When you think of William Daniels, you probably hear that voice first. It’s that clipped, authoritative, yet strangely warm tone that guided a generation of kids through middle school as George Feeny. Or maybe you hear it coming from a sleek black Pontiac Trans Am named KITT. He’s the guy who played the father in The Graduate and a stubborn doctor in St. Elsewhere. But here is the thing: after seven decades in the spotlight, William Daniels net worth isn't the astronomical "blockbuster" number you might expect from a modern Marvel star.
Instead, it’s a masterclass in Hollywood longevity.
Most estimates place the William Daniels net worth at approximately $5 million as of early 2026. For a guy who started on Broadway in 1943, that number feels almost modest until you look at how the industry actually treats its veterans. This isn't "tech billionaire" money. It is "I worked every single year for 75 years and actually saved it" money.
Why the Feeny Fortune isn't what it seems
People often assume that being the face of a massive syndication hit like Boy Meets World means you’re sitting on a mountain of gold. Honestly, it’s a bit more complicated than that.
When Daniels was filming those iconic scenes in the Matthews’ backyard, the pay scales for TV actors were drastically different. While the child stars were making "good" money, Daniels was the veteran anchor. He was second-billed and commanded a respected salary, but we aren't talking about the $1 million-per-episode checks the Friends cast was pulling in toward the end of their run.
The Residual Reality
Residuals are the secret sauce of any long-term actor’s bank account. Since Boy Meets World has basically never stopped airing—moving from ABC to Disney Channel to Disney+—the checks keep coming. However, these checks tend to shrink over time. Unless you have a "backend" percentage of the show's profits (which is rare for supporting cast members of that era), those residual payments are often steady but small. They cover the property taxes; they don't buy a private island.
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The Voice of a Generation (and a Car)
You can't talk about his finances without mentioning Knight Rider.
Interestingly, Daniels actually requested to be uncredited for his voice work as KITT. He did it as a favor and, quite frankly, because he could knock it out in about an hour and a half without ever seeing the rest of the cast.
- The KITT Income: While he wasn't the star on-screen, the voice work provided a consistent stream of income that required very little "on-set" time.
- The Commercial Loop: He reprised the voice for AT&T, GE, and even The Simpsons.
- Video Games: Even as recently as 2015, he was voicing KITT for Lego Dimensions.
These "micro-gigs" add up. It’s the kind of diversified income portfolio that financial advisors dream of. He wasn't relying on one big hit; he was the voice of an icon, and icons always have a market.
Real Estate: The $63,000 Win
If you want to know where a lot of that William Daniels net worth actually sits, look at the dirt. Back in October 1976, William and his wife, Bonnie Bartlett (an Emmy-winning legend in her own right), bought a home in Studio City, California.
They paid $63,000 for it.
In 2026, that same property is valued somewhere between $2.5 million and $3.5 million. That is a staggering return on investment. While some actors blow their cash on Ferraris and failed restaurants, the Daniels-Bartlett household stayed put. They lived a relatively quiet life in a neighborhood that exploded in value around them.
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The Screen Actors Guild Presidency
In 1999, Daniels took on a role that didn't pay in cash but spoke volumes about his standing in the industry. He became the President of the Screen Actors Guild (SAG).
During his tenure, he led the longest strike in the union’s history—the 2000 commercial actors strike. He wasn't doing it for the money; he was already in his 70s. He did it because he understood the "blue-collar" side of acting. He knew that for every George Feeny, there are ten thousand actors struggling to qualify for health insurance. This period of his life cemented his legacy as more than just a performer—he was a leader.
Comparing the "Boy Meets World" Cast
It's sorta funny to see how the wealth distributed among the cast. Ben Savage, who played Cory, sits at a slightly higher net worth (around $8 million), largely because he stayed active in the industry and transitioned into directing and politics.
Daniels, however, is the only one who can say he won two Emmys for St. Elsewhere while simultaneously voicing a talking car. That kind of range is rare. His wealth is a reflection of a career built on quality and consistency rather than a single explosive "moment" in time.
What we can learn from the Feeny approach
Looking at William Daniels net worth, the takeaway isn't just about the dollar amount. It’s about the strategy.
- Longevity is the ultimate multiplier. If you work for 80 years, you don't need a $20 million paycheck to be wealthy.
- Diversification matters. Stage, screen, voice-over, and commercials—he did everything.
- Real estate is a quiet engine. Buying a home and staying in it for 50 years is one of the most effective wealth-building tools in American history.
William Daniels is currently 98 years old. He’s still appearing at conventions, still sharp as a tack, and still proving that "Mr. Feeny" was more than just a character—he was a philosophy. His net worth is a byproduct of a life lived with incredible discipline and a genuine love for the craft.
If you’re looking to build your own "Feeny-style" financial legacy, the next step is simple: focus on long-term assets rather than short-term hype. Check your local real estate trends or look into how residual-style income (like dividends or royalties) can create a floor for your future. Just like a good education, wealth is something you build slowly, one lesson at a time.