Janet Leigh: A Hollywood Icon’s Legacy and Net Worth
Janet Leigh, born Jeanette Helen Morrison, was a celebrated American actress whose career spanned over five decades. While she starred in numerous films across various genres, her iconic role in Alfred Hitchcock’s “Psycho” cemented her place in Hollywood history. Beyond acting, Leigh was also an accomplished author, contributing further to her legacy.
Early Life
Contrary to some accounts, Janet Leigh was born in Merced, California, not San Francisco. She began her career as a child model and even won a beauty pageant at the age of 16, foreshadowing her future in the spotlight.
Career Highlights
Leigh’s acting journey took off when she signed a contract with MGM at the age of 18. From there, she graced the silver screen in numerous films, showcasing her versatility across different genres. Her role in “Psycho” not only earned her critical acclaim but also a nomination for an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress.
| Year | Film Title | Role | Notes |
| 1947 | The Romance of Rosy Ridge | Lissy Anne MacBean | Film Debut |
| 1949 | Little Women | Meg March | |
| 1951 | Angels in the Outfield | Jennifer Paige | |
| 1952 | Scaramouche | Aline de Gavrillac | |
| 1953 | The Naked Spur | Lina Patch | |
| 1958 | Touch of Evil | Susan Vargas | |
| 1960 | Psycho | Marion Crane | Nominated for Academy Award |
| 1963 | The Manchurian Candidate | Eugenie Rose Chaney | |
| 1966 | Harper | Susan Harper | |
| 1998 | Halloween H20: 20 Years Later | Norma Watson |
Even after her iconic “Psycho” role, Leigh remained active in the film and television industry throughout the 1960s, 1970s, and 1980s. Furthermore, she penned four books, including “Psycho: Behind the Scenes” and “A Star Is Born”, demonstrating her talent beyond acting.
Personal Life
Leigh’s personal life was also intertwined with Hollywood. She was married to renowned actor Tony Curtis from 1951 to 1962, and they had a daughter together, Jamie Lee Curtis, who followed in her parents’ footsteps to become a successful actress. After her divorce from Curtis, Leigh married composer Ray Stark in 1954, and they remained together until her passing in 2004.
Conclusion
Janet Leigh’s net worth at the time of her death was estimated to be around $20 million. This wealth was accumulated through her successful acting career, her ventures as an author, and wise investments. Leigh left behind a legacy as a versatile actress, a talented writer, and a savvy businesswoman.
