When it comes to successful comedians of the 60s, Lily Tomlin’s name is often mentioned with reverence. With her unique blend of wit, charm, and versatility, Tomlin has captured the hearts of audiences. She’s a comedic powerhouse who is entertaining audiences with her humor for over five decades. But have you ever wondered just how much wealth lies behind that infectious laughter? In this article, we will delve into Lily Tomlin net worth, exploring her early life, career beginnings, and the financial success she has achieved.
Table of Contents
Who is Lily Tomlin?
Born in 1939, in Michigan, Lily Tomlin is an American-born, comedian, actress, writer, and singer. Growing up in a working-class family, Tomlin’s upbringing instilled in her a strong work ethic and determination to pursue her dreams. She attended Wayne State University studying biology. However, her love for the stage led her to pursue a career in entertainment.
In the early stages of her career, Tomlin started doing comedy in nightclubs in Detroit. Eventually, she moved on to New York City, where she studied acting at HB Studio. Her breakout moment came in 1969 when she appeared on the popular sketch comedy show, “Laugh-In.” Some of Tomlin’s memorable characters are Edith Ann, Ernestine, Mrs. Judith Beasley, etc.
Throughout her career, Tomlin showcased her versatility in various mediums. She ventured into the world of film. Television has also been a significant platform for Tomlin. Tomlin’s magnetic presence and ability to seamlessly transition between comedy and drama earned her numerous accolades, including. With a career spanning over fifty years, Tomlin has earned so many accolades as well. This includes Emmy Awards, a Grammy Award, Tony Award, Golden Globe Award, and an Academy Award nomination.
How much is Lily Tomlin Net Worth?
Considering Tomlin’s extensive career and accomplishments, it’s no surprise that her fortune is substantial. As of 2023, Tomlin owns a net worth estimated at around $20 million. Tomlin’s worth is a testament to her steady success and the admiration from fans.
Key Points to Know About Lily Tomlin
| Net Worth | $20 million |
| Birth Name | Mary Jean “Lily” Tomlin |
| Born | September 1, 1939 (age 83) |
| Birthplace | Detroit, Michigan, U.S. |
| Nationality | American |
| Height | 5 ft 8 in (1.73 m) |
| Profession | Stand-up Comedian, Actor, Writer, Singer, Producer |
| Social Media |
Sources and Ventures that Contributed to Lily Tomlin Net Worth
Lily Tomlin has had a successful career spanning several decades, and her net worth has been built through various sources and ventures. Here are some key aspects that have contributed to her financial success:
Television Career
One of the major sources of Tomlin’s worth is her extensive work in television. Her breakthrough came with the 1960s popular sketch comedy show, Rowan and Martin’s Laugh-In. Some of her characters during that time became instant hits and pulled her career forward. Her unforgettable characters are Ernestine, the sassy telephone operator, and Edith Ann, the precocious little girl. She also appeared in other TV shows. Such as Sesame Street, The West Wing, Murphy Brown, and Desperate Housewives, among others. These roles and appearances not only showcased her talent but also boosted her financial success.
Comedy Albums and Recordings
Another significant source of income for Lily Tomlin has been her comedy albums and recordings. In 1972, she released her first comedy album, “This Is A Recording,” which featured her popular character Ernestine. The album achieved great success, reaching No. 15 on the Billboard Hot 200 chart, making it the highest-charting album by a solo comedienne at that time. Tomlin won a Grammy Award for Best Comedy Recording for this album. She followed it up with another successful album, “And That’s The Truth,” featuring her character Edith Ann. These albums, along with subsequent releases and Grammy nominations, added to her net worth and solidified her status as a talented comedian.
Film Career
With impressive acting skills, Lily Tomlin has also ventured into the film industry. Her breakthrough role came in Robert Altman’s 1975 film, “Nashville,” for which she received critical acclaim and an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress. Tomlin’s versatility was further showcased in films like “9 to 5,” “The Incredible Shrinking Woman,” “All of Me,” and “Big Business,” among others. She also collaborated with director David O. Russell in films like “Flirting with Disaster” and “I Heart Huckabees.” These successful film ventures, combined with her talent and popularity, have contributed substantially to her financial success.
Broadway and Stage Shows
Beyond the screen, Lily Tomlin’s talents extended to Broadway and in-stage shows. In 1977, her debut on Broadway was the solo show “Appearing Nitely.” In fact, she co-wrote and co-directed the show with Jane Wagner. The show received critical acclaim, and Tomlin won a Special Tony Award for her performance. Later, she starred in another show written by Jane Wagner “The Search for Signs of Intelligent Life in the Universe.” This one-woman show earned her a Tony Award and was adapted into a feature film. Tomlin’s stage performances, along with national tours and successful runs, have contributed to her financial prosperity.
Voice Acting and Animation
Voice acting has also been a lucrative venture for Lily Tomlin. She lent her voice to various animated projects, most notably as Ms. Valerie Frizzle in the animated television series “The Magic School Bus.” Her distinctive voice brought the character to life, and the series gained immense popularity. Tomlin’s voice talent was also featured in films like “Ponyo on the Cliff by the Sea” and “The Simpsons.” These voice-acting roles not only expanded her creative range but also added to her financial success.
Producer and Writer
In addition to her acting career, Lily Tomlin has ventured into producing and writing. She co-wrote several of her successful stage shows and comedy albums, showcasing her creative prowess. Tomlin has also produced various television specials and films, including the critically acclaimed documentary “An Apology to Elephants,” which she co-produced and narrated. Her involvement in these projects not only allowed her to explore different aspects of the entertainment industry but also contributed to her overall net worth.
Endorsements and Brand Partnerships
As a highly respected and recognizable figure in the entertainment industry, Lily Tomlin has had opportunities for lucrative endorsement deals and brand partnerships. While specific details of other arrangements may vary, such partnerships often involve promoting products, services, or charitable causes through advertisements, appearances, or endorsements. These collaborations provide additional income streams and contribute to her overall net worth.
Recent Activities
Lily Tomlin continues to stay active in the entertainment industry. Her recent project was the Netflix original series “Grace and Frankie,” co-starring alongside Jane Fonda. The show ran for seven years (from 2015 to 2022). Her portrayal of the character Frankie Bergstein has received critical acclaim and earned her Emmy nominations. Another recent work of Tomlin was Netflix’s web series “The Magic School Bus Rides Again.” It’s the sequel to Tomlin’s 90s kid series with the same name. She reprised the role of Professor Frizzle from 2017 to 2020.
Her most recent film projects were “80 for Brady” and “Moving On” in 2023. According to reports, she received around $ 800K for her role in “80 for Brady.”
FAQs
When did Lily Tomlin leave Laugh-In?
In 1973, Lily Tomlin left “Laugh-In” after being part of the show since 1969.
Is Lily Tomlin John Travolta’s sister?
No, she is not. However, John Travolta does have a sister named Ellen Travolta, who is also an actress. Ellen Travolta and Lily Tomlin strongly resemble each other and are roughly the same age, but they are not siblings.
How many Golden Globes does Lily Tomlin have?
So far, Lily Tomlin has received six Golden Globe Awards throughout her career.
How old is Lily Tomlin’s wife?
Jane Wagner, Lily Tomlin’s wife, was born on February 26, 1935. So as of 2023, it makes her 88 years old.
Final Thoughts
From her early beginnings to her rise as a renowned actress, Tomlin has captivated audiences worldwide. Through her ventures in acting, stand-up comedy, and writing, Tomlin has achieved financial success as well. And Lily Tomlin Net Worth reflects that perfectly. Overall, the actress and comedian left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry.
