How Jennifer Aniston made her many millions
Inside Jennifer Aniston's fabulous fortune
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As one of Hollywood's most sought-after stars, Jennifer Aniston boasts a mammoth fortune today. Whether it's a leading role in a must-see movie or fronting a global beauty campaign, film producers and big-name brands have been lining up to work with the 55-year-old actress for decades.
From her early days on Friends to cementing her status as a major Tinseltown player, read on to discover just how rich Jennifer Aniston is today and how she made her millions.
All dollar amounts in US dollars
Her big break
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Although she'd already scored several minor movie and TV roles, Aniston’s career – and bank balance – got a real boost when she landed her breakout role as Rachel Green in Friends.
Her fame skyrocketed thanks to the hit sitcom, and even her hairstyle became a phenomenon: "the Rachel", comprising choppy flattering layers, was adored by women and hairdressers alike around the globe.
Sitcom starlet
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Aniston starred in the hit sitcom for a decade between 1994 and 2004, appearing in every episode. In 2002, Aniston and her co-stars negotiated a deal that saw them take home an incredible $1 million for each half-hour episode over the final two seasons. That's a juicy $1.8 million (£1.4m) in 2024 money.
What’s more, Aniston still banks millions of dollars every year from Friends, thanks to reruns and syndication deals.
Foray into films
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While starring in Friends, Aniston also found the time for a foray into feature films, starring in several box office hits. These included Picture Perfect (1997), Bruce Almighty (2003), and Along Came Polly (2004).
When Friends ended in 2004, Aniston swiftly cemented her status as a major movie star. In 2006, she starred with Vince Vaughn in The Break-Up, which banked an incredible $205 million at the global box office. In today's money, that's an impressive $319 million (£245m).
In 2009, she starred in He’s Just Not That Into You, which earned around $180 million at the global box office, the equivalent of $264 million (£203m) today.
Queen of the box office
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The year 2011 was a particularly successful one for Aniston. Her comedy flicks Horrible Bosses and Just Go With It (pictured) came out within months of each other, and each made over $200 million globally, a staggering $279 million (£215m) each when adjusted for inflation.
But as we've already mentioned, the actress doesn’t rely solely on the box office to make her millions…
Lucrative endorsement deals
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Aniston also rakes in money from lucrative endorsement deals. She’s starred in campaigns for everything from Got Milk? to L'Oréal's hair care products. In 2007, she even became a spokesperson for Glacéau Smartwater after she was spotted using the bottled water to shield her face from paparazzi. She was the face of the brand until 2019, in a deal estimated to be worth millions.
In 2013, Aniston signed a deal with skincare brand Aveeno to become their celebrity ambassador. The star was reportedly paid an eight-figure sum to promote the products. In 2015, she landed yet another hefty endorsement deal, this time with luxury Middle Eastern airline Emirates. The sky-high partnership was reportedly worth a cool $5 million, or $6.6 million (£5.1m) in 2024 money.
Business brains
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Aniston is also business-savvy, which has helped to grow her enviable fortune. In 2010, she debuted her first fragrance, the eponymous Jennifer Aniston. To date, she’s launched nine perfumes, with hit-and-miss sales – but that isn't her only foray into the world of beauty.
She also owned a stake in the haircare business Living Proof, which was founded by biotech scientists at MIT University. In 2016, cosmetic giant Unilever bought the brand for an undisclosed sum.
Entrepreneur endeavours
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Aniston is synonymous with "The Rachel" hairstyle, and in 2010 it was reported that the stylish layered look was the most requested haircut in salons. It was only a matter of time before the business-savvy starlet started her own haircare line.
LolaVie was launched in 2021. The cruelty-free, plant-based products originally featured a glossing detangler and leave-in shampoo and conditioner, but the line has now expanded following rave reviews.
Lights, camera, action!
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When Aniston's not working in front of the camera, she’s behind it. The star has three directing credits to her name and has produced numerous hit films, including Cake and Murder Mystery, both of which she starred in.
Cake, which was released in 2014, was also nominated for a Golden Globe.
Here to stay
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Aniston’s decades-spanning career is showing no signs of slowing down. Forbes reported that, in 2018 alone, the star earned $19.5 million, the equivalent of $24.4 million (£18.8m) today, making her one of the highest-paid actresses in the world.
That same year, she executive produced and starred in the hit Netflix musical comedy Dumplin'.
Powerful payday
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In 2019, Aniston landed a starring role in the Apple TV+ drama series The Morning Show – and if you thought her Friends salary was impressive, wait until you hear what she takes home now.
According to reports, Aniston and her co-star Reese Witherspoon both earn upwards of $2 million (£1.5m) per episode. Aniston also serves as an executive producer on the hit show, which is based on American TV anchor Brian Stelter's non-fiction book, Top of the Morning: Inside the Cutthroat World of Morning TV.
The reunion
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We all love a good dose of nostalgia, and that's why Aniston and her former co-stars Courteney Cox, Lisa Kudrow, Matthew Perry, David Schwimmer, and Matt LeBlanc received seven-figure payments to appear in Friends: The Reunion.
The one-off special was streamed on HBO Max in May 2021, and the main cast members were each paid at least $2.5 million (£1.9m) to return.
A bright future
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Aniston's recent projects include Netflix's smash-hit comedy sequel, Murder Mystery 2.
And the future certainly looks bright. She has several upcoming projects in the pipeline, including the fourth season of The Morning Show and a starring role in the sports drama The Fixer.
How much is she worth?
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Today, Jennifer Aniston boasts a staggering estimated net worth of $320 million (£246m).
With all that cash burning a hole in her pocket, read on to discover how Aniston likes to spend her hard-earned millions...
Lavish wedding
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In 2015, Aniston married actor Justin Theroux (the couple would later split in 2017) in a secret wedding held at their lavish Bel Air mansion.
The couple hired singer Sia to provide the entertainment, while the globally renowned photographer Terry Richardson was on-hand for picture duty.
High-roller honeymoon
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The couple's honeymoon was equally impressive. Along with some of their Hollywood friends, including Courteney Cox and Jason Bateman, Aniston and Theroux vacationed in Bora Bora at the luxurious Four Seasons resort.
At the time, a single night at the tropical getaway could have cost up to $12,500 per night, or $16,600 ($12.8k) in today's money.
Bel Air mansion
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Aniston has lived in many incredible homes over the years, but perhaps the most impressive is the $21 million (£16.2m) Bel Air mansion where she currently resides (pictured).
She bought the jaw-dropping property in 2012, and it boasts a wine cellar, an outdoor pool, and a living room bar, to name just a few of its stand-out features.
Flashy gifts
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Generous Jen doesn’t just spend on herself, she also loves to spend money on her loved ones.
She once gifted ex-husband Theroux a $12,000 (£9.2k) vintage leather jacket that was reportedly worn by James Dean in the classic Hollywood movie Rebel Without a Cause.
The Rachel
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Aniston might well have made “The Rachel” one of the most iconic hairstyles of all time, but maintaining her famous mane costs some serious money.
Her long-time stylist is Chris McMillan (pictured), owner of the eponymous luxury Beverly Hills hair salon. Behind The Chair reports that he charges around $750 (£577) for a haircut.
Beauty routine
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In 2012, Business Insider reported that Aniston likely spent around $141,000 per year on looking camera-ready, the equivalent of $193,000 (£148k) in 2024 money.
Her pricy self-care routine includes everything from beauty treatments and haircare to hiring nutritionists and personal trainers.
Jen's huge heart
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Aniston also has a huge heart and has supported a number of charities over the years by donating her money and time – and the latter in itself is worth a small fortune. Some of the causes she’s supported over the years include Feeding America, Bear Necessities Pediatric Cancer Foundation, and EB Medical Research Foundation.
In summer 2020 – during the height of the Black Lives Matter movement – Aniston donated $1 million (£769k) to racial justice charities.
Other charity work
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Aniston's donation to the Black Lives Matter movement isn't the first time she's opened her wallet to support a topical cause.
In 2011, she and Theroux shelled out almost half a million dollars to aid Haiti, after the country was devastated by an earthquake. The actress reportedly went on to donate another half a million to various organisations involved in the earthquake relief effort.
In 2017, Aniston donated another million dollars to relief efforts after Hurricane Maria devastated Puerto Rico.