Hollywood has seen many stars rise and fade, but Kim Darby remains a well-known name, especially for her role in True Grit (1969). While her career peaked in the late 1960s and 1970s, many still wonder about her financial status today.
So, how did she earn her wealth? And what happened to her income over the years? Let’s take a closer look at her salary, earnings, and financial journey to understand where she stands 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?
As of 2025, Kim Darby’s net worth is estimated to be $500,000. Her financial status reflects a career that saw early success but faced challenges over time.
Unlike Hollywood megastars, her earnings were not on the same level as her True Grit co-star John Wayne or other leading actors from her era.
During her peak, she earned well from film and television roles. However, her financial decline began after the 1970s, partly due to fewer acting opportunities and reported personal struggles.
Related People & Companies
- John Wayne
- Glen Campbell
- James Stacy
- Hollywood film studios
- UCLA Acting Department
- The X-Files production team
- Classic Western movie industry
- Celebrity acting coaches
- Film royalty organizations
- TV syndication networks
For a look at other high-profile entertainers, check out the wealthiest figures in entertainment.
Kim Darby Wealth, Salary, and Financial Overview
How Did She Earn Her Wealth?
Kim Darby’s financial journey began at a young age when she entered Hollywood. Her biggest role came in True Grit, where she starred alongside John Wayne.
She continued to earn from various TV series and movies, including:
- The X-Files (1999)
- Better Off Dead (1985)
- Halloween: The Curse of Michael Myers (1995)
Although she had a steady career in the 1960s and 1970s, her acting income declined in later decades.
What Was Her Salary During Her Peak Career?
During Hollywood’s golden era, actors were typically paid per project. While her exact salary per film remains undisclosed, lead actresses of that period often earned between $50,000 to $200,000 per film.
Since True Grit (1969) was a major box office hit, Darby likely earned a solid paycheck for her role. However, compared to John Wayne, who was paid significantly more, her earnings were relatively modest.
How Has Her Financial Status Changed Over Time?
After her breakthrough role, Darby enjoyed steady Hollywood earnings for about a decade. However, by the 1980s and 1990s, her financial stability declined due to:
- Fewer acting roles
- Lower film and TV salaries
- Increased competition from younger actors
Unlike some Hollywood veterans, she did not build a large fortune from investments or business ventures.
Did She Earn Royalties from Film and TV Roles?
Actors from the 1960s and 1970s relied on one-time payments rather than long-term royalties. However, some of her projects—like True Grit and The X-Files—continue to air on TV.
It’s likely she received some residual payments, though not on the scale of modern syndication deals.
Did Teaching Acting Contribute to Her Income?
By the 1990s, Darby shifted her focus to teaching acting. She worked at UCLA, where she taught aspiring actors from 1992 to 2009.
While teaching does not provide the high salaries of Hollywood, it gave her a stable income later in life.
What Financial Challenges Has She Faced?
Darby’s financial struggles are not uncommon in Hollywood. Many actors who rose to fame in earlier decades later faced:
- Declining acting opportunities
- Lack of investment in assets
- No major business ventures
Reports also suggest that substance dependency may have affected her career longevity and earnings.
How Does She Compare to Other Hollywood Actresses Financially?
Compared to some of her contemporaries, Darby’s financial situation is modest. Actresses who took on more commercial roles or transitioned into directing/producing often earned higher long-term incomes.
However, her legacy remains strong, particularly for Western film fans and students in the acting world.
What Are the Key Takeaways from Her Financial Journey?
Kim Darby’s wealth story offers valuable lessons:
- Peak earnings don’t last forever
- Long-term financial planning is essential
- Diversifying income sources is key
Her journey is a reminder that Hollywood fame does not always translate to lifelong wealth.
Conclusion
Kim Darby’s financial status reflects both early Hollywood success and later challenges. While she may not be among today’s top earners, her legacy in film and television remains strong.
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