Ashley Judd, an American political activist, and actress, is famous for her roles in multiple films like “Ruby in Paradise,” “Divergent,” “Heat,” “A Time to Kill,” “Dolphin Tale,” “Kiss the Girls,” “Olympus Has Fallen,” and “A Dog’s Way Home.”
Apart from her acting career, Judd is also known for her activism work in politics in recent years. Additionally, her role in the TV series “Missing” earned her a Primetime Emmy Award. (1)
Table of Contents
- Ashley Judd’s Appearance
- Facts about Ashley Judd
- Net Worth
- Early Life
- Husband/Boyfriend and Family Life
- Controversies
- Career
- Activist
Ashley Judd’s Appearance (Height, Hair, Eyes & More)
| Height | 5 ft 6 in 1.7 m |
|---|---|
| Weight | 135 pounds 61 kg |
| Hair Color | Dark Brown |
| Eye Color | Hazel |
| Body Type | Slim |
| Sexual Orientation | Straight |
Facts About Ashley Judd
| Nationality | American |
|---|---|
| Estimate Net Worth | $14 million |
| Religion | Christianity |
| Zodiac Sign | Taurus |
| Birthplace | Los Angeles, California |
| Birthday | April 19, 1968 |
Ashley Judd’s Net Worth
As of 2023, the actress and activist have a total net worth of $14 million. The entertainment industry is where Ashley makes her bread and butter. As an actress, TV producer, and voice actor, she draws her primary source of income, showcasing her diverse skillset.
In 2004, Ashley Judd crowned the face of American Beauty, the esteemed cosmetic company, adding a feather to her financial cap. Fast forward three years later, the superstar joined hands with Goody’s Family Clothing to create not one, not two, but three fabulous fashion lines! (2)
See the net worth of other famous actors and actresses here.
Ashley Judd’s Early Life
Born on April 19, 1968, in Los Angeles, Ashley Ciminella Judd was raised in Kentucky by her parents, Naomi Judd, a country music singer and motivational speaker, and Michael Charles Ciminella, a horse racing marketing analyst. Her parents’ separation in 1972 led Ashley to return to her mother’s hometown in Kentucky a year later.
At the time of Ashley’s birth, her mother was a stay-at-home mom, and it wasn’t until the early 1980s that she began singing professionally. Sadly, Naomi, a Grammy-winning country musician, died last April 2022 by shooting herself.
Ashley Judd revealed that her mother, who had been struggling with depression for an extended period, passed away on April 30. Judd disclosed that her mother had used a firearm to take her own life, saying, “I will share with you that she used a weapon.”
Moving on, Ashley Judd had a nomadic education, having attended 13 different institutions before college, with some of the notable schools including Paul G. Blazer High School in Ashland, Kentucky, and Franklin High School in Franklin, Tennessee. In college, she focused on a diverse range of subjects, including French, anthropology, art history, drama, and women’s studies.
And this time, she was also a member of the Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority at the University of Kentucky. During her time in college, Ashley Judd participated in a study abroad program and spent a semester in France. After graduating, she moved to Hollywood to pursue acting and studied under a respected acting coach, Robert Carnegie.
She later enrolled in the Goldman School of Public Policy at UC Berkeley to obtain a Ph.D. in Public Policy but had to take a medical leave two months later due to her chronic migraines. Judd received her bachelor’s degree from the University of Kentucky in 2007, and in 2009, Union College granted her an Honorary DHL degree. (3)
Ashley Judd’s Husband/Boyfriend and Family Life
As of 2023, the actress is currently single and hasn’t reported being linked with someone romantically. However, Ashley was previously married to a professional racing driver, who is now retired from the sports, Dario Franchitti. Their relationship lasted for long-11 years, and hasn’t had any kids together.
In addition, she had a brief romance with Michael Bolton that lasted barely a year. Brady Anderson was the latest, followed by Josh Charles in 1996, Matthew McConaughey from 1995 to 1996, Michael English in 1995, and Lyle Lovett from 1991 to 1992. (4)
Controversies
In 2015, Ashley Judd bravely came forward and disclosed that she had been a victim of sexual harassment by an influential person in the entertainment industry. It wasn’t until two years later that she revealed that the individual was none other than Harvey Weinstein, who harassed her during the filming of “Kiss the Girls.”
In 2018, Judd went a step further and filed a lawsuit against Weinstein for defamation. Her lawsuit and public revelation of the harassment by Weinstein served as a catalyst and sparked a movement that became known as #MeToo.
Ashley Judd alleged that after she rebuffed his sexual advances, Harvey Weinstein spread false rumors that caused harm to her professional life. While a federal judge dismissed Judd’s claims of sexual harassment against Weinstein, her defamation lawsuit was permitted to proceed. In 2019, Judd bravely shared that she had been a victim of rape on three separate occasions throughout her life.
Ashley stated: “I’m very thankful I was able to access safe and legal abortion because that rapist, who’s a Kentuckian – as am I, and I reside in Tennessee – has paternity rights in Kentucky and Tennessee. I would’ve had to co-parent with a rapist.” (5)
Ashley Judd’s Career
Ashley Judd debuted in the entertainment industry by appearing in two episodes of “Star Trek: The Next Generation” in the early 90s. After that, she secured a recurring role in the NBC drama “Sisters,” while also appearing briefly in the film “Kuffs.”
Ashley’s big break came when she was cast as the lead in the independent film “Ruby in Paradise,” which led to further opportunities in notable films such as “Natural Born Killers,” “Smoke,” and “Heat.” Her portrayal of Marilyn Monroe in “Norma Jean and Marilyn” was another standout role in the 90s.
Throughout the 2000s, Ashley Judd showcased her talent in a range of films, including “High Crimes,” “Where the Heart Is,” “De-Lovely,” “Someone Like You,” “Frida,” and “Twisted.” Additionally, she graced the Broadway stage in a revival of “Cat on a Hot Tin Roof.”
As the 2010s rolled around, Judd’s star continued to shine brightly with memorable performances in movies like “Flypaper,” “Insurgent,” and “Divergent.” She also snagged a leading role in ABC’s “Missing” as Rebecca Winstone. However, Judd’s focus eventually shifted toward political activism.
Ashley Judd as an Activist
Ashley Judd is not one to shy away from politics and has consistently voiced her opinions over the years. She has been vocal in her criticism of Republican leaders like Sarah Palin while also expressing support for mainstream Democrats, including Barack Obama. Judd has participated in several humanitarian missions, such as those to the Democratic Republic of Congo.
At one point, she even hinted at a potential run for Senate in 2013 but later withdrew. As a staunch feminist, Judd has taken part in numerous Women’s Marches and similar events. In the 2020 presidential election, she endorsed Elizabeth Warren.
Net Worth of Other Notable 1990s Actresses
Jennifer Connelly’s Net Worth
Jennifer Connelly, an American actress celebrated for her roles in films such as “Labyrinth,” “A Beautiful Mind,” and “Requiem for a Dream,” has made a significant mark in Hollywood with her compelling performances and striking presence. Born on December 12, 1970, in Cairo, New York, Connelly’s career began as a child model before transitioning into acting, where she quickly gained recognition for her talent and versatility. Her performances have not only earned her critical acclaim but also an Academy Award, a BAFTA Award, and a Golden Globe Award, highlighting her impact on the film industry. Beyond her acting career, Connelly has also been involved in various endorsements and real estate investments alongside her husband, actor Paul Bettany, contributing to her overall financial standing. With her enduring success in both acting and business endeavors, Jennifer Connelly’s net worth is estimated to be around $50 million, reflecting her achievements and influence within the entertainment world.
Angela Bassett’s Net Worth
Angela Bassett, an American actress renowned for her roles portraying significant historical Black women like Rosa Parks, Betty Shabazz, and Tina Turner, has made a profound impact on the entertainment industry with her powerful performances. Her career has not only been highlighted by these iconic roles but also by her versatility across a broad spectrum of film and television projects, demonstrating her depth and range as an actress. Beyond her acting prowess, Bassett has ventured into voice acting and film production, showcasing her multifaceted talent within the industry. Her dedication to her craft and her ability to bring complex characters to life have earned her critical acclaim and a loyal fanbase. With a career spanning over three decades, her contributions to cinema and her role in advancing the representation of Black women on screen have been invaluable. As of 2023, Angela Bassett’s net worth is estimated to be $25 million, a testament to her enduring success and influence in the world of entertainment.