Russell Means Net Worth (Updated 2026).

Russell Means, a charismatic and influential figure in the American Indian Movement, began his career in the late 1960s, fueled by a passion for indigenous rights and social justice. Born in 1939 on the Pine Ridge Reservation in South Dakota, Means was raised in a traditional Lakota environment, instilling in him a deep sense of cultural pride and identity. He initially pursued a career in acting, appearing in several films and television shows, but it was his activism that truly catapulted him into the public eye.

**Russell Means’s Current Net Worth (2025)**

As of 2025, Russell Means’ net worth is estimated to be $500,000. This figure is based on the latest available information, taking into account his career earnings, investments, and other ventures.

**Career**

Russell Means was an American Indian rights activist and actor, best known for his role in the 1990 film “Dances with Wolves.” He also appeared in “The Last of the Mohicans” and “Natural Born Killers.” Means was a prominent figure in the American Indian Movement (AIM) during the 1960s and 1970s.

**Other Ventures**

Means was a businessman, author, and musician. He founded the Russell Means Movement, a political advocacy group, and was a motivational speaker. He also released a music album, “Electric Warrior,” in 1992. Means was a fluent speaker of the Lakota language and worked to preserve and promote Native American culture.

**Assets**

Means’ assets include real estate properties, primarily in South Dakota, where he had a ranch. He also owned a publishing company, a recording studio, and a film production company. His personal belongings, such as traditional Native American artifacts and memorabilia from his acting career, are also part of his estate.

**Annual Income**

Means’ annual income varied significantly throughout his life. During his activism and acting career, his earnings were substantial. However, after his retirement from acting, his income primarily came from speaking engagements, book sales, and his music. His exact annual income in his later years is not publicly available.

Frequently Asked Questions about  Russell Means

**Frequently Asked Questions: Russell Means Net Worth**

1. What was Russell Means’ net worth?

Russell Means’ net worth was estimated to be around $500,000 at the time of his death.

2. How did Russell Means make his money?

Means made his money through his acting career, activism, and book sales. He was known for his role in the movie “The Last of the Mohicans” and his activism for Native American rights.

3. What was Russell Means’ primary source of income?

Means’ primary source of income was his acting career. He appeared in several movies and TV shows throughout his life.

4. Did Russell Means have any businesses or investments?

There is no public record of Russell Means having any businesses or investments outside of his acting and activism work.

5. How much did Russell Means earn per movie?

The exact earnings of Russell Means per movie are not publicly available. However, it is known that his salary varied depending on the production and his role in the movie.

6. Did Russell Means have any endorsements?

There is no public record of Russell Means having any endorsements.

7. What was Russell Means’ activism focused on?

Means was a prominent activist for Native American rights. He was involved in various protests and movements, including the occupation of Wounded Knee in 1973.

8. Did Russell Means write any books?

Yes, Means wrote two books: “Where White Men Fear to Tread” and “Russell Means: Life and Legacy”.

9. How much did Russell Means’ books earn him?

The earnings from Means’ books are not publicly available. However, it is known that they contributed to his overall net worth.

10. What was Russell Means’ cause of death?

Russell Means died of esophageal cancer on October 22, 2012, at the age of 72.