Cleavon Little Death: Cause, Date, and Immediate Aftermath
Cleavon Little died on October 22, 1992, at age 53 from colon cancer that had metastasized, with the official cause recorded as colorectal carcinoma complications. He passed away at his home in Sherman Oaks, California, and the death was confirmed by the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner, with public records showing no autopsy controversy or unresolved legal issues tied to the passing New York Times obituary.
At the time of Cleavon Little death, his estate was handled through probate in Los Angeles Superior Court, with his wife and daughter named as primary beneficiaries, and the case closed within standard timelines without media disputes over the will or trust documents California Courts.
Cleavon Little Net Worth and Financial Profile at Death
Cleavon Little net worth at death was estimated by multiple outlets to be between $1 million and $5 million, derived from residuals, syndication royalties, and personal assets, with no public SEC filings indicating large investment portfolios or business debts Forbes.
The estate generated ongoing income through reruns of "Blazing Saddles," "The Sheriff" TV pilot, and voiceover work, with royalty statements filed with the Screen Actors Guild and the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists showing consistent quarterly payouts to the estate trust SAG-AFTRA.
Cleavon Little Career Highlights and Financial Legacy
Cleavon Little won the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series in 1970 for "The Governor and J.J.," and his role as Bart in "Blazing Saddles" remains his highest-grossing film credit, with the movie generating over $119 million in global box office adjusted for inflation and continuing to earn streaming licensing fees Box Office Mojo.
Key Career Milestones and Earnings Breakdown
His television work on "Dear John" and "Designing Women" added steady residual income, while his voice role in the animated series "Mr. T and the T-Force" and guest spots on "The Love Boat" and "Fantasy Island" expanded his royalty base across multiple networks and syndication markets.
Estate Management and Heirs
Cleavon Little death left his estate to his wife, Barbara Little, and his daughter, Pamela Little, with a family trust handling licensing approvals, and the estate continues to authorize use of his likeness and clips for documentaries, biographical projects, and archival releases SEC EDGAR.