Net Worth Ranker
What Is Isabella Rossellini’s Net Worth?
Isabella Rossellini, a prominent Italian-American actress and model, boasts a net worth of $50 million. Her financial success is attributed to her extensive career in film, television, modeling, writing, and stage acting. Rossellini’s career spans several decades, starting in the late 1970s and continuing to this day, encompassing diverse roles and projects. Her net worth reflects not only her earnings from acting roles but also her brand endorsements, writing ventures, and strategic investments.
Early Career and Film Roles
Born in Rome in 1952, Isabella Rossellini is the daughter of Swedish actress Ingrid Bergman and Italian filmmaker Roberto Rossellini. Her early life was split between Rome and Paris, with formative experiences including undergoing surgery for appendicitis at age five and scoliosis at age 11. Rossellini’s foray into the entertainment industry began in 1976 with a minor role in the film “A Matter of Time,” where she appeared alongside her mother, Ingrid Bergman. This initial role marked the beginning of her transition from working as a translator and reporter for Italian television in New York City to establishing herself as an actress.
Her breakthrough role came in 1979 with the Italian drama “The Meadow,” which earned her the Silver Ribbon for Best New Actress. This award not only recognized her talent but also significantly elevated her profile in the film industry. In 1985, following her mother’s passing, Rossellini secured her first American film role in “White Nights,” marking her entry into Hollywood. The following year, 1986, she starred in David Lynch’s “Blue Velvet,” a role that remains one of the most iconic in her career. For her portrayal of Dorothy Vallens, a nightclub singer, Rossellini won the Independent Spirit Award for Best Female Lead, solidifying her status as a leading actress. This pivotal role not only showcased her acting prowess but also contributed significantly to her early earnings and recognition.
In the years following “Blue Velvet,” Rossellini appeared in a variety of films, including “Tough Guys Don’t Dance” and “Siesta,” both released in 1987. These roles demonstrated her versatility as an actress and further expanded her filmography. The late 1980s and early 1990s saw her take on roles in films such as “Zelly and Me,” “Cousins,” and “Wild at Heart,” the latter being her second collaboration with director David Lynch. These projects added to her acting credits and contributed to her growing income from film roles.
The 1990s were a particularly active period for Rossellini, with roles in films such as “Death Becomes Her,” where she appeared alongside Meryl Streep and Goldie Hawn, and “The Innocent,” directed by John Schlesinger. She also starred in “Fearless,” “Wyatt Earp,” “Immortal Beloved,” “Big Night,” “The Funeral,” and the Dutch film “Left Luggage.” Each of these roles not only added to her professional experience but also contributed to her earnings, helping to build her net worth. Specific financial details for each movie role are not publicly available, but collectively, these projects played a significant role in her financial success.
In the early 2000s, Rossellini continued to work steadily in film, appearing in “Empire,” “Roger Dodger,” and “The Saddest Music in the World.” In “The Saddest Music in the World,” directed by Guy Maddin, she played Lady Helen Port-Huntley, a one-legged baroness, a role that highlighted her ability to take on quirky and memorable characters. Following this, she appeared in “Heights,” “King of the Corner,” “The Feast of the Goat,” “The Architect,” and “Infamous,” a biopic about Truman Capote in which she portrayed Italian noblewoman Marella Agnelli. These roles, while varied, sustained her presence in the film industry and continued to add to her income stream.
Rossellini’s film career continued through the late 2000s with roles in “The Accidental Husband” and “Two Lovers.” In the early 2010s, she appeared in “The Solitude of Prime Numbers,” “Keyhole,” “Chicken with Plums,” “Late Bloomers,” and “Enemy,” where she played the mother of Jake Gyllenhaal’s character. Later in the 2010s, she had roles in “Joy,” “Incredibles 2” (voice role), “Vita and Virginia,” and “Silent Retreat.” These continued film roles are an ongoing source of income, contributing to her overall financial stability and net worth.
Television Career
Rossellini made her television debut in 1989 with three episodes of “The Tracey Ullman Show.” In the 1990s, she appeared in several television movies, including “Ivory Hunters,” “Lies of the Twins,” “The Gift,” and “Crime of the Century,” for which she received a Golden Globe Award nomination for Best Actress. She also had guest appearances on “Friends” and “Chicago Hope,” and was in the miniseries “The Odyssey” and “Merlin.” These television roles in the 1990s expanded her acting repertoire and provided additional income beyond her film work.
In the early 2000s, Rossellini continued her television work with a role in the television movie “Don Quixote” and the miniseries “Napoléon.” From 2004 to 2005, she had a recurring role as Katya Derevko on “Alias,” a popular action-thriller series. This recurring role increased her visibility and likely provided a steady income during that period. Later, in 2007, she appeared in two episodes of the NBC sitcom “30 Rock,” further demonstrating her versatility as an actress and contributing to her earnings.
One of Rossellini’s more unique television projects is “Green Porno,” a series of short films about animal sexual behavior that she wrote, directed, and narrated, broadcast on the Sundance Channel. This project showcased her creative versatility and willingness to take on unconventional roles. Later television credits include the Hulu streaming series “Shut Eye” and animated series “Tuca & Bertie” and “The Owl House.” These more recent television roles continue to diversify her income sources and contribute to her ongoing financial success.
Modeling and Lancôme Endorsement
Rossellini began her modeling career at the age of 28, appearing in both the American and British versions of Vogue. She worked with famed photographers such as Helmut Newton, Eve Arnold, Richard Avedon, Robert Mapplethorpe, and Annie Leibovitz. Her modeling career led to appearances in magazines like Vanity Fair, Elle, and Marie Claire. Her early modeling work helped establish her as a fashion icon and contributed to her financial profile.
In 1982, Rossellini became the exclusive spokesmodel for Lancôme, a major cosmetics brand. This endorsement deal marked a significant milestone in her career, providing a substantial and consistent income stream for over a decade. In 1990, she participated in product development for a fragrance called Trésor, indicating her involvement beyond just being a face for the brand. While the specific financial details of her contract with Lancôme are not publicly available, it’s estimated that this endorsement deal was a major contributor to her net worth during that period.
Despite being removed as the face of Lancôme in 1996, allegedly for being “too old,” Rossellini was reinstated in 2016 by the company’s new female CEO. This reappointment demonstrates her enduring appeal and the value she brings to the brand. The renewed partnership with Lancôme likely involves a new endorsement contract, which would further contribute to her current income and overall net worth. The specific financial terms of this renewed contract have not been disclosed, but it is likely a lucrative agreement given her established reputation and continued relevance in the beauty industry.
Writing and Other Ventures
Beyond her acting and modeling careers, Rossellini is also an author, having written several books. Her writing ventures likely contribute to her income, although specific sales figures and earnings from her books are not publicly available. The combination of her acting, modeling, and writing careers, along with potential investments, has enabled her to accumulate a substantial net worth. The $50 million net worth reflects a diversified career spanning multiple decades and industries, highlighting her adaptability and long-term success in the entertainment and fashion sectors.
Rossellini’s activities as president and director of the Howard Gilman Foundation, which supports wildlife and the arts, indicate her commitment to philanthropy. While her philanthropic work does not directly contribute to her net worth, it showcases her dedication to using her resources for the greater good. Her involvement with groups such as the Wildlife Conservation Network, the Central Park Conservancy, and the Bellport-Brookhaven Historical Society also demonstrates her commitment to conservation and preservation efforts.
Personal Life and Relationships
From 1979 to 1982, Rossellini was married to filmmaker Martin Scorsese, whom she met while interviewing him for Italian television. This early marriage was a significant relationship in her life, although it’s not directly tied to her financial status. After her divorce from Scorsese, she married Jon Wiedemann in 1983, and they have a daughter named Elettra. Rossellini also has an adopted son named Roberto. From 1994 to 1996, she was engaged to actor Gary Oldman. These personal relationships have shaped her life but do not have a direct impact on her net worth.
