Net Worth Ranker
What Is Cybill Shepherd’s Net Worth?
Cybill Shepherd, a prominent American actress and former model, has accumulated a net worth of $40 million. Her financial standing is a result of her successful career in film and television, as well as endorsements and other ventures. Shepherd’s wealth reflects her sustained presence in the entertainment industry over several decades.
Early Career and Rise to Fame
Cybill Shepherd’s journey began in Memphis, Tennessee, where she was born on February 18, 1950, to William, who managed a home appliance business, and Patty, a homemaker. Her early life was marked by local recognition. As a teen attending East High School, she won the Miss Teenage Memphis title, showcasing her early potential. Shepherd represented Memphis in the 1966 Miss Teenage America pageant, where she won the award for congeniality.
Two years later, in 1968, Shepherd competed in the Model of the Year contest, which catapulted her into fashion stardom. This pivotal moment led to opportunities that would shape her future career. After the contest, Shepherd started her career as a fashion model. In 1970, she appeared on the cover of Glamour. The cover of Glamour garnered attention from Hollywood, which would change the course of her career.
Film Career Milestones
Cybill Shepherd’s film career gained momentum when director Peter Bogdanovich noticed her Glamour magazine cover and cast her in “The Last Picture Show” (1971). Her role as Jacy Farrow in this coming-of-age drama marked her debut in the film industry. The film was a critical and commercial success, earning eight Academy Award nominations and giving Shepherd significant exposure. While she didn’t win, Shepherd was nominated for the Golden Globe for New Star of the Year – Actress for her performance, signaling her arrival as a notable talent.
Following her debut, Shepherd continued to secure roles in notable films, further solidifying her position in Hollywood. In 1972, she starred in Elaine May’s romantic comedy “The Heartbreak Kid,” opposite Charles Grodin. This performance further showcased her versatility as an actress. The following year, Shepherd reunited with Bogdanovich to play the titular role in his 1974 literary adaptation “Daisy Miller,” which was released in 1974. In 1975, she co-starred with Burt Reynolds in another Bogdanovich film, the jukebox musical “At Long Last Love.” In 1976, Shepherd had a significant role in Martin Scorsese’s psychological drama “Taxi Driver,” playing the political campaign volunteer with whom Robert De Niro’s character becomes infatuated. The same year, she co-starred with Bo Svenson in the neo-noir comedy “Special Delivery.” Shepherd closed out the 70s with starring roles in “Silver Bears” and the 1979 remake of “The Lady Vanishes.” During the 1980s, she starred in the science-fiction film “The Return” and the romantic comedy “Chances Are.” Early in the next decade, she reprised her role as Jacy Farrow in Bogdanovich’s sequel to “The Last Picture Show,” called “Texasville.” She went on to appear in Woody Allen’s romantic fantasy “Alice”; Arthur Hiller’s drama “Married to It”; Eugene Levy’s black comedy mystery “Once Upon a Crime…”; and Albert Brooks’ comedy “The Muse.” In the 2000s, Shepherd’s film credits included “Marine Life,” “Hard Luck,” “Barry Munday,” “Another Harvest Moon,” and “Listen to Your Heart.” In 2010, she appeared alongside her “Last Picture Show” co-star Cloris Leachman in the dramedy “Expecting Mary.” In 2015, she was in the Christian drama “Do You Believe?,” and reunited with Bogdanovich for his screwball comedy “She’s Funny That Way.” In 2020, Shepherd was part of the ensemble cast of Eleanor Coppola’s “Love is Love is Love.”
Television Success and Earnings
Cybill Shepherd’s transition to television proved to be a lucrative move, significantly contributing to her $40 million net worth. Her small-screen debut came in 1983 with an appearance on “Fantasy Island.” That same year, she landed a main role on the NBC soap opera “The Yellow Rose,” which ran for one season through 1984. However, it was her role as Madelyn “Maddie” Hayes on the ABC series “Moonlighting” (1985-1989) that catapulted her to television fame. For her performance, she earned two Golden Globe Awards for Best Actress in a Television Series Musical or Comedy, enhancing both her reputation and earning potential.
Following “Moonlighting,” Shepherd starred in the CBS sitcom “Cybill” from 1995 to 1998. In this show, she played Cybill Sheridan, a struggling actress whose experiences were loosely based on her own. The success of “Cybill” further solidified her status as a leading television actress, earning her numerous award nominations and another Golden Globe for Best Actress in a Television Series Musical or Comedy. The Cybill TV show aired 87 episodes, and at the time made her one of the highest-paid women on television. During the 1990s, Shepherd also appeared in numerous television films, including “Memphis,” “Stormy Weathers,” “Telling Secrets,” “There Was a Little Boy,” “Baby Brokers,” and “While Justice Sleeps.” In 2003, Shepherd guest-starred in two episodes of the sitcom “8 Simple Rules,” and portrayed Martha Stewart in the television film “Martha, Inc.: The Story of Martha Stewart.” The following year, she was in two episodes of the sitcom “I’m With Her,” and in 2005, played Martha Stewart again in the television film “Martha: Behind Bars.” From 2007 to 2009, Shepherd played Phyllis Kroll in the final three seasons of “The L Word.” From 2008 to 2013, she had a recurring role as Madeline Spencer on the detective dramedy “Psych.” Subsequently, Shepherd was in episodes of “Samantha Who?,” “Criminal Minds,” “Eastwick,” “Drop Dead Diva,” “$h*! My Dad Says,” and “No Ordinary Family.” From 2012 to 2013, she starred opposite Jennifer Love Hewitt on “The Client List,” based on the 2010 television film in which she also starred. Shepherd’s subsequent credits included episodes of “Hot in Cleveland,” “Franklin and Bash,” and “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit.” These television roles augmented her income through salaries and residuals.
Recording Artist and Author
Beyond her acting career, Cybill Shepherd has explored other creative avenues that have contributed to her overall financial success. As a recording artist, she released her debut studio album, “Cybill Does It… To Cole Porter,” in 1974. This album was followed by “Mad About the Boy,” “Cybill Getz Better,” “Vanilla,” “Somewhere Down the Road,” and “At Home with Cybill.” Album sales, while not as significant as her acting income, added to her revenue stream.
In 2000, Shepherd released her autobiography, “Cybill Disobedience,” co-written with Aimee Lee Ball. The book became a bestseller, generating substantial income through royalties and sales. The same year, Shepherd hosted a short-lived talk show, which likely provided a salary and further exposure. This demonstrates Shepherd’s diversification into writing and hosting.
Real Estate Holdings
Cybill Shepherd’s real estate investments have played a role in building her net worth. In 1995, she purchased a 9,000 square-foot home in Encino, California, for $2.8 million, situated on 1.5 acres. Adjusting for inflation, this purchase equates to approximately $5 million in today’s dollars. This property likely appreciated in value over the years, adding to her assets.
In 2002, Shepherd listed another home in Los Angeles for $3.5 million, indicating her active involvement in the real estate market. She also owns a home in her native Memphis, Tennessee, though specific details and value are not publicly available. Real estate holdings have contributed to Cybill Shepherd’s $40 million net worth.
Personal Life and Relationships
Cybill Shepherd’s personal life has been a topic of public interest, though details of how these relationships impacted her financial status are limited. In her autobiography, she revealed dating Elvis Presley in the early 1970s, filmmaker Peter Bogdanovich, and actor Jack Nicholson. In 1978, Shepherd married David M. Ford, a Memphis nightclub entertainer and auto parts dealer. They had a daughter named Clementine and divorced in 1982.
In 1987, Shepherd married chiropractor Bruce Oppenheim after becoming pregnant. The couple had twins, Molly and Cyrus, and divorced in 1990. In 2012, Shepherd got engaged to Andrei Nikolajevic; however, they called off the engagement in 2015. While these relationships undoubtedly had personal significance, there is no publicly available information on financial settlements or arrangements that would directly impact her net worth.
