Net Worth Ranker
What Is Jennifer Tilly’s Net Worth?
Jennifer Tilly, a multifaceted American actress and professional poker player, has cultivated a substantial net worth of $40 million. This financial success is a result of her extensive career in both film and television, coupled with her achievements in the world of professional poker. Her journey began in Los Angeles, California, where she was born Jennifer Ellen Chan on September 16, 1958.
Sources of Jennifer Tilly’s Net Worth
Jennifer Tilly’s financial standing is primarily derived from her acting career, which spans over 120 credited roles. Her early life saw her grow up in Texada Island, British Columbia, after her parents’ divorce when she was five. She later earned a Bachelor of Arts in Theater from Missouri’s Stephens College, which laid the foundation for her acting pursuits.
Her breakthrough role came with the 1994 film “Bullets Over Broadway,” directed by Woody Allen. This role not only earned her an Academy Award nomination but also opened doors to numerous opportunities in the entertainment industry. Prior to this milestone, Tilly made her television debut in 1983, with guest appearances on shows like “Oh Madeline” and “Boone.” She also secured a recurring role on “Hill Street Blues” in 1984, gradually building her presence in the industry.
Subsequent roles in films such as “Bound” (1996), “House Arrest” (1996), and “Liar Liar” (1997) further solidified her reputation as a versatile actress. “Liar Liar,” in particular, proved to be a significant commercial success, grossing $302.7 million at the box office. However, it is her portrayal of Tiffany Valentine in the “Child’s Play” horror franchise that has become one of her most recognizable roles. She first appeared as Tiffany in “Bride of Chucky” (1998) and has reprised the role in subsequent installments like “Seed of Chucky” (2004), “Curse of Chucky” (2013), and “Cult of Chucky” (2017).
In addition to her film work, Tilly has also made significant contributions to television. She has voiced Bonnie Swanson on the animated series “Family Guy” since 1999, providing a steady stream of income over the years. Her voice acting extends to other projects as well, including the role of Celia Mae in Disney’s “Monsters, Inc.” (2001), which grossed $577.4 million worldwide. She has reprised this role in the Disney+ series “Monsters at Work.” Other voice acting credits include “Stuart Little” (1999), “Home on the Range” (2004,”Hey Arnold!” (2000), “The Simpsons” (2012), and “SuperMansion” (2018). Tilly also showcased her talent on Broadway, performing as Crystal Allen in “The Women” in 2001. In 2012, she again appeared on Broadway, earning an Audience Choice Award nomination for “Don’t Dress for Dinner.”
Jennifer Tilly’s success as a professional poker player is another crucial factor contributing to her net worth. Inspired by the “World Series of Poker” video game and encouraged by her former boyfriend, professional poker player Phil Laak, Tilly began participating in competitive poker tournaments in 2004. In June 2005, she won a Ladies’ No-Limit Texas hold ’em event at the World Series of Poker, earning $158,625 and a World Series of Poker bracelet. A few months later, she won the World Poker Tour Ladies Invitational Tournament. In 2006, she placed third on Bravo’s “Celebrity Poker Showdown.” As of 2017, Tilly had accumulated over $992,000 in live poker tournament winnings.
Her divorce settlement from Sam Simon, co-creator and producer of “The Simpsons,” is a notable aspect of her financial story. They were married in 1984 and divorced in 1991, officially finalizing the divorce in 1993. As part of their divorce agreement, Jennifer was awarded 30% of the net proceeds from Sam’s share of “The Simpsons” royalties. Simon, who passed away in 2015, earned an estimated $20-30 million per year in royalties from the show. Consequently, Jennifer’s annual income from this settlement is estimated to be between $6-10 million. After Simon’s death, Tilly and Simon’s estate agreed to a new payment method, allowing Tilly to receive her royalties directly from Fox.
Jennifer Tilly’s Career Highlights
Jennifer Tilly’s career is marked by several notable achievements:
Early Career: Her early television roles in the 1980s, including guest appearances on “Remington Steele” (1985), “Cheers” (1986), “It’s Garry Shandling’s Show” (1987), and “Moonlighting” (1989), helped her gain recognition in the industry. She also appeared in 11 films during this period, including “Johnny Be Good” (1988), “Let It Ride” (1989), and “The Fabulous Baker Boys” (1989).
Academy Award Nomination: Her role in Woody Allen’s “Bullets Over Broadway” (1994) earned her an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress.
“Child’s Play” Franchise: Her portrayal of Tiffany Valentine in the “Child’s Play” franchise has become a signature role, contributing significantly to her fame and income.
Voice Acting: Her voice work as Bonnie Swanson on “Family Guy” and Celia Mae in “Monsters, Inc.” showcases her versatility as an actress and provides a consistent source of revenue.
Poker Success: Winning a World Series of Poker bracelet in 2005 and other poker tournament victories highlight her skills as a professional poker player.
Divorce Settlement: The 30% share of Sam Simon’s “The Simpsons” royalties provides a substantial annual income, estimated between $6-10 million.
Jennifer Tilly’s success extends beyond acting and poker. She won a Theatre World Award for Most Promising Newcomer for her performance in “One Shoe Off” in 1993, and her stage work also earned her a Dramalogue Award for “Vanities.” In 1995, she received an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress in a Supporting Role for “Bullets Over Broadway,” which also earned her nominations from the American Comedy Awards and 20/20 Awards. Jennifer won an Eyegore Award in 1998 and a GLAAD Media Award in 2006. She was named Best Actress at the 2000 Fantafestival for “Bride of Chucky” and won an Achievement in Acting award for “Intervention” at the 2007 San Diego Film Festival. In 1997, Tilly received an International Fantasy Film Award for “Bound” at the Fantasporto Film Festival, and TheWIFTS Foundation International Visionary Awards honored her with The Barbara Tipple Award for “Intervention” and “Inconceivable” in 2010.
Throughout her career, Tilly has received nominations from the Academy of Science Fiction, Fantasy & Horror Films (“Bound” and “Bride of Chucky”), Behind the Voice Actors Awards (“Randy Cunningham: 9th Grade Ninja”), Blockbuster Entertainment Awards (“Liar Liar”), CableACE Awards (“It’s Garry Shandling’s Show”), and Fangoria Chainsaw Awards (“Bride of Chucky” and “Seed of Chucky”). She earned MTV Movie Award nominations for Best Kiss for “Bound” (shared with Gina Gershon) and Best Frightened Performance for “Seed of Chucky.” Her diverse roles and recognitions reflect her lasting presence in the entertainment and poker industries.
