The 1970s have long been considered one of the most pivotal eras of music. Many of my musical heroes, such as Marvin Gaye, John Lenon, and Aretha Franklin, dominated and influenced the culture.
Donny Osmond stood amid such legends, alongside his singing family of six brothers and one sister, “The Osmonds.” Family groups were huge then, and ensembles like The Osmonds and The Jackson Five sold millions worldwide.
After becoming a solo performer, Donny Osmond enjoyed massive success from his singing, acting, and television hosting.
Keep reading to learn more about Donny Osmond net worth. Discover the musical icon’s early life, colorful career, and latest updates.
How Much Is Donny Osmond Worth Today?
Following several decades of success, the 67-year-old singer, author, and television personality built a substantial fortune with his career.
According to Celebrity Net Worth, Donny Osmond has a net worth of $8 million.
Despite his considerable wealth, the “I’ll Make A Man Out of You” singer continues to perform without showing signs of resting anytime soon.
Now in his seventh decade in the industry, Donny appears on stage on the Las Vegas Strip weekly. He’s set to return to the UK for a role in Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, a Bible-inspired musical.
Reflecting on his roller-coaster career, Donny shared heartfelt career advice to young rising stars: “Don’t believe your own hype; take the trash out; do your own laundry. I did mine last night.”
Donny Osmond’s Early Life
Donald Clark “Donny” Osmond was born in Ogden, Utah, on December 9, 1957. He was the seventh son of eight siblings born from parents, Virl Osmond and Olive May.
The young Donny grew up in a deeply religious household. Their family was a prominent member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, which meant the Osmonds had to maintain a respectable image.
That said, Donny and his siblings were incredibly musically talented, paving the way for the family’s great success in the music scene.
Donny Osmond’s Career History
Donny Osmond’s rise to fame started as a simple weekend getaway—and a great deal of luck.
In the early 1960s, the Osmonds went to see the television impresario, Lawrence Welk, who was performing in California.
They couldn’t meet with the famous accordion player, so they decided to swing by Disneyland. On their visit, Walt Disney discovered the Osmond siblings.
The Osmond Brothers
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The Osmond Brothers started performing for the amusement park but were later asked to sing on The Andy Williams Show (1962), opening their act to a wider audience.
They became the show’s regular guests for nine years, and Donny joined the group when he was five. They initially sang classic, religious quartet-style harmonies, though they’d later add popular tunes to their acts.
After their run on The Andy Williams Show ended, The Osmonds spent two years of their career looking for a breakthrough.
Their long-awaited success finally came when Mike Curb and Rick Hall discovered “One Bad Apple,” a song originally chosen for The Jackson Five but was recorded by The Osmonds.
Released in November 1970, “One Bad Apple” became a massive hit, topping the Billboard Hot 100 for five weeks straight.
Like his childhood friend and fellow superstar, Michael Jackson, who was The Jackson Five’s standout performer, Donny became the primary face of their ensemble.
The Osmond Brothers enjoyed much success for several years. They traveled worldwide performing fan-favorite songs like “Puppy Love,” “Go Away Little Girl,” and “Twelfth of Never.”
Donny & Marie
Of course, like many singing groups before them, The Osmonds’ fame started to dwindle over time. It was then that Donny Osmond chose to become a solo artist.
“I wanted to be Elton John, I wanted to be Stevie Wonder but I really wanted to be Sly Stone without the drugs,” Donny said in an interview with People.
Donny’s first hit song came in 1971 when his cover of Roy Orbison’s “Sweet and Innocent” reached number 7 in the U.S. charts. He was one of the major cover boys for “16” and “Tiger Beat” magazines then.
In 1974, Donny collaborated with his sister, Marie, and co-hosted The Mike Douglas Show. The sibling’s astounding chemistry on-screen led to an offer to have their own variety show on ABC.
The duo accepted the offer, on the condition that the show involved their entire family. Donny and Marie started airing in 1976 and ended in 1979.
Books, Television, and Broadway Shows
After their four-year variety show ended, Donny experienced a long lull in his career. “I was uncool to the max, a prisoner of my teenybopper past,” he wrote on his website, recounting the rough patches of his career.
It wasn’t until 1989, at the release of his Soldier of Love album, which peaked at number 2 on the Billboard pop charts, that Donny was able to revive his place in the music scene.
He’d also later appear as a bestselling author for his memoir, Life Is Just What You Make It: My Life So Far, and a TV game show host for Pyramid.
In 2006, Donny was cast as Gaston in the Broadway musical, Beauty and the Beast, before reuniting with his sister, Marie, to co-host America’s Favorite Mom. He recently released an album, Start Again, in time for his 65th anniversary in the industry.
Relationships
Donny Osmond and his wife Debbie met as teenagers and dated for three years before getting married in 1978.
After their wedding, they had five children: sons Donny Jr., Jeremy, Brandon, Chris, and Josh. Over the years, their children have started families of their own, blessing the couple with 14 grandchildren.
Final Thoughts
Donny Osmond’s career is quite a roller-coaster ride. Yet, against all odds, he undoubtedly left an indelible mark on the musical industry that no one can take away.
Now enjoying a substantial net worth of $8 million, Donny Osmond lives with his wife, Debra Glenn, alongside their beautiful children and grandchildren.