Net Worth Ranker
What Was Ginger Rogers’ Net Worth?
At the time of her passing in 1995, the illustrious Ginger Rogers, a multifaceted American talent excelling as an actress, dancer, singer, and author, possessed a net worth estimated at $20 million. This substantial fortune was accumulated over a career spanning several decades, marked by significant roles in Hollywood’s golden era and beyond.
Ginger Rogers’ Career and Financial Highlights
Ginger Rogers’ career was a blend of stage and screen successes, significantly contributing to her $20 million net worth. Her collaborations with Fred Astaire stand out as major milestones. Here’s a breakdown of key aspects:
Hollywood Musical Films with Fred Astaire: She co-starred with Fred Astaire in ten Hollywood musical films, including “The Gay Divorcee” (1934), “Top Hat” (1935), and “Shall We Dance” (1937). Though specific salary details for these films aren’t publicly available, such successful ventures would have generated significant income through salaries and potential percentages of box office returns. The impact of these films extended beyond their initial releases, contributing to her lasting fame and subsequent earning potential.
Academy Award Win: In 1940, Ginger Rogers received the Academy Award for Best Actress for her role in “Kitty Foyle.” Winning an Academy Award significantly boosted her marketability and earning potential. Post-Oscar, she likely commanded higher salaries for film appearances.
Highest-Paid Star in Hollywood: In 1942, Rogers was reportedly the highest-paid star in Hollywood. Although specific figures for her 1942 earnings are not available in the provided context, this signifies a peak in her earning power, suggesting a lucrative contract with a major studio.
Extensive Filmography: With over 90 acting credits, including titles like “Honor Among Lovers” (1931), “The Thirteenth Guest” (1932), “42nd Street” (1933), “Don’t Bet on Love” (1933), “Stage Door” (1937), “Tom, Dick and Harry” (1941), “Roxie Hart” (1942), “The Major and the Minor” (1942), “It Had to Be You” (1947), “We’re Not Married!” (1952), “Monkey Business” (1952), and “Twist of Fate” (1954), Rogers maintained a consistent presence in Hollywood. These roles, spanning various genres, contributed steadily to her income over several decades. Specific salary details for individual films are not provided; however, leading roles would have commanded substantial fees.
Broadway Performances: Her Broadway performances in productions such as “Top Speed” (1929), “Girl Crazy” (1930), “Love and Let Love” (1951), and “Hello, Dolly!” (1965) added another dimension to her career and income streams. While Broadway salaries in that era were generally lower than Hollywood salaries for top stars, successful runs could provide a steady income.
“Ginger: My Story” Memoir: The publication of her memoir, “Ginger: My Story,” in 1991 would have provided an additional source of income through royalties and potentially a book advance. The financial success of the memoir would depend on sales figures and the terms of her publishing contract, which are not specified here.
“AFI 100 Years…100 Stars” Recognition: Being ranked #14 on the “AFI 100 Years…100 Stars” list in 1999 cemented her status as a screen legend. Though this recognition came after her death, it underscored the lasting value of her work and could have influenced the valuation of her estate.
Early Career and Contracts
Rogers’ career trajectory began in her teenage years, laying the foundation for her later financial success. Here’s how she started:
Early Performances: Ginger Rogers began her entertainment career by serving as a stand-in for Eddie Foy’s traveling vaudeville act in Fort Worth. When she was 14, she entered a Charleston dance contest and won the opportunity to tour the Orpheum Circuit as Ginger Rogers and the Redheads for six months. Although the exact earnings from these early performances are unknown, they provided valuable experience and exposure, leading to more significant opportunities.
Paramount Pictures Contract: In 1930, Rogers signed a seven-year contract with Paramount Pictures. While the specific financial terms of this contract are not detailed, signing a studio contract was a pivotal moment in her career, providing a steady income and access to leading roles in films. This contract would have been a cornerstone of her early financial stability and growth.
Early Film Roles: Ginger Rogers made her feature film debut in “Young Man of Manhattan” (1930). She also appeared in “Queen High” (1930), “The Sap from Syracuse” (1930), “Follow the Leader” (1930), “Honor Among Lovers” (1931), “The Tip-Off” (1931), “Suicide Fleet” (1931), “Carnival Boat” (1932), “The Tenderfoot” (1932), “The Thirteenth Guest” (1932), and “Hat Check Girl” (1932). These early roles helped her gain recognition in Hollywood, which led to bigger roles and higher pay.
Later Career Ventures
After her initial run of success, Ginger Rogers continued to diversify her roles in the entertainment industry.
Television Appearances: Rogers appeared in the CBS movie “Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella” (1965) and guest-starred on “Here’s Lucy” (1971), “The Love Boat” (1979), and “Glitter” (1984). While television salaries in those years would likely be lower than her peak film earnings, these appearances still added to her income and kept her in the public eye.
Directing “Babes in Arms”: In 1985, she directed an off-Broadway production of the musical “Babes in Arms.” Directing could have brought in income through a director’s fee and possibly a percentage of the show’s profits, though specific figures are not available.
Final Screen Role: Ginger Rogers’ final screen role was in the 1987 “Hotel” episode “Hail and Farewell.” Though this was a guest appearance, it marked the end of her extensive on-screen career.
Personal Life and Additional Ventures
Ginger Rogers’ personal life and interests also contributed to her net worth and public image.
Marriages: Ginger was married five times. While her marriages are unlikely to have directly contributed to her income, they were a part of her public image, which could have influenced her marketability.
Political Activities: Ginger Rogers was a Republican and campaigned for various candidates. Her political activities were more likely to have been driven by personal beliefs than financial gain.
Tennis: Ginger was a skilled tennis player who played in the US Open in 1950. Her participation in the US Open, while not a primary source of income, added to her public profile and potentially opened up endorsement opportunities.
Historic Landmark Property: In 1994, her birthplace was designated a Historic Landmark Property by the City of Independence, Missouri. The Rogers home was later turned into a museum dedicated to Ginger and her mother, Lela. While this designation didn’t directly add to her net worth, it honored her legacy and preserved her history.
Awards and Recognition
Ginger Rogers received numerous awards and honors throughout her career, further cementing her legacy and potentially influencing the valuation of her estate.
Academy Award: In 1941, Rogers won an Academy Award for Best Actress in a Leading Role for “Kitty Foyle.” This award was a significant achievement that enhanced her reputation and marketability.
Golden Globe Nomination: She earned a Golden Globe nomination for Best Actress – Comedy or Musical for “Monkey Business” in 1953. While she did not win, the nomination recognized her talent and kept her in the spotlight.
Berlin International Film Festival Award: In 1970, she won a Silver Medal at the Berlin International Film Festival for her achievements in acting and dancing. This international recognition further added to her prestige.
National Board of Review Awards: Ginger won three National Board of Review Awards for Best Acting, for “Primrose Path” in 1940, for “Kitty Foyle” and “Tom, Dick and Harry” in 1941, and “Roxie Hart” and “The Major and the Minor” in 1942. These awards highlighted her acting prowess and contributed to her reputation.
Hollywood Walk of Fame: She received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1960. This permanent recognition honored her contributions to the entertainment industry.
Kennedy Center Honors: Ginger Rogers received Kennedy Center Honors in 1992, a prestigious award recognizing lifetime achievements in the performing arts.
Online Film & Television Association Hall of Fame: She was posthumously inducted into the Online Film & Television Association Hall of Fame in 2018. This posthumous recognition underscored her lasting impact on the industry.
Death and Legacy
Ginger Rogers’ death in 1995 marked the end of an era, but her legacy endures. She passed away from natural causes at her home in Rancho Mirage, California, at the age of 83. Rogers was cremated, and her cremains were interred at Oakwood Memorial Park Cemetery with her mother, Lela Rogers.
The details presented illustrate how Ginger Rogers accumulated her $20 million net worth. While specific contract details and investment information remain undisclosed, the combination of her successful film career, stage performances, endorsements, and other ventures contributed to her financial success.
