Net Worth Ranker
What Is Helen Reddy’s Net Worth?
At the time of her death on September 29, 2020, Helen Reddy, the celebrated Australian-American singer, actress, television host, and activist, had a net worth of $3 million. This financial standing was accumulated over a multi-decade career marked by international success in music, acting, and television.
Breakdown of Helen Reddy’s Income and Assets
Helen Reddy’s primary source of wealth stemmed from her successful music career. She released 18 studio albums, with seven achieving Gold certification in the US for sales of over 500,000 units. Her album “I Am Woman” went Platinum, selling over one million copies, and her greatest hits compilation achieved Double Platinum status, selling over two million copies by 1992. While specific figures for album sales and royalties are not readily available, it’s understood a significant portion of her wealth came from these sources. Reddy also earned income from television and film appearances, including her role in “Airport 1975” and guest spots on shows like “The Love Boat,” “Fantasy Island,” and “The Jeffersons.” She even hosted her own variety show, “The Helen Reddy Show,” in 1973, further contributing to her income.
Although she earned a substantial amount of money early on from tours and appearances, Reddy mentioned that she did not earn a ton of money from royalties on her songs. After her recording career faded, she admitted that it took her seventeen years to pay off her debts.
In April 2008, reports indicated that Reddy was living frugally off song royalties, pension funds, and social security in a rented apartment with a view of Sydney Harbour.
Real Estate and Personal Life
In 1984, Helen Reddy purchased a home in Santa Monica, California. This gated estate, built in 1927, featured a 3,700-square-foot main house with two master suites, each including an office and maid’s quarters, in addition to a two-bedroom guest house. Reddy sold this property in 2002 for slightly more than $1 million. Following the sale, she relocated to Sydney, Australia, where she rented a modest harbor-view apartment. Her lifestyle in Sydney was reportedly simple, supported by savings, social security, and song royalties. Reddy married three times throughout her life: to Kenneth Claude Weate (1961-1966), Jeff Wald (1968-1981), and Milton Ruth (1984-1995). She had two children, Traci Donat (with Kenneth Claude Weate) and Jordan Sommers (with Jeff Wald).
Key Milestones in Helen Reddy’s Career
1966: Won the Australian TV talent show “Bandstand,” receiving a ticket to New York City.
1972: Released “I Am Woman,” which reached #1 on the Billboard Hot 100, becoming an anthem for the women’s movement. It also earned her a Grammy Award for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance in 1973. Famously, Reddy thanked God “because She makes everything possible” during her acceptance speech.
1970s: Achieved international success with 15 singles in the Billboard Hot 100 top 40, with six reaching the top 10 and three hitting number one. She also had 25 songs on the Billboard Adult Contemporary chart, with eight reaching number one.
2002: Retired from performing and gave a farewell performance at the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra. She sold her Santa Monica home and moved back to Australia.
While specific details regarding Reddy’s investments, endorsements, or yearly income statistics remain largely undisclosed, the available information paints a picture of a successful and influential artist whose $3 million net worth at the time of her death reflected a lifetime of achievements in the entertainment industry.
