Net Worth Ranker
What Is Kim Basinger’s Net Worth?
Kim Basinger, the American model and actress, has accumulated a net worth of $20 million as of 2025. Her wealth stems from a multifaceted career encompassing modeling, acting in critically acclaimed films, and strategic real estate investments. Basinger’s journey to financial success is marked by both triumphs and challenges, including high-profile roles, legal battles, and entrepreneurial ventures.
Early Career and Modeling Success
Born Kimila Ann Basinger on December 8, 1953, in Athens, Georgia, she began her journey in the entertainment industry with a strong foundation in modeling. At the age of seventeen, Basinger participated in America’s Junior Miss Scholarship Pageant, earning the title of Athens Junior Miss. This achievement caught the attention of the Ford Modeling Agency, which offered her a contract. Although initially hesitant, she later moved to New York City to pursue modeling full-time.
During the 1970s, Basinger appeared in numerous advertisements, establishing herself as a sought-after model. Her work included a notable stint as the Breck Shampoo girl, a campaign that significantly raised her profile. While building her modeling career, she concurrently honed her acting skills, attending classes at the Neighborhood Playhouse and the William Esper Studio for the Performing Arts. These studies prepared her for a transition from modeling to acting.
Transition to Acting and Film Roles
After five years in modeling, Basinger relocated to Los Angeles to pursue acting roles. Her initial acting credits included guest appearances on television shows such as “McMillan & Wife” and “Charlie’s Angels.” Her first significant role came in the television film “Katie: Portrait of a Centerfold” (1978), which provided her with early exposure to a broader audience.
In 1979, Basinger starred in the miniseries remake of “From Here to Eternity,” alongside Natalie Wood, William Devane, and Steve Railsback. She reprised her role in the spinoff television series of the same name in 1980, further cementing her presence on television. Her big-screen debut arrived in 1981 with the drama “Hard Country,” marking the official start of her film career.
Basinger continued to build her filmography with roles in “Mother Lode” (1982) before landing the role of Domino Petachi in the James Bond film “Never Say Never Again” (1983), starring opposite Sean Connery. A nude “Playboy” pictorial, taken in 1981, was published in 1983 to promote her role in “Never Say Never Again”, boosting her visibility. Her performance in “The Natural” (1984) earned her a Golden Globe Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress, highlighting her emerging talent. She made $750,000 from this movie alone.
During the 1980s, Basinger appeared in films such as “The Man Who Loved Women” (1983), “Fool for Love” (1985), “9 ½ Weeks” (1986), “Blind Date” (1987), “Nadine” (1987), and “Batman” (1989). The role of Vicki Vale in “Batman,” directed by Tim Burton and co-starring Michael Keaton and Jack Nicholson, was a pivotal moment in her career, significantly increasing her net worth. For “Batman,” Basinger earned a salary of $2,000,000, contributing substantially to her financial standing during that period.
In 1991, Basinger co-starred with Richard Gere in “The Marrying Man,” and in 1992, they reunited for “Final Analysis.” While these films performed moderately well at the box office, they added to her acting portfolio and income. The year 1997 marked a significant milestone in her career when she starred in “L.A. Confidential.” For her performance, Basinger earned an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress, as well as a Golden Globe Award and a Screen Actors Guild Award. This recognition placed her among the elite actresses in Hollywood and enhanced her earning potential for future roles. She reportedly made $3 million for her role in “L.A. Confidential.” Basinger’s Academy Award win also holds the distinction of her being the first actress to win the prestigious award after having posed nude in “Playboy.”
Subsequent film appearances include “I Dream of Africa” (2000), “8 Mile” (2002), “The Door in the Floor” (2004), “Cellular” (2004), “The Sentinel” (2006), “Grudge Match” (2013), and “Fifty Shades Darker” (2017). While specific salary details for each film are not publicly available, these roles contributed to her continued income and net worth. Basinger’s roles during this period reflect her versatility as an actress and her ability to secure diverse roles in various genres.
Financial Difficulties and Real Estate
In 1989, Basinger, influenced by family members, invested $20 million to purchase most of the privately-owned land (1,691 acres) in Braselton, Georgia. The vision was to transform the town into a tourist attraction, complete with a film festival and multiple movie studios. However, these plans faced significant challenges, leading to financial difficulties. The land was sold off in 1995.
Her financial difficulties were exacerbated by her withdrawal from the film “Boxing Helena.” The studio initiated a legal battle against her, citing a breach of contract, and was awarded an $8.9 million judgment. As a result, Basinger filed for bankruptcy. She later appealed the case and reached a settlement with the studio for $3.8 million. These legal and entrepreneurial setbacks significantly impacted her financial stability during the 1990s.
In 2001, Basinger purchased a home in Woodland Hills, Los Angeles, for $540,000. She listed this property for sale in 2017 for just under $1 million. Additionally, she owns a more substantial home in the same area, acquired in the late 1970s for $150,000. The values of these real estate holdings contribute to her overall net worth. The increase in value of her properties over the years underscores the potential for real estate as a sound investment.
Personal Life and Other Ventures
Basinger has been married twice. Her first marriage was to Ron Snyder-Britton in 1980, which ended in divorce in 1989. After the divorce, she paid him $9,000 a month in alimony payments for eight years. Kim married actor Alec Baldwin in 1993, after meeting on the set of “The Marrying Man” (1991). They separated in 2000 and finalized their divorce in 2002. Basinger and Baldwin have one daughter, Ireland Baldwin. Personal relationships and family matters often have financial implications, including legal fees and settlement costs associated with divorce proceedings.
In addition to acting, Basinger has also explored singing. In 1992, she appeared as a guest vocalist on the song “Shake Your Head” by Was (Not Was), which also featured vocals from Ozzy Osbourne. She appeared on the maxi-single of Prince’s record “Scandalous!” (1989) and on the album “Too Hot to Handle EP: Music from the Original Motion Picture Soundtrack” (1991) for her film “The Marrying Man.” These musical ventures, while not her primary source of income, contribute to her diverse range of activities and income streams.
Basinger is a supporter of animal rights and has appeared in PETA advertisements. She is also a vegetarian. Her advocacy work does not directly contribute to her net worth but reflects her values and public persona, which can influence her image and endorsements.
Kim Basinger’s Net Worth
Kim Basinger’s net worth of $20 million in 2025 reflects her successful career as a model and actress, strategic real estate investments, and various ventures. Her career is characterized by high-profile film roles, awards, and recognition. While she faced financial difficulties due to entrepreneurial setbacks and legal challenges, her resilience and continued work in the entertainment industry have allowed her to maintain a substantial net worth. Her journey underscores the complexities of building and maintaining wealth in the entertainment industry, where success can be influenced by various factors, including career choices, investments, and personal circumstances. Overall, Kim Basinger’s financial journey reflects her dedication, talent, and business acumen in navigating the challenges and opportunities of a high-profile career in Hollywood.
