Reaching celebrity status comes with many pros, and one of them often involves a very heavy bank account. What’s really surprising though, is that some celebs from decades ago are still the multi-millionaires of today, having grown their net worth in ways that are completely mind-blowing. While some of these celebs have moved away from the public eye, many of them have continued to remain active in the industry, while making tons of money. From the likes of Cybil Shepherd to Drew Barrymore, find out how these celebrities have kept their wallets full throughout the years.
1. Jack Nicholson - $400 Million
Jack Nicholson has had a tremendously long and successful career, with his breakthrough role going all the way back to 1969 when he starred in the film Easy Rider. His acting in One Flew Over The Cuckoo’s Nest, released in 1975, only reinforced his rapidly rising career, making him one of the most iconic actors of our time. His performances have earned him a whole lot of money, which he made sure to multiply through his estate investments and a number of film percentages.
2. Cher - $360 Million
There is absolutely no one like pop icon Cher! The legendary artist has managed to never go out of style, be it with her music, her fashion, or her incredible presence anywhere she goes. And while Cher has continued to grace us with her award-winning performances in the music and film industries, she has also been instrumental in the activism field, especially when it comes to LGBTIQ+ rights, anti-poverty causes and advocacy for veterans.
3. Gene Hackman - $80 Milion
Though Gene Hackman has been retired for a while from the acting world, the star has remained a favorite amongst fans. He played in classic movies such as Hoosiers (1996), Superman (1978), and of course, The French Connection (1971). For his impeccable acting skills, he has received several award nominations, of which he won two of them. Hackman’s career started back in 1956, and curiously, he’s been friends with another famous actor since then, Dustin Hoffman.
4. Cybill Shepherd - $40 Million
Cybill Shepherd rose to fame when she participated in a beauty pageant in her hometown of Memphis at the age of sixteen. She instantly fell in love with the modeling world, growing up to become one of the most respected models of our time. The combination of her golden hair, incomparable charisma, and profound talent also led her to star in a number of films and TV shows, with her breakthrough role being The Last Picture Show (1971) and later on Taxi Driver (1976).
5. Robert Duvall - $70 Million
A respected actor, Robert Duval began his acting career in the 1950s, after serving in the Korean War for some time. He then trained in NYC, in the esteemed Neighborhood Playhouse School of Theatre. Over the years, he has received numerous Golden Globes and an Academy Award. His first TV debut happened in the classic TV show M.A.S.H, but he went on to play in movies like The Godfather (1972) and Apocalypse Now (1979).
6. Tommy Lee Jones - $85 Million
Tommy Lee Jones is one of the most esteemed actors of his time, having started his career in broadway and then moving on to the film industry. He received critical acclaim for his roles in films such as The Betsy and Jackson County during the 1970s. Though he continued to act in several films, his real breakthrough role happened on TV, in the show One Life to Live. After decades of acting, the millionaire decided to switch to writing and directing, continuing to create extremely successful films.
7. Winona Ryder - $18 Million
Winona Laura Horowitz, professionally known as Winona Ryder, started her career early and gained some notability towards the end of the 1980s. The actress and director didn’t take too long until she gained recognition for her talented acting in movies such as Heathers (1989) and Beetlejuice (1988). After defining an entire decade, she went on a short hiatus but came back stronger than ever. She has continued to star in award-winning shows, while also making important donations to the American Indian College Fund.
8. Robert De Niro - $300 Million
For real, has anyone not heard about Robert De Niro? One of the most acclaimed actors of all time, De Niro started his acting career way back in 1968. But his complete dedication and immersion to every role he played made him stand out immediately, as he continues to arguably surpass any expectations in all projects he works in. De Niro now produces and directs his own lucrative films, while also investing in estates, co-owning a restaurant, and advocating for political issues.
9. Robert Pine - $4 Million
Born in New York City, Robert Pine has been an essential actor in the industry since the 1970s, when he starred in the hit show CHiPs, playing the role of Sergeant Joseph Getraer. The series was such a success that it aired for six seasons, between the years of 1997 and 1983, becoming one of the primary shows of the NBC network. Pine has been married to Gwynne Gilford since 1969, who curiously appeared in a couple of episodes with him on ChiPs, under the character of Betty Gerber.
10. Drew Barrymore - $125 million
Drew Barrymore started her career as a child star and has since grown to become one of America’s most cherished sweethearts. She rose to fame in the 1980s after starring in the high-grossing film E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial. She continued to act and to model throughout the years, sometimes struggling to grow up in the eyes of the public. Today, she gives quite generously to causes she believes in, while simultaneously being the Ambassador for the UN World Food Programme.
11. Barbra Streisand - $400 Million
Barbra Streisand has undoubtedly defined what talent means for her entire generation. What’s even more incredible about her career is the way she rose from nothing, to one of the richest musicians of all time. Her unique voice and peculiar acting skills made her stand out decades ago when she was just a struggling artist in the Big Apple. After winning countless awards and releasing dozens of albums, Streisand now focuses primarily on her philanthropy work.
12. Al Pacino - $165 Million
Al Pacino has been in the business of acting for over five decades, having received a handful of awards and nominations. His film debut came at the age of 29 at the end of the 1960s with his minor role in the movie Me, Natalie. Since then, Al Pacino has continued to grace the industry with his talent, while also supporting several causes and charities that he vehemently believes in.