Net Worth Ranker
What Is Molly Ringwald’s Net Worth?
Molly Ringwald, a prominent American actress celebrated for her roles in iconic 1980s teen films, has accumulated a net worth of approximately $11 million. This financial standing reflects her successful career spanning film, television, and theater.
Early Career and Television Success
Born on February 18, 1968, in Roseville, California, Molly Ringwald’s journey into the entertainment industry began at a young age. At five, she showcased her talent as the Dormouse in a stage production of “Alice in Wonderland.” By 10, in 1978, Molly secured a role in a Los Angeles production of “Annie,” marking her early forays into professional acting. Her early television career gained momentum with a guest appearance on “Diff’rent Strokes” in 1979. Subsequently, she became a series regular on the show’s spin-off, “The Facts of Life,” portraying Molly Parker, a character characterized as a bubbly feminist student. These early roles provided her with initial exposure and experience in the entertainment industry.
Ringwald further expanded her artistic endeavors by lending her voice to two Disney albums in 1980: “Yankee Doodle Mickey” and “Disney’s Merry Christmas Carols,” showcasing her versatility as a performer.
The Brat Pack Era and Film Breakthroughs
Molly Ringwald’s film career took off in the mid-1980s, starting with appearances in “Tempest” and “Spacehunter: Adventures in the Forbidden Zone.” Her true breakthrough came in 1984 with John Hughes’ coming-of-age comedy “Sixteen Candles,” where she played Samantha Baker. Her performance earned her the Young Artist Award for Best Young Actress in a Motion Picture, marking a significant milestone in her career.
Following the success of “Sixteen Candles,” Ringwald became associated with the “Brat Pack,” a group of popular ’80s teen actors. She solidified her status with roles in subsequent Brat Pack films, most notably “The Breakfast Club” in 1985, where she played Claire Standish, a wealthy girl in detention. The film grossed $45.8 million domestically, cementing Ringwald’s place as a teen icon.
In 1986, Ringwald starred in “Pretty in Pink,” directed by Howard Deutch and written by John Hughes. “Pretty in Pink” grossed over $40 million, further bolstering Ringwald’s reputation as a leading actress in teen films.
Transitioning to more mature roles, Ringwald appeared in “P.K. and the Kid,” “King Lear,” and “The Pick-up Artist” in 1987, seeking to diversify her acting portfolio. In 1988, she starred in “For Keeps,” which is considered her final teen movie, and was also in “Fresh Horses” alongside fellow “Pretty in Pink” star Andrew McCarthy.
Diversification and Later Film Roles
During the early 1990s, Ringwald reportedly declined lead roles in “Pretty Woman” and “Ghost,” opting for diverse roles. In 1990, she appeared in “Strike it Rich” and “Betsy’s Wedding.” Later, she moved to Paris and acted in several French films, broadening her acting experience internationally.
Ringwald continued to appear in various films throughout the 1990s and 2000s, including “Malicious,” “Office Killer,” and “Teaching Mrs. Tingle.” In the 2000s, she also appeared in films such as “In the Weeds,” “Cut,” “Cowboy Up,” and “Not Another Teen Movie,” showcasing her versatility across different genres.
In the 2010s, Ringwald appeared in films like “Jem and the Holograms,” “Bad Night,” “King Cobra,” “SPF-18,” “All These Small Moments,” and “The Kissing Booth” trilogy, where she played the mother of the main character. “The Kissing Booth” franchise, released on Netflix, gained substantial viewership, with the first film being one of Netflix’s most-watched movies of 2018. While specific financial details of her involvement aren’t publicly available, the success of the franchise likely contributed to her income.
Return to Television and “Riverdale”
After “The Facts of Life,” Ringwald continued to work in television, appearing in several television films, including “Packin’ It In,” “Surviving: A Family in Crisis,” “Women & Men: Stories of Seduction,” and “Something to Live for: The Alison Gertz Story.” In 1994, she played Frannie Goldsmith in the miniseries “The Stand,” based on the Stephen King novel. The miniseries was well-received and further solidified her presence in television.
Ringwald also had a lead role in the ABC sitcom “Townies” in 1995. She appeared in “Remember WENN,” “Twice Upon a Time,” “The $treet,” “The Outer Limits,” and “Medium.” In 2008, she joined the cast of ABC Family’s “The Secret Life of the American Teenager,” appearing in numerous episodes. She then secured a lead role in the Canadian series “Raising Expectations.”
In 2017, Ringwald took on a recurring role as Archie Andrews’ mother, Mary Andrews, on The CW series “Riverdale.” “Riverdale” became a popular series, and her recurring role provided her with consistent work. The show, which blends teen drama with darker, mystery elements, has maintained a strong viewership and critical discussion since its debut. While her specific per-episode salary for “Riverdale” is not publicly disclosed, recurring roles in popular television series generally offer substantial income to actors.
Other television credits include “Tales of the City” and “Creepshow,” adding to her continued presence on the small screen. Ringwald’s consistent work in television has provided a steady income stream, contributing to her overall net worth.
Theatrical Performances and Broadway
Molly Ringwald expanded her acting career into theater. She performed in “How I Learned to Drive,” the off-Broadway musical “tick, tick… BOOM!,” and the Broadway revival of “Cabaret,” where she played Sally Bowles. Her performance as Sally Bowles was a significant role, highlighting her versatility as a performer.
In 2003, Ringwald began appearing in “Enchanted April” but left due to her pregnancy. In 2004, she starred in the Broadway play “Modern Orthodox,” opposite Craig Bierko and Jason Biggs. Theater performances often provide consistent income for actors, depending on the length and success of the production. While specific financial details from her theater roles are not publicly available, these endeavors contribute to her overall earnings.
Real Estate Ventures
In 1996, Molly Ringwald sold her Los Angeles mansion on Mulholland Drive to comedian Drew Carey. The specific sale price and address details are not available in the provided text. In 2016, she sold an apartment in New York City that she had owned for over a decade for $1.7 million, providing a financial gain from her real estate investment. The specific address is not available in the provided text.
Net Worth Accumulation
Molly Ringwald’s $11 million net worth is the culmination of her work in film, television, and theater. Her success in iconic teen films, like “Sixteen Candles” (1984), “The Breakfast Club” (1985), and “Pretty in Pink” (1986), helped to establish her career and generate income. These films were box office successes, with “The Breakfast Club” grossing $45.8 million and “Pretty in Pink” grossing over $40 million.
Her recurring roles in television series, such as “The Facts of Life” and “Riverdale,” have provided consistent income over the years. Additionally, Ringwald’s theater performances and real estate investments have added to her overall financial stability. Her ability to transition between different acting mediums has allowed her to maintain a steady career and increase her net worth.
While specific details of her contracts and earnings from individual projects are not available, her consistent work in the entertainment industry has contributed to her financial success.
