Bill Daily

Bill Daily net worth in 2024 has been a topic of interest for many fans who remember his work on classic television shows. Daily was best known for his roles on I Dream of Jeannie and The Bob Newhart Show, where he became a beloved TV star. His career spanned many years, and over time, he gained a reputation as a charming and funny actor.

So, let’s take a closer look at how Bill Daily earned his wealth and what helped build his financial success.

Full NameBill Daily
Date of BirthAugust 30, 1927
DiedSeptember 4, 2018
Place of BirthDes Moines, Iowa, USA
OccupationActor, Comedian
Height6 ft 0 in (183 cm)
SpouseBecky Daily (m. 1993–2010)
Patricia Anderson (m. 1949–1976)
ChildrenKimberley Daily, Becca Daily, J. Patrick Daily
Net Worth$4 million

What is Bill Daily Net Worth in 2024?

Bill Daily Net Worth

Bill Daily is an American actor, and comedian best known for his roles in I Dream of Jeannie and The Bob Newhart Show who had an estimated net worth of $4 million at the time of his passing in 2018, according to Celebrity Net Worth. Bill Daily’s main source of wealth came from his successful career in television and comedy. 

He is best known for his roles in two popular sitcoms: as Major Roger Healey in I Dream of Jeannie (1965–1970) and as Howard Borden on The Bob Newhart Show (1972–1978). His acting roles in these shows, along with appearances in other TV series and films, made him a household name. 

Additionally, he worked as a panelist on game shows like Match Game in the 1970s and took on guest roles in later TV shows like ALF and Starting From Scratch.

Beyond acting, Daily also earned money from his stand-up comedy, which he pursued for many years. In the 1980s and 1990s, he made several guest appearances in specials and movies. He also dabbled in directing and working with the New Mexico Film Commission, which added to his income

Bill Daily’s Early Life

William Edward Daily was born on August 30, 1927, in Des Moines, Iowa. His parents were Fern Ellis and Raymonde Daily. When William was just two weeks old, his father left to buy bread and never came back.

In 1939, William’s family moved to Chicago, Illinois. He grew up there and went to Lane Technical High School.

After high school, William went to Peterson Theatre School for a short time. Then, he decided to leave home to become a musician. He played the upright bass with jazz bands in clubs all over the Midwest.

In the early 1950s, William joined the United States Army during the Korean War. He first served in an artillery unit and later joined an entertainment unit to perform for troops.

Bill Daily’s Comedy career

Early Career

Bill Daily Comedy career

After his time in the Army, Bill Daily began performing stand-up comedy. He worked at big clubs across the U.S. and even went to the Goodman Theatre School. He got a job at NBC in Chicago as an announcer and floor manager. He later became a director. One of his famous moments was working with Bob Newhart on a routine called “Abe Lincoln vs. Madison Avenue.” In 1963, Steve Allen saw Daily perform on The Mike Douglas Show and offered him a job in Los Angeles as an announcer and writer.

TV Roles

Daily’s big break came in 1965 when he got a role as Army Captain Roger Healey on I Dream of Jeannie. His character was a close friend of astronaut Tony Nelson and often helped him with problems. After I Dream of Jeannie ended, Daily joined The Bob Newhart Show in 1972 as Howard Borden, a commercial airline navigator. Howard was funny and often visited Bob Hartley, played by Bob Newhart, for help with everyday problems.

Game Shows and More TV

In the 1970s, Daily appeared on the game show Match Game. He became a semi-regular panelist until the show ended in 1981. After The Bob Newhart Show, Daily returned to stand-up comedy. In 1980, he starred in his own show, Small & Frye, but it only lasted three months. He also created a TV special called Bill Daily’s Hocus-Pocus Gang, which introduced young magicians.

More Roles and Directing

In 1987, Daily became the director of the New Mexico Film Commission. He tried starring in another show called Starting From Scratch, but it was canceled after one season. His most famous post-Newhart role was as Larry, the psychiatrist on ALF (1986). Daily also returned to his role as Roger Healey in two I Dream of Jeannie reunion movies, I Dream of Jeannie… Fifteen Years Later and I Still Dream of Jeannie.

Retirement

In 1990, Daily reunited with Bob Newhart on Newhart. He also made guest appearances on shows like Caroline in the City in 1997. Although mostly retired, Daily made occasional guest appearances in the 2000s. From 2006 to 2009, he hosted a radio show on KBQI in Albuquerque.

His career spanned many years with roles in popular shows like The Bob Newhart Show, I Dream of Jeannie, and ALF, leaving a lasting impact on TV history.

Bill Daily’s Personal Life

Bill Daily and Becky Daily

Bob Daily married his first wife, Patricia Anderson, in 1949. They had two children, Patrick and Kimberley, whom they adopted. Sadly, Kimberley passed away later in life. After being together for many years, Bob and Patricia divorced in 1976.

In 1980, Bob married Vivian Sanchez. They traveled together, performing in a show called Lover’s Leap for two years. Their marriage ended in divorce as well.

Bob’s third marriage was to Becky in 1993. They stayed married until Becky passed away in 2010.

Bill Daily’s Death

Bill Daily passed away from natural causes on September 4, 2018, in Santa Fe, New Mexico. This happened just four days after he turned 91. His family announced the sad news three days later.

After his passing, Daily’s ashes were scattered close by. His loved ones made sure his goodbye was simple and peaceful.

Nishant Wagh
Nishant Wagh is a content strategist focused on celebrity net worth and financial insights. With a straightforward style, he helps readers understand the stories behind high-profile wealth.