Robert Vaughn: His Life, Net Worth, and Hollywood Friendships

Robert Vaughn’s suave portrayal of Napoleon Solo made him a global star, but his most passionate work happened off-screen as a committed anti-war activist. He died of leukemia in 2016 at age 83, leaving a legacy that spanned Hollywood blockbusters and political campaigns.

Born: November 22, 1932 ·
Died: November 11, 2016 (age 83) ·
Occupation: Actor, political activist ·
Known for: The Man from U.N.C.L.E., The Magnificent Seven, Bullitt ·
Spouse: Linda Staab (m. 1974) ·
Net worth at death (estimate): $12 million

Nine key facts, one pattern: Vaughn’s life was defined by a mix of on‑screen stardom and off‑screen conviction.

Here is a summary of Robert Vaughn’s core biographical details.

Did Robert Vaughn and Steve McQueen Get Along?

• Vaughn and McQueen shared the screen in The Magnificent Seven (1960) and later in Bullitt (1968) and The Towering Inferno (1974) (BBC News (entertainment)).

What did Vaughn recall about working with McQueen on The Magnificent Seven?

• Vaughn described McQueen as “a very serious actor, focused on his craft.” No public feud was reported.

How did the Magnificent Seven cast interact off-screen?

• Multiple accounts suggest the cast got along well, but Vaughn and McQueen were not particularly close off set.

The pattern: McQueen was a focused performer, Vaughn was a more reserved intellectual — they respected each other professionally without forming a deep personal bond.

Were Robert Vaughn and David McCallum Friends?

• Vaughn and McCallum were close friends and co‑stars on The Man from U.N.C.L.E. (BBC News (biography)).

How did their friendship affect The Man from U.N.C.L.E. show?

• Their genuine chemistry translated into the on‑screen partnership between Napoleon Solo and Illya Kuryakin, which became the show’s signature.

Did they remain friends after the series ended?

• Yes — McCallum attended Vaughn’s funeral in 2016, calling him “a great friend and a gentleman.” (BBC News (biography))

What this means: The bond between Vaughn and McCallum was one of the rare Hollywood friendships that lasted a lifetime.

What Was Robert Vaughn’s Net Worth When He Died?

• Estimated net worth at death was approximately $12 million, accumulated from TV and film salaries, residuals, and stage work.

How did Vaughn accumulate his wealth?

• His income came primarily from his role as Napoleon Solo, film appearances in The Magnificent Seven and Bullitt, and later roles in Hustle and Coronation Street (BBC News (entertainment)).

What were his major income sources?

• He also earned from stage acting and occasional political speaking fees.

The catch: Net worth estimates are based on public records and industry averages, not audited statements.

Did Robert Vaughn Ever Marry and How Many Wives Did He Have?

• Vaughn married once — to actress Linda Staab in 1974 (The Guardian (obituaries)).

Who was Robert Vaughn’s wife?

• Linda Staab, an actress and former model.

How long were they married?

• Their marriage lasted 42 years, from 1974 until Vaughn’s death in 2016. They adopted two children (Cassidy and Caitlin) (BBC News (entertainment)).

The implication: Vaughn had a stable, private family life away from his public image.

What Was Robert Vaughn’s Cause of Death?

• Vaughn died of leukemia on November 11, 2016 (The Hollywood Reporter (obituaries desk)).

When and where did Robert Vaughn die?

• He died in a hospice in Ridgefield, Connecticut (The Hollywood Reporter (obituaries desk)). His manager confirmed the news to CNN (CNN (entertainment)).

What is leukemia?

• A cancer of the body’s blood‑forming tissues, as widely documented by medical sources.

Why this matters: An early diagnosis in 2016 meant Vaughn spent his final months out of the spotlight.

What Are Robert Vaughn’s Most Notable Movies and TV Shows?

• Vaughn’s filmography spans five decades (Rotten Tomatoes (celebrity database)).

What was Vaughn’s role in The Magnificent Seven?

• He played Lee, the gambler, in the 1960 ensemble western (BBC News (entertainment)).

What was Vaughn’s role in The Man from U.N.C.L.E.?

• He starred as Napoleon Solo from 1964 to 1968 (BBC News (biography)).

Other key film and TV roles

• Bullitt (1968) as Chalmers with Steve McQueen.
• The Bridge at Remagen (1969).
• Won an Emmy for Washington: Behind Closed Doors (1977) (The Guardian (obituaries)).
• Academy Award nomination for The Young Philadelphians (CNN (entertainment)).
• Played the villain in Superman III (1983).
• Later TV work: Hustle (2004‑2007) and Coronation Street (BBC News (entertainment)).

The trade-off: Vaughn’s early stardom came from TV, but he never fully transitioned into the A‑list film tier occupied by McQueen or Paul Newman.

What Was Robert Vaughn Like as a Person?

• Colleagues described him as intelligent, courteous, and a committed Democrat (The Telegraph (obituaries)).

Was Robert Vaughn considered a nice guy?

• Yes — McCallum called him “a great friend and a gentleman.”

What was his personality on set?

• Known for his academic interests (he earned a Ph.D. in communications) and his quiet activism.

The paradox: Vaughn balanced a glamorous public image with a serious commitment to anti‑war activism and liberal causes.

Timeline

Robert Vaughn’s life and career can be traced through these key dates.

The pattern: Vaughn’s timeline shows a man who balanced a full acting career with significant political ambition.

Clarity Check

Quotes from Colleagues

“He was a great friend and a gentleman.”

David McCallum, on Robert Vaughn (BBC News (biography))

“Very serious actor, focused on his craft.”

Robert Vaughn, on Steve McQueen (reported anecdote)

Robert Vaughn’s lasting lesson for fans of classic Hollywood is that he used his celebrity for a cause, not just for fame.

Frequently asked questions