Ashley Judd’s Net Worth and Salary: What Is It?
An American actress in television and film, as well as a political activist, Ashley Judd boasts a net worth of $14 million. While she is widely recognized for her acting performances, in recent years, Ashley has made a significant impact as a political activist. There have been multiple speculations about her potential interest in pursuing a political career, although these aspirations never came to fruition.
Some of her most notable films include “Ruby in Paradise,” “Heat,” “A Time to Kill,” “Kiss the Girls,” “Dolphin Tale,” “Olympus Has Fallen,” “Divergent,” and “A Dog’s Way Home.” In addition, she has gained recognition for her role in the series “Missing,” which earned her a Primetime Emmy Award.
(Photo by Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic)
Early Life
After the divorce, Naomi moved with Ashley and her sister to Kentucky, their original home state. Throughout this time, Judd attended 13 different schools across Lexington, Ashland, and Tennessee. Following high school, she spent some time modeling in Japan before focusing on her education at the University of Kentucky, where she studied various subjects, including French, anthropology, art history, theater, and women’s studies. After obtaining her degree, she drove to Hollywood to attend acting classes while working in a restaurant, eventually relocating back to Tennessee to be near her family.
Years later, she returned to the University of Kentucky to attain her Bachelor’s degree and was later honored with an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters from Union College.
Career
Ashley Judd’s breakthrough role came with her appearances in two episodes of “Star Trek: The Next Generation” during the early 1990s. Shortly after, she received a recurring role on the NBC drama “Sisters.” Around this time, she made her film debut with a minor part in “Kuffs.” Her starring role in the independent film “Ruby in Paradise” marked her first significant success, followed by performances in movies such as “Natural Born Killers,” “Smoke,” and “Heat.” A highlight of her 90s career includes her portrayal of Marilyn Monroe in “Norma Jean and Marilyn.”
In the 2000s, Judd starred in films such as “Where the Heart Is,” “Someone Like You,” “High Crimes,” “Frida,” “De-Lovely,” and “Twisted.” Additionally, she appeared in a Broadway revival of “Cat on a Hot Tin Roof.” The 2010s saw her gain recognition for her roles in films like “Flypaper,” “Divergent,” and “Insurgent.” At this point, she was also prominent as Rebecca Winstone in ABC’s “Missing,” after which she shifted her focus more towards political activism.
Her journey continued with a supporting role in “A Time to Kill,” which achieved considerable acclaim.
She received positive reviews and performed strongly at the box office by this time. As a result, she had become a prominent actress, landing leading roles in films such as “Kiss the Girls” and “Double Jeopardy.”
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Brand Endorsements
Ashley became the newest face of American Beauty, a cosmetics line, in 2004. Following that, in 2007, she collaborated with Goody’s Family Clothing to launch three new fashion lines, which included the “Ashley Judd Plus” line.
Politics
Over the years, Judd has been a vocal political activist. She has openly criticized Republican figures such as Sarah Palin while advocating for mainstream Democrats like Barack Obama. Moreover, she has engaged in various humanitarian efforts in countries including the Democratic Republic of Congo. In 2013, she publicly mulled a Senate run but ultimately withdrew. A committed feminist, she has taken part in numerous Women’s Marches and related events throughout the years, and in 2020, she backed Elizabeth Warren for the presidential election.
Personal Life
A relationship with Scottish racing driver Dario Franchitti began for Judd in 1999, culminating in marriage in 2001. However, they divorced twelve years later. They did not have any children together, as Ashley adheres to antinatalism, believing it to be morally wrong to bring children into the world.
In February 2022, while hiking in the Congolese jungle, Judd suffered a leg fracture. It took African porters 55 hours to transport her to a hospital in South Africa for surgery. A year later, she returned to Congo for another humanitarian mission.
Ashley’s mother, Naomi Judd, tragically died by suicide in April 2022.
Harvey Weinstein
Ashley Judd disclosed in 2015 that a powerful figure in the entertainment industry had sexually harassed her. In 2017, she confirmed that this individual was Harvey Weinstein, explaining that the harassment took place during the filming of “Kiss the Girls.” By 2018, she escalated her actions by filing a defamation lawsuit against Weinstein. This lawsuit, along with her public disclosure of Weinstein’s conduct, served as a catalyst that contributed to the emergence of the #MeToo movement.
She alleged that after turning down his sexual advances, he spread damaging rumors about her that adversely affected her career. Although a federal judge dismissed her claims of sexual harassment against Weinstein, she was permitted to pursue her defamation lawsuit. In 2019, Ashley revealed that she had been raped three times throughout her life.
Real Estate
Reports in 2013 indicated that Judd had acquired a home in Kentucky. This house, priced at $120,000, was relatively modest compared to typical celebrity real estate purchases. However, its sentimental value likely played a role in her acquisition, as it was the same home once owned by her father, where she also spent many of her formative years. The residence spans 1,400 square feet and includes three bedrooms and one bathroom.