Billy Wilder Net Worth (Updated 2025).

Billy Wilder, born Samuel Wilder in 1906 Austria-Hungary, began his career in the bustling world of 1920s Berlin, where he worked as a journalist, screenwriter, and even a brief stint as a cabaret emcee. His sharp wit and keen eye for storytelling quickly caught the attention of the burgeoning German film industry.

In the early 1930s, Wilder’s talent propelled him to Hollywood, where he continued to hone his craft as a screenwriter, collaborating with notable directors like Ernst Lubitsch. His big break came in 1939 when he co-wrote the iconic film “Ninotchka” starring Greta Garbo. This success led to his directorial debut with “The Major and the Minor” in 1942, launching a legendary career that spanned over four decades.

Billy Wilder’s Current Net Worth (2025)

As of 2025, Billy Wilder’s net worth is estimated to be around $150 million. This figure is calculated from his extensive film career, investments, and other ventures. Despite passing away in 2002, Wilder’s legacy and residuals from his iconic films continue to contribute to this net worth.

Career

Billy Wilder was an American filmmaker, screenwriter, and producer, known for his acerbic wit and sophisticated films. He was one of the most prolific and influential filmmakers of Hollywood’s Golden Age. Wilder’s career spanned over five decades, during which he directed and produced over 60 films, including classics like “Some Like It Hot,” “Sunset Boulevard,” and “The Apartment.” He won six Academy Awards and was nominated for an astounding 21.

Other Ventures

Wilder’s influence extended beyond filmmaking. He was a co-founder of the famed Hollywood restaurant, Chasen’s, and was also involved in real estate investments. He owned several properties in Beverly Hills, including his personal residence, which was later sold for a significant profit.

Assets

Wilder’s assets included his extensive film library, which includes the rights to many of his classic films. He also owned a significant collection of art, including works by famous artists like Picasso and Dali. Additionally, Wilder left behind a substantial literary estate, including unproduced screenplays and personal papers, which are now housed in the Billy Wilder Collection at the University of California, Los Angeles.

Annual Income

While it’s challenging to determine Billy Wilder’s exact annual income, especially given his passing and the varied nature of his earnings, it’s estimated that at the height of his career in the 1950s and 1960s, he was earning around $500,000 per film. Adjusting for inflation, this would be approximately $4.5 million in today’s dollars. His annual income from residuals, investments, and other ventures would have been significant as well, though the exact figure is not publicly available.

Frequently Asked Questions about  Billy Wilder

Frequently Asked Questions: Billy Wilder Net Worth

1. What is Billy Wilder’s net worth?

Billy Wilder’s net worth is estimated to be around $10 million.

2. When was Billy Wilder born?

Billy Wilder was born on June 22, 1906.

3. Where was Billy Wilder born?

Billy Wilder was born in Sucha, Austria-Hungary (now Poland).

4. What was Billy Wilder’s occupation?

Billy Wilder was a film director, producer, and screenwriter.

5. What are some of Billy Wilder’s most famous films?

Some of Billy Wilder’s most famous films include “Some Like It Hot”, “The Apartment”, “Sunset Boulevard”, and “Double Indemnity”.

6. How many Academy Awards did Billy Wilder win?

Billy Wilder won six Academy Awards throughout his career.

7. When did Billy Wilder pass away?

Billy Wilder passed away on March 27, 2002.

8. Where did Billy Wilder die?

Billy Wilder died in Los Angeles, California, USA.

9. What was Billy Wilder’s cause of death?

Billy Wilder’s cause of death was heart failure.

10. What was Billy Wilder’s height?

Billy Wilder was 5 feet 5 inches (165 cm) tall.