Maureen O’Sullivan Net Worth: How She Built Her Fortune

Maureen O’Sullivan was a beloved Irish-American actress, best known for portraying Jane Parker in the Tarzan film series alongside Johnny Weissmuller. With a career spanning several decades, she appeared in numerous classic films, television shows, and stage productions, making her a prominent figure in Hollywood’s golden era.

Given her long and successful career, many wonder about Maureen O’Sullivan’s net worth and how her time in the entertainment industry shaped her financial legacy. From starring in major box office hits to working in theater later in life, her earnings reflected her enduring talent. Let’s explore her career and financial standing.

Who is Maureen O’Sullivan?

Image source: Pinterest

Maureen O’Sullivan, born on May 17, 1911, in Boyle, Ireland, was a renowned Irish-American actress, best known for playing Jane in the Tarzan film series alongside Johnny Weissmuller. Discovered by director Frank Borzage, she made her film debut in 1930 and soon became a Hollywood star.

In 1936, she married director John Farrow and took a break from acting to raise their seven children, including actress Mia Farrow. She later returned to film, appearing in Peggy Sue Got Married (1986) and Hannah and Her Sisters (1986). O’Sullivan also had a successful Broadway career, starring in Never Too Late (1962).

She continued acting into the 1990s, with her final role in 1994. O’Sullivan passed away on June 23, 1998, in Scottsdale, Arizona, leaving behind a legacy as one of Ireland’s most cherished actresses.

Estimated Net Worth

Image source: Pinterest

Maureen O’Sullivan’s estimated net worth at the time of her passing in 1998 was approximately $5 million. This wealth came from her six-decade-long career in film, television, and theater, as well as possible real estate holdings and financial investments.

1. Earnings from Film Career

O’Sullivan’s primary source of wealth was her film career, which began in 1930 and included dozens of Hollywood films.

The Tarzan Franchise (1932–1942):

• • O’Sullivan starred as Jane Parker in six Tarzan films, alongside Johnny Weissmuller.
  • The Tarzan movies were huge box office hits, making O’Sullivan one of MGM’s highest-paid actresses.
  • Leading actresses in the 1930s typically earned $50,000–$100,000 per film (equivalent to $1–$2 million today).
  • While it is unclear how much she earned per Tarzan film, her contracts with MGM likely provided a stable income over the decade.

Other Notable Films:

In addition to Tarzan, O’Sullivan starred in several hit movies, including:

• • The Thin Man (1934)
  • Anna Karenina (1935)
  • David Copperfield (1935)
  • Pride and Prejudice (1940)

Leading actresses at MGM could command salaries of $75,000 or more per year in the 1930s and 1940s.

Given her status, O’Sullivan likely earned several hundred thousand dollars throughout her film career, contributing to her financial success.

2. Earnings from Stage and Television

After taking a break from Hollywood in the 1940s to raise her family, O’Sullivan made a successful comeback in the 1950s and 1960s, appearing in theater, television, and new film projects.

Broadway and Theater Performances:

O’Sullivan starred in the Broadway hit Never Too Late (1962–1965), which had a long, profitable run.

Broadway actors in the 1960s earned between $500 and $2,000 per week, meaning she likely earned six figures from her time on stage.

Television Appearances:

She guest-starred in popular TV series, including:

• • Love, American Style
  • The Love Boat
  • Fantasy Island

TV actors in the 1960s–1980s typically earned $5,000–$15,000 per episode, adding to her wealth.

Late-Career Film Roles:

O’Sullivan also returned to film in the 1980s, appearing in:

• • Peggy Sue Got Married (1986)
  • Hannah and Her Sisters (1986), alongside her daughter Mia Farrow

These projects provided additional earnings in her later years.

3. Investments and Personal Wealth Management

Beyond acting, O’Sullivan’s financial stability was likely supported by investments and real estate holdings, though details remain private.

Marriage to Director John Farrow (1936–1963):

O’Sullivan was married to John Farrow, a successful Hollywood director and screenwriter.

Their combined income allowed for financial investments that may have grown her net worth over time.

Possible Real Estate Holdings:

Many Hollywood stars invested in property, which could have contributed to O’Sullivan’s financial stability.

Given her long career and continued work in the industry, she likely maintained residences in California and possibly other locations.

Financial Planning and Residuals:

While actors from the 1930s did not earn modern-day royalties, some stars were able to negotiate deals that provided long-term earnings.

If she had residual agreements for TV reruns or classic movie broadcasts, these may have contributed modest ongoing income.

---

Featured Image Source: tcm.com