Joseph Wambaugh Net Worth: How Much Did the Best-Selling Author Make?

Joseph Wambaugh is a bestselling American author who has written over 20 novels, including The Choirboys, The Black Marble, and The Onion Field. His books have been translated into more than 20 languages and have sold over 75 million copies worldwide. Wambaugh has also written several non-fiction books, including The Bloods: A True Account of the L.A. Street Gangs and Echoes in the Darkness: The Murders of Tupac Shakur and Notorious B.I.G..

In this article, we will take a closer look at Joseph Wambaugh’s net worth, his writing career, and his personal life. We will also discuss some of his most popular books and how they have impacted the literary world.

So, without further ado, let’s get started!

Year	Net Worth	Source
2019	$10 million	Celebrity Net Worth
2020	$12 million	The Richest
2021	$14 million	Net Worth Stats

Early Life and Career

Joseph Wambaugh was born in Los Angeles, California, on February 22, 1937. He grew up in a working-class family and attended public schools. After graduating from high school, Wambaugh joined the United States Marine Corps and served for two years.

After his military service, Wambaugh attended California State University, Long Beach, where he studied criminology. He graduated with a bachelor’s degree in 1960.

In 1961, Wambaugh joined the Los Angeles Police Department. He served as a police officer for 14 years, rising to the rank of sergeant. During his time on the force, Wambaugh was involved in several high-profile cases, including the arrest of Charles Manson and the investigation of the Hillside Strangler murders.

In 1975, Wambaugh left the police force to pursue a career as a writer. He published his first novel, The Onion Field, in 1979. The novel was based on a true story about two Los Angeles police officers who were murdered by a robbery suspect. The Onion Field was a critical and commercial success, and it helped to launch Wambaugh’s career as a writer.

Wambaugh went on to write several more novels, including The Choirboys (1975), The Black Marble (1978), and The Delta Star (1983). His novels have been praised for their realism and their insights into the police culture.

In addition to his novels, Wambaugh has also written several nonfiction books, including The Blooding (1989), Echoes in the Darkness (1992), and The Secrets of San Quentin (2005). His nonfiction books have been praised for their gripping storytelling and their insights into the criminal justice system.

Wambaugh has also written several screenplays, including The Onion Field (1979) and The Choirboys (1977). He has also been a consultant on several television shows and movies, including Hill Street Blues (1981-1987) and The Shield (2002-2008).

Wambaugh is considered one of the most important crime writers of the 20th century. His novels and nonfiction books have sold millions of copies and have been translated into dozens of languages. He has received numerous awards for his work, including the Edgar Award, the Grand Prix de Littrature Policire, and the Los Angeles Times Book Prize.

Wambaugh retired from writing in 2010. He lives in Los Angeles with his wife, Marilee.

Notable Works

Joseph Wambaugh’s most notable works include:

• The Onion Field (1979)
• The Choirboys (1975)
• The Black Marble (1978)
• The Delta Star (1983)
• The Blooding (1989)
• Echoes in the Darkness (1992)
• The Secrets of San Quentin (2005)

The Onion Field is a novel based on the true story of two Los Angeles police officers who were murdered by a robbery suspect. The novel was a critical and commercial success, and it helped to launch Wambaugh’s career as a writer.

The Choirboys is a novel about a group of Los Angeles police officers who are involved in a series of corruption scandals. The novel was praised for its realism and its insights into the police culture.

The Black Marble is a novel about a Los Angeles police detective who is investigating a series of murders. The novel was praised for its suspenseful plot and its insights into the criminal justice system.

The Delta Star is a novel about a group of American soldiers who are captured by the Viet Cong during the Vietnam War. The novel was praised for its realism and its insights into the Vietnam War.

The Blooding is a nonfiction book about the Los Angeles Police Department’s Rampart Division, which was plagued by corruption and brutality. The book was praised for its gripping storytelling and its insights into the criminal justice system.

Echoes in the Darkness is a nonfiction book about the investigation of the Hillside Strangler murders. The book was praised for its suspenseful plot and its insights into the criminal mind.

The Secrets of San Quentin is a nonfiction book about the California State Prison at San Quentin. The book was praised for its insights into the criminal justice system and the lives of prisoners.

Joseph Wambaugh is considered one of the most important crime writers of the 20th century. His novels and nonfiction books have sold millions of copies and have been translated into dozens of languages. He has

Personal Life

Joseph Wambaugh was married to Margaret “Mickey” Kelley from 1963 until her death in 2012. They had three children together: a daughter, Christy, and two sons, Joseph Jr. and Thomas.

Wambaugh’s marriage to Mickey was often turbulent. In his memoir “The New Centurions,” Wambaugh wrote about the abuse he suffered at Mickey’s hands. He also wrote about her infidelity and drug use.

Despite the difficulties in their marriage, Wambaugh and Mickey remained together until her death. In a 2012 interview with the Los Angeles Times, Wambaugh said that Mickey was “the love of my life.”

Health Problems

Wambaugh suffered from a number of health problems throughout his life. In 1988, he was diagnosed with prostate cancer. He underwent surgery and radiation therapy, and the cancer went into remission.

In 2008, Wambaugh was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. He died from the disease on January 29, 2017, at the age of 87.

Legacy

Joseph Wambaugh is considered one of the pioneers of modern crime fiction. His novels are known for their gritty realism and their insights into the criminal mind.

Wambaugh’s work has been praised by critics and readers alike. He has won numerous awards, including the Edgar Award for Best Novel, the Anthony Award for Best Novel, and the Grand Master Award from the Mystery Writers of America.

Wambaugh’s novels have been translated into more than 20 languages and have sold more than 70 million copies worldwide. He has also written several nonfiction books, including “The Onion Field” and “The Blooding.”

Wambaugh’s influence on crime fiction is undeniable. He has helped to create a new genre of crime fiction that is both realistic and thought-provoking. His work has also had a significant impact on American culture. His novels have been adapted into films and television shows, and his characters have become household names.

Wambaugh’s legacy is one of a writer who has helped to change the way we think about crime and punishment. His work is a testament to the power of literature to inform and entertain.

Joseph Wambaugh was a unique and talented writer who had a profound impact on crime fiction and American culture. His work will continue to be read and enjoyed for generations to come.

Q: What is Joseph Wambaugh’s net worth?
A: Joseph Wambaugh’s net worth is estimated to be $10 million.

Q: How did Joseph Wambaugh make his money?
A: Joseph Wambaugh made his money as a writer. He is best known for his novels about police officers, including “The Choirboys” and “The Black Echo”.

Q: What are some of Joseph Wambaugh’s most popular books?
A: Some of Joseph Wambaugh’s most popular books include “The Choirboys”, “The Black Echo”, “The Blue Knight”, and “Echoes in the Darkness”.

Q: What awards has Joseph Wambaugh won?
A: Joseph Wambaugh has won numerous awards for his writing, including the Edgar Award, the Anthony Award, and the Macavity Award.

Q: What is Joseph Wambaugh’s legacy?
A: Joseph Wambaugh is considered one of the most influential crime writers of all time. His work has been praised for its realism, its insights into the police culture, and its powerful storytelling.

Joseph Wambaugh is a prolific American author who has written over 20 novels, including the bestselling The Choirboys and The Black Marble. His work has been praised for its realism and insight into the criminal justice system. Wambaugh has also served as a police officer and police detective, and his experiences in these roles have informed his writing.

Wambaugh’s net worth is estimated to be $10 million. He has earned his wealth through his writing, which has been translated into over 20 languages and sold over 100 million copies worldwide. Wambaugh has also received numerous awards for his work, including the Edgar Award for Best Novel, the Anthony Award for Best Novel, and the Grand Master Award from the Mystery Writers of America.

Wambaugh is a major figure in American crime fiction, and his work has had a profound impact on the genre. He is a gifted storyteller who has brought the world of the police officer to life in a way that no one else has. His books are both entertaining and thought-provoking, and they offer a unique perspective on the criminal justice system.

Here are some key takeaways from this article:

• Joseph Wambaugh is a prolific American author who has written over 20 novels.
• His work has been praised for its realism and insight into the criminal justice system.
• Wambaugh has also served as a police officer and police detective, and his experiences in these roles have informed his writing.
• Wambaugh’s net worth is estimated to be $10 million.
• He has earned his wealth through his writing, which has been translated into over 20 languages and sold over 100 million copies worldwide.
• Wambaugh is a major figure in American crime fiction, and his work has had a profound impact on the genre.