Net Worth Ranker
What Is Edward Burns’ Net Worth
Edward Burns, a multifaceted American actor, writer, and director, has amassed a considerable net worth of $40 million. This impressive financial standing is a combined figure with his wife, Christy Turlington, a renowned supermodel. Burns’ career trajectory is a testament to his dedication to independent filmmaking, coupled with successful forays into mainstream cinema and television.
Early Career and Breakthrough Success
Born on January 29, 1968, in Woodside, Queens, New York, Edward Burns’ early life provided the foundation for his future endeavors. Raised in a Roman Catholic household in Valley Stream, Long Island, alongside his two siblings, Burns’ educational journey took him from the State University of New York at Oneonta to Hunter College. Before achieving fame, Burns gained invaluable experience working as a production assistant on Oliver Stone’s “The Doors” and behind the scenes at “Entertainment Tonight.” These early roles provided a firsthand look into the entertainment industry.
Burns’ breakthrough came with his 1995 film, “The Brothers McMullen.” This project, which he wrote, directed, and starred in, was made on a shoestring budget of just $25,000. Despite the limited resources, the film grossed $19 million, a remarkable return on investment. The film’s success was further solidified when it won the Grand Jury Prize at the Sundance Film Festival, catapulting Burns into the spotlight and establishing him as a significant talent in independent cinema.
Following the success of “The Brothers McMullen,” Burns continued his filmmaking journey with “She’s the One” in 1996, an ensemble drama starring Jennifer Aniston and Cameron Diaz. Burns took on multiple roles as the writer, director, and actor, demonstrating his commitment to his craft. This pattern continued with “Sidewalks of New York,” where he also assumed the triple role of writer, director, and actor.
Acting Roles in Major Productions
Beyond his work as a writer and director, Edward Burns has showcased his versatility as an actor in various notable productions. His role in Steven Spielberg’s 1998 war epic, “Saving Private Ryan,” marked a significant milestone in his career. The film, with a budget of approximately $70 million, grossed over $481 million worldwide, exposing Burns to a global audience. His portrayal of Private Reiben demonstrated his ability to handle serious, dramatic roles in high-profile projects.
In 2001, Burns appeared in “15 Minutes” alongside Robert De Niro, a crime thriller with a budget of $60 million. The film, although not as commercially successful as “Saving Private Ryan,” allowed Burns to further diversify his acting portfolio. In 2002, he took on a role in “Life or Something Like It,” further demonstrating his adaptability across different genres.
In 2003, Burns acted in “Confidence,” a crime thriller with a budget of $15 million. This film, while not a blockbuster, added to his repertoire and showcased his ability to work within a diverse range of cinematic styles. His involvement in these varied projects highlights his strategic approach to building a multifaceted career.
Independent Filmmaking and Creative Control
In 2004, Burns reaffirmed his commitment to independent filmmaking with “Looking for Kitty.” He wrote, directed, and starred in the film, which was shot on a $3,000 handheld digital camera. The entire budget for the film was $200,000, emphasizing Burns’ ability to create compelling content with limited financial resources. This project showcased his resourcefulness and dedication to maintaining creative control over his work.
In 2007, Burns released “Purple Hearts” on iTunes, experimenting with digital distribution platforms. While “Purple Hearts” did not achieve significant commercial success, it demonstrated his willingness to adapt to changing media landscapes. Also in 2007, Burns partnered with Virgin Comics to create a series called “Dock Walloper,” with plans to adapt it into a film, showcasing his entrepreneurial spirit and interest in expanding his creative endeavors beyond traditional filmmaking.
In 2009, Burns distributed a series of short films under the collective title “The Lynch Pin.” This project allowed him to explore various themes and styles in a shorter format, further showcasing his creative range. Despite facing challenges with commercial success, Burns remained committed to his vision, continuously seeking new avenues for his storytelling.
Burns continued his exploration of low-budget filmmaking with “Nice Guy Johnny,” shot on a budget of just $25,000. The film premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival, providing a platform for showcasing his work to a wider audience and further cementing his status as a respected independent filmmaker. In 2011, Burns wrote, directed, and starred in “Newlyweds,” a film made on an even tighter budget of $9,000. According to Burns, the budget consisted of “$5k for actors, 2k insurance, 2k food and drink,” highlighting his ability to work within extreme financial constraints while still producing engaging content.
Television Ventures and “Public Morals”
In the 2010s, Edward Burns expanded his career into television, creating, writing, directing, and starring in the series “Public Morals.” Set in 1960s New York City, the show explores the lives of police officers in the Public Morals Division. While specific budget figures for the series are not publicly available, the production quality and ensemble cast suggest a significant investment. This move showcased Burns’ ability to adapt his storytelling skills to a different medium and reach a broader audience.
In 2013, Burns took on the role of real-life gangster Bugsy Siegel in the miniseries “Mob City.” His performance added depth to his acting portfolio and demonstrated his versatility in portraying complex characters. While the miniseries received mixed reviews, it further exposed Burns to television audiences and expanded his range as an actor.
Personal Life and Real Estate
Edward Burns married model Christy Turlington in 2003, solidifying a personal partnership that has also contributed to their combined financial success. Turlington’s career as a supermodel has included lucrative contracts with major fashion houses and cosmetic brands. Their marriage has created a power couple dynamic in the entertainment industry.
While specific details about Edward Burns’ real estate holdings are not publicly available, it is common for individuals with a net worth of $40 million to invest in real estate. Properties in areas like New York City and Long Island, where Burns has strong ties, are likely candidates for his investments. Real estate investments typically form a significant component of high-net worth individuals’ portfolios.
Investments and Assets Contributing to Net Worth
Edward Burns’ net worth is primarily derived from his earnings as an actor, writer, and director. His success in both independent and mainstream cinema has provided a steady stream of income over the years. Additionally, his television ventures and potential investments in other businesses or assets contribute to his overall financial standing. While specific details about his investment portfolio are not publicly disclosed, it is common for high-net worth individuals to diversify their investments across various sectors to maximize returns and minimize risk.
Burns’ early career choices, such as working behind the scenes in production, provided him with invaluable industry knowledge that he later leveraged to create his own opportunities. His ability to finance, produce, direct, and star in his own films, starting with “The Brothers McMullen,” allowed him to retain a greater share of the profits and build his net worth more rapidly.
In a fun twist, Edward’s brother, screenwriter/producer Brian Burns, is married to Christy’s sister Kelly Turlington. This unique family dynamic adds an interesting layer to their personal and professional lives. While this familial connection does not directly impact Edward Burns’ net worth, it creates a strong support network within the entertainment industry.
