Overview

Beverly Heather D’Angelo, born on November 15, 1951, is an American actress and singer renowned for her versatile performances across film, television, and theater. She gained widespread recognition for her role as Ellen Griswold in the ‘National Lampoon’s Vacation’ film series (1983-2015). D’Angelo’s career spans over 60 films, showcasing her ability to portray diverse characters. Before acting, D’Angelo worked as an illustrator at Hanna-Barbera Studios and also as a singer, even touring with Ronnie Hawkins’ band. Her early career included Broadway appearances, such as in ‘Rockabye Hamlet’ in 1976. D’Angelo received a Golden Globe nomination for her portrayal of Patsy Cline in ‘Coal Miner’s Daughter’ (1980) and an Emmy nomination for ‘A Streetcar Named Desire’ (1984). Other notable film credits include ‘Hair’ (1979) and ‘American History X’ (1998). She has also appeared in TV series such as ‘Law & Order: Special Victims Unit’ and ‘Entourage.’ D’Angelo continues to act, with recent and upcoming roles in several projects.

What Is Beverly D’Angelo’s Net Worth?

Beverly D’Angelo, a prominent American actress, has accumulated a net worth of $20 million. Her financial standing is primarily attributed to her extensive career in film and television, spanning several decades. D’Angelo is particularly recognized for her recurring role in the “National Lampoon’s Vacation” movie series, which has contributed significantly to her overall earnings. Her career boasts over 60 film credits, showcasing her versatility and longevity in the entertainment industry.

Early Career and Breakthrough Roles

Beverly D’Angelo’s journey into acting began with stage roles, including a performance in the Broadway production “Rockabye Hamlet” in 1976. Shortly after, she transitioned to television, making her debut in the miniseries “Captains and the Kings” in the same year. A small but notable role in Woody Allen’s “Annie Hall” in 1977 opened further doors in the film industry. By the late 1970s, D’Angelo appeared in successful movies such as “Every Which Way But Loose”, which grossed over $104 million at the box office and “Hair”, which grossed $15.3 million. These early roles helped establish her as a versatile actress.

Her portrayal of country music legend Patsy Cline in the 1980 film “Coal Miner’s Daughter” was a critical milestone. The film itself grossed over $67 million and earned D’Angelo a Golden Globe nomination for Best Supporting Actress. The soundtrack also won a Country Music Association award for Album of the Year. This role not only demonstrated her acting prowess but also broadened her appeal, attracting a wider audience.

The “National Lampoon’s Vacation” Franchise

A defining moment in Beverly D’Angelo’s career came in 1983 when she was cast as Ellen Griswold in “National Lampoon’s Vacation.” The movie became a box office success, grossing over $61 million. This role would become one of her most iconic, leading to her reprising the character in four sequels: “National Lampoon’s European Vacation” (1985), grossing over $49 million, “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation” (1989) which grossed over $71 million, “Vegas Vacation” (1997) which grossed $36 million and “Vacation” (2015) which grossed $104 million. The “Vacation” franchise cemented her status as a comedic actress and provided a consistent stream of income over the years. Each film contributed to her net worth through salary and residual earnings.

Continued Film Career in the 1980s and 1990s

Throughout the 1980s, Beverly D’Angelo diversified her roles, appearing in various comedies and dramas. She showcased her versatility by playing a range of characters, including prostitutes, aristocrats, and alcoholic mothers. Some of her notable roles during this period included “Maid to Order” (1987), “Trading Hearts” (1988), “High Spirits” (1988), and “Cold Front” (1989). These roles, while not always leading to significant box office returns, added to her experience and visibility within the industry, contributing to her consistent employment.

In the 1990s, D’Angelo continued to secure roles in movies such as “Pacific Heights” (1990), which grossed over $40 million, “The Miracle” (1991), and “The Pope Must Die” (1991). Later in the decade, she appeared in “Lonely Hearts” (1991), “Eye for an Eye” (1996), “Love Always” (1996), “Nowhere” (1997), “The Good Life” (1997), and “Illuminata” (1998). One of her more critically acclaimed roles during this time was in “American History X” (1998), where she played the girlfriend of the main character. This role earned her a Satellite Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress. This steady stream of film roles helped maintain her income and build her reputation as a reliable and talented actress.

Television Career and Recurring Roles

In the 2000s, Beverly D’Angelo expanded her career into television, taking on several recurring roles. In 2000, she appeared in three episodes of “Talk to Me.” From 2003 to 2008, she made sporadic appearances in “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit,” playing Rebecca Balthus. Her most significant television role during this period was as Barbara Miller in the HBO series “Entourage.” She appeared in 25 episodes from 2005 to 2011, contributing significantly to her income and visibility. “Entourage” was a successful series, further enhancing her reputation. D’Angelo also lent her voice to the animated series “Family Guy” during this time, adding another dimension to her career.

During the 2010s, D’Angelo continued to work in television, appearing in shows like “Cougar Town,” “Friends with Better Lives,” “Mom,” “Shooter,” and “Insatiable.” These roles, while often smaller than her earlier film work, provided steady income and kept her active in the industry. Her presence in these shows helped maintain her relevance and appeal to a broader audience.

Later Film Roles and Voice Work

Beverly D’Angelo’s film career continued into the 2000s and 2010s, with roles in various independent and mainstream movies. In the early 2000s, she appeared in independent films such as “Hair High,” “King of the Corners,” and “Gamers.” In 2006, she had a role in the Hollywood film “Relative Strangers.” She also provided voice work for the animated film “Terra.” In 2008, she appeared in “Harold and Kumar Escape from Guantanamo Bay” and “The House Bunny.” These roles helped sustain her income and keep her engaged in diverse projects.

In the 2010s, she took on roles in movies like “Accidental Love,” “Vacation” (2015), “Dreamland,” “Wakefield,” and “The Unicorn.” These later film roles, combined with her television work, ensured a consistent income stream, contributing to her overall net worth. D’Angelo also narrated a short biographical film about Patsy Cline, which is shown at The Patsy Cline Museum in Nashville, further demonstrating her continued engagement with the legacy of her earlier role.

Real Estate Investments

In 2017, Beverly D’Angelo listed her home in Beverly Hills for $2.795 million. The property, located at an undisclosed address in Beverly Hills, spans 4,045 square feet of living space and includes five bedrooms. Built in the 1920s, the Spanish-style home features a fireplace, casement windows, a vaulted ceiling, and a swimming pool. She originally purchased the property in 2005 for $2.35 million. Her initial attempt to sell it in 2008 didn’t result in a sale. The property represents a significant asset contributing to her overall net worth.

The real estate market fluctuations have likely impacted the value of her Beverly Hills home. While the initial listing price was $2.795 million, the final sale price (if it was sold at that price or later) would determine the actual profit or loss from the investment. Real estate investments, like this property, can significantly influence an individual’s net worth, depending on market conditions and property management.

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