Net Worth Ranker
What Is Elle Macpherson’s Net Worth?
Elle Macpherson, an Australian model, actress, businesswoman, and television host, has accumulated a substantial net worth of $95 million. Her financial success is attributed to a multifaceted career encompassing modeling, acting, entrepreneurial ventures, and television appearances. Macpherson’s journey began with the intention of funding her law school education through modeling, a plan that evolved dramatically as she became one of the world’s highest-paid models.
Elle Macpherson’s Rise to Prominence
Macpherson’s modeling career took off in the 1980s, establishing her as a leading supermodel. By 1986, she had graced the covers of prominent magazines such as “Cosmopolitan,” “Elle,” “GQ,” and “Harper’s Bazaar,” and “Vogue,” solidifying her presence in the fashion industry. Notably, she appeared in every issue of “Elle” for six consecutive years, showcasing her consistent demand and popularity. In 1989, “Time” magazine featured Macpherson on its cover and bestowed upon her the nickname “The Body,” a testament to her physical appeal and widespread recognition.
Elle Macpherson holds the distinction of appearing on the cover of the “Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue” more times than any other model, with a total of five appearances in 1986, 1987, 1988, 1994, and 2006. Her repeated presence on this iconic cover cemented her status as a prominent figure in the world of modeling and popular culture.
Beyond modeling, Macpherson ventured into acting, securing roles in both television and film. She portrayed Janine LaCroix, Joey Tribbiani’s roommate and love interest, in the popular television series “Friends” from 1999 to 2000, showcasing her versatility as a performer. Macpherson also appeared in films such as “Sirens” (1994), “If Lucy Fell” (1996), “The Mirror Has Two Faces” (1996), and “Batman & Robin” (1997), further expanding her exposure to diverse audiences.
Macpherson’s television career extended beyond acting to hosting roles. She hosted “Britain’s Next Top Model” from 2010 to 2013 and “Fashion Star” from 2012 to 2013, demonstrating her expertise in the fashion industry and her ability to engage audiences in a competitive format.
In addition to her modeling, acting, and television hosting endeavors, Macpherson established a successful line of lingerie, fitness wear and videos, and maternity clothing, further diversifying her income streams and solidifying her position as a businesswoman. The “Your Personal Best – The Body” workout videos, for instance, contributed to her entrepreneurial success.
Early Life and Education
Eleanor Nancy Gow, known as Elle Macpherson, was born on March 29, 1964, in Killara, New South Wales, Australia. Her mother, Frances, was a nurse, and her father, Peter, worked as a sound engineer and entrepreneur, and served as the president of the Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks rugby team. Macpherson has two sisters, Mimi and Elizabeth, and a brother, Brendon.
Macpherson’s parents, Frances and Peter, divorced when she was 10 years old. Her mother later married Neill Macpherson, whose surname Elle adopted. Elle attended Killara High School, where she completed her Higher School Certificate in 1981. Following high school, she enrolled at the University of Sydney for a year to study law, before her modeling career took precedence.
Modeling Career Details
Before beginning her university studies, Macpherson visited New York City with the intention of modeling for a year to earn money to pay for her books. She signed a contract with Click Model Management, marking the official beginning of her professional modeling career. Her first modeling job was a 1982 Tab commercial.
Throughout the 1980s, Macpherson appeared on numerous magazine covers, establishing herself as a prominent figure in the fashion industry. In 1985, she became the face of Biotherm, a French skincare company, further solidifying her status as a sought-after model. Macpherson has also participated in runway shows for renowned designers such as Ralph Lauren, Louis Vuitton, Donna Karan, and Calvin Klein, showcasing her versatility and appeal to high-end fashion brands.
Macpherson has appeared in advertising campaigns for a variety of prominent brands, including Victoria’s Secret, Revlon, Diet Coke, Budweiser, and Chrysler, demonstrating her broad appeal to diverse consumer markets.
In 1994, Macpherson posed nude for “Playboy” magazine. Macpherson stated that she did this “on her own terms” after finding out that the media had contacted some of her ex-boyfriends in hopes of obtaining of nude photos of her.
In 1999, Elle’s face was featured on postage stamps in Antigua and Barbuda, and the following year, she took part in the Summer Olympics closing ceremony. In 2001, Macpherson co-hosted the Miss Universe pageant with Naomi Campbell, and in 2006, the Elle Style Awards honored her with a Style Icon award. In 2008, Elle entered into a three-year deal with Revlon Cosmetics, and she has also served as a Global Brand Ambassador for the company.
Business Ventures and Entrepreneurial Success
In 1994, Macpherson founded Elle Macpherson Inc., marking her foray into the world of business. The company initially released a series of calendars before expanding into the production of “Your Personal Best – The Body” workout videos.
Macpherson launched a lingerie collection, Elle Macpherson Intimates, in 1990 in partnership with Bendon Limited Apparel. This line became a commercial success, becoming the best-selling lingerie line in both Great Britain and Australia, which significantly contributed to Elle Macpherson’s net worth.
She later expanded her entrepreneurial endeavors by creating a line of maternity bras and Elle Macpherson – The Body beauty products, catering to diverse consumer needs. Macpherson also served on the board of directors for Hot Tuna Clothing for a year, further demonstrating her business acumen.
In 2009, Macpherson delivered the Keynote Address at the International Trademark Association’s annual meeting, highlighting her expertise in branding and business strategy. In 2014, she co-founded a wellness company, WelleCo, which launched The Super Elixir, an alkalising wellness supplement. WelleCo’s Super Elixir is sold for approximately $145 for a 300g caddy or $105 for a 300g refill. The company’s product line has expanded to include various other wellness supplements and beauty products.
Macpherson’s entrepreneurial achievements have been recognized through various accolades. In 2005, “Glamour” magazine named her Entrepreneur of the Year. In 2007, she earned an Everywoman Ambassador Award. She was named Lingerie Designer of the Year at the 2008 Femmy Awards, and in 2009, the Women’s World Awards honored her with a World Career Award.
Acting Career: Film and Television Roles
Macpherson made her big-screen debut in Woody Allen’s “Alice” (1990). In 1994, she co-starred with Hugh Grant in the film “Sirens.” In 1996, Macpherson starred in “If Lucy Fell,” “Jane Eyre,” and “The Mirror Has Two Faces.” Also in 1996, she hosted “Saturday Night Live.” The following year, she appeared in “Batman & Robin” and “The Edge.”
In 1998, Macpherson starred in “With Friends Like These…” From 1999 to 2000, she had a five-episode stint on the NBC sitcom “Friends,” portraying Janine LaCroix. She also appeared in the TV movie “A Girl Thing” (2001), the film “South Kensington” (2001), and the teen drama series “The Beautiful Life” (2009).
Personal Life and Relationships
In the early 1980s, Macpherson was in a relationship with Billy Joel, who wrote the songs “And So It Goes” and “This Night” about her.
In 1986, Macpherson married fashion photographer Gilles Bensimon, whom she met at a photo shoot for “Elle” magazine two years prior. The couple divorced in 1989.
From 1996 to 2005, Macpherson was in a relationship with financier Arpad Busson. They had two sons together: Arpad Flynn Alexander Busson (born February 14, 1998) and Aurelius Cy Andrea Busson (born February 4, 2003).
Macpherson dated billionaire Jeffrey Soffer from 2009 to 2012. After he was injured in a helicopter accident, the couple reconciled and married in July 2013. Elle and Jeffrey announced their impending divorce in June 2017.
In 2018, Macpherson began a relationship with ex-physician Andrew Wakefield. Wakefield had been removed from the U.K. medical register due to “unethical behavior, misconduct and fraud” related to his discredited anti-vaccination claims.
In 1997, Macpherson’s home in Los Angeles was burglarized. The perpetrators stole $6,000 in cash, numerous photographs, and jewelry worth an estimated $100,000. Michael Mischler and William Ryan Holt were arrested the following month; Mischler was sentenced to six years and eight months in prison after pleading guilty to burglary and attempted extortion, and Holt, who pleaded guilty to extortion, received a one-year prison sentence.
Philanthropy and Charitable Work
Macpherson has served as a European Ambassador for RED, which raises funds for the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria. She has also served as an ambassador for UNICEF and the Smile Foundation. In 2012, she was involved with an International Women’s Day campaign for Sky, and she is a patron of the National Association for the Children of Alcoholics.
Real Estate Investments
In 2018, Macpherson purchased a 9,000 square foot home in Coral Gables, Florida, for $8.1 million. The 7-bedroom estate sits on 1.71 acres of land and includes a saltwater pool. The mansion had undergone a complete renovation by the previous owner. In April 2022, Macpherson listed this property for sale at $29 million.
In 2007, Macpherson and Jeffrey Soffer jointly acquired a 14,395 square foot mansion in Aspen, Colorado, for $36.5 million. The property was later put on the market for $35 million in 2015.
