How much did Kim Darby make from Hollywood? Best known for her role in True Grit (1969), she made a lasting impact in the film industry. However, many wonder about her financial journey, earnings, and current wealth.
Did her Hollywood career secure her long-term financial success? Let’s explore Kim Darby net worth, salary, and financial status in 2025.
Kim Darby Quick Facts
| FACT | DETAIL |
|---|---|
| Real Name | Deborah Zerby |
| Popular Name | Kim Darby |
| Birth Date | July 8, 1947 |
| Age (as of 03/08/2025) | 77 |
| Birthplace | Los Angeles, California, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | Hungarian descent (maternal side) |
| Education | Van Nuys High School |
| Marital Status | Divorced |
| Spouse(s) | James Stacy (m. 1968, div. 1969) James Westmoreland (m. 1970, div. 1970) Jack La Rue, Jr. (Unknown) William Tennant (Unknown) |
| Children | 1 (Heather Elias) |
| Dating | N/A |
| Siblings | N/A |
| Parents | Inga (Wiere) Zerby, Jon Zerby |
| Height | 1.63 meters |
| Net Worth | $500,000 |
| Source of Wealth | Acting, Teaching |
What is the Net Worth Of Kim Darby in 2025?
Kim Darby’s net worth in 2025 is estimated at $500,000. Her wealth primarily comes from her acting career, particularly her role in True Grit (1969), and later, her work as an acting instructor at UCLA.
Compared to other Hollywood stars of her era, her financial status is modest.
For comparison, John Wayne, her True Grit co-star, amassed a fortune worth millions before his passing. Other actors from the same period, like Glen Campbell, also had significantly higher earnings.
Despite her iconic role, Darby didn’t capitalize on Hollywood’s financial opportunities like some of her peers.
Related People in Kim Darby’s Career
- John Wayne
- Glen Campbell
- James Stacy
- William Shatner
- Henry Winkler
- Charles Portis
- Hollywood film industry
- UCLA Acting Program
- Western film actors
- Television industry
Looking for more insights into the wealthiest stars? Check out the top-earning actors and entertainers today.
Kim Darby Wealth, Salary, and Financial Overview
How Much Did She Earn from Acting?
Kim Darby’s most significant financial success came from True Grit (1969), where she played Mattie Ross. The film was a massive hit, topping the box office in the U.S.
However, her earnings from the movie weren’t disclosed. Unlike John Wayne, who commanded high salaries, Darby was still early in her career.
Beyond True Grit, she had roles in Better Off Dead (1985) and Halloween: The Curse of Michael Myers (1995). She also made numerous TV appearances in Gunsmoke, Bonanza, Star Trek, and The X-Files. While these roles provided steady income, they did not lead to long-term financial security.
What Are Her Main Sources of Income?
Darby’s income came from two primary sources:
- Acting Career – Films, TV series, and guest roles.
- Teaching – She became an acting instructor at UCLA from 1992 to 2009.
While acting was her initial financial driver, her shift to teaching later in life supplemented her income. However, unlike modern actors who earn from streaming royalties, Darby’s financial model was based on traditional salaries.
Did She Face Financial Struggles?
Yes, Darby’s career declined after the 1970s. She struggled to find leading roles, and financial challenges followed.
Additionally, she admitted to having a dependency on amphetamines, which may have impacted her financial stability.
Compared to actors who transitioned into producing or other high-paying Hollywood roles, Darby did not significantly grow her wealth. Despite her talent, she did not maintain the financial momentum of her early success.
How Does Her Wealth Compare to Other Actors?
When looking at her financial standing compared to her peers:
- John Wayne was worth millions before his passing.
- Glen Campbell had a strong music and film career, earning much more.
- William Shatner transitioned from acting into business ventures, boosting his wealth.
Darby, on the other hand, remained focused on acting and teaching, limiting her earning potential. While she remains respected for her work, her financial achievements are modest compared to other Hollywood legends.
Is She Still Earning Money Today?
While she is no longer actively acting, she may still receive residuals from past films and TV shows. However, since most of her work was done before the era of lucrative syndication deals, her residual earnings are likely minimal.
In later years, she made occasional public appearances, but there are no reports of ongoing financial ventures. Her primary career shift was teaching acting, which likely provided stable, though not extravagant, income.
What Is Her Financial Legacy?
Kim Darby’s legacy is tied to her role in True Grit, where she set a precedent for strong female characters in Western films. Her contributions to Hollywood remain respected, even if her financial success was limited.
Her journey reflects the challenges many actors face—initial success, career struggles, and adapting to new roles in the industry. While she didn’t achieve the financial heights of her co-stars, her impact on film history is undeniable.
Conclusion
Kim Darby’s financial journey is a fascinating look into Hollywood’s unpredictability. While she earned fame, her net worth remained modest compared to other industry legends.
What do you think about her financial story? Share your thoughts below or explore more celebrity wealth insights at Pennbookcenter.com.
