Bette Davis was an actress who became one of the most famous stars in Hollywood. She had a long career that lasted over 60 years.
The actress has starred in many popular movies and won several awards. She was not only a talented actress but also a smart businesswoman. Bette made wise investments and used her fame to build a successful career outside of acting.
Even though she faced challenges in her personal and professional life, Bette Davis remained one of Hollywood’s top stars.
This article looks into Bette Davis’s net worth, career earnings, and investments. It also focuses on her personal life, early career, and the charitable causes she supported, highlighting the lasting impact she made on the entertainment world.
Net Worth of Bette Davis
Bette Davis passed away in 1989, and at that time, her estimated net worth was about $1 million. While this may not seem like a lot compared to today’s celebrities, when adjusted for inflation, it would be worth approximately $2.5 million today.
Her wealth came mostly from her long and successful acting career. Bette Davis was one of the most famous actresses in Hollywood, and she worked in over 100 films. She became known for her performances and unique style, which made her a star.
Many of the movies she starred in, such as All About Eve and What Ever Happened to Baby Jane?, are still remembered today.
Overall, her hard work, dedication to her craft, and lasting impact on the film industry were key factors in building her wealth.
Despite facing many personal and professional challenges, Bette Davis’s career left a huge mark on Hollywood.
Bette Davis’ Diversified Investments
| Type of Investment | Description |
|---|---|
| Property Investments | Bette Davis purchased and sold various homes and real estate, which increased in value over time, adding to her wealth. |
| Business Ventures | She was involved in producing films, giving her more control over her projects and allowing her to earn money from both acting and producing. |
| Endorsements | Bette used her fame to do endorsements, working with different brands to earn extra income outside of acting. |
| Entertainment Industry Involvement | Beyond acting, Bette Davis made financial moves within the entertainment industry, expanding her wealth through producing and other ventures. |
Bette Davis’ Overall Career Earnings
At the beginning of her career, Bette Davis made $300 per week on Broadway, which would be about $5,000 today. Later, her contract with Warner Brothers paid her $5,500 per week for 40 weeks each year, which is nearly $96,000 today.
She also made an extra $50,000 from radio work, which is about $871,000 today. Bette Davis had a highly successful career, earning a lot from her iconic roles in over 100 films.
Some of her biggest hits were All About Eve, What Ever Happened to Baby Jane?, and Jezebel. These movies made her a Hollywood legend.
However, Bette faced financial struggles. She had disputes with studios like Warner Bros. that affected her pay and opportunities.
Despite these challenges, her career remained successful, and she became a lasting figure in Hollywood.
Bette Davis’ Personal Life
Early Life and Education
- Bette Davis was born on April 5, 1908, in Lowell, Massachusetts.
- She grew up in a middle-class family and showed interest in acting from a young age.
- Davis attended the Cumnock School of Drama in New York City to pursue her dream of becoming an actress.
How She Got Into Acting
- She made her Broadway debut in 1929 with the play The Earth Between.
- After her Broadway experience, Bette moved to Hollywood in the early 1930s to pursue film acting.
First Major Roles in Hollywood
- Her breakthrough role came in the film Of Human Bondage (1934), where she earned high praise.
- She quickly became known for playing strong and complex female characters.
Becoming a Top Star
- Her determination paid off, and by the late 1930s, Bette became one of the most famous actresses in Hollywood.
- She won her first Academy Award for Dangerous (1935), cementing her status as a top star.
Bette Davis’ Marital Life
Bette Davis married four times in her life.
- Her first marriage was to harmonica player Harmon Nelson.
- She married actor Arthur Farnsworth after her first marriage.
- Her third marriage was to director William Grant Sherry. They had one daughter, Barbara Davis Sherry
- Bette’s final marriage was to actor Gary Merrill, with whom she adopted two children, Margot and Michael.
Bette Davis and Warner Bros. Dispute
Bette Davis’s dispute with Warner Bros. began in the late 1930s when she felt limited by the roles the studio gave her. She was frustrated with being typecast and denied the opportunity to play more challenging characters.
Warner Bros. had strict control over actors under contract, and Davis was unhappy with the lack of creative freedom.
In 1936, after being assigned to unappealing roles, Davis took legal action against the studio, seeking more control over her career.
The court ruled in her favor, allowing her to take on better roles. This marked a turning point, securing her status as a Hollywood star.
Bette Davis’ Philanthropy and Charity Work
| Philanthropic Cause | Description | Legacy |
|---|---|---|
| Women’s Rights | Bette Davis was a strong upholder for women’s rights and gender equality in the workplace. | Davis’s advocacy helped pave the way for greater female representation in the film industry, impacting future generations of women in Hollywood. |
| Children’s Causes | She supported charities that focused on helping children, especially those in need. | Her work with children’s charities left a lasting impact on organizations that help disadvantaged youth. |
| American Cancer Society | Bette Davis was involved in raising awareness and funds for cancer research and prevention. | She contributed to cancer research awareness, and her involvement helped promote early detection and prevention efforts. |
| Support for the Arts | Davis supported various arts organizations, including drama and film education programs. | Through her contributions, she helped nurture and inspire future generations of artists and filmmakers. |
| Other Social Issues | She was also vocal about her support for civil rights and racial equality. | Her efforts in advocating for civil rights and equality were part of a broader legacy of activism that extended beyond her film career. |
Who Inherited Bette Davis’s Wealth After Her Passing
Bette Davis’s wealth was inherited primarily by her adopted son, Michael Merrill, and her close friend and secretary, Kathryn Sermak.
- Michael Merrill: He received about half of Davis’s estate, which was valued at nearly $1 million at the time of her death.
- Kathryn Sermak: She also received about half of the estate, reflecting her close relationship with Davis and her role as a personal secretary.
Davis intentionally excluded her daughters, Barbara Davis Sherry and Margot Merrill, as well as her grandsons, from her will
Conclusion
Bette Davis’s net worth at the time of her death showed her successful career, though she faced financial challenges throughout her life. Despite disputes with studios, she remained a top actress for decades.
Her wealth came not only from acting but also from smart investments and business ventures. She made good financial decisions, even in tough times.
Today, Bette Davis’s legacy continues to inspire Hollywood. Her career and financial achievements have left a lasting mark, securing her place as one of the most significant actresses in film history.
