Did Calvin Lockhart, the Bahamian-American star of Cotton Comes to Harlem and Let’s Do It Again, amass a significant fortune during his acting career? His presence in Hollywood and British theatre made him a recognized figure, but was it financially rewarding?
In this article, Aupeo takes a deep dive into Calvin Lockhart net worth, salary, and financial standing, analyzing his earnings from films, television, and theatre.
Calvin Lockhart Quick Facts
| FACT | DETAIL |
|---|---|
| Real Name | Bert McClossy Cooper |
| Popular Name | Calvin Lockhart |
| Birth Date | October 18, 1934 |
| Age | 72 (Died: March 29, 2007) |
| Birthplace | Nassau, Bahamas |
| Nationality | Bahamian-American |
| Ethnicity | Bahamian |
| Education | Cooper Union School of Engineering (Did not complete) |
| Marital Status | Married three times |
| Spouse | Jennifer Miles-Lockhart (m. 2006–2007), Lynn Sloan (m. 1982–1987), Thelma Walters (m. 1972–1978) |
| Children | Julien Lockhart Miles, Leslie Cooper, Shari Cooper, Michael Cooper |
| Dating | N/A |
| Siblings | Youngest of eight children |
| Parents | Minerva Cooper, Eric Cooper |
| Height | 1.89 meters |
| Net Worth | Not publicly disclosed |
| Source of Wealth | Acting (Stage, Film, and Television) |
What is the Net Worth of Calvin Lockhart in 2025?
There is no public record of Calvin Lockhart net worth, but his career spanned multiple decades in Hollywood, British theatre, and television.
While his peers in the Blaxploitation era, such as Sidney Poitier and Pam Grier, enjoyed varying financial success, Lockhart’s wealth remained largely private.
However, his contributions to cinema and theatre solidified his legacy rather than his financial achievements.
For comparison, actors of his era who gained notable wealth include:
- Sidney Poitier
- Pam Grier
- Richard Roundtree
- Fred Williamson
- Jim Brown
- Ron O’Neal
- Royal Shakespeare Company (as an employer)
- Warner Bros. (as a studio partner)
- Hollywood film industry
- Blaxploitation cinema
For insights into how other actors accumulated their wealth, explore the highest-earning Hollywood stars.
Calvin Lockhart Wealth, Salary, and Financial Overview
How Much Did He Earn Throughout His Acting Career?
Calvin Lockhart’s earnings came primarily from film, television, and stage acting. His Broadway debut in 1960 and international theatre career provided his early income.
His breakthrough in Cotton Comes to Harlem (1970) and Let’s Do It Again (1975) made him a recognizable name in Blaxploitation films, but these movies were not high-paying by today’s standards.
His Hollywood work included:
- Halls of Anger (1970) – his first lead role
- The Beast Must Die (1974) – a cult horror classic
- Dynasty (1980s) – seven-episode guest role
Despite working consistently, his salary did not match mainstream Hollywood actors.
What Were His Main Sources of Income?
Lockhart’s wealth came from:
- Film and Television – Roles in both Hollywood and British productions.
- Theatre – Member of the Royal Shakespeare Company.
- International Work – Acted in Italy, Germany, and the UK.
- Campaign Work – Led the “Getting Off Drugs” initiative in the late 1970s, though this was not financially driven.
How Did His Salary Compare to Other Actors of His Era?
Compared to major Blaxploitation stars like Richard Roundtree (Shaft) or Jim Brown, Lockhart’s salary was likely more modest. The genre itself was known for paying Black actors less than their white counterparts in the 1970s.
Additionally, while mainstream actors from the 80s and 90s earned long-term royalties, Lockhart’s films were not major blockbuster hits.
Did He Leave Behind an Estate or Financial Legacy?
Lockhart returned to the Bahamas in his later years, where he worked with the Freeport Players Guild. While there is no public record of his estate value, it’s likely that his earnings supported his family, including his two sons.
Potential assets may have included:
- Properties in the Bahamas or the U.S.
- Residual income from film royalties
- Earnings from directing theatre productions
How Did the Film Industry Affect His Financial Success?
The 1970s Hollywood film industry was not favorable to Black actors financially. Despite his talent, Lockhart had to seek work internationally, in British television and theatre.
His role in Dynasty during the 1980s could have been a financial boost, but he never reached the same level of financial success as Sidney Poitier.
What Financial Challenges Did He Face?
Lockhart’s biggest financial challenge was the lack of sustained leading roles in Hollywood. Unlike actors who transitioned into directing or producing, he remained primarily an actor, limiting his income streams.
Potential setbacks:
- The decline of the Blaxploitation genre in the late 1970s
- Limited mainstream Hollywood roles for Black actors
- The move back to the Bahamas, which may have impacted long-term earnings
How Does His Financial Legacy Compare to Other Hollywood Actors?
When compared to actors of his time, Lockhart’s career earnings were likely moderate. Unlike Sidney Poitier, who had a longer career with major studio backing, Lockhart worked on the fringes of mainstream Hollywood.
However, he remains a respected name in Black cinema and theatre.
Conclusion
While Calvin Lockhart net worth remains undisclosed, his contributions to Hollywood, theatre, and television are undeniable. His journey reflects the challenges and achievements of Black actors in the 1970s and beyond.
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