Meg Tilly has had a fascinating career, transitioning from an actress to a successful author. She rose to fame with her powerful performances in Agnes of God and The Big Chill, earning critical acclaim.
However, she later stepped away from Hollywood to focus on writing and family life.
This decision significantly shaped her financial journey. While she may not be as active in Hollywood as other stars, her career choices have helped her maintain financial stability.
In this article, we’ll explore Meg Tilly net worth, her primary income sources, and how she manages her wealth.
Meg Tilly Quick Facts
| FACT | DETAIL |
|---|---|
| Real Name | Margaret Elizabeth Chan |
| Popular Name | Meg Tilly |
| Birth Date | February 14, 1960 |
| Age | 65 (as of February 25, 2025) |
| Birthplace | Long Beach, California, U.S. |
| Nationality | American-Canadian |
| Ethnicity | Chinese-American (father), Irish and Finnish (mother) |
| Education | Esquimalt High School, Chief Sealth International High School |
| Marital Status | Married |
| Spouse | Don Calame (m. 2002), John Calley (m. 1995–2002), Tim Zinnemann (m. 1983–1989) |
| Children | 3 (Emily, David, William Joseph) |
| Dating | N/A |
| Siblings | Jennifer Tilly (sister) |
| Parents | Patricia Ann (née Tilly), Harry Chan |
| Height | 1.68 meters |
| Net Worth | $3 million |
| Source of Wealth | Acting, Writing |
What is the Net Worth of Meg Tilly in 2025?
As of 2025, Meg Tilly’s net worth is estimated at $3 million. While this amount may be lower compared to Hollywood A-listers, her financial success stems from a unique career path that spans both acting and writing.
Compared to her sister, Jennifer Tilly, who remains active in film and poker, Meg Tilly has chosen a more private lifestyle.
Other actresses of her era, such as Glenn Close and Jane Fonda, have continued working in Hollywood, leading to higher earnings. However, Meg’s focus on writing provides her with a steady income.
Other Related Celebrities & Entities
- Jennifer Tilly
- Colin Firth
- Tim Zinnemann
- John Calley
- Don Calame
- Glenn Close
- Jane Fonda
- William Hurt
- Sony Pictures Entertainment
- Canadian Screen Award
For more insights into the wealth of famous figures, check out this comprehensive list of the world’s top-earning celebrities: richest celebrities.
Meg Tilly Wealth, Salary, and Financial Overview
How Did She Build Her Wealth?
Meg Tilly started as a promising ballet dancer, but a severe back injury ended her dance career. She then shifted to acting, where she gained recognition for roles in The Big Chill and Agnes of God.
These films brought her financial success, but her career took a turn when she chose to step away from Hollywood in the 1990s.
Instead of relying solely on acting, she transitioned to writing. Her novels, including Singing Songs and Porcupine, have earned her literary recognition and additional income.
What Are Her Main Sources of Income?
Meg Tilly’s wealth comes from two primary sources:
- Acting – Earnings from films and television shows.
- Writing – Royalties and sales from her published books.
While she hasn’t had major Hollywood paychecks in recent years, her books provide a steady revenue stream, ensuring long-term financial stability.
How Much Did She Earn from Acting?
During her peak years in Hollywood, Meg starred in:
- Agnes of God (1985) – Won a Golden Globe Award and received an Academy Award nomination.
- The Big Chill (1983) – A successful ensemble film that boosted her career.
- Psycho II (1983) – A box-office hit.
- Valmont (1989) – Featured alongside Colin Firth.
- Bomb Girls (2012–2013) – Won the Canadian Screen Award.
Though she hasn’t been in major films for years, these projects contributed significantly to her financial foundation.
What Role Does Writing Play in Her Finances?
Writing has become a key financial pillar for Meg. Some of her successful books include:
- Singing Songs (1994) – A well-received debut novel.
- Gemma (2006) – A gripping thriller.
- Porcupine (2007) – Nominated for the Sheila A. Egoff Prize.
- Solace Island Trilogy (2018) – A romantic thriller series.
With book sales and publishing deals, writing continues to provide her with income, even without Hollywood paychecks.
How Has She Managed Her Finances Over Time?
Meg Tilly’s financial decisions reflect a preference for stability over fame. After stepping away from acting, she moved to Canada, where she enjoys a quiet life with her husband, Don Calame.
Instead of pursuing blockbuster films, she prioritized a balanced financial lifestyle, focusing on writing while maintaining occasional acting roles.
What Are Her Assets and Investments?
While there is limited public information on her assets, Meg has likely invested in real estate in Canada, where she has lived since 1999.
She has also earned from:
- Film and TV residuals
- Book royalties
- Literary awards and recognitions
Unlike some celebrities who focus on high-risk investments, she has chosen a steady financial approach, ensuring long-term security.
What Is the Future of Her Financial Growth?
Looking ahead, Meg’s financial growth will depend on:
- New book releases – She continues writing novels.
- Potential acting roles – She has returned to acting occasionally.
- Royalty earnings – Her existing work ensures steady income.
Although she may not return to full-time Hollywood work, her writing career keeps her financially secure.
Conclusion
Meg Tilly has taken a unique financial path, choosing literary success over Hollywood fame. Her earnings come from acting and writing, and her financial stability reflects her long-term decisions. If you enjoyed this article, share your thoughts, or explore more celebrity financial insights on aupeo.com.
