How did Lily Tomlin amass her fortune over decades in Hollywood? From her early comedy days to starring in Grace and Frankie, she has built an impressive financial portfolio.
Her journey spans stand-up, television, film, and even real estate. But how does she compare to her peers in the industry? Keep reading as PBC breaks down Lily Tomlin net worth, her earnings, salary, and financial strategies.
Lily Tomlin Quick Facts
| FACT | DETAIL |
|---|---|
| Real Name | Mary Jean Tomlin |
| Popular Name | Lily Tomlin |
| Birth Date | September 1, 1939 |
| Age | 85 (as of March 13, 2025) |
| Birthplace | Detroit, Michigan, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | White (Southern Baptist ancestry) |
| Education | Cass Technical High School, Wayne State University |
| Marital Status | Married |
| Spouse | Jane Wagner (m. 2013) |
| Children | None |
| Dating | N/A |
| Siblings | Richard Tomlin |
| Parents | Lillie Mae Ford, Guy Tomlin |
| Height | 1.73 meters |
| Net Worth | $20 million (estimated 2025) |
| Source of Wealth | Acting, comedy, writing, producing |
What is the Net Worth of Lily Tomlin in 2025?
As of 2025, Lily Tomlin’s net worth is estimated at $20 million. Her wealth comes from a diverse career spanning over five decades, with income from acting, producing, and real estate investments.
Compared to her contemporaries like Jane Fonda and Dolly Parton, her financial portfolio remains strong, especially with continued royalties from past projects.
While she may not be among the highest-paid in Hollywood, her consistent earnings and smart financial decisions have kept her wealth stable. Interested in how other Hollywood stars manage their finances?
Check out the wealthiest actors and entertainers.
Related Figures in Her Career:
- Jane Fonda
- Dolly Parton
- Robert Altman
- Steve Martin
- Meryl Streep
- Martin Sheen
- Sam Waterston
- Netflix
- Screen Actors Guild
- Kennedy Center Honors
Lily Tomlin Wealth, Salary, and Financial Overview
How She Earned Her Wealth Over the Years
Lily Tomlin’s journey to financial success began with stand-up and sketch comedy, leading to a breakthrough on Rowan & Martin’s Laugh-In.
This early exposure helped her land roles in blockbuster films like 9 to 5 alongside Jane Fonda and Dolly Parton.
Her transition into television further boosted her earnings, especially with Grace and Frankie on Netflix, which ran for seven seasons. The show’s success not only paid well per episode but also increased her popularity among younger audiences.
Beyond acting, she has built a lasting partnership with Jane Wagner, collaborating on Broadway and TV productions that have added to her financial success.
Her Salary and Major Income Sources
Tomlin’s salary varies depending on the project. While exact figures for Grace and Frankie are undisclosed, lead actors in similar Netflix productions have earned between $250,000 to $500,000 per episode.
This would place Tomlin in a lucrative earnings bracket for her work on the show.
Her income also includes:
- Film Salaries: 9 to 5, All of Me, and Grandma were box office hits, securing high paychecks.
- TV Royalties: Older projects like The Magic School Bus and The West Wing continue to generate residuals.
- Live Performances: Broadway and stand-up tours have been additional revenue streams.
Business Ventures and Additional Revenue Streams
Apart from acting, Lily Tomlin has pursued various business ventures:
- Comedy Albums: This Is a Recording and And That’s The Truth earned her a Grammy Award and steady royalties.
- Production Company: Working alongside Jane Wagner, she has co-produced multiple shows and films.
- Voice Acting: Her role as Ms. Frizzle in The Magic School Bus brought in significant earnings.
Real Estate and Property Investments
Tomlin has also invested wisely in real estate, owning and selling multiple properties over the years.
- Los Angeles Home: Sold for $2.75 million in 1999.
- Nashville Property: Purchased for $393,000 in 2017, later sold for $630,000 in 2024.
- Palm Springs and Additional LA Properties: Long-term investments that have appreciated in value.
Her real estate dealings, while not as extensive as some Hollywood moguls, show a pattern of smart property acquisitions.
Financial Growth and Wealth Management
Sustaining wealth in Hollywood is no easy task, but Lily Tomlin has managed to maintain financial stability. Her strategies include:
- Diverse Revenue Streams: Acting, producing, and real estate investments.
- Award Recognition: Receiving a Tony Award, Screen Actors Guild Award, and Kennedy Center Honor helped keep her in demand.
- Long-Term Partnerships: Her collaboration with Jane Wagner has led to multiple profitable projects.
Philanthropy and Financial Contributions
Tomlin is also known for her charitable work, particularly supporting:
- LGBTQ+ rights
- Women’s rights
- Theater and performing arts scholarships
While not as publicly extravagant as some celebrities, she consistently donates to causes she believes in.
Lessons from Her Financial Journey
Lily Tomlin’s career offers key takeaways for financial success:
- Diversify income: She didn’t rely solely on acting but also pursued writing, voice work, and real estate.
- Long-term collaborations: Working with Jane Wagner for decades has led to sustained success.
- Adapt to industry changes: From television to streaming, she has evolved with new platforms like Netflix.
Conclusion
Lily Tomlin’s financial success is a result of talent, smart career moves, and steady investments. Her wealth remains strong, thanks to ongoing royalties, real estate, and award-winning projects.
Want to learn more about how celebrities build their fortunes? Visit Pennbookcenter.com for in-depth analyses of Hollywood’s biggest stars.
Do you find her financial journey inspiring? Share your thoughts in the comments!
