A-List Celebs You Probably Didn’t Know Inherited Huge Fortunes
Hollywood is renowned not only for its glitz and glamour but also for the legacy of wealth that many stars inherit from their illustrious families. Inherited wealth among Hollywood stars often provides a financial cushion, enabling them to pursue personal interests and careers without the burden of financial constraints.
This article delves into the lives of several Hollywood personalities who have inherited wealth, exploring how they navigate their fortunes while carving their paths in the entertainment industry.
Scarlett Johansson: Talent and Determination in Hollywood
Scarlett Johansson, Hollywood's leading starlet with a net worth of $140 million, may have had a leg up through her parents, Danish architect Karsten Olaf Johansson and film producer Melanie Sloan, but her undeniable talents and success are self-earned.
Navigating the complex landscape of Hollywood, Scarlett has etched her name in the industry with a diverse portfolio of films, from blockbuster hits like Disney's The Avengers to smaller arthouse gems like Ghost World, Lost in Translation, and Under the Skin. At 35, Scarlett's remarkable net worth reflects not just her Hollywood connections but also her dedication and hard work, particularly evident in the demanding action roles she has embraced over the past decade.
Olivia Wilde: Versatility in Acting and Directing
Olivia Wilde, the versatile actress, heiress, and activist, boasts a net worth of $20 million. Born in New York City, she honed her craft at the Gaiety School of Acting in Dublin, Ireland. Not just limited to acting, Olivia directed the film Booksmart, which was released in May 2019.
Her television breakthrough came with the popular medical series House, where she portrayed Dr. Hadley, aka "Thirteen," from 2007 to 2012, and she also expanded into filmography. While Olivia's film career began in 2005, a significant portion of her wealth stems from her father, journalist Andrew Cockburn. His million-dollar fortune provided Olivia with a substantial safety net during her early years in Hollywood.
Balthazar Getty: Balancing Artistry and Philanthropy
Balthazar Getty, whose given name is Paul, commands a net worth of $200 million as the heir to the Getty Oil fortune. Beyond his role as an heir, he is a versatile artist engaged in music production and performance. Balthazar produces music for The Wow, a rap duo, and contributes to the band Ringside.
His early acting career included memorable roles like Ralph in the cult classic Lord of the Flies and Thomas Grace on Disney's ABC show Alias. Balthazar's philanthropic efforts shine through his involvement with The Lunchbox Fund, which is dedicated to providing food to impoverished children in Africa, so he is trying to make the world a better place with all of his money.
Teresa Heinz Kerry: A Legacy of Philanthropy and Influence
Teresa Heinz, with a net worth of $750 million, is a prominent businesswoman and the widow of ketchup heir John Heinz. Born in Portugal, she currently holds dual citizenship in the United States and Portugal, residing in Fox Chapel, Pennsylvania. As the heir to the Heinz Ketchup fortune, inherited from her late husband, John Heinz, Teresa chairs Heinz's charities and is a generous donor to social and environmental causes.
Additionally, Teresa established The Heinz Awards, recognizing contributions to the environment and ecology. Her multifaceted involvement underscores her commitment to philanthropy and environmental causes.
Billie Lourd: Continuing a Star-Studded Legacy
Billie Lourd, with a net worth of $25 million, stands as the talented heiress to the legacy left by her mother, Star Wars icon Carrie Fisher, who passed away in 2016. Her Hollywood roots deepen as the daughter of Bryan Lourd, a prominent talent agent. Beyond her immediate family, she is also the granddaughter of the legendary Debbie Reynolds.
Billie, calling Beverly Hills home and an NYU alum, has made her mark in the entertainment industry with roles in TV shows like Scream Queens and American Horror Story. Despite facing the tragic loss of both her mother and grandmother, Billie has inherited a substantial sum, complemented by her own hard work and success in the industry.
Brooke Shields: From Child Star to Resilient Icon
Brooke Shields is sitting on around $25 million, thanks to her inheritance from her dad, Frank Shields, who was a big shot at Revlon. Born and raised in Manhattan, Brooke kicked off her career with a bang, earning props for her role in Pretty Baby by Louis Malle.
She didn't stop there and rocked the '80s with classics like The Blue Lagoon and Endless Love, becoming a household name. Besides lighting up the screen, she is also famous for modeling. After a blink-and-you'll-miss-it marriage to tennis star Andre Agassi, Brooke's been going strong for eighteen years with Chris Hency, and now they have two kids, who may inherit her wealth.
Chevy Chase: An Enduring Figure in American Comedy
Chevy Chase, the iconic comedian, writer, and actor hailing from Manhattan, boasts a net worth of $50 million. Cornelius Crane was born to a Manhattan book editor and magazine writer, Edward Tinsley Chase, and a concert pianist mother who inherited from The Crane Company through her stepfather, Cornelius Vanderbilt.
His nickname, Chevy, was a nod to the medieval English song "The Ballad of Chevy Chase," given by his grandmother. Despite taking a quieter stance in recent years, his wealth, built on familial connections and hard work in the '70s and '80s, solidifies Chevy Chase as an enduring American icon.
Dakota Johnson: Carving a Path in Hollywood
Dakota Johnson, flaunting a $14 million net worth, steps into the limelight as an actress and model. Born to Hollywood stars Don Johnson and Melanie Griffith in Austin, Texas, she now calls Los Angeles home.
Since her 2010 debut in the film industry, Dakota gained fame for her portrayal of Anastasia in the Fifty Shades of Grey series, bagging a People's Choice Award. Her diverse roles in films like Suspiria, The Social Network, and The Peanut Butter Falcon showcase her versatility. While her Hollywood lineage ensures financial comfort, Dakota is carving her own path, proving that for this rising star, the possibilities are limitless.
Kyra Sedgwick: Balancing Inherited Wealth and Personal Success
Kyra Sedgwick, the Golden Globe award-winning actress with a net worth of $16 million, inherited a family legacy of wealth from her father, successful venture capitalist Henry Dwight Sedgwick V.
Despite being born into affluence, Kyra forged her own path in the entertainment industry, making a name for herself from a young age with roles on Another World and in films like Phenomenon, Singles, and Born on the Fourth of July, distributed by Comcast's Universal Pictures. Beyond her successful career, Kyra is also part of a Hollywood power couple, being married to fellow icon Kevin Bacon.
Carly Simon: Musical Prodigy with a Literary Background
Carly Simon, the acclaimed singer-songwriter with a net worth of $65 million, rose to fame in the 1970s with thirteen Top 40 hits in the U.S. Her musical journey began in the duo The Simon Sisters before she embarked on a successful solo career. The daughter of Richard L. Simon, co-founder of Simon & Schuster, Carly's childhood exposure to music, led by her father's classical piano skills, ignited her passion for the art (and her net worth).
Her impressive net worth is a testament to both her musical prowess and contributions to the entertainment industry, including memorable roles in movies like John Travolta's Perfect.
Maggie Gyllenhaal: A Family Steeped in the Entertainment Industry
Maggie Gyllenhaal, with a net worth of $15 million, is the elder sibling of the renowned Gyllenhaal family, including her brother Jake Gyllenhaal. Born to screenwriter Naomi Foner and acclaimed director Stephen Gyllenhaal, Maggie embarked on her acting career as a teenager, sharing the screen with Jake in "Donnie Darko."
Gyllenhaal's notable roles in films such as "Secretary" and "Sherrybaby" earned her Golden Globe nominations, while her portrayal of Rachel in "The Dark Knight" further solidified her fame. Beyond film, Gyllenhaal has showcased her talent on Broadway in "The Real Thing" and in the BBC series "Honourable Woman."
Jake Gyllenhaal: Following in a Family's Footsteps
Jake Gyllenhaal, with a net worth of $65 million, is a Hollywood heavyweight with a pedigree deeply rooted in the entertainment industry. Son to renowned director Stephen Gyllenhaal and brother to actress Maggie Gyllenhaal, Jake's upbringing in Los Angeles paved the way for his early entry into acting.
After graduating from Columbia University, he made his mark with childhood roles in films like City Slickers and achieved his breakthrough in October Sky. Jake's success is undoubtedly bolstered by his family's industry connections, particularly his father's notable directorial career with films like Family of Spies and Waterland.
Nicky Hilton: From Heiress to Business Mogul
Nicky Hilton, with a net worth of $20 million, isn't just an heiress to the Hilton Hotels fortune; she's made a name for herself as a fashion designer and businesswoman. Born in New York City and educated at the Convent of the Sacred Heart, Nicky is the sister of Paris Hilton and married to James Rothschild, adding another layer to her family's wealth.
Her foray into modeling paved the way for a successful fashion design business. Nicky's entrepreneurial spirit continued with collaborations, including a "Mommy and Me" capsule with Tolani, demonstrating that she doesn't rest on her inherited fortune but actively contributes to her success.
Kate Hudson: Hollywood Royalty Making Her Own Mark
Kate Hudson, boasting an impressive $80 million fortune, didn't just stumble into wealth—it's a legacy inherited from Hollywood luminary Goldie Hawn. As the offspring of actor Bill Hudson and stepdaughter to the iconic Kurt Russell, Kate took her first steps into the spotlight at eleven on the stage of the Santa Monica Playhouse.
Venturing into film with 1998's Desert Blue, her breakthrough came with Almost Famous, earning her a Golden Globe. Beyond the silver screen, she's ventured into the fashion world with her label, Fabletics. While she's carved her own success, a substantial inheritance awaits when her legendary mother, Goldie, passes on.
Shannon LaNier: A Legacy Beyond Monetary Wealth
Shannon LaNier, a Houston TV anchor, may not boast the wealthiest inheritance in monetary terms, with a net worth estimated between $1-$5 million. However, his lineage is steeped in historical significance as the sixth great-grandson of Thomas Jefferson, one of the prominent founding fathers.
Despite the complexities of his ancestry, which includes Jefferson's relationship with Sally Jennings, a slave, Shannon openly embraces his genetic history and does not try to hide it. His acknowledgment of and discussions about his unique heritage underscore the richness of his familial connections, reminding us that some inheritances go beyond monetary value and hold a significant place in history.
Amanda Hearst: Heiress with a Heart for Philanthropy
Amanda Hearst, born into the lap of luxury in New York, boasts a net worth of $100 million as the heiress to the Hearst Corporation. Beyond her socialite status, she's also a model and actively involved in philanthropy. Amanda founded Friends of Finn, a charity dedicated to ending inhumane practices in puppy mills.
Adding to her impressive resume, she serves as the associate marketing editor at Marie Claire. Despite family complexities, including her non-Hearst lineage father, Amanda stands as a distant and direct relative of the infamous gold tycoon George Hearst, whose legacy paved the way for the vast Hearst fortune.
Jodie Foster: Talent and Heritage Combined
Jodie Foster, celebrated for her roles in iconic films like "Silence of the Lambs" and the original "Freaky Friday," gained fame at the age of 12 in "Taxi Driver." While she made a substantial fortune through her successful acting career, many may not be aware that she also stood to inherit a significant sum from her father, Lucius Fisher Foster III.
Lucius was a member of a wealthy Chicago family with a lineage tracing back to the Mayflower. Jodie Foster's net worth of $100 million is a testament to both her independent success in the entertainment industry and her family's affluent background.
Anderson Cooper: A Journalist with a Storied Lineage
With a substantial net worth of $110 million, Anderson Cooper is more than only a scion of the Vanderbilt family; he's carved his own path as a journalist, author, and TV personality. Born in New York City, he inherited wealth from the Vanderbilt fortune, one of America's largest.
A Yale University alumnus, Anderson began his career as a model for fashion heavyweights like Calvin Klein and Ralph Lauren, influenced by his mother, Gloria Vanderbilt, a renowned fashionista. Despite his well-connected lineage, Anderson's success is a testament to his own merit and dedication.
North West: A Star from Birth with a Bright Future
North West, with a net worth of $130 million, is one of the richest celebrity kids globally, inheriting wealth from her parents, iconic rapper Kanye West and reality star Kim Kardashian. Born nearly a month early, North faced health concerns due to being underweight at birth. However, she has since grown into a healthy child with a significant net worth.
Notably, North West has also independently earned money, appearing in commercials, television, and even a Paul McCartney music video alongside her father, Kanye West. Despite her young age, North West's net worth reflects both her inherited wealth and her own earning potential in the entertainment industry.
Cindy McCain: A Strategic Businesswoman and Philanthropist
Cindy McCain, a businesswoman born in Phoenix, Arizona, is the heiress to the significant Hensley & Co. fortune of around $200 million. Educated at the University of Southern California, she earned both her B.A. and M.A.
Despite the family's beer distribution business, Hensley & Co., Cindy initially pursued a career as a special education teacher. However, following her father's passing, she assumed the role of chair at Hensley & Co. Her dedication to charitable causes extends across the United States, reflecting a genuine commitment to giving back to those in need.
Paris Hilton: From Heiress to Entrepreneurial Success
Paris Hilton, with a net worth of $300 million, stands as one of America's most renowned celebrities and businesswomen. Born in New York City, Paris is the heiress to the Hilton Hotel fortune, a globally recognized brand. Beyond her inheritance, she has forged her path as a successful entrepreneur.
Paris has ventured into the fragrance industry with several perfume lines, generating a staggering three billion dollars in revenue. Paris also commands some pretty hefty appearance fees, earning up to $300,000 per event. Her multifaceted success exemplifies her prowess as both a heiress and a savvy businesswoman.
Taylor Swift: A Musical Legacy and Independent Achievements
Taylor Swift, with a net worth of $320 million, is one of the most renowned and successful singers globally, inheriting her wealth from her family, particularly her mother, Andrea Swift. Born in Reading, Pennsylvania, Swift's parents were involved in the financial industry, with her mother serving as a marketing executive for a mutual fund and her father working as a Merrill Lynch stockbroker.
Additionally, Swift's brother, Austin Swift, pursued a career in acting. Growing up on a Christmas tree farm that her father purchased, Swift's early life contributed to her upbringing. Besides her impressive singing career, she also has her own label, showcasing her entrepreneurial endeavors.
Ally Hilfiger: Navigating Fame and Personal Challenges
Ally Hilfiger, with a net worth of $400 million, is a socialite and the heiress to the Tommy Hilfiger fortune. Tommy Hilfiger, an iconic American fashion brand, has contributed to Ally's significant wealth. Despite her affluent background, Ally faced challenges in her childhood, battling Lyme disease, a condition caused by a bacterium carried by deer ticks.
Beyond her family's fashion empire, Ally has made a name for herself as a television producer and author. Her works focus on her struggles with Lyme disease and the quest for a normal childhood despite the disease that took over her life.
Blue Ivy Carter: A Young Heiress with a Promising Path
Blue Ivy Carter, with a net worth of $1.2 billion, is the daughter of renowned singers Beyoncé and Jay-Z. Born in 2012, she shares her parents' immense fortune along with her younger twin siblings. Blue Ivy has made occasional public appearances, joining her famous parents on tour and showcasing her spirited and humorous personality.
Despite Beyoncé's preference for keeping her personal life private, Blue Ivy has shown a big comfort in the spotlight. She has been featured on tracks alongside her parents and has shown an interest in ballet, reflecting her mother's iconic dancing skills. As a member of the Carter family, Blue Ivy is already a heiress to a substantial financial legacy.
The Kennedy Family: A Legacy of Political and Financial Influence
The Kennedy family, a longstanding political dynasty in the United States, has weathered tragedies while maintaining prominence. Their wealth originated from Joseph P. Kennedy Sr., a Boston native who amassed a fortune through investments in the stock market, commodities, real estate, and various industries.
Key figures in the family include John F. Kennedy, the former U.S. President, and his brother Bobby, the former U.S. Attorney General. They really are quite a family! As of 2016, Forbes estimated the Kennedy family's net worth at $1.2 billion, reflecting their enduring legacy and financial standing in American history.
Eve Jobs: A Quiet Heiress in a Technological Family
Eve Jobs, the relatively unknown daughter of Steve Jobs and Lauren Powell-Jobs, holds a significant inheritance from her late father's estimated $20 billion empire. Currently a student at Stanford, the same campus where her parents met, Eve has chosen to keep a low profile.
While details about her personal life are limited, it's known that she excels as an equestrian champion. Despite maintaining a minimal social media presence, Eve has been a vocal supporter of her father's philosophical outlook on life. Her substantial net worth is a testament to the legacy left by one of the tech industry's most iconic figures.
Whitney Kroenke Burditt: Merging Philanthropy with Entertainment
Whitney Kroenke Burditt, with a net worth of $2.6 billion, is the heiress to the Walmart fortune, inherited from her grandfather, James Walton, a founding partner of Walmart. Born in Los Angeles to Ann Walton and Stan Kroenke, Whitney attended Northwestern before making a name for herself in Hollywood as a film producer. Beyond her professional endeavors, Whitney is also very notably philanthropic.
It's great to see what Walmart's family wealth has brought to the world of philanthropy. As the founder and executive director of the Playing for Change charity, Whitney directs efforts to build schools for music and the arts worldwide, with a particular focus on low-income and poverty-stricken areas.
Ariana Rockefeller: Fashion and Philanthropy in a Storied Family
Ariana Rockefeller is rolling in dough with a whopping $2.8 billion fortune, courtesy of her Standard Oil lineage. As part of the iconic Rockefeller dynasty, rooted in the 19th century, her ancestors struck gold with Standard Oil, amassing billions. Despite their wealth, the Rockefellers are no strangers to charity.
Ariana, who is passionate about fashion, swapped the United Nations internship for her own successful fashion brand. Her label, now featuring a chic handbag line, is making waves. Beyond fashion, she's a big-hearted supporter of the Humane Society, even chairing the NYBG Winter Ball. This Rockefeller resides in the Upper East Side with hubby Matthew Bucklin, an entrepreneur.
Susan Alice Buffett: Continuing a Legacy of Giving
Susan Alice Buffett, with a net worth of $3 billion, is the daughter of renowned investor Warren Buffett, the owner of Berkshire Hathaway. Her substantial wealth comes from her ownership of shares in her father's investment firm, Berkshire Hathaway, which holds the majority stake in various businesses.
Beyond her financial success, Susan is a dedicated philanthropist actively engaged in various charitable efforts. Susan operates the Sherwood Foundation, channeling grants to support children from lower-income households. These grants cover areas such as education, social justice, human services, and other worthy causes. Susan's philanthropic focus extends to combating the AIDS crisis and supporting African development.
Dylan Lauren: Sweet Success in Business and Fashion
Dylan Lauren, with a net worth of $4 billion, is not just a heiress but also a successful entrepreneur in her own right. Born in New York City to fashion mogul Ralph Lauren, Dylan has carved her path by founding and owning Dylan's Candy Bar, the world's largest candy store.
Inspired by the movie Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, she has been in business for eighteen years, following in the footsteps of her accomplished father. In addition to her entrepreneurial success, Dylan's style and business acumen have earned her recognition, with a nomination as one of the "Most Stylish New Yorkers" in 2007 by US Weekly.
Chloe Green: Fashion Heiress with a Notable Lifestyle
Chloe Green, with a net worth of $4.9 billion, is the daughter of Sir Philip Green, the CEO of the fashion company TopShop and the leader of Arcadia Group, the holding company that owns various brands, including TopShop. Chloe Green has garnered attention not only for her significant inheritance but also for her high-profile relationship with her boyfriend, a former felon.
In addition to her family's business ventures, Chloe has made appearances on the reality television show "Made in Chelsea." She is very well known for her opulent lifestyle. She often shares glimpses of her extravagant experiences on social media, showcasing the time she spent on her sizable yacht named Lionchase.
Lisa Jobs: Inheriting a Legacy of Innovation
Lisa Brennan-Jobs, with a net worth of $18.8 billion, is the daughter of the late Steve Jobs, the founder and former CEO of Apple, Inc. Born in Portland, Oregon, Lisa received her education at Harvard University. As the daughter of Jobs and his first wife, Chrisann Brennan, Lisa's early years were marked by a strained relationship with her father, but they eventually reconciled.
Following Steve Jobs' passing, Lisa inherited a substantial portion of his fortune, including stock holdings in Apple. Her substantial net worth is a testament to the wealth amassed by her iconic father through his groundbreaking contributions to the technology industry.
Alexander Soros: A Philanthropic Visionary
With a staggering net worth of $20 billion, Alex Soros inherits his wealth from his father, the billionaire philanthropist and business magnate George Soros. A scholar in his own right, Alex pursued education at NYU and earned a Ph.D. in history from Berkeley. Beyond academia, he serves as the deputy chair for the Open Society Foundations, a role reflective of his commitment to philanthropy.
Alex is not just a businessman but a prolific writer, contributing to platforms like Politico, The Guardian, and The Forward. Following in his father's footsteps, he channels his wealth into causes such as the Jewish Funds for Justice and serves on the board of Global Witness, advocating against human rights abuses by multinational companies in impoverished nations.
Lydia Hearst-Shaw: Fashion and Media Influencer
Lydia Hearst Shaw, a heiress, blogger, and model, commands a staggering net worth of $28 billion inherited from the iconic William Randolph Hearst. Born in Connecticut and an alumna of Sacred Heart University, Lydia's modeling career is managed by Radius Entertainment, while the APA represents her in the theater realm.
Her marriage to podcaster and comedian Chris Hardwick adds another layer to her public persona, adding to her successful modeling career. Not content with just modeling, Lydia also designed her line of handbags for Puma French 77, showcasing her versatility and influence in the fashion world.
Anne Hearst: A Philanthropic Force in a Media Dynasty
Anne Hearst, with a net worth of $28 billion, is a socialite and philanthropist, hailing from a family with a prominent media legacy. Her grandfather, William Randolph Hearst, founded the Hearst Corporation, a significant media conglomerate. Anne's father, Randolph Hearst, served as the president of The San Francisco Examiner.
She is Randolph's daughter from his first marriage. Anne has made substantial contributions to philanthropy and currently serves as the director of The Princess Grace Foundation. Despite her family's media background, Anne has cultivated her identity as a socialite and philanthropist, contributing to various charitable causes.