Net Worth Ranker
What Is Kim Darby’s Net Worth?
Kim Darby, the American actress renowned for her captivating portrayal of Mattie Ross in the 1969 cinematic masterpiece “True Grit,” has cultivated an estimated net worth of $500,000. This financial standing reflects her enduring presence in the entertainment industry, marked by consistent work in both television and film productions. While “True Grit” unquestionably remains her most iconic role, her career extends across several decades, commencing in the 1960s and continuing into the 2000s, with notable appearances in diverse television shows and films.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Born Deborah Zerby in Los Angeles, California, in 1947, Kim Darby inherited a passion for performance from her parents, who were professional dancers specializing in ice skating shows. Her early foray into acting occurred under the stage name Derby Zerby, where she began securing roles in television series during the nascent years of the 1960s. Her early work included guest appearances on popular series such as “Mr. Novak” and “Star Trek,” marking the genesis of her journey in the entertainment industry. There are no documented earnings for her early roles that can be quantified.
The True Grit Era and Subsequent Television Career
The pivotal casting of Kim Darby in “True Grit” served as a watershed moment in her career, catapulting her into the spotlight of Hollywood. Her compelling portrayal of Mattie Ross, a determined 14-year-old seeking retribution for her father’s murder, garnered widespread acclaim and solidified her reputation as a formidable talent. Though “True Grit” remains her most celebrated role, the transition into heightened fame presented its own set of challenges for the young actress. While specific earnings from “True Grit” are not publicly available, it is known that the film was a box office success, grossing over $31 million against a budget of $3.2 million, contributing significantly to her early financial stability. Following the success of True Grit, Darby transitioned seamlessly into television, becoming a familiar face in numerous TV movies and series. Her repertoire includes appearances in acclaimed shows such as “The X-Files,” “The Streets of San Francisco,” and “Murder, She Wrote,” demonstrating her adaptability and versatility as an actress across different genres and eras. Specific earnings from these television appearances are not available to the public, they collectively contributed to her income over the years.
Film Work Beyond True Grit
While “True Grit” undoubtedly stands as Kim Darby’s most prominent film role, she continued to diversify her portfolio with appearances in a range of cinematic productions, including “The Strawberry Statement” (1970) and “Better Off Dead” (1985). Her film choices often reflected a willingness to embrace diverse characters and genres, showcasing her multifaceted talent and commitment to her craft. These roles, although perhaps less commercially impactful than “True Grit,” contributed to her ongoing income and solidified her presence in the film industry. In “The Strawberry Statement,” Darby played Linda, a college activist, reflecting the counter-culture movement of the time. The film, made on a budget of $1.5 million, grossed $11 million, providing Darby with further exposure and income. In “Better Off Dead,” a cult classic, Darby portrayed Mrs. Smith, the mother of the protagonist Lane Meyer, played by John Cusack. While the film was a modest success, it added to Darby’s diverse range of roles. Exact salaries for these film appearances are not publicly documented.
Personal Life
Kim Darby’s personal life has included multiple marriages, including a brief union with James Westmoreland in 1963. She has generally maintained a private stance regarding her personal affairs, though she has openly discussed some of the challenges she encountered as a young actress navigating the complexities of Hollywood. She has one daughter, Heather, born in 1969. Financial settlements or agreements from these relationships, if any, remain private and are not factored into her estimated net worth.
Teaching and Later Career
In later years, Kim Darby transitioned into teaching acting classes, sharing her extensive experience and insights with aspiring performers. This transition allowed her to impart her knowledge and passion for acting to new generations of talent, while also providing a supplementary income stream. She continued to act periodically while maintaining her teaching career, demonstrating her unwavering commitment to both performing and nurturing talent within the entertainment industry. The specific income derived from her teaching activities is not publicly available but forms a part of her overall financial portfolio. The rate for acting coaches can vary significantly, but it’s likely Darby’s years of experience allowed her to command a premium rate. Information regarding how much Darby charges per class is not publicly available.
Legacy
Kim Darby’s legacy in film history is primarily centered on her indelible performance in “True Grit,” a classic of American cinema. Her portrayal of Mattie Ross helped establish a archetype for strong female characters in Westerns, and the film’s enduring popularity has ensured that her performance remains etched in the annals of cinematic history. While she may not have achieved the same level of fame as with her breakthrough role, her long-running career in television and film stands as a testament to her resilience and versatility as an actress. While direct financial benefits from the ongoing popularity of “True Grit,” such as royalties or residuals, are not publicly quantified, the film’s continued acclaim undoubtedly contributes to her recognition and potentially opens doors for other opportunities.
Earnings and Contracts Details
Kim Darby’s earnings and contract details are not fully disclosed publicly. Information such as specific salaries for television appearances, film roles, and endorsements are not available. However, it’s understood that her primary sources of income would have included acting fees, royalties, residuals, and earnings from teaching acting. The lack of detailed information makes it difficult to provide a comprehensive breakdown of her financial gains over the years. As is common with many actors, particularly those from earlier eras, specific contract terms and compensation amounts are typically kept confidential.
Real Estate Assets
Information regarding Kim Darby’s real estate assets is not readily available. Details such as property addresses, values, or ownership history are not public knowledge. As such, it’s challenging to include any specific details about real estate holdings in the assessment of her net worth. Like many aspects of an individual’s financial life, real estate information is often kept private and is not disclosed to the public.
Vehicles
Details about Kim Darby’s vehicle ownership are not publicly available. Information regarding specific makes, models, or the number of vehicles she may have owned is not disclosed in any accessible records. As such, it’s not possible to incorporate vehicle assets into the assessment of her net worth. Car ownership information is typically considered private and is not part of the public record.
Personal Investments
Specific information about Kim Darby’s personal investments is not publicly accessible. Details such as the types of investments, amounts invested, or performance of those investments are not disclosed. As such, it is not possible to include investment holdings in the estimation of her net worth. Investment details are generally considered private and confidential.
