Donald Bellisario Net Worth
Donald Paul Bellisario, born August 8, 1935 in Cokeburg, Pennsylvania is an acclaimed television producer who has worked on some of the most beloved series such as JAG, Magnum PI, NCIS and Quantum Leap, making a fortune along the way.
Bellisario began his career in advertising as a copywriter before joining Lintas in New York and producing several popular television shows there. For his outstanding contributions in entertainment he received many honors, awards and recognition, such as being awarded with a star on Hollywood’s Walk of Fame.
Bellisario also created and produced the hit series “Quantum Leap,” which ran from 1989-1993 and followed scientist Sam Beckett and his adventures utilizing “leaping” into other peoples bodies to change history, garnering many awards including Primetime Emmy Awards. After its success, he continued producing successful television series such as JAG, Magnum P.I. and NCIS; co-creating “Battlestar Galactica,” one of the most beloved science fiction television shows ever made; co-creating Battlestar Galactica is another series he co-created that became immensely popular;
Donald Bellisario is an active volunteer, not only producing hit television shows but also supporting charitable work through his generous charitable donations of millions of dollars to various organizations such as Fisher House Foundation – providing housing for families of veterans receiving medical treatment – and Wounded Warrior Project; in addition to arts and culture by contributing to organizations such as Museum of Contemporary Art Los Angeles.
Donald Bellisario is a proud father to four children. He and Margaret Schaffran, whom he divorced in 1974, then had two children while married Lynn Halpern from 1979 – 1983; these marriages produced twin sons Troian and Nicolas Bellisario before Deborah Pratt became his third partner with whom he fathered twin sons Troian and Nicolas respectively in 1984 and twin sons Troian and Nicolas Bellisario were born of that union in 1984. Finally in 1998 he wed Vivienne Lee Murray with whom they welcomed two stepsons – Chad Murray (NCIS). Both these stepsons appear on NCIS today
Bellisario has done more than acting and production; in addition to writing for television shows such as NCIS and JAG. His works have earned him several prestigious awards and honors, such as receiving an Edgar Allan Poe Award and having his name immortalized on Hollywood’s Walk of Fame.
In 2006, Bellisario made an amazing donation of $1 Million to Pennsylvania State University to establish a Trustee Matching Scholarship within their College of Communications – honoring him by renaming it after him! Additionally, The Bellisario Foundation offers scholarships for media industry students; specifically catering to those unable to afford higher education. Open to any student meeting the criteria, including those studying television, film and journalism degrees as well as military veterans studying higher education – they have granted millions in scholarships since its formation!