When people think about Angelina Jolie, they picture a lot of things: a famous Hollywood actress, a passionate humanitarian, a filmmaker, and a mother of six. Over the years, she has appeared in blockbuster movies and made headlines for her charity work. But one claim keeps coming up—that Angelina Jolie’s net worth is $120 million. This number is often repeated by gossip sites and magazines, but is it actually true? Let’s break it down.
Where Does the $120 Million Figure Come From?
The $120 million estimate comes from guessing how much money Jolie has made from her career, endorsements, real estate, and other investments. But is this number reliable?
- Movie Earnings: Angelina Jolie has starred in some big movies like Maleficent (which earned $758 million worldwide) and Mr. & Mrs. Smith (which earned $487 million worldwide). For Maleficent alone, reports say she earned $33 million. However, actors don’t get to keep their full salaries. They have to pay agents, managers, and taxes, which can take away almost half of their earnings. For example, her $33 million salary might shrink to about $15 million after all the deductions.
- Charity Work: Jolie is known for giving millions of dollars to charity. She’s supported causes like helping refugees and protecting wildlife. How much of her wealth has she donated rather than saved?
- Living Expenses and Legal Costs: Jolie’s lifestyle isn’t cheap. She owns multiple expensive homes, supports six kids, and had a very public and expensive divorce from Brad Pitt. These costs add up.
Why $120 Million May Be Too High
1. Lack of Solid Evidence
Websites like Celebrity Net Worth and Wealthy Gorilla often use guesses to come up with celebrity net worth numbers. They look at things like reported salaries and property values, but they don’t always account for debts, taxes, or how investments might lose value. Jolie owns a $25 million mansion in Los Feliz, California, but the value of property can change. And if she has a mortgage, that’s money she still owes.
2. Taxes and Fees
When an actor gets paid, they don’t keep it all. They have to pay:
- Taxes, which can take 40%-50% of their earnings.
- Agents and managers, who take 10%-15%.
- Lawyers and publicists, especially for someone as famous as Jolie.
For example, if Jolie made $33 million for a movie, she might only take home about $15 million after all these costs. This pattern applies to all her projects.
3. Big Donations
Helping others is a big part of Jolie’s life. She’s a UNHCR Goodwill Ambassador and runs organizations like the Maddox Jolie-Pitt Foundation. Reports show she has donated over $10 million to various causes. Instead of saving her money, she uses a lot of it to help people in need, which reduces her personal wealth.
4. Divorce and Other Expenses
Jolie’s divorce from Brad Pitt is one of the most expensive in Hollywood. Legal battles over custody and property reportedly cost her millions of dollars. On top of that, owning and maintaining properties like the $60 million Chateau Miraval in France is expensive.
Reasons the $120 Million Claim Could Be True
On the other hand, there are some arguments supporting the idea that Jolie might be worth $120 million:
- Brand Deals: Jolie has worked with big brands like Guerlain, reportedly earning $10 million for endorsing their perfume. These deals bring in money that isn’t tied to movie success.
- Ongoing Earnings: Jolie earns residuals and royalties from her movies. Even years after release, films like Maleficent and Tomb Raider still make money on streaming services and international sales.
- Smart Investments: Jolie doesn’t rely only on acting. She has invested in real estate and businesses, like the winemaking venture at Chateau Miraval. While the exact numbers aren’t public, these assets could be worth a lot.
What’s a More Realistic Number?
Based on what we know, Jolie’s net worth might be closer to $80 million or $100 million. This estimate takes into account her earnings, taxes, lifestyle costs, and donations. It still shows she’s very wealthy but avoids the overinflated numbers that gossip sites often report.
Why This Matters
Why should anyone care if Jolie’s net worth is $120 million or not? It’s about more than just money. Claims like this reveal how we view wealth and success, often oversimplifying complex realities. For Jolie, these inflated numbers can overshadow what really matters: her work as an actor, philanthropist, and advocate for human rights.
The Problem with Celebrity Net Worth Claims
- Unreliable Numbers: These estimates often use incomplete information and don’t consider debts or liabilities.
- Misleading Comparisons: Huge figures can make ordinary people feel inadequate or encourage unhealthy views about money.
- Overlooking Achievements: For someone like Jolie, who has made a huge impact outside of Hollywood, focusing only on her money misses the bigger picture.
Final Thoughts
The claim that Angelina Jolie is worth $120 million sounds impressive, but it’s not the whole story. Wealth is complicated, especially for public figures who face unique financial realities. Instead of focusing on a single number, we should celebrate her achievements—from her unforgettable movie roles to her tireless efforts to make the world a better place. In the end, Jolie’s true worth goes far beyond money.
