Net Worth Ranker
What Is Eliza Dushku’s Net Worth?
Eliza Dushku, a prominent American actress known for her roles in television and film, has accumulated a net worth of $20 million. This substantial net worth reflects her successful acting career, spanning from childhood roles to leading roles in popular series and films. Her financial success is a culmination of various acting projects, including television series, films, and voice acting roles.
Early Career and Breakthrough Roles
Eliza Dushku’s acting journey began at the age of 10 when she was discovered during a school performance. This early discovery led to her first role as Alice in the film “That Night” (1992). Following this debut, she secured a role in “This Boy’s Life” (1993), acting alongside established stars like Leonardo DiCaprio and Robert De Niro. This role provided her with significant exposure and helped establish her as a young talent in Hollywood.
In 1994, Dushku starred in “True Lies,” where she played the rebellious teenage daughter of Arnold Schwarzenegger and Jamie Lee Curtis. This role further solidified her presence in the industry and demonstrated her versatility as an actress. These early roles laid the foundation for her future success and contributed to the early stages of her net worth accumulation.
A pivotal moment in Dushku’s career came in 1998 when she was cast as Faith in the television series “Buffy the Vampire Slayer.” Initially intended for a brief appearance, her character resonated with audiences, leading to an extended role in the series and a subsequent part in the spin-off series “Angel.” This role brought her widespread recognition and significantly boosted her career trajectory. Her portrayal of Faith earned her critical acclaim and expanded her fan base, which translated into more opportunities and increased earnings.
Television and Film Career Highlights
Following her success on “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” and “Angel,” Dushku continued to secure roles in both film and television. In 2000, she starred in the cheerleading film “Bring It On,” which became a commercial success. Other film credits from this period include “Soul Survivors,” “Race the Sun,” “The New Guy,” “City by the Sea,” and “Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back.” These roles helped her maintain a consistent presence in the entertainment industry and contributed to her growing net worth.
In 2003, Dushku starred in the horror film “Wrong Turn” and took on the lead role in the Fox TV series “Tru Calling.” Although “Tru Calling” was short-lived, it provided her with a leading role and further diversified her acting portfolio. She continued to appear in various television shows, including “That ’70s Show,” “Ugly Betty,” “Dollhouse,” “The Big Bang Theory,” and “White Collar.” These roles, while varying in size and scope, contributed to her overall earnings and helped her maintain a steady income stream.
Voice Acting and Other Ventures
In addition to her on-screen work, Dushku has also lent her voice to several video games, including “Yakuza,” “Saints Row 2,” and “Fight Night Champion.” Voice acting provides another avenue for income, and her involvement in popular video game franchises has undoubtedly added to her net worth. She also appeared in music videos for Simple Plan’s “I’m Just a Kid” and Nickelback’s “Rockstar,” expanding her presence beyond traditional acting roles.
From 2013 to 2015, Dushku voiced She-Hulk in the Disney XD animated series “Hulk and the Agents of S.M.A.S.H.” This role showcased her versatility as a voice actor and provided another consistent source of income. In 2016, she had a recurring role in the fourth season of the Cinemax TV series “Banshee,” and in 2017, she appeared in the CBS drama “Bull.” While her time on “Bull” was cut short, the subsequent settlement she received further contributed to her net worth.
In 2007, Dushku signed an exclusive development deal with Fox Broadcasting and 20th Century Fox to create a television series. This deal resulted in the creation of “Dollhouse,” which premiered in 2008. Although the series was canceled after two seasons in 2009, the development deal and her role as the lead actress provided a significant financial opportunity.
Also in 2007, Dushku and her brother Nate co-founded the production company Boston Diva Productions. The company secured the rights to produce a film about the life of photographer Robert Mapplethorpe, which was released in 2018. Dushku’s involvement in producing films adds another dimension to her career and potential for earnings. In 2011, she visited Albania with the Travel Channel and Lonely Planet to film “Dear Albania,” a documentary promoting tourism in her father’s home country. Her production company was also involved in developing Glen Cook’s “The Black Company” series of books for television, further demonstrating her commitment to expanding her role in the entertainment industry.
“Bull” Firing and Settlement
In 2017, Eliza Dushku was hired to be a guest star on the CBS drama “Bull,” with plans for her to become a full cast member. However, her time on the show was cut short due to inappropriate comments allegedly made by her co-star Michael Weatherly on set. According to documents from the official mediation, Weatherly made several inappropriate remarks, leading to Dushku’s removal from the show. Following her complaint to CBS executives, she received a $9.5 million settlement, which significantly contributed to her net worth. This settlement compensated her for the potential earnings she would have received had she remained on the show as a full-cast member for four seasons.
Real Estate and Personal Life
In 2000, Eliza Dushku listed a home in the Hollywood Hills for sale for $1.85 million. Specifics of her ownership history for this home, including when it was originally purchased and for how much, are unavailable. It does however indicate investments into real estate.
Dushku’s net worth is a product of her long and varied career in the entertainment industry. Her earnings from television shows, films, voice acting, and other ventures, combined with her production company and the settlement from CBS, have contributed to her financial success. Her early success provided a solid financial base, which she has continued to build upon through strategic career choices and entrepreneurial endeavors.
