Net Worth Ranker
What Is Elisabeth Shue’s Net Worth?
Elisabeth Shue, an accomplished American actress, has accumulated a net worth of $20 million. This figure represents the combined net worth she shares with her husband, Davis Guggenheim, a film director, since their marriage in 1994. Shue’s financial standing is primarily attributed to her successful acting career, spanning several decades and encompassing notable roles in both film and television.
Early Life and Education
Elisabeth Judson Shue was born on October 6, 1963, in Wilmington, Delaware. Her mother, Anne Brewster, of English Pilgrim descent, held the position of vice president in the private division of Chemical Banking Corporation. Her father, James William Shue, of German descent, was a real estate developer, lawyer, and president of the International Food and Beverage Corporation. Shue was raised in South Orange, New Jersey, alongside her brothers Andrew, William, and John. Andrew Shue later achieved recognition as an actor, most notably for his role on “Melrose Place,” and as a successful tech entrepreneur. The Shue family experienced a significant change when Elisabeth was nine years old, as her parents divorced. Subsequently, her father remarried, resulting in two half-siblings for Elisabeth and her brothers.
In 1981, Shue completed her secondary education at Columbia High School in Maplewood, New Jersey. Following high school, she enrolled at Wellesley College in Massachusetts. In 1985, she transferred to Harvard University, where she pursued her academic interests. However, she made the decision to leave Harvard one semester shy of graduation to dedicate herself to acting. She returned to Harvard in 2000 to complete her B.A. degree in political science.
Career Beginnings and Early Roles
Elisabeth Shue began her career in the entertainment industry while still in high school, appearing in various television commercials. These commercials promoted products for well-known brands such as Burger King, Chewels bubble gum, and Hellmann’s mayonnaise. In 1984, Shue made her debut in a feature film, securing a role in “The Karate Kid.” In this film, she played the love interest of the protagonist, portrayed by Ralph Macchio. Following this, she appeared in the 1986 British horror film “Link” and in the 1987 made-for-television movie “Double Switch.”
Shue’s career gained further momentum in 1987 when she starred in the popular teen comedy “Adventures in Babysitting.” This role marked her first major leading role and showcased her comedic talents. In 1988, she played the love interest of Tom Cruise’s character in the romantic drama “Cocktail,” further solidifying her presence in mainstream cinema. Subsequently, she took on the role of Jennifer Parker in “Back to the Future Part II” and “Back to the Future Part III,” contributing to the success of the popular film franchise.
Career Ascendancy and “Leaving Las Vegas”
In 1990, Elisabeth Shue expanded her artistic repertoire by making her Broadway debut in “Some American Abroad.” The following year, she showcased her versatility by appearing in two comedies: “The Marrying Man,” starring Alec Baldwin and Kim Basinger, and “Soapdish,” featuring Whoopi Goldberg, Kevin Kline, and Sally Field. From 1992 to 1994, Shue took on supporting roles in films such as “Twenty Bucks” and “Heart and Souls,” and also appeared on the television sitcom “Dream On.” These roles demonstrated her ability to adapt to diverse genres and formats.
A significant milestone in Shue’s career was her performance in the critically acclaimed 1995 film “Leaving Las Vegas.” In this film, she portrayed a hardened prostitute who forms a romantic relationship with a suicidal alcoholic, played by Nicolas Cage. This role marked a departure from the girl-next-door roles in which she had typically been cast. “Leaving Las Vegas” garnered four Academy Award nominations, including one for Shue in the leading role. In addition, the actress received nominations for BAFTA, SAG, and Golden Globe Awards, and she won Best Actress at the Independent Spirit Awards. These accolades acknowledged her exceptional performance and established her as a respected actress.
Further Film Roles
Following her Oscar nomination for “Leaving Las Vegas,” Elisabeth Shue continued to expand her filmography with a diverse range of roles. She appeared in the 1996 film “The Trigger Effect,” exploring themes of societal breakdown. In 1997, she showcased her comedic talents in the Woody Allen comedy “Deconstructing Harry,” alongside costars Robin Williams and Billy Crystal. In “The Saint,” she played the character Dr. Emma Russell, a brilliant scientist who gets caught up in a web of international intrigue and espionage. The film, which starred Val Kilmer as the titular character, was released on April 4, 1997, grossing $118 million worldwide on a $55 million budget.
Shue’s other notable films from the 1990s include the spy thriller “The Saint,” the neo-noir “Palmetto,” the comedy-drama “Cousin Bette” (co-starring Jessica Lange), and the 1999 film “Molly,” in which she played the titular role of a young autistic woman. These roles showcased her ability to tackle diverse characters and genres, further solidifying her reputation as a versatile actress. Throughout the 2000s, Shue continued to work steadily in film, appearing in movies such as “Leo,” “Tuck Everlasting,” “Mysterious Skin,” “Hide and Seek,” and “Dreamer.” In 2007, she starred in the sports drama “Gracie,” which was produced with her brothers and directed by her husband. The film was inspired by Shue’s own experiences as the lone girl on an all-boys soccer team. In the film, she played the mother of the protagonist. Other movies from this period included “Hamlet 2,” “Don McKay,” and “Piranha 3D.”
2010s, “CSI,” and Beyond
The year 2012 marked another high point in Elisabeth Shue’s career. In addition to roles in three wide-release films – “House at the End of the Street,” “Chasing Mavericks,” and “Hope Springs” – Shue returned to television as a member of the regular cast of “CSI: Crime Scene Investigation.” In this role, she portrayed Julie Finlay, a crime scene investigator. She joined “CSI” in the show’s 12th season, replacing Marg Helgenberger. The show, known for its innovative visual style and intricate forensic plots, helped maintain Shue’s visibility in the entertainment industry.
Shue’s tenure on “CSI” lasted until 2015, when her character’s fate was left unresolved. Later, in a TV finale special, it was revealed that her character had died. Elisabeth Shue’s film credits continued with supporting roles in the 2017 Billie Jean King biopic “Battle of the Sexes,” with Emma Stone and Steve Carell, and in 2020’s submarine thriller “Greyhound,” in which she played the love interest of Tom Hanks’ commanding officer. The movie “Battle of the Sexes,” released on September 22, 2017, tells the story of the 1973 tennis match between Billie Jean King and Bobby Riggs. “Greyhound,” which premiered on Apple TV+ on July 10, 2020, provided Shue with another opportunity to work alongside prominent actors in high-profile productions. Meanwhile, on television, Shue was cast in a leading role on Amazon’s superhero series “The Boys.” She plays Madelyn Stillwell, a powerful executive at Vought International, the corporation that manages the “supes” (superheroes) in the show.
Personal Life and Real Estate
In 1994, Elisabeth Shue married film director Davis Guggenheim, who would go on to make popular documentaries including “An Inconvenient Truth” and “Waiting for ‘Superman’.” The couple has three children: Agnes Charles, Stella Street, and Miles William. Early on, the couple moved into a two-story Spanish-style home located off the Sunset Strip. Built in 1926, the nearly 2,000-square-foot house featured three bedrooms and three-and-a-half bathrooms, as well as a detached office, tile courtyard, and a pool.
The purchase price of the home was not disclosed in the provided text. The couple lived there for many years before eventually moving to a larger property. Additional details regarding specific real estate transactions or current holdings are not available. The couple have maintained a relatively private life, and detailed financial records or property information is not publicly accessible.
Elisabeth Shue’s Net Worth Components
Elisabeth Shue’s $20 million net worth is primarily derived from her earnings as an actress in film and television. The specific breakdown of her income from various projects is not publicly available, but it can be assumed that her roles in successful films such as “The Karate Kid,” “Cocktail,” “Back to the Future Part II” and “Back to the Future Part III,” and “Leaving Las Vegas” have contributed significantly to her wealth. Her roles in television series, including “CSI: Crime Scene Investigation” and “The Boys,” have also contributed to her income. She has also appeared in commercials for brands like Burger King, Chewels bubble gum, and Hellmann’s mayonnaise, further adding to her financial portfolio.
Davis Guggenheim, Shue’s husband, has also contributed to the combined net worth through his work as a film director and producer. Guggenheim is known for directing documentaries such as “An Inconvenient Truth” and “Waiting for ‘Superman’,” which have been commercially successful and critically acclaimed. The specific details of Guggenheim’s earnings from his directorial work are not publicly available.
Key Milestones in Elisabeth Shue’s Net Worth
Specific figures for Elisabeth Shue’s earnings throughout her career are not publicly accessible, making it difficult to pinpoint precise milestones in her net worth accumulation. However, certain events can be identified as likely contributors to significant increases in her wealth. Her role in “Leaving Las Vegas” (1995) and her subsequent Oscar nomination likely led to increased demand for her services and higher salaries in future roles. Her role in the TV series “CSI: Crime Scene Investigation” from 2012 to 2015 would have provided a steady and substantial income stream, further bolstering her net worth. Her current role in Amazon’s “The Boys” (2019-present) likely provides a continued source of income, sustaining her high net worth. Elisabeth Shue’s acting career, which spans four decades, remains the primary driver of her impressive financial success and the foundation of her estimated $20 million net worth. It is important to note that Elisabeth Shue’s net worth is an estimation based on publicly available information and may not reflect her exact financial situation.
