Hollywood’s Golden Age, spanning from the late 1920s to the early 1960s, ushered in a glamorous era of filmmaking. The period gave us some of cinema's most beloved stars, including Elizabeth Taylor, Marilyn Monroe and Humphrey Bogart.

But how much money were these screen icons really worth? While Golden Age stars commanded global fame, many earned surprisingly modest paycheques by today’s standards.

We've taken a look at 20 of the era’s legendary stars to reveal what their net worths would be today when adjusted for inflation. To help put their fortunes in perspective, we’ve also matched each one with a modern-day actor with a comparable net worth. Read on to discover just how rich Old Hollywood’s brightest stars would be in the 21st century.

All dollar amounts in US dollars

Joan Crawford began her career in silent films before successfully transitioning to the talkies. She established herself as a formidable leading lady with her Oscar-winning performance in Mildred Pierce (1945). Other career highs included acclaimed roles in Possessed (1947) and What Ever Happened to Baby Jane? (1962).

Despite being a screen darling of Hollywood's Golden Era, Crawford’s career had slowed considerably by the 1970s. When she passed away from a heart attack in 1977, her estate was valued at a rather modest $2 million – approximately $10.5 million (£7.8m) in today's money.

That figure places her on a par with contemporary actress Olivia Wilde, who boasts an estimated $10 million (£7.4m) fortune. Wilde first rose to fame on the TV series House, but is now known for movies such as the period epic Babylon (2022) and the sci-fi drama Don’t Worry Darling (2022), which she also directed.

The dashing James Dean was tipped to become the next big thing in Hollywood, but his life and promising career were cut short when he died in a car crash at just 24 years old. Dean starred in only three major films before his death: East of Eden (1955), Rebel Without a Cause (1955) and Giant (1956). He received posthumous Oscar nominations for East of Eden and Giant, making him the only actor ever to be nominated twice after death.

At the time of his death, the tragic star was worth the equivalent of around $2 million (£1.5m) in today’s money. However, shortly before he died, he signed a nine-picture deal with Warner Bros. Had he lived to fulfil that contract, he was projected to earn an inflation-adjusted $8.6 million (£6.4m), bringing his estimated total net worth to $10.6 million (£7.8m).

That figure puts him on par with rising Hollywood talent Austin Butler, who's currently worth an estimated $10 million (£7.4m). Butler is best known for his Oscar-nominated leading role in the music biopic Elvis (2022).

The multi-talented Orson Welles made a name for himself as an actor, writer and director during Hollywood’s Golden Age. He first rose to stardom in 1938 with his radio adaptation of H.G. Wells’ The War of the Worlds, which famously caused widespread panic due to its realistic broadcast of an alien invasion.

The visionary star cemented his legacy with the groundbreaking film Citizen Kane (1941), which he co-wrote, directed and starred in. Though it met with mixed reviews upon release, the film is now regarded as a cinematic masterpiece and earned Welles an Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay.

When Welles died in 1985 at the age of 70 from a heart attack, his estate was valued at the 2025 equivalent of $20 million (£14.8m). Contemporary actor and director Casey Affleck has a similar net worth, estimated at $25 million (£18.5m). Affleck is acclaimed for his Oscar-winning performance in the drama Manchester by the Sea (2016) and for helming the mockumentary I'm Still Here (2010).

Swedish actress Ingrid Bergman was already an established star in her homeland before making her Hollywood debut in Intermezzo (1939). She went on to become one of the most acclaimed actresses of her era, winning three Academy Awards for her roles in Gaslight (1944), Anastasia (1956) and Murder on the Orient Express (1974).

She's also known for her iconic role in Casablanca (1942), where she co-starred alongside Humphrey Bogart. The beloved film is widely regarded as a cinematic masterpiece.

Bergman died of breast cancer in 1982 at the age of 67. At the time of her death, her estate was valued at $6 million, or around $20 million (£14.8m) today. By comparison, modern-day actress Rachel McAdams is also worth $20 million. A versatile performer, McAdams has achieved box office success with The Notebook (2004), Mean Girls (2004) and Spotlight (2015).

Fred Astaire shot to fame as a dancer, actor and singer. Though his career spanned more than seven epic decades, he's synonymous with Hollywood’s Golden Era. During this period, he famously partnered with actress Ginger Rogers, with the duo starring in hit musicals including Top Hat (1935), Swing Time (1936) and Shall We Dance (1937).

Astaire received an honorary Academy Award in 1950 for his artistry and his significant contributions to the technique of musical filmmaking, cementing his lasting legacy.

Astaire was worth an estimated $10 million when he died in 1987 – equivalent to around $30 million (£22.2m) in 2025. A contemporary actor with a similar fortune is Timothée Chalamet, with an estimated $25 million (£18.5m) net worth. Like Astaire, the 29-year-old has established himself as a triple threat, thanks to his leading role in the musical Wonka (2023). He's also acclaimed for his Oscar-nominated performance as musician Bob Dylan in A Complete Unknown (2025).

Rita Hayworth made her film debut in Under the Pampas Moon (1935), and the screen siren became one of the most beloved actresses of her era. Dubbed 'The Love Goddess', she's famed for her iconic role as a femme fatale in the film noir Gilda (1946). Other career highlights include Cover Girl (1944) and The Lady from Shanghai (1947).

Sadly, Hayworth battled early-onset Alzheimer’s disease, which cut short a career that had spanned more than three decades. At the time of her death in 1987, she was worth an estimated $10 million – approximately $30 million (£22.2m) today.

A modern-day actress with the same net worth is Blake Lively, who rose to fame as glamorous socialite Serena van der Woodsen in the TV series Gossip Girl.

Katharine Hepburn boasted an impressive career that spanned over six decades. The lauded star holds the record for the most Best Actress Academy Awards, with four wins.

Despite decades of success, Hepburn was most prolific during Hollywood's Golden Era. Her breakout role was A Bill of Divorcement (1932), while performances in movies such as Bringing Up Baby (1938) and The Philadelphia Story (1940) forged her status as a screen legend.

When Hepburn died in 2003 at the age of 96, her estimated net worth was an inflation-adjusted $30 million (£22.2m). By comparison, contemporary actress Michelle Williams also has an estimated net worth of $30 million. A five-time Oscar nominee, Williams is acclaimed for her performances in movies such as Brokeback Mountain (2005) and Blue Valentine (2010).

Marilyn Monroe’s illustrious career began with Dangerous Years (1947). The blonde bombshell appeared in over 30 films, with standout roles in Gentlemen Prefer Blondes (1953), The Seven Year Itch (1955) and Some Like It Hot (1959).

The troubled star's life was tragically cut short when she died in 1962 at the age of 36 from a barbiturate overdose. At the time of her death, her net worth was just $800,000 – equivalent to around $8.5 million (£6.3m) in 2025. She should have been far wealthier, but was notoriously bad at managing her money. 

Over the course of her career, Monroe earned around $4 million from film salaries pre-tax, or $42 million (£31.1m) today. For comparison, modern-day blonde bombshell Sydney Sweeney boasts an estimated net worth of $40 million (£29.6m). One of Hollywood’s brightest rising stars, the 27-year-old found fame on the TV series Euphoria, and has since established herself as a silver screen leading lady with roles in the rom-com Anyone But You (2023) and the biopic Reality (2023).

The multi-talented Ginger Rogers rose to fame during Hollywood’s Golden Age as an actress, dancer and singer. She's best known for her legendary partnership with Fred Astaire, with the duo starring in numerous musicals that defined the era.

Duringh a career spanning several decades, Rogers also showcased her dramatic acting chops with her Oscar-winning performance in Kitty Foyle (1940).

At the time of her death in 1995, Rogers' net worth was estimated at $20 million – equivalent to $42 million (£31.1m) today. A modern-day star with a similar fortune is Emma Stone, with an estimated net worth of $40 million (£29.6m) to $60 million (£44.4m). Stone is a two-time Academy Award winner, earning Best Actress gongs for the musical La La Land (2016) and the sci-fi dramedy Poor Things (2023).

Humphrey Bogart was a defining actor of the Golden Era. He's best known for his roles in The Maltese Falcon (1941), Casablanca (1942) and his Oscar-winning turn in The African Queen (1951). A true screen icon, Bogart was posthumously honoured as the Greatest Male Star of All Time by the American Film Institute.

Sadly, Bogart’s illustrious career was cut short when he died of cancer in 1957 at the age of 57. At the time of his death, his net worth was estimated at $5 million – approximately $50 million (£37m) in 2025 money.

Boasting a similar fortune today is Daniel Day-Lewis, with an estimated $40 million (£29.6m) net worth. A three-time Academy Award winner, Day-Lewis is renowned for his powerhouse performances in films such as There Will Be Blood (2007) and Lincoln (2012).

Swedish-American actress Greta Garbo began her career in silent films before becoming one of the most enigmatic stars of the Golden Age. Her career highlights include acclaimed performances in Grand Hotel (1932), Anna Karenina (1935) and Camille (1936).

Despite her screen success, Garbo retired from acting in 1941 at the age of 36, choosing to live a private life away from the spotlight. At the time of her death in 1990, she had an inflation-adjusted net worth of around $70 million (£51.8m), amassed through her acting career and savvy business investments.

That figure puts her on a par with Keira Knightley, who's worth up to $80 million (£59.2m). Like Garbo, the British actress also starred in the title role in a remake of Anna Karenina (2012). She's also famed for Pride & Prejudice (2005) and the Pirates of the Caribbean film franchise.

British star Vivien Leigh is one of the most celebrated actresses of all time. She began her career on the stage and skyrocketed to stardom with her Oscar-winning performance as Scarlett O'Hara in Gone with the Wind (1939). A second Academy Award followed for A Streetcar Named Desire (1951), while other standout roles included Waterloo Bridge (1940) and That Hamilton Woman (1941).

Despite her screen success, Leigh battled health issues throughout her life, including bipolar disorder and recurrent tuberculosis. These struggles led to her untimely demise in 1967 at the age of 53. At the time of her death, she was worth around $10 million – or $96 million (£71m) today.

A contemporary parallel to Leigh is Meryl Streep, who's worth an estimated $100 million (£74m). A three-time Academy Award winner, the versatile Streep is acclaimed for her performances in Kramer vs. Kramer (1979), Sophie’s Choice (1982) and The Iron Lady (2011).

Judy Garland was just 16 years old when she shot to global stardom as Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz (1939). She transitioned into a fully fledged leading lady, starring in a string of classic films, including Meet Me in St. Louis (1944) and A Star Is Born (1954).

Over the course of her career, Garland earned an inflation-adjusted sum of approximately $100 million (£74m). However, she struggled with poor financial management and addiction issues. When she tragically died in 1969 from an overdose at the age of 47, her estate was valued at the equivalent of just $300,000 (£222k) in today’s money.

A modern-era star with comparable earnings is Renée Zellweger. Her current net worth falls just shy of Garland’s inflation-adjusted career earnings at $90 million (£66.6m). Zellweger famously portrayed Garland in the acclaimed biopic Judy (2019), delivering an Oscar-winning performance. She's also known for her roles in the musical Chicago (2002) and the Bridget Jones franchise.

Dubbed the 'King of Hollywood', Clark Gable was one of the highest-paid and most celebrated stars of the Golden Era. He first gained acclaim for his Oscar-winning performance in It Happened One Night (1934) but shot to global stardom as Rhett Butler in Gone with the Wind (1939).

Other notable roles included Mutiny on the Bounty (1935) and The Misfits (1961), his final film. It’s hardly surprising that by the time of his death in 1960, Gable had amassed an inflation-adjusted fortune of around $100 million (£74m).

A star boasting a similar fortune today is Bradley Cooper, with an estimated net worth between $100 million and $120 million (£88.7m). Like Gable, Cooper has combined box office success with critical acclaim, thanks to standout roles in films such as Silver Linings Playbook (2012), American Sniper (2014) and A Star Is Born (2018).

British-Dutch actress Audrey Hepburn shot to stardom with her leading role in Roman Holiday (1953). One of the most beloved actresses of the old Hollywood era, Hepburn is renowned for her performances in classic films such as Breakfast at Tiffany’s (1961) and My Fair Lady (1964).

Beyond acting, Hepburn devoted much of her life to humanitarian work, serving as a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador. When she passed away from cancer in 1993 at the age of 63, she had an inflation-adjusted net worth of around $100 million (£74m).

A modern-day actress with a similar level of wealth is Natalie Portman, who has an estimated fortune of $90 million (£66.6m). The Israeli-born American actress is acclaimed for films like the psychological drama Black Swan (2010) and the biopic Jackie (2016). Like Hepburn, Portman is also known for her activism. 

Gregory Peck was one of Hollywood’s most sought-after stars, with a career that spanned over six decades. Notable works include Twelve O'Clock High (1949) and Roman Holiday (1953), though he's perhaps best known for his Oscar-winning role as Atticus Finch in To Kill a Mockingbird (1962).

When Peck passed away in 2003 at the age of 87, his estimated net worth was $60 million – or around $105 million (£77.7m) today.

Boasting a similar fortune today is Robert Pattinson, who's worth an estimated $100 million (£74m). Pattinson established himself as a desirable leading man through blockbuster roles in the Twilight franchise and The Batman (2022). He's also earned critical acclaim for his performances in indie dramas like The Lighthouse (2019).

American screen darling Grace Kelly soared to fame in the 1950s with standout roles in Rear Window (1954), The Country Girl (1954) and High Society (1956). Her performance in The Country Girl earned her the Academy Award for Best Actress.

Despite her tremendous success, Kelly retired from acting at the age of 26 in 1956 to marry Prince Rainier III of Monaco, becoming Princess Grace. Although her career was short-lived, she remains one of the most beloved and iconic stars of Hollywood's Golden Era.

At the time of her death in 1982, her inflation-adjusted net worth stood at approximately $150 million (£111m). A contemporary star with a comparable fortune is Scarlett Johansson, with an estimated net worth between $140 million (£104m) and $165 million (£122m). Like Kelly, Johansson has achieved both critical and box office success. She's known for the acclaimed Marriage Story (2019) and her blockbuster Black Widow role in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

Cary Grant was one of Hollywood's most iconic leading men, renowned for his suave screen presence. The American Film Institute ranked him second only to Humphrey Bogart on its list of the Greatest Male Stars of All Time. His standout roles include Bringing Up Baby (1938), North by Northwest (1959) and Charade (1963).

Grant retired from acting in 1966 at the age of 62 to focus on fatherhood. When he passed away in 1986, he boasted an estimated net worth of $60 million – equivalent to $176 million (£130m) in 2025 money.

Sitting on a similar fortune today is Matt Damon, with an estimated net worth of $170 million (£126m). A versatile performer, Damon is known for acclaimed dramas such as Good Will Hunting (1997) and The Martian (2015), as well as the blockbuster action franchises Bourne and Ocean's Eleven.

Charlie Chaplin was a pioneering figure in cinema, renowned for his work as an actor, filmmaker and composer. He rose to fame during Hollywood’s silent film era, starring in and directing classics like The Kid (1921) and City Lights (1931). Chaplin successfully transitioned into sound films, most notably with the political satire The Great Dictator (1940), which earned five Academy Award nominations.

Chaplin’s extraordinary career spanned more than seven decades. In recognition of his cinematic contributions, he was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II in 1975, receiving the title of Knight Commander of the British Empire (KBE).

At the time of his death in 1977, Chaplin’s inflation-adjusted net worth stood at around $400 million (£296m). Fast-forward to today, and his wealth is equal to that of Tom Hanks. Hanks is acclaimed for his Oscar-winning roles in Philadelphia (1993) and Forrest Gump (1994). Beyond acting, he's also produced major hits like Band of Brothers (2001) and Mamma Mia! (2008). 

British-American screen icon Elizabeth Taylor began her career as a child star in the 1940s, with her breakout role coming in National Velvet (1944). The two-time Best Actress Oscar winner is renowned for films such as Cat on a Hot Tin Roof (1958), Butterfield 8 (1960), Cleopatra (1963) and Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? (1966).

Though she peaked during Hollywood’s Golden Era, Taylor continued working steadily until the 2000s before retiring to focus on philanthropy. At the time of her death in 2011, her estimated net worth stood at $600 million – or around $856 million (£633m) in today’s money.

That staggering fortune means that if Taylor were alive today, she would be the richest self-made actress, with a fortune primarily derived from acting. The title is currently held by Reese Witherspoon, with an estimated net worth of $440 million (£325m). Witherspoon is famous for roles in films such as Legally Blonde (2001) and Walk the Line (2005) and the TV series The Morning Show. 

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