down Bill Daily’s net worth in 2025, salary history, income sources, career milestones, assets, and more—giving you a full picture of the wealth behind one of TV’s most beloved supporting stars.
Bill Daily’s Net Worth in 2025
As of 2025, Bill Daily’s net worth is estimated at $4 million, according to reputable sources like CelebrityNetWorth and PennBookCenter. Although he passed away in 2018, his financial legacy has continued to grow posthumously through syndication royalties, residuals from classic TV hits, and continued fan interest in his work.
Daily’s net worth growth is primarily tied to his roles in long-running sitcoms that remain staples on streaming services and cable networks. His characters—Major Roger Healey in I Dream of Jeannie and Howard Borden in The Bob Newhart Show—have stood the test of time, generating ongoing revenue for his estate.
Estimated Net Worth Over the Years
| Year | Estimated Net Worth | Key Contributors |
| 2015 | $2.5 million | Syndication royalties, minor appearances, speaking events |
| 2018 | $3.2 million | Estate planning, final TV guest spots |
| 2020 | $3.5 million | Streaming resurgence of classic sitcoms |
| 2023 | $3.8 million | Increased retro TV popularity, new licensing deals |
| 2025 | $4 million | Ongoing syndication, merchandise, biographical content |
Contributors to Net Worth Growth
Syndication & Streaming Residuals: Both I Dream of Jeannie and The Bob Newhart Show continue to air globally, earning steady income for his estate.
Licensing & Merchandising: Renewed licensing deals and memorabilia sales have increased in recent years due to retro pop culture trends.
TV Specials & Documentaries: Tributes and classic TV retrospectives often feature clips or interviews, furthering posthumous value.
How Bill Daily Made Money
Although Bill Daily wasn’t among Hollywood’s highest-paid stars, his career was built on consistent, steady work in major TV hits that secured his financial legacy. His income came from several key sources, primarily television, with some lesser-known contributions adding to his $4 million net worth by 2025.
Film and TV Salaries
Bill Daily’s most lucrative roles were on television. His breakout as Major Roger Healey on I Dream of Jeannie (1965–1970) and later as Howard Borden on The Bob Newhart Show (1972–1978) were the primary contributors to his income during his active years. While exact per-episode salary figures aren’t publicly available, sitcom actors during the 1960s–70s typically earned $2,000 to $5,000 per episode, which could add up to $200,000–$500,000 per season.
In addition, Daily continued to earn residuals from reruns and syndication, especially as both shows have remained staples on cable and streaming platforms like MeTV and Hulu.
Endorsements and Brand Deals
Unlike many celebrities, Bill Daily had no major endorsement deals during his lifetime. His fame was largely tied to character acting rather than celebrity branding, and he stayed out of the commercial spotlight. While this limited additional income, it helped maintain his image as a relatable, comedic everyman.
Business Deals and Investments
One of Daily’s most interesting behind-the-scenes roles was his appointment as the director of the New Mexico Film Commission in 1987. While this wasn’t a traditional business venture, it did reflect a shift into public service and may have come with a state-level salary and benefits, adding modestly to his overall income.
There’s no confirmed record of investments in real estate, stocks, or private businesses, suggesting his wealth was built conservatively through entertainment earnings.
Other Income Sources
Live Performances & Theater: Before television, Daily performed in stand-up comedy and theater, and likely earned supplemental income from live performances and regional shows during off-seasons.
Guest Appearances & Cameos: Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, Daily appeared on shows like ALF, The Love Boat, and various talk shows, earning per-appearance fees estimated between $5,000 and $15,000.
Royalties & Licensing: Ongoing syndication of his classic sitcoms continues to generate income for his estate. Although royalty payments diminish over time, they can still yield tens of thousands annually, especially when renewed for international markets.
Bill Daily Career Timeline
1927 – Born on August 30 in Des Moines, Iowa.
1939 – Moved to Chicago with his family, where he later studied drama and began working in entertainment.
1950s – Performed as a jazz musician (upright bass) and developed a comedy act; transitioned into local television and radio.
1953–1955 – Served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War, working in an entertainment unit, performing for troops.
Early 1960s – Appeared on local TV in Chicago and began landing small roles in series like The Farmer’s Daughter and Bewitched.
1965 – Breakthrough role as Major Roger Healey in I Dream of Jeannie (NBC). This role propelled him to national fame.
1965–1970 – I Dream of Jeannie aired for 5 seasons; earned steady income and long-term royalties from syndication.
1972 – Cast as Howard Borden, the quirky neighbor, in The Bob Newhart Show (CBS).
1972–1978 – The Bob Newhart Show ran for six seasons, cementing his role in American sitcom history.
Late 1970s–1980s – Appeared on various popular shows: The Love Boat, CHiPs, ALF, and several game shows.
1987 – Appointed Director of the New Mexico Film Commission, marking a new chapter in his career behind the scenes.
1990s – Guest-starred in reunion episodes and specials; reprised Major Healey in I Still Dream of Jeannie (1991).
2003 – Appeared on TV Land Confidential and in retrospectives honoring classic TV.
2005 – Received the TV Land Icon Award for The Bob Newhart Show, recognizing his impact on television.
2000s–2010s – Continued to attend fan conventions and participate in interviews/documentaries on classic sitcoms.
2018 – Passed away on September 4 in Santa Fe, New Mexico, at the age of 91.
2020–2025 – Posthumous revival of interest in his work through streaming platforms and classic TV channels led to continued syndication earnings and growing net worth, estimated at $4 million by 2025.
Bill Daily’s Assets and Lifestyle
While Bill Daily was never known for living an extravagant, headline-grabbing lifestyle, he did enjoy the quiet perks of a successful Hollywood career. His assets and purchases reflected the comfortable, modest wealth of a veteran television actor rather than the opulence of modern-day A-listers. Here’s what is known about his real estate, possessions, and overall lifestyle:
Real Estate: Home in Santa Fe, New Mexico
Primary Residence: In his later years, Bill Daily lived in Santa Fe, New Mexico, a popular haven for artists, creatives, and retirees.
While the exact value of his property isn’t publicly disclosed, homes in the area range from $400,000 to over $1 million, particularly in the scenic and historic districts where celebrities often settle.
Santa Fe’s tax-friendly environment and artistic culture made it an ideal place for Daily to spend his retirement years in peace.
Vehicles and Transportation
Daily never flaunted exotic vehicles or luxury car collections in the public eye.
Based on public appearances and interviews, he was known to drive practical, mid-range vehicles, aligning with his down-to-earth persona.
Fashion and Personal Style
Bill Daily maintained a classic, conservative fashion sense. On-screen and in public, he typically wore neat suits or casual wear reflective of mid-century American style.
He did not associate with luxury fashion brands or make public statements about designer wardrobes or stylists.
Unusual or Notable Purchases
One of the more unique aspects of Daily’s later life was his involvement with fan conventions and memorabilia events. While he didn’t collect high-priced items himself, he frequently signed autographs and attended nostalgic TV gatherings.
His Santa Fe home reportedly contained memorabilia and photos from his television days, but there are no known high-ticket collectibles linked to his estate.
Bill Daily’s Personal Life
Bill Daily led a grounded and respectful personal life that closely mirrored his on-screen charm. Born on August 30, 1927, in Des Moines, Iowa, Daily would have been 97 years old in 2025 had he lived. His Midwestern upbringing and humble beginnings deeply influenced his approach to both fame and finances.
Family and Early Life
Raised in Chicago, Daily moved there with his family in 1939, where he would later cultivate his love for performance and music.
He was raised in a working-class environment, which instilled in him a strong sense of practicality—reflected in his conservative financial habits throughout his career.
Education and Military Service
Daily studied at the Goodman School of Drama in Chicago (now part of DePaul University), where he honed his acting and comedic timing.
He served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War, working in an entertainment unit. His military experience added discipline and performance skills that he later brought to television.
Before acting, he also worked as a jazz musician, playing upright bass—a testament to his creative versatility.
Relationships and Family Life
Daily married his first wife, Patricia Anderson, in 1949. The couple later divorced in 1976. Together, they adopted two children: a son, Patrick, and a daughter, Kimberley, who has since passed away.
In 1980, Daily remarried, tying the knot with Vivian Sanchez. The couple spent two years touring together, performing their duet act Lover’s Leap.
In 1993, Daily married Becky Daily, but the couple separated in 2010.
Despite his celebrity, he was known to be friendly, approachable, and generous—particularly with fans and industry colleagues.
Lifestyle and Values
Daily was known for his modest lifestyle, avoiding the glitz and extravagance common among Hollywood peers. He preferred a quiet life, especially in his later years in Santa Fe, New Mexico.
He had no public record of excessive spending, and there are no major reports of philanthropy; however, his work with fan communities and military entertainment suggests a giving spirit and dedication to service.
Fun Facts
He almost became a full-time jazz musician – Before Hollywood, Daily toured the Midwest playing upright bass in jazz bands. Acting was his backup plan!
He reused the same suitcase for over 30 years – A symbol of his humble, thrifty nature, Daily reportedly brought the same suitcase to sets and fan events for decades.
He was famously bad at remembering lines – On I Dream of Jeannie, co-star Larry Hagman often helped him through scenes. His natural improv skills saved him—and made his characters even funnier.
He didn’t earn big, but he earned steady – Though never a top-billed star, his consistent TV work brought him a reliable income stream that turned into a $4M estate.
He turned down flashier roles to stay “relatable” – Daily intentionally avoided dramatic or dark characters to maintain his friendly, everyman appeal—something that kept him beloved by fans and brands alike.
Net Worth Comparison Table
| Celebrity | Known For | Net Worth (2025) |
|---|---|---|
| Bill Daily | I Dream of Jeannie, The Bob Newhart Show | $4 million |
| Larry Hagman | I Dream of Jeannie, Dallas | $30 million |
| Bob Newhart | The Bob Newhart Show, Newhart | $65 million |
| Don Knotts | The Andy Griffith Show, Three’s Company | $3 million |
| Barbara Eden | I Dream of Jeannie | $10 million |
FAQs
What was Bill Daily’s net worth in 2025?
As of 2025, Bill Daily’s net worth is estimated at $4 million, primarily from residuals, syndication royalties, and his long-running TV roles in I Dream of Jeannie and The Bob Newhart Show.
How did Bill Daily make most of his money?
Bill Daily earned the majority of his income through television salaries and syndication royalties, particularly from his iconic sitcom roles. He also received appearance fees and minor income from guest spots and conventions.
Did Bill Daily own any real estate or expensive homes?
Yes, Bill Daily resided in Santa Fe, New Mexico, in his later years. While the exact value isn’t public, homes in the area typically range between $400,000 and $1 million.
Was Bill Daily married, and did he have a family?
Did Bill Daily have any major endorsements or brand deals?
No, Bill Daily was not associated with major endorsements. He preferred a modest, behind-the-scenes lifestyle and focused on acting rather than commercial branding.
What were Bill Daily’s biggest career highlights financially?
His most financially impactful roles were as Major Roger Healey in I Dream of Jeannie and Howard Borden in The Bob Newhart Show, both of which provided lasting syndication income for decades.
Conclusion
Bill Daily’s career was a masterclass in steady success. From his breakout role as the lovable Major Healey in I Dream of Jeannie to his long-running stint on The Bob Newhart Show, he built a reputation as one of classic TV’s most dependable and endearing stars. That consistent presence not only earned him fans across generations—it built a financial legacy that lives on.
As of 2025, Bill Daily’s net worth stands at $4 million, a testament to smart career choices, long-running syndication deals, and a grounded lifestyle. While there are no new projects on the horizon due to his passing in 2018, the renewed popularity of retro TV means his work—and the revenue from it—continues to thrive.
Explore more net worth profiles on our site to uncover how your favorite celebrities built their fortunes through fame, business, and beyond.
Nishant is a digital strategist and celebrity finance expert with over 10 years of experience in SEO-driven content. As co-founder of TheNetWorths.com, he crafts high-authority profiles on wealth, fame, and influence—trusted by readers seeking real insights behind public fortunes.
