Bette Davis Net Worth
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4 min read
Table: Bette Davis Profile
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Net Worth | $1 million at the time of her death in 1989 (adjusted for inflation: $2.5 million in today’s dollars) |
| Salary | N/A |
| Birthdate | April 5, 1908 |
| Birthplace | Lowell, Massachusetts, United States |
| Gender | Female |
| Height | N/A |
| Profession | Actress |
| Nationality | American |
What was Bette Davis’s Net Worth?
Bette Davis, the iconic American actress, had a net worth of $1 million at the time of her death in 1989. Adjusted for inflation, this would be equivalent to approximately $2.5 million in today’s dollars. However, it’s important to note that this figure represents the estimated value of her estate, as she left the majority of her wealth to an adopted son and a close friend, excluding her daughters and grandchildren.
Highlights
– Bette Davis was a prominent actress of Hollywood’s Golden Age and had a career spanning over 50 years.
– She achieved critical acclaim with her breakthrough role in “Of Human Bondage” (1934) and starred in numerous successful films, including “Jezebel,” “Dark Victory,” “The Letter,” and “All About Eve.”
– Davis earned a total of 10 Academy Award nominations throughout her career, winning the Best Actress award twice.
– Apart from her acting career, Davis co-founded the Hollywood Canteen during World War II and served as the first female president of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.
Early Life
Bette Davis, born Ruth Elizabeth Davis, entered the world on April 5, 1908, in Lowell, Massachusetts. Her parents were Harlow and Ruth Davis, and she had a younger sister named Barbara Harriet. At the age of seven, her parents separated, and Davis attended the Crestalban boarding school in Lanesborough, Massachusetts for three years. She later moved to New York City with her mother and became a Girl Scout patrol leader. Davis continued her education at Cushing Academy in Massachusetts.
Career
Davis embarked on her acting journey as a chorus girl in the play “Broadway.” Her breakthrough on Broadway came with the play “The Wild Duck” in 1929, followed by her debut in “Broken Dishes.” In 1931, Davis ventured into the world of film with her first role in Universal Studios’ “Bad Sister.” She then appeared in several other films, including “Seed,” “Waterloo Bridge,” and “Way Back Home.”
However, it was her performance in the RKO film “Of Human Bondage” (1934) that catapulted her career to new heights. Davis portrayed the character of Mildred Rogers and became the first actor to receive a write-in nomination at the Academy Awards. From this point forward, Davis continued to deliver exceptional performances in films such as “Dangerous,” “Jezebel,” “Dark Victory,” and “All About Eve.”
Personal Life
Bette Davis was married four times throughout her life. Her first husband was Harmon O. Nelson, whom she married in 1932 and divorced in 1938. She then wed innkeeper Arthur Farnsworth in 1940, but their marriage ended with Farnsworth’s passing in 1943.
In 1945, Davis married artist William Grant Sherry, with whom she had a daughter named B. D. The couple divorced in 1950. Davis’s final marriage was to actor Gary Merrill, her co-star in “All About Eve.” They adopted two children, Margot and Michael, before divorcing in 1960.
Net Worth Over Time
Bette Davis’s net worth fluctuated throughout her career and life. At the time of her death in 1989, her estate was valued at $1 million. Adjusted for inflation, this sum translates to approximately $2.5 million in today’s dollars. However, it’s worth noting that Davis left the bulk of her wealth to an adopted son and a close friend, excluding her daughters and grandchildren from her inheritance.
Components of Net Worth
The main components of Bette Davis’s net worth can be attributed to her successful acting career, which spanned over five decades. Her substantial earnings came from roles in acclaimed films, multiple Academy Award nominations, and successes at the box office. Additionally, Davis’s involvement in co-founding the Hollywood Canteen and serving as the first female president of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences further contributed to her wealth and reputation within the industry.
In conclusion, Bette Davis was an influential actress whose net worth at the time of her death was estimated to be $1 million. Although she faced some personal challenges and complexities throughout her life, Davis left an enduring legacy in the world of film and entertainment, earning accolades, critical acclaim, and the admiration of audiences worldwide.
