Net Worth Ranker
What Is Sigourney Weaver’s Net Worth?
Sigourney Weaver, born Susan Alexandra Weaver on October 8, 1949, boasts a substantial net worth of $60 million. This impressive financial standing is primarily attributed to her successful acting career, spanning several decades and encompassing iconic roles in blockbuster films.
Early Career and Rise to Fame
Weaver’s journey began with a non-speaking role in Woody Allen’s “Annie Hall” in 1977. However, her breakthrough came in 1979 with Ridley Scott’s “Alien.” Although Veronica Cartwright was initially considered, Weaver secured the role of Ellen Ripley, a character that would define her early career. “Alien” was made on a $10 million budget and grossed over $203 million worldwide, establishing Weaver as a leading actress in the science fiction genre. Her performance was widely praised, marking a pivotal moment in her career and contributing significantly to her future earning potential. This initial success laid the foundation for a net worth that would grow substantially over the years.
Her portrayal of Dana Barrett in “Ghostbusters” (1984) and its sequel further showcased her versatility and comedic talent. This role helped to diversify her portfolio and broaden her appeal, leading to more opportunities and increased earnings. In 1986, she reprised her role as Ripley in James Cameron’s “Aliens,” earning an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress and cementing her status as an action film icon. “Aliens” grossed over $180 million, demonstrating the continued popularity of the franchise and contributing significantly to Weaver’s financial success.
“Alien” Franchise and Salary Highlights
Weaver’s involvement in the “Alien” franchise was not only pivotal for her career but also a significant source of income. For the original “Alien” movie, she received a salary of $30,000, a relatively modest sum compared to her later earnings. However, her negotiation skills and star power grew significantly with each subsequent film. For “Aliens” in 1986, she secured a salary of $1 million, plus a percentage of the box office profits. This represented a substantial increase from her initial salary and reflected her growing influence in the industry. Her salary continued to climb with “Alien 3” in 1992, where she earned $4 million, and “Alien: Resurrection” in 1997, where she received $11 million. These figures underscore the significant financial impact of the “Alien” franchise on Sigourney Weaver net worth.
Despite “Alien 3” receiving mixed reviews, it still grossed over $150 million. “Alien: Resurrection” fared slightly better in terms of critical reception and grossed over $160 million. While these films may not have reached the heights of “Alien” or “Aliens,” they still contributed to Weaver’s overall financial success and solidified her position as a bankable star. The enduring popularity of the franchise, combined with Weaver’s strong performances, ensured that she remained in high demand and commanded substantial salaries for her work.
Other Notable Film Roles and Earnings
Beyond the “Alien” franchise, Weaver has starred in numerous other successful films, each contributing to her overall net worth. Her role in “The Year of Living Dangerously” alongside Mel Gibson further expanded her profile. She also won acclaim for portraying primatologist Dian Fossey in “Gorillas in the Mist” (1988), earning awards and further solidifying her reputation as a versatile actress. That same year, she appeared in “Working Girl” alongside Harrison Ford, another critically acclaimed and commercially successful film. These roles demonstrated her range and appeal, contributing to her consistent demand in the industry and, consequently, to her net worth.
In 2009, Weaver appeared in James Cameron’s “Avatar,” which became one of the highest-grossing films of all time. While the exact details of her salary for “Avatar” have not been publicly disclosed, it is reasonable to assume that she received a significant sum, given the film’s budget and potential for box office success. The success of “Avatar” and her involvement in its sequels undoubtedly had a positive impact on her net worth. She was also cast for the sequels, which were rumored to have a budget of roughly $1 billion collectively.
Throughout the 2000s, Weaver continued to take on diverse roles in films such as “Heartbreakers,” “Holes,” “The Village,” “Vantage Point,” and “Baby Mama.” Although these roles may not have commanded the same level of salary as her earlier work in the “Alien” franchise, they still contributed to her overall income and demonstrated her continued presence in the industry. In 2015, Sigourney appeared in the film “Chappie,” adding to her filmography and further diversifying her earnings.
Her participation in the 2021 “Ghostbusters” movie also marked a return to a beloved franchise, likely resulting in a substantial payday. The enduring popularity of the “Ghostbusters” franchise, combined with Weaver’s established star power, would have positioned her to negotiate a favorable salary for her role in the film.
Voice Acting and Television Roles
In addition to her film work, Weaver has also established herself as a successful voice actress, contributing to her overall income. She famously voiced the ship’s computer in the animated film “Wall-E,” which was a critical and commercial success. The exact details of her salary for “Wall-E” have not been publicly disclosed, but it is likely that she received a significant sum, given the film’s budget and potential for box office success.
Weaver also guest-starred on the animated series “Futurama,” further demonstrating her versatility as a voice actress. These voice acting roles, while perhaps not as lucrative as her film work, still contributed to her overall income and broadened her appeal to different audiences. She also reprised her role as Ripley in the video game “Alien: Isolation,” adding to her body of work within the “Alien” franchise and generating additional income.
In terms of live-action television roles, Weaver is known for playing the Queen of the Vampires in the series “Vamps.” While the exact details of her salary for “Vamps” have not been publicly disclosed, it is reasonable to assume that she received a competitive sum, given her established star power and the series’ production budget.
Personal Life and Other Ventures
Sigourney Weaver married stage director Jim Simpson in 1984. While her personal life is relatively private, it is known that she and Simpson have one child together. It is important to note that while there are no details about Sigourney Weaver’s real estate assets, private planes, luxury cars or specific stock investments in the information provided, these factors may also contribute to her total net worth.
Her career choices demonstrate a strategic approach to maintaining her relevance in the entertainment industry, and this approach has undoubtedly played a role in her financial success. Sigourney Weaver net worth is not solely based on her salary from acting roles, but also on smart financial planning and investment decisions made throughout her career.
