Overview

Yvette Carmen Mimieux (January 8, 1942 – January 17, 2022) was an American film and television actress. An intelligent and slender leading lady of the 1960s and 70s, Mimieux was born in Hollywood, California. Her father was of French and German descent, and her mother was Mexican. She was discovered by a Hollywood publicist, and her first credited role was in a 1959 episode of the TV series Yancy Derringer. She was known for her roles in films such as ‘The Time Machine’ (1960), ‘Where the Boys Are’ (1960), ‘Light in the Piazza’ (1962), and ‘The Black Hole’ (1979). Mimieux also co-wrote, produced, and starred in the 1984 TV movie ‘Obsessive Love,’ and she wrote and starred in the 1974 television film ‘Hit Lady.’ After retiring from acting in 1992, Mimieux pursued other interests, including anthropology and real estate investment. She was married to Howard F. Ruby, founder and chairman of Oakwood Worldwide. Yvette Mimieux passed away on January 17, 2022, at the age of 80.

What Is Yvette Mimieux’s Net Worth?

At the time of her passing in 2022, Yvette Mimieux, the multifaceted American actress, producer, and writer, possessed a net worth of $50 million. This substantial net worth reflected her decades-long career in the entertainment industry, as well as her ventures into real estate investment and other fields.

Career Overview: From Silver Screen to Real Estate

Yvette Mimieux’s career spanned several decades, beginning in the mid-1950s and encompassing over 50 acting credits in both film and television. Some of her notable film appearances include “The Time Machine” (1960), “Where the Boys Are” (1960), “Light in the Piazza” (1962), “Toys in the Attic” (1963), “Skyjacked” (1972), “Journey Into Fear” (1975), and “Circle of Power” (1981). On television, she was known for her roles in series such as “Dr. Kildare” (1964), “The Most Deadly Game” (1970–1971), “The Love Boat” (1984), and “Berrenger’s” (1985). Her diverse roles showcased her acting range and contributed significantly to her financial success. In 1984, Yvette co-wrote, produced, and starred in the TV movie “Obsessive Love,” and she wrote and starred in the 1974 television film “Hit Lady.” These roles expanded her influence in the industry. Her final acting project was the 1992 miniseries “Lady Boss.” Her transition from acting to real estate investing further diversified her income streams.

Mimieux’s involvement in the entertainment industry extended beyond acting. She ventured into writing and producing, showcasing her entrepreneurial spirit and contributing to her overall earnings. For instance, her work on “Obsessive Love” in 1984, where she not only starred but also co-wrote and produced, demonstrated her multifaceted talent. Mimieux’s career decisions reflect a strategic approach to wealth accumulation. By diversifying her skill set and engaging in various aspects of film and television production, she maximized her earning potential.

Her performance in “The Time Machine” (1960) was an early career highlight that helped solidify her status as a rising star. Subsequent roles in films like “Where the Boys Are” (1960) and “Light in the Piazza” (1962) further enhanced her reputation and increased her market value. The 1970s saw Mimieux take on roles in films like “Skyjacked” (1972) and “Journey Into Fear” (1975), which, while varying in critical acclaim, added to her consistent stream of income. In the television industry, Mimieux’s appearances in popular series like “Dr. Kildare” (1964) and “The Love Boat” (1984) exposed her to a wide audience, increasing her visibility and attracting further opportunities. Her role in “Berrenger’s” (1985) provided a steady income during that period.

Real Estate Investments

After retiring from acting, Yvette Mimieux transitioned into real estate, a move that significantly contributed to her net worth. Her marriage to Howard F. Ruby, co-founder of Oakwood Worldwide, further solidified her position in the real estate market. Oakwood Worldwide owns the Oakwood Apartments complexes, a substantial portfolio that provided financial stability and growth opportunities for Mimieux.

One notable real estate transaction involved Mimieux and Ruby’s purchase of the house next door to their residence, known as Il Sogno, for $5.55 million in 2010. This property, along with their main residence, was later sold to Tinder co-founder Sean Rad for $35 million in July 2022, several months after Mimieux’s death. The combined property included a 10,600-square-foot villa with six bedrooms and seven baths, built in 1928, and a 4,900-square-foot cottage with three bedrooms and five baths. This sale demonstrated the substantial value of Mimieux’s real estate holdings and their contribution to her net worth. The strategic investment in real estate showcased Mimieux’s acumen for wealth management and her ability to leverage opportunities outside of the entertainment industry.

The property’s appreciation in value over time highlights the success of Mimieux’s real estate ventures. The purchase and subsequent sale of these properties underscore the importance of real estate as a key component of her overall wealth. Further details regarding the property include its prime location and the luxurious amenities it offered, which contributed to its high market value. The villa, built in 1928, featured classic architectural elements and expansive living spaces, while the cottage provided additional accommodation and privacy. The presence of two pools on the combined property further enhanced its appeal and value.

Early Career and Recognition

Yvette Mimieux’s career began at a young age, with her television debut at 17 on “Yancy Derringer” in 1959. Her early appearances in MGM films such as “Platinum High School” (1960), “The Time Machine” (1960), and “Where the Boys Are” (1960) quickly established her as a promising talent. Her role in “Platinum High School” earned her a Golden Globe nomination for Most Promising Newcomer – Female, marking a significant milestone in her career.

Her early career choices played a crucial role in shaping her net worth. Each role she undertook added to her experience and increased her visibility in the industry. Her roles in “Alcoa Presents: One Step Beyond” (1960) and “Mr. Lucky” (1960) supplemented her income. Subsequent roles in “Diamond Head” (1962) and “Toys in the Attic” (1963) further solidified her reputation as a versatile actress. Her earnings from these roles were strategically invested and managed. Mimieux’s focus on building a strong foundation early in her career paved the way for future financial success.

Later Career and TV Movie Production

In the 1970s and 1980s, Yvette Mimieux continued to work steadily in both film and television. Her roles in films like “The Delta Factor” (1970), “Skyjacked” (1972), and “The Black Hole” (1979) added to her income stream. She also starred in numerous TV movies, including “Death Takes a Holiday” (1971), “Black Noon” (1971), and “Hit Lady” (1974). Her work in television movies was a consistent source of income and exposure. In 1984, Mimieux produced and starred in the TV movie “Obsessive Love,” which she co-wrote, demonstrating her diverse talents and entrepreneurial spirit. Her motivation to create “Obsessive Love” stemmed from a desire to explore wild and theatrical ideas that might not find a place in traditional film productions. This project allowed her to take control of her career and bring her creative visions to life, further enhancing her financial standing. She guest-starred on “The Love Boat” in 1984, and played Shane Bradley on the NBC primetime soap opera “Berrenger’s” in 1985, adding to her net worth.

Her decision to take on roles in TV movies was strategic. These productions often provided steady work and decent compensation. The TV movie “Hit Lady” (1974), which she wrote and starred in, was a notable accomplishment. Her role as a producer on “Obsessive Love” (1984) gave her greater control over the project. Her insights into the industry helped her to make informed decisions about her career and investments. She recognized the potential of television as a platform for exploring innovative ideas. Her participation in these projects not only enhanced her creative portfolio but also contributed to her financial stability.

Personal Life and Final Years

Yvette Mimieux’s personal life also played a role in her financial circumstances. Her marriage to Howard F. Ruby in 1986 further solidified her financial position, given Ruby’s success as the co-founder of Oakwood Worldwide. Their shared assets and investments contributed to their overall wealth. In her later years, Mimieux continued to manage her real estate investments and maintained a comfortable lifestyle. Her ability to diversify her income streams and make smart financial decisions throughout her life ensured a substantial net worth at the time of her death.

Throughout her life, Yvette Mimieux made calculated decisions that shaped her financial destiny. Her focus on diversification, strategic investments, and entrepreneurial ventures outside of acting contributed to her $50 million net worth. Her career serves as an example of how talent, hard work, and smart financial planning can lead to lasting success. After Mimieux’s death on January 17, 2022, her legacy continued to be recognized, and her financial achievements were celebrated. Her life and career remain an inspiration to aspiring actors and entrepreneurs alike.

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