When people think of Hollywood and the entertainment industry, one of the first images that comes to mind is luxury, red carpets, expensive gowns, mansions, private jets, and the kind of lifestyle most people only dream of. But behind the glitz and glamour lies a fascinating truth: not all wealth in Hollywood comes from acting alone. Many of the world’s richest actresses have not only dazzled audiences on screen but have also been savvy enough to invest, diversify, and build massive business empires.
The richest actresses in the world are more than just stars; they are entrepreneurs, producers, investors, and in some cases, even billionaires, because of their smart decisions. Some built their fortunes primarily through acting and endorsements, while others leveraged their fame with business such as skincare, fashion, production, and even sports team ownership.
It’s also important that being the richest actress in Hollywood doesn’t always mean earning the most per film. A-list actresses may make millions per role, but true wealth often comes from recurring royalties, business ownership, brand partnerships, and long-term investments. For example, Jami Gertz, the wealthiest actress in the world, owes much of her $8 billion fortune to business and investments rather than acting roles.
In this article, we’ll discuss the Top 10 richest actresses in the world, with their net worth, career highlights, and how they built their empires. You might be surprised to find that some names on the list aren’t as visible in Hollywood today, yet their fortunes far surpass those who dominate the spotlight.
Top 10 Richest Actresses in the World
As of 2025, the richest actresses globally have diversified their earnings beyond acting, venturing into business, investments, and other ventures. Here’s a list of the top 10 richest actresses based on available data.
- Jami Gertz
- Oprah Winfrey
- Selena Gomez
- Zhao Wei
- Jennifer Lopez
- Reese Witherspoon
- Victoria Principal
- Jennifer Aniston
- Julia Roberts
- Julia Louis-Dreylus
1. Jami Gertz
Jami Gertz, who is the “Richest Actress in the World,” has an incredible $12 billion in net worth. The 59-year-old American actress, businesswoman, and sports team owner has built up a fortune that goes well beyond Hollywood. Her income comes from an intelligent mixture of investments, including real estate holdings, earnings from co-owning Atlanta Hawks, and annual returns estimated to be between $50 and $100 million.
The Lost Boys (1987), Square Pegs, Twister, and other films were among Gertz’s breakthrough performances in the 1980s. He also started a production business called Lime Orchard Productions and was nominated for an Emmy for a cameo appearance on Ally McBeal. She made a brief return with I Want You Back in 2022, but acting has taken place since her last regular TV role ended in 2014.
2. Oprah Winfrey
Oprah Winfrey is one of the richest actresses in the world, with a net worth of $3.1 billion at the age of 71. Oprah, who’s most famous for her iconic role in The Color Purple (1985), is much more than just an actor. She is a media tycoon, producer, and philanthropist whose empire includes magazine endeavors like O, The Oprah Magazine, the OWN network, and Harpo Productions.
She established one of the biggest entertainment business empires by co-founding Oxygen and OWN. She has received many Emmy Awards, the Presidential Medal of Freedom, and even a Tony Award. She keeps growing her influence through media endeavors and philanthropy, mainly through the Oprah Foundation and her various initiatives in education. Her wealth, estimated between $2.5 billion and $3 billion, secures her legacy as one of the most successful women in entertainment history.
3. Selena Gomez
Selena Gomez, who is 33 years old, is currently included in the list of billionaires with an estimated net worth of $1 billion. The American singer, actress, and businesswoman became well-known after her breakthrough performance in Wizards of Waverly Place, but she has since become an important influence in the world of business. Her cosmetics brand, Rare Beauty, is worth between $1.3 billion and $2 billion, and it accounts for a large portion of her wealth. Her revenue comes from acting, music, endorsements, and production work in addition to makeup. Her fortune is further diversified by her investments in startups and her co-founding of Wondermind.
Selena is still doing well after being named the Billboard Woman of the Year and being listed in Forbes 30 Under 30. She presently promotes mental health while starring in and executive producing the popular television show Only Murders in the Building. through her Rare Impact Fund. Her net worth, estimated between $700 million and $1.3 billion, firmly places her among the richest actresses in the world.
4. Zhao Wei
Zhao Wei is a Chinese singer, actress, and businesswoman who is estimated to be worth $500 million. She is still among the richest and most successful actresses in Chinese cinema at the age of 49. Zhao’s stunning performance in My Fair Princess (1998) started her career, and her directing debut, So Young, broke records. She established businesses in various sectors and earned a sizable share in Alibaba Pictures, which contributed considerably to her income beyond performing and music.
She is still one of the richest celebrities in China and has won many awards during her career, like the Hong Kong Film Award for Best Actress. Her projects were put on hold in 2021, nevertheless, because of a business blacklist. In spite of this setback, her wealth and influence still secure her spot among the richest actresses in the world.
5. Jennifer Lopez
Jennifer Lopez, also known as JLo, is one of the richest actresses in the world, with a net worth of $400 million. The American actress, singer, producer, and businesswoman is still the biggest star in entertainment at the age of 56. She built a multi-hyphenate career after receiving critical acclaim for her breakthrough performance in Selena (1997).
JLo’s wealth is derived from her successful fashion and fragrance brands, as well as her production company, Nuyorican Productions, and her acting and singing careers. Her acting and music have earned her awards and she has been nominated for a Grammy. She is still doing music now, as evidenced by her 2024 album This Is Me…Now, and she also co-produces Netflix content. Her position is guaranteed by her ability to manage her career in music, movies, and business among the top richest actresses in the world.
6. Reese Witherspoon
Reese Witherspoon, 49, has an estimated net worth of $400 million, making her one of the richest actresses in the world. Reese, who earned fame for her stunning performance in Legally Blonde (2001), has developed a successful career as an actor, producer, and businesswoman. Her media business, Hello Sunshine, which sold for an amazing $900 million, made up a large portion of her wealth.
She kept a share of the business after the sale, and she still produces big shows like the highly regarded The Morning Show. As an actress, Reese also manages a popular book club that is often adapted for television or movies. She has won many awards, including an Emmy and an Academy Award for Walk the Line. for Big Little Lies. Forbes recognized her as one of the richest actresses in 2025, and her smart business choices ensure her continued dominance in Hollywood.
7. Victoria Principal
Victoria Principal, 75, is still among the richest actors in the world with a net worth of $350 million, even though she left the limelight years ago. Victoria, who is best known for starring in the popular television series Dallas (1978–1987), made a smooth transition from acting to business. Her skincare company, Principal Secret, became a major commercial success, and she used it to build her riches. She also wrote best-selling books on self-care and beauty and founded her own production company.
Victoria’s wealth has grown even more as a result of her significant real estate investments outside of business. Her business endeavors and investments keep her financially relevant and place her among the richest actresses of her time, despite the fact that she is no longer acting.
8. Jennifer Aniston
Jennifer Aniston, who is 56 years old, has a $320 million net worth and is still highly influential in Hollywood. Her famous role as Rachel Green in Friends (1994–2004) started her career and continues to bring in over $20 million a year in residuals. Aniston developed her acting and producing career outside of Friends by starting Echo Films to make films and television shows. She has rich sponsorship deals and has ventured into the cosmetics market with her brand, LolaVie.
She has received many awards over her career, including a Screen Actors Guild Award and a Golden Globe. Jennifer is still one of Hollywood’s most lovable and richest actresses, and she continues to make and stars in films today. Her mix of business activities, and acting income, and endorsements keeps her firmly among the richest actresses in the world.
9. Julia Roberts
Julia Roberts is one of the richest actresses in the world, with an estimated net worth of $250 million. She is still among the most famous people in Hollywood at the age of 57. She became famous with her stunning performance in Pretty Woman (1990), and she thereafter earned some of the highest pay in the business. Through Red Om Films, her production firm, Roberts is also a successful producer, working on films like Homecoming and Eat Pray Love. Her income is greatly increased by her long-standing sponsorship deals with well-known businesses, including Lancôme.
Julia has received multiple Golden Globes and an Academy Award for Erin Brockovich, among other honours. She was most recently made a Knight of the Order of Arts and Letters in France. Although her on-screen appearances have slowed, her financial success and industry influence remain undeniable.
10. Julia Louis-Dreyfus
Julia Louis-Dreyfus has a $250 million fortune and a legendary comedy and television career. She is 64 years old and famous for her stunning performance in Seinfeld as Elaine Benes and her highly praised roles in Veep. Julia has an all-time high of Primetime Emmy Awards for her performance in a comedy series, making her one of the most prestigious and wealthy actresses in the world. Her family’s business empire, the Louis-Dreyfus Company, contributes to her income outside of performing. She has been a part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe since Thunderbolts, and she still produces high-profile films. She is one of the richest actresses in Hollywood because of her combination of producing work, television success, and family wealth.
Conclusion –
The top 10 richest actresses in the world show us that success in Hollywood is about much more than just delivering a strong performance on screen. From Jami Gertz’s $12 billion fortune tied to business and sports ownership to Reese Witherspoon’s billion-dollar media empire, these women have rewritten the rules of wealth in entertainment.
Ultimately, the richest actresses are not just stars on the big screen. They are businesswomen, visionaries, and cultural icons who continue to influence industries far beyond Hollywood. Their journeys prove that with talent, strategy, and the courage to take risks, fame can indeed be transformed into fortune. estimated net worth of $12 billion, largely due to her marriage to billionaire Tony Ressler and their business ventures, including co-ownership of the Atlanta Hawks NBA team.
FAQs
1. How do actresses earn money beyond acting?
They diversify through business ownership, endorsements, real estate investments, production companies, and brand deals. Many also create beauty, fashion, or wellness lines that become highly profitable.
2. Which actress is the youngest among the richest?
Among the current list, Jessica Biel is one of the youngest at age 43 (in 2025), and she has built her wealth through acting, producing, and joint investments with her husband, Justin Timberlake.
3. Has any actress reached billionaire status solely through acting?
No. While actresses like Reese Witherspoon and Jennifer Aniston have earned massive salaries, billionaire status has been achieved through business, investments, and media ownership—not just acting roles.
4. Who might join this list in the coming years?
Actresses like Scarlett Johansson, Margot Robbie, and Zendaya could join in the future, given their growing influence, box office success, and moves into production and business ventures.
