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Sharon Tate Net Worth

James H. Sterling • Sep 30, 2026 • 6 min read

Sharon Tate Net Worth and Rise to Stardom

Highlights

• Sharon Tate had a net worth of $300,000 at the time of her death.
• She was a highly promising actress and model in the 1960s.
• Tate starred in films such as “Eye of the Devil,” “Valley of the Dolls,” and “The Wrecking Crew.”
• Her career was tragically cut short when she was brutally murdered by the Manson Family in 1969.
• She was eight and a half months pregnant at the time.

Early Life

Sharon Tate was born on January 24, 1943, in Dallas, Texas. She was the eldest of three daughters of Doris and US Army officer Paul Tate. Tate’s mixed heritage included English, French, and Swiss descent. Her father’s work often led to frequent moves, and by the age of 16, she had already lived in six different cities. This nomadic lifestyle made it challenging for her to maintain long-lasting relationships.

Tate received her education at various schools due to her family’s constant relocation. She attended South Shaver Elementary in Pasadena, Texas; Chief Joseph Junior High School; Columbia High School in Richland, Washington; Irvin High School in El Paso, Texas; and eventually graduated from Vicenza American High School in Italy in 1961.

Career

Sharon Tate’s journey to stardom began with her participation in beauty pageants. In 1959, she won the Miss Richland title in Washington. After relocating to Italy, Tate gained local fame when her photograph in a swimsuit appeared on the cover of the military paper, Stars and Stripes. Shortly after, she and her friends from Vicenza American High School got the opportunity to work as extras in the film “Hemingway’s Adventures of a Young Man,” which was being shot near their school. Tate also served as an extra in the film “Barabbas,” starring Anthony Quinn. In 1962, she returned to the US with her family and secured representation with agent Harold Gefsky in Los Angeles.

Tate’s career initially involved appearances in advertisements and small television roles. She made cameo appearances on sitcoms like “Mister Ed” and “The Beverly Hillbillies.” Although she faced initial rejections for major film roles in “The Cincinnati Kid” and “The Sound of Music,” she eventually landed walk-on roles in “The Americanization of Emily” and “The Sandpiper.”

Rise to Stardom

Sharon Tate’s breakthrough came with her role in the 1966 British mystery horror film, “Eye of the Devil.” She starred alongside Deborah Kerr, David Niven, David Hemmings, and Donald Pleasence. Tate portrayed Odile de Caray, a witch. The following year, she appeared in the British horror comedy “The Fearless Vampire Killers,” directed by her husband, Roman Polanski. After returning to the US, Tate starred in the sex comedy “Don’t Make Waves” and the film adaptation of the best-selling novel “Valley of the Dolls,” where she played the role of Jennifer North, an aspiring actress. In 1968, she acted opposite Dean Martin in the spy comedy “The Wrecking Crew,” which garnered positive reviews.

Tragically, Tate’s successful career was cut short when she fell victim to the violent acts of the Manson Family cult. On August 9, 1969, she, along with Jay Sebring, Wojciech Frykowski, and Abigail Folger, was brutally murdered at her home at 10050 Cielo Drive in Los Angeles. Tate was eight and a half months pregnant at the time. The shocking event marked the end of an era and had a significant impact on American society.

Personal Life

In terms of personal life, Sharon Tate had a tumultuous romantic journey. She initially dated French actor Philippe Forquet and became engaged to him. However, their relationship ended due to conflicts and career pressures. Tate then formed a close bond with Hollywood hair stylist Jay Sebring, who proposed to her, but she declined. It was during the filming of “The Fearless Vampire Killers” in London that she met her future husband, director Roman Polanski. They became increasingly close and eventually got married in London in early 1968 amid intense media attention. Tate desired a traditional marriage, while Polanski embraced a more promiscuous lifestyle. The couple became part of the social elite in Hollywood, residing in famous establishments like the Chateau Marmont and the home of Patty Duke in Beverly Hills. They were expecting their first child when Tate tragically lost her life in 1969.

Net Worth Over Time

At the time of her death, Sharon Tate’s net worth was approximately $300,000. Adjusting for inflation, this would be equivalent to the same value in today’s dollars. However, it is essential to note that her potential earnings and net worth could have significantly increased if she had lived longer and continued her successful acting career.

Components of Net Worth

Tate’s net worth primarily consisted of her earnings from acting and modeling. Her successful film and television appearances, as well as her international recognition, contributed to her financial status. Additionally, her marriage to director Roman Polanski provided further opportunities for career development and increased financial prospects. However, her untimely death prevented further accumulation of wealth, leaving behind an estate valued at $45,400, which was divided equally among her husband, two sisters, and parents.

Conclusion

Sharon Tate was a rising star in the 1960s entertainment industry, known for her beauty, talent, and promising acting career. Tragically, her life was cut short by the heinous acts of the Manson Family cult. Despite her untimely demise, Tate’s impact on the film industry and popular culture remains significant. Her films, such as “Eye of the Devil” and “Valley of the Dolls,” have garnered a cult following, and critics have reevaluated her work, finding new value in her performances. Tate’s legacy endures through various portrayals of her life in films and television series. Her contributions and the impact of her death on victims’ rights are remembered and honored by her family through the Doris Tate Crime Victims Foundation.