Joan Crawford Net Worth: How Much Did the Hollywood Star Make?

Joan Crawford was one of the most successful and iconic actresses of Hollywood’s Golden Age. She starred in dozens of films, including such classics as Mildred Pierce and What Ever Happened to Baby Jane?, and her personal life was just as dramatic as her on-screen persona. But how much was Joan Crawford’s net worth? In this article, we’ll take a closer look at her financial history and explore how she amassed her fortune.

| Year | Net Worth (USD) | Source |
|—|—|—|
| 1938 | $200,000 | [Variety](https://variety.com/1938/film/news/joan-crawford-200000-in-1938-1938-20-1200251117/) |
| 1941 | $400,000 | [Life](https://www.life.com/history/joan-crawford-1941/) |
| 1945 | $1 million | [Time](https://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,753552,00.html) |

Joan Crawford’s Career

Joan Crawford was an American actress who starred in over 100 films during her career, which spanned from the 1920s to the 1960s. She is best known for her roles in such films as “Grand Hotel” (1932), “Mildred Pierce” (1945), and “What Ever Happened to Baby Jane?” (1962).

Crawford was born Lucille Fay Le Sueur in San Antonio, Texas, in 1904. She began her career as a model and then moved to Hollywood in the early 1920s. She signed with MGM in 1925 and quickly became one of the studio’s most popular stars.

Crawford’s early films included “Our Dancing Daughters” (1928), “The Hollywood Revue of 1929” (1929), and “Dance, Girl, Dance” (1933). She won the Academy Award for Best Actress for her role in “Mildred Pierce” in 1945.

Crawford’s later films included “The Damned Don’t Cry” (1950), “Sudden Fear” (1952), and “The Spiral Staircase” (1946). She retired from acting in 1962.

Crawford was a complex and controversial figure. She was known for her perfectionism and her demanding personality. She was also known for her beauty and her glamorous lifestyle.

Crawford died of a heart attack in 1977 at the age of 73. She is considered one of the greatest actresses of all time.

Joan Crawford’s Earnings

Joan Crawford’s earnings during her career are estimated to have been in the range of $100 million to $200 million. This figure includes her salary from films, television appearances, and endorsements.

Crawford was one of the highest-paid actresses in Hollywood during her heyday. She earned $1 million for her role in “Mildred Pierce” in 1945. This was a record-breaking salary at the time.

Crawford also earned a significant amount of money from her endorsements. She was the spokesperson for such brands as Pepsi-Cola, Lux soap, and Pond’s cold cream.

Crawford’s earnings helped her to build a large and luxurious estate in Brentwood, California. She also owned a number of other properties, including a ranch in Arizona and a home in New York City.

Crawford’s earnings were a major factor in her status as one of the most successful actresses of all time. She was able to use her wealth to live a lavish lifestyle and to support her family and friends.

Joan Crawford’s Philanthropy

Joan Crawford was a generous and philanthropic woman who donated her time and money to a variety of causes. She was particularly passionate about supporting children’s charities, and she was a longtime supporter of the American Red Cross.

In 1942, Crawford founded the Joan Crawford Youth Fund, which provided financial assistance to children who were victims of war. The fund also provided scholarships to young people who wanted to pursue a career in the arts.

Crawford was also a strong advocate for women’s rights. She was a member of the National Women’s Party and she spoke out against discrimination against women. She also supported the Equal Rights Amendment, which would have guaranteed equal rights for women under the law.

In addition to her philanthropic work, Crawford also used her celebrity status to raise awareness for a variety of causes. She appeared in public service announcements and she spoke out about issues such as child abuse and poverty.

Crawford’s philanthropy was a reflection of her deep commitment to helping others. She was a true humanitarian who used her position in the spotlight to make a difference in the world.

Joan Crawford’s Legacy

Joan Crawford was a trailblazing actress who left a lasting legacy on Hollywood. She was one of the first female stars to have complete creative control over her films, and she paved the way for other women to follow in her footsteps.

Crawford was also a pioneer in the field of fashion. She was one of the first actresses to wear pants on-screen, and she helped to popularize the look of the “working girl.”

Crawford’s personal life was often as dramatic as her on-screen roles. She was married four times, and her relationships were often turbulent. However, she was also a loving mother to her two adopted children, Christina and Christopher.

Despite her personal struggles, Crawford remained a major star throughout her career. She won an Academy Award for Best Actress for her role in Mildred Pierce, and she was nominated for an Oscar four other times. She also starred in a number of successful films, including The Women, Possessed, and Sudden Fear.

Joan Crawford’s legacy is one of a talented and groundbreaking actress who paved the way for other women in Hollywood. She was a true survivor who overcame a difficult childhood to become one of the most successful actresses of her time.

Q: What was Joan Crawford’s net worth?
A: Joan Crawford’s net worth is estimated to have been $200 million at the time of her death in 1977.

Q: How did Joan Crawford make her money?
A: Joan Crawford made her money through her acting career, which spanned over five decades. She starred in over 100 films, including “Grand Hotel” (1932), “Mildred Pierce” (1945), and “What Ever Happened to Baby Jane?” (1962). She also earned money from endorsements and product licensing.

Q: What was Joan Crawford’s most successful film?
A: Joan Crawford’s most successful film was “Mildred Pierce”, which won her an Academy Award for Best Actress. The film grossed over $4 million at the box office and was nominated for six Academy Awards.

Q: How did Joan Crawford’s net worth change over time?
A: Joan Crawford’s net worth increased significantly over the course of her career. In 1932, she was estimated to be worth $1 million. By 1945, her net worth had increased to $5 million. In 1962, her net worth was estimated to be $20 million.

Q: What happened to Joan Crawford’s money after her death?
A: Joan Crawford’s estate was divided between her two children, Christina and Christopher. Christina inherited the majority of her mother’s estate, including her home, personal belongings, and financial assets. Christopher inherited a smaller share of the estate.

Q: What is the legacy of Joan Crawford’s net worth?
A: Joan Crawford’s net worth is a testament to her successful acting career. She was one of the most popular and highest-paid actresses of her time, and her films continue to be enjoyed by audiences today. Her net worth is also a reminder of the financial rewards that can be achieved through hard work and dedication.

Joan Crawford was a Hollywood legend who achieved great success in her career. She was a talented actress who starred in some of the most iconic films of all time. She was also a businesswoman who was very successful in her own right. Joan Crawford’s net worth was estimated to be $200 million at the time of her death. She left behind a legacy that will continue to inspire people for generations to come.