What made Claire Trevor net worth such a topic of quiet intrigue? While she wasn’t the flashiest star in Hollywood, her career choices, personal relationships, and long-standing reputation suggest a woman who navigated fame and fortune with precision.
Known for her gripping roles in classic films like Key Largo and Stagecoach, she earned more than just awards—she built a legacy.
This article dives deep into how she earned, managed, and preserved her wealth—offering a rare look at an actress whose success wasn’t just seen on screen but also lived quietly behind it.
Claire Trevor Quick Facts
| FACT | DETAIL |
|---|---|
| Real Name | Claire Wemlinger |
| Popular Name | Claire Trevor |
| Birth Date | March 8, 1910 |
| Age | 90 (Died: April 8, 2000 ) |
| Birthplace | Bensonhurst, Brooklyn, New York City, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | German-French (father), Irish (mother) |
| Education | Columbia University, American Academy of Dramatic Arts |
| Marital Status | Married |
| Spouse | Milton H. Bren (m. 1948–1979), Cylos William Dunsmoore (m. 1943–1947), Clark Andrews (m. 1938–1942) |
| Children | Charles Cylos Dunsmoore |
| Dating | N/A |
| Siblings | None (only child) |
| Parents | Noel Wemlinger, Benjamina “Betty” Wemlinger |
| Height (meters) | 1.6 meters |
| Net Worth | Not publicly disclosed |
| Source of Wealth | Film, television, radio, and stage acting |
What is the Net Worth Of Claire Trevor in 2025?
Though Claire Trevor’s net worth remains not publicly disclosed, her financial legacy is tied closely to a long and successful career in entertainment.
From the 1930s to the 1980s, she starred in more than 65 films, receiving an Academy Award and Emmy for her work. Unlike many modern celebrities, she kept her finances private, but her stable lifestyle and lasting impact suggest she was financially comfortable.
Compared to contemporaries like Bette Davis or Joan Crawford, she may not have earned as much in box-office numbers, but her selective roles and legacy through the Claire Trevor School of the Arts demonstrate a different kind of value.
Her marriage to producer Milton Bren and connection to Donald Bren further implies a life lived with financial security.
Related people/entities:
- Milton Bren
- Donald Bren
- John Wayne
- Humphrey Bogart
- Sally Field
- Edward G. Robinson
- Fred MacMurray
- Sylvia Sidney
- Thomas Dewey
- University of California, Irvine
Explore more about the most successful stars in Hollywood history on our page about top earning celebrities.
Claire Trevor Wealth, Salary and Financial Overview
How did she earn her wealth throughout her career?
Claire Trevor’s wealth was primarily driven by her film, television, stage, and radio work. She played strong, unforgettable characters in more than 65 films and was frequently cast in lead roles.
Her early breakout came with Jimmy and Sally (1933), followed by major titles like Dead End (1937), Stagecoach (1939), Murder, My Sweet (1944), Born to Kill (1947), and the Oscar-winning Key Largo (1948).
Her Academy Award and Emmy win cemented her place as a serious actress. These roles didn’t just build her reputation—they secured steady, long-term income and residuals.
She also appeared on popular radio shows and later on television, such as her Emmy-winning role in Dodsworth.
What were her major sources of income?
Her income stemmed from:
- Film salaries during Hollywood’s golden era
- Television appearances, including late-career roles
- Radio performances, particularly with Edward G. Robinson and Don Ameche
- Stage acting in both Broadway and summer stock
- Spouse’s financial contributions, as Milton Bren was a successful film producer
Together, these built a diverse and robust financial foundation. While exact earnings are unavailable, her longevity in the industry implies sustained financial rewards.
How did her financial situation evolve over time?
From the 1930s to the mid-1960s, Claire remained active. Her financial peak likely came between the late 1930s and 1950s, especially following her Oscar win in 1948.
As she took fewer roles in later years, she relied on earlier investments and family wealth.
She lived for many years in Newport Beach, suggesting a comfortable retirement. After personal tragedies—including the death of her son and husband—she relocated temporarily to Fifth Avenue in Manhattan, reflecting both emotional recovery and financial stability.
Was her personal life connected to her financial status?
Absolutely. Claire’s third husband, Milton Bren, was a wealthy producer. Their marriage aligned her financially with the Bren family, which included her stepson Donald Bren, now a billionaire real estate mogul.
She had one son, Charles Dunsmore, who tragically died in a plane crash in 1978. Milton passed away a year later.
While these events were emotionally devastating, her connection to the Bren estate likely provided enduring financial support.
How is her legacy preserved today?
Her financial influence continues through her philanthropic legacy. The Claire Trevor School of the Arts at the University of California, Irvine stands as a testament to her contributions to the creative world.
Additionally, she holds a Hollywood Walk of Fame star at 6933 Hollywood Blvd. Her Oscar and Emmy awards are on display at UCI, symbolizing both cultural and financial legacy.
These institutions reflect her sustained support for the arts, offering a unique look at how wealth can evolve into cultural value.
What financial lessons can be learned from her life story?
Claire Trevor’s story teaches us that:
- Consistency in work can build lasting wealth, even without high visibility
- Privacy in finance does not equate to a lack of success
- Marital alliances, like hers with Milton Bren, can significantly impact personal finance
- Legacy giving through arts education is a powerful form of wealth preservation
- Maintaining semantic integrity in one’s career and life can lead to a respected and stable legac
Conclusion
Claire Trevor’s life and wealth were built on talent, strategy, and quiet power. Want to discover more intriguing celebrity finance stories? Head over to Pennbookcenter.com and don’t forget to share, comment, or explore more!
