How did Robert Evans build his fortune, and what happened to his wealth over the years?
Known for his work at Paramount Pictures, he produced some of Hollywood’s biggest hits, including The Godfather and Chinatown.
But his journey wasn’t without financial ups and downs. In this article, Aupeo breaks down Robert Evans’ net worth, his earnings from Hollywood, and the assets that shaped his financial legacy.
Robert Evans Quick Facts
| FACT | DETAIL |
|---|---|
| Real Name | Robert Evans |
| Popular Name | Robert Evans |
| Birth Date | June 29, 1930 |
| Age | 89 (Died: October 26, 2019) |
| Birthplace | New York City, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | White |
| Education | N/A |
| Marital Status | Divorced |
| Spouse | Sharon Hugueny (m. 1961; div. 1962) Camilla Sparv (m. 1964; div. 1967) Ali MacGraw (m. 1969; div. 1973) Phyllis George(m. 1977; div. 1978) Catherine Oxenberg (m. 1998; ann. 1998) Leslie Ann Woodward (m. 2002; div. 2004) Victoria, Lady White (m. 2005; div. 2006) |
| Children | Josh Evans |
| Dating | N/A |
| Siblings | 2 |
| Parents | Archie Shapera, Florence Shapera |
| Height | 1.75 meters |
| Net Worth | 500 million USD |
| Source of Wealth | Film Production, Paramount Pictures |
What is the Net Worth of Robert Evans in 2025?
Robert Evans had an estimated net worth of $50 million at the time of his passing in 2019.
While this figure remains unchanged in 2025, his financial impact on Hollywood continues to be significant.
Compared to other industry figures, Evans’ wealth was considerable but fell short of powerhouses like Jack Nicholson or Francis Ford Coppola, who benefited from long-term revenue from blockbuster films.
Other Related Personalities
- Jack Nicholson
- Ali MacGraw
- Francis Ford Coppola
- Josh Evans
- Charles Evans
- Frank Sinatra
- Catherine Oxenberg
- Sumner Redstone
- Wes Craven
- Gordon White
For more insights on high-earning celebrities, check out the world’s wealthiest stars.
Robert Evans Wealth, Salary, and Financial Overview
How Did He Make His Money?
Robert Evans’ career in Hollywood began unexpectedly. Initially an actor, he transitioned into producing after acquiring the rights to The Detective in 1966.
This deal caught the attention of Charles Bluhdorn, head of Gulf+Western, which owned Paramount Pictures.
Evans was soon appointed head of Paramount Pictures, a struggling studio at the time. Under his leadership, Paramount became one of the most profitable studios in Hollywood, producing classics like:
- Rosemary’s Baby (1968)
- Love Story (1970)
- The Godfather (1972)
- Chinatown (1974)
His success at Paramount secured him lucrative earnings, but he later stepped down to focus on independent production. While he continued to produce films, not all were financially successful, leading to fluctuations in his wealth.
What Were His Major Financial Assets?
Evans’ wealth wasn’t just tied to his movies. His Beverly Hills mansion, “Woodland,” was one of his most valuable assets. Purchased in the 1960s for $290,000, the estate became a Hollywood landmark. However, following his 1980 drug conviction, he was forced to sell it.
Thanks to Jack Nicholson’s intervention, Evans later repurchased the property. In 2020, his estate sold “Woodland” for $16 million to David Zaslav.
Aside from real estate, Evans’ film rights and industry connections continued to generate income. His production company, Robert Evans Productions, maintained a contract with Paramount until 2019.
How Much Did He Earn from Hollywood?
Evans’ earnings at Paramount were substantial, but his exact salary remains unknown. His films, however, generated massive box office revenue:
- The Godfather (1972) – $250 million worldwide
- Chinatown (1974) – $29 million on a $6 million budget
- How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days (2003) – $177.5 million
Despite these successes, Evans’ personal earnings didn’t always match the success of his films due to studio deals and financial missteps.
Did He Face Any Financial Problems?
Yes, Evans experienced significant financial setbacks throughout his career.
- In 1980, he pleaded guilty to cocaine trafficking, leading to reputational damage and financial strain.
- Failed films like The Cotton Club (1984) and The Two Jakes (1990) caused further losses.
- His lavish lifestyle and legal troubles led to temporary financial instability.
Although he recovered professionally, his later years were marked by reduced earnings.
What Was His Most Profitable Movie?
While Evans produced many successful films, The Godfather (1972) remains his most profitable.
- With a $250 million box office gross, it became one of the highest-earning films of its time.
- Chinatown (1974) also proved financially successful, earning $29 million on a $6 million budget.
These films cemented Evans’ financial legacy, despite later losses from unsuccessful projects.
Who Inherited His Wealth?
Evans’ estate and assets were left to his family, primarily his son, Josh Evans. However, much of his wealth was liquidated after his passing.
- His Beverly Hills estate was sold for $16 million in 2020.
- His film rights continue to generate income, benefiting his heirs.
While Evans’ financial empire diminished over time, his impact on Hollywood remains undeniable.
Conclusion
Robert Evans’ journey in Hollywood was a mix of success, setbacks, and financial highs and lows. His contributions to iconic films made him one of the industry’s most influential figures.
If you found this insight into his finances interesting, explore more at Aupeo. Don’t forget to share your thoughts in the comments and check out our latest celebrity finance updates!
