Kim Novak, known for her timeless beauty and memorable roles in Hollywood, has built a remarkable fortune over the years.
With a career that spanned decades, she not only earned wealth through acting but also found a second wind through her art.
In this article, we’ll explore what Kim Novak’s net worth is in 2025, her financial journey, and how she secured her wealth, from blockbuster movies to becoming a renowned artist.
Let’s dive into her wealth, salary, and financial overview.
Kim Novak Quick Facts
| FACT | DETAIL |
|---|---|
| Real Name | Marilyn Pauline Novak |
| Popular Name | Kim Novak |
| Birth Date | February 13, 1933 |
| Age | 92 years (as of 2025) |
| Birthplace | Chicago, Illinois, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | Czech and Polish descent |
| Education | School of the Art Institute of Chicago |
| Marital Status | Married twice |
| Spouse | Robert Malloy (m. 1976–2020), Richard Johnson (m. 1965–1966) |
| Children | N/A |
| Dating | Sammy Davis Jr., Richard Quine, Wilt Chamberlain |
| Siblings | Arlene (older sister) |
| Parents | Joseph Novak, Blanche Novak |
| Height | 1.68 m |
| Net Worth | $15 million (as of 2025) |
| Source of Wealth | Acting, Painting |
What is the Net Worth Of Kim Novak in 2025?
Kim Novak’s net worth in 2025 is estimated to be $15 million. While she earned a significant portion of her wealth through acting in iconic films like Vertigo (1958) and Picnic (1955), Novak also found financial success in her second career as a painter. Over the years, she built a diversified portfolio, from her acting roles to art exhibitions, which have all contributed to her fortune.
Compared to other Hollywood stars, Novak’s financial success is significant, particularly considering the time she took away from acting to focus on her art career. Fellow actresses and stars from the Golden Age of Hollywood like Grace Kelly and Audrey Hepburn, as well as contemporaries such as Eva Marie Saint, have also amassed considerable fortunes from their acting careers.
- Grace Kelly
- Audrey Hepburn
- Eva Marie Saint
- Frank Sinatra
- James Stewart
- Rita Hayworth
- Sinatra
- Wilt Chamberlain
- Tony Curtis
- Richard Johnson
For more information on how top stars like Kim Novak compare in terms of wealth, check out our page on the richest celebrities.
Kim Novak Wealth, Salary and Financial Overview
How Did She Build Her Wealth and Financial Success?
Kim Novak’s journey to financial success began in the 1950s, where she quickly gained popularity in Hollywood. Her striking beauty and natural talent led to her becoming one of the most sought-after actresses of her time. Some of her earliest notable roles in films like Phffft (1954), Picnic (1955), and The Man with the Golden Arm (1955) helped solidify her position in Hollywood.
However, it was her role in Alfred Hitchcock’s Vertigo (1958) that brought her widespread acclaim and contributed significantly to her financial success. In addition to her movie earnings, Kim Novak’s involvement in Hollywood also earned her Golden Globe awards, which boosted her status in the industry.
What Were Her Major Sources of Income Throughout Her Career?
While acting was her primary source of income for many years, Novak’s ability to pivot into painting allowed her to create an additional income stream. After stepping back from Hollywood in the early 1970s, Novak focused on her passion for art, and her work was featured in numerous exhibitions. Her paintings were well-received, and her artistic career allowed her to build substantial wealth after her acting career slowed down.
Her film roles also contributed to her wealth, with many of her films, especially in the late 1950s and early 1960s, earning impressive box-office returns. She leveraged her fame to secure lucrative contracts, appearing in both big-budget films and smaller productions.
How Much Did She Earn from Her Acting Career?
Kim Novak’s earnings as an actress are likely among the highest for actresses of her generation. In the 1950s and 1960s, actresses were often paid based on their popularity, and Novak was a top star. Her involvement in major Hollywood productions helped build her wealth, and she earned a steady income through her acting roles. The success of films like Vertigo not only paid her well but also ensured her legacy in cinema, continuing to generate income through royalties and re-releases.
What Is Her Financial Legacy Today?
Today, Kim Novak’s wealth is spread across multiple assets, including her homes, art collections, and ongoing royalties from her films. She is one of the few Hollywood legends whose career has extended beyond acting, allowing her to accumulate wealth from various streams. Her art career continues to be a significant part of her financial legacy, with paintings continuing to sell and exhibitions providing steady income.
In 2021, Kim Novak’s former Carmel, California home was sold for $12.5 million, demonstrating the growth of her wealth over time. As of 2025, Novak’s wealth continues to be tied to her diverse ventures, including acting royalties and art sales.
How Did She Manage Her Wealth Over the Years?
Kim Novak has been known for her careful financial management, especially after she left Hollywood in the 1960s. Instead of pursuing more film roles, Novak focused on her artistic talents and lived a relatively private life, away from the public eye. By making smart investments and prioritizing her art career, Novak has been able to maintain a steady income stream well into her later years.
Her decision to invest in real estate, such as her homes in Carmel and Eagle Point, has also contributed to her financial stability. Novak’s wealth management skills have allowed her to live comfortably in her retirement, with her financial situation remaining secure despite not being actively involved in the entertainment industry for several decades.
How Did Her Personal Life Affect Her Financial Success?
Kim Novak’s personal life, including her marriages to Richard Johnson and Robert Malloy, did not appear to significantly disrupt her financial stability. After her divorce from Johnson in the 1960s, Novak moved to Big Sur and focused on raising horses and painting. The absence of major public disruptions allowed her to preserve and grow her wealth, focusing on her art and investments.
Did She Experience Financial Struggles?
Despite her relatively private lifestyle, there were challenges in Novak’s life, including personal setbacks like a horse-riding accident in 2006 and a breast cancer diagnosis in 2010. However, these challenges did not severely impact her finances, thanks to her diversified wealth sources. Her decision to step away from Hollywood in the 1970s allowed her to focus on her personal well-being while continuing to earn from her art and other ventures.
Conclusion
Kim Novak’s financial success is a testament to her talent, business acumen, and dedication to both acting and painting.
With a diversified income portfolio, she managed to build lasting wealth and continue to thrive after leaving Hollywood.
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