Net Worth Ranker
What Is Tim Burton’s Net Worth?
Tim Burton, the celebrated American film director, producer, writer, poet, and stop-motion artist, has accumulated a substantial net worth throughout his career. As of today, Tim Burton’s net worth is estimated to be around $100 million. This figure reflects his success in directing and producing iconic films, though it’s acknowledged that his net worth could have been significantly higher absent the financial impacts of two marriages and a long-term relationship.
Born Timothy Walter Burton on August 25, 1958, in Burbank, California, Tim Burton’s early life provided fertile ground for his artistic inclinations. Details about the exact address of his childhood home are not publicly available. He attended the California Institute of the Arts in 1976, and during his second year, he joined the Disney animation program. While enrolled in the program, he was tasked with drawing thousands of frames for a 90-minute animated film; specifically, 129,000 frames. However, his unique artistic style did not align with Disney’s, leading to his eventual departure from the studio. Precise earnings during his time at Disney are not publicly disclosed, but this period marked the beginning of his professional journey.
Tim Burton’s career took a significant turn when Paul Reubens, recognizing Burton’s talent after viewing the short film “Frankenweenie” (1984), selected him to direct “Pee-wee’s Big Adventure” (1985). This marked Burton’s debut as a director of a full-length feature film. Produced with a budget of $8 million, the film grossed over $40 million, signaling a promising start to his directorial career. Building on this success, Burton directed “Beetlejuice” (1988), which further solidified his reputation. “Batman” (1989) followed, with Warner Bros entrusting Burton with the project after recognizing his ability to produce profitable films even with limited budgets. Despite initial skepticism regarding the casting of Michael Keaton as Batman, the film was a commercial triumph, earning more than $400 million worldwide. These early successes were pivotal in establishing Tim Burton’s net worth and career trajectory.
In 1990, Burton channeled his success into “Edward Scissorhands,” a project he considered deeply personal. He had complete creative control, from conception to final production. “Edward Scissorhands” marked the beginning of Burton’s long-standing collaboration with Johnny Depp, who would go on to star in eight of his films. These films include “Sleepy Hollow” (1999), “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” (2005), “Corpse Bride” (2005), “Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street” (2007), “Alice in Wonderland” (2010), and “Dark Shadows” (2012). While specific salary figures for Burton’s directorial work on each film are not publicly available, these collaborations have been instrumental in boosting Tim Burton’s net worth over the years. Another frequent collaborator is Helena Bonham Carter, who has appeared in seven of his films. Christopher Lee has appeared in six.
Burton’s filmography includes “Batman Returns” (1991), a sequel to the 1989 film; “Mars Attacks!” (1996), featuring an ensemble cast including Jack Nicholson and Glenn Close; “Planet of the Apes” (2001), which grossed $68 million during its opening weekend; “Big Fish” (2003), based on Daniel Wallace’s novel; “Frankenweenie” (2012), a stop-motion remake of his original short film; “Big Eyes” (2014), a biographical drama about Margaret Keane; “Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children” (2016), based on Ransom Rigg’s novel; and “Dumbo” (2019), a live-action adaptation of the 1941 Disney film. Burton’s role as a producer includes “The Nightmare Before Christmas” (1993), “Cabin Boy” (1994), “James and the Giant Peach” (1996), and “Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter” (2012). Although specific earnings from each film vary, these projects have consistently added to Tim Burton’s net worth.
Art Exhibitions and Recognition
From November 22, 2009, to April 26, 2010, the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York City hosted an exhibition dedicated to Tim Burton’s work. This exhibition featured over 700 items, including drawings, paintings, photographs, storyboards, and cinematic ephemera. Other exhibitions of Burton’s work have been held at the Australian Centre for the Moving Image in Melbourne, the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA), The Neon Museum in Las Vegas, the Cinémathèque Française in Paris, and the Seoul Museum of Art in Seoul, among others. These exhibitions highlight the breadth of Burton’s artistic contributions, though their direct financial impact on Tim Burton’s net worth is difficult to quantify.
In 2010, Burton received the insignia of Chevalier of Arts and Letters from the Ministry of Culture in France. This award recognizes significant contributions to the arts. While it doesn’t directly impact his financial status, it adds to his prestige. The cumulative effect of his artistic achievements is a critical factor in Tim Burton’s net worth and overall career success.
Personal Life and Real Estate
Burton was married to Lena Gieseke from 1987 to 1991 and to Lisa Marie Smith from 1993 to 2001. From 2001 to 2014, he was in a relationship with Helena Bonham Carter, with whom he has two children: William Raymond and Nell. The exact details of their financial settlements following these relationships are not publicly known. After his breakup with Bonham Carter, Burton bought a new house nearby for $14 million.
