Mae West, born Mary Jane West in 1893, began her career in the early 1910s, performing in vaudeville shows and Broadway plays. She quickly honed her unique comedic style, characterized by double entendres and bold, witty dialogue. West’s big break came in 1926 when she wrote, produced, and starred in the play “Sex,” which, despite its controversial subject matter, became a massive success.

In the 1930s, West transitioned to Hollywood, where her distinctive persona and sharp wit made her a star. She appeared in several films, including “She Done Him Wrong” and “I’m No Angel,” both of which were box office hits. West’s iconic one-liners, such as “When I’m good, I’m very good, but when I’m bad, I’m better,” and her provocative costumes and behavior on and off screen, solidified her status as a Hollywood legend.

Mae West’s Current Net Worth (2025)

As of 2025, Mae West’s net worth is estimated to be around $45 million. This includes her earnings from her acting career, writing, and other ventures. Despite passing away in 1980, her estate continues to generate income from her iconic works.

Career

Mae West was an American actress, playwright, and sex symbol who rose to fame in the 1920s and 1930s. She was known for her distinctive voice, comedic timing, and bold, flirtatious persona. West’s most famous films include “She Done Him Wrong” and “I’m No Angel,” both released in 1933. She also wrote and performed in several Broadway shows and was a pioneer in advocating for women’s sexual freedom.

Other Ventures

In addition to her acting and writing, Mae West ventured into music and recording. She released several records in the 1930s and 1940s, showcasing her unique vocal style. West also had a brief career in vaudeville and performed in nightclubs throughout her life. Her influence extended beyond entertainment, as she was also a fashion icon and a symbol of female empowerment.

Assets

Mae West’s estate includes a variety of assets. Her film and stage works continue to generate royalties, and her personal effects, such as clothing, jewelry, and memorabilia, are highly collectible. West also owned several properties throughout her life, including a home in Beverly Hills, which was later sold by her estate. Her intellectual property, including her likeness and her catchphrases like “Why don’t you come up and see me sometime?” remain valuable assets.

Annual Income

Mae West’s annual income varied greatly throughout her career. At her peak in the 1930s, she was one of the highest-paid actresses in Hollywood, earning around $5,000 per week, which is equivalent to approximately $90,000 per week today. After her film career declined, her income decreased, but her estate continues to generate income from her works, with an estimated annual income of around $1 million in recent years.

Frequently Asked Questions about  Mae West

Frequently Asked Questions about Mae West Net Worth

1. What is Mae West’s net worth?

Mae West’s net worth is estimated to be around $40 million.

2. How did Mae West make her money?

Mae West made her fortune through her successful career as an actress, playwright, screenwriter, and sex symbol. She was known for her wit, her provocative performances, and her influential role in shaping Hollywood’s image of female sexuality.

3. What are some of Mae West’s most famous movies?

Some of Mae West’s most famous movies include “She Done Him Wrong” (1933), “I’m No Angel” (1933), “Goin’ to Town” (1935), and “My Little Chickadee” (1940).

4. Did Mae West write her own plays and movies?

Yes, Mae West was known for writing her own plays and movies. She was a prolific writer and many of her works were adapted for the screen.

5. When was Mae West born and when did she pass away?

Mae West was born on August 17, 1893, and passed away on November 22, 1980.

6. What was Mae West’s impact on Hollywood and popular culture?

Mae West had a significant impact on Hollywood and popular culture. She was one of the first women to write and produce her own films, and her bold, provocative performances challenged traditional notions of female sexuality and helped pave the way for future female performers.

7. Did Mae West have any children?

No, Mae West never had any children.

8. What was Mae West’s relationship with her mother?

Mae West had a close relationship with her mother, Martha West. They lived together for most of their lives, and Mae West often credited her mother with helping her career.

9. What was Mae West’s relationship with the law?

Mae West had several run-ins with the law throughout her career, often due to her provocative performances and her willingness to push the boundaries of what was considered acceptable for a woman to say and do on stage and screen.

10. What was Mae West’s final performance?

Mae West’s final performance was in the 1978 film “Sextette,” which she also wrote and produced. She was 85 years old at the time.