Kim Darby Net Worth: What Public Records Actually Show
Kim Darby Net Worth: What Public Records Actually Show
Kim Darby's net worth is estimated at $500,000 according to multiple verified celebrity wealth sources, including Celebrity Net Worth and recent 2024-2025 publications. This figure reflects her 50+ year career as an American actress best known for playing Mattie Ross in the 1969 Western classic "True Grit" opposite John Wayne.
Confirmed Financial Data from Public Sources
Unlike many Hollywood figures whose wealth remains completely opaque, Kim Darby's financial profile has been documented across several independent wealth tracking publications with consistent figures.
| Source | Reported Net Worth | Publication Date | Verification Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Celebrity Net Worth | $500,000 | February 15, 2025 | Primary Source |
| Neworlds Magazine | $500,000 | December 8, 2025 | Verified Match |
| Briefly.co.za | $500,000 | December 6, 2024 | Cross-Referenced |
| Rachel Parris Blog | $500,000 | 2024 | Confirmed |
| LuxLux | $500,000 | 2024 | Consistent Data |
One notable discrepancy exists: the Oreate AI Blog suggests a range of $1 million to $2 million, but this outlier lacks supporting documentation from primary sources.
Career Foundations of Her Financial Profile
Kim Darby was born Deborah Zerby on July 8, 1947, in Los Angeles, California, and began performing as a child billed as "Derby Zerby" with her parents, known professionally as "The Dancing Zerbies". Her breakthrough came at age 22 when she was cast as Mattie Ross in "True Grit," a role that earned her lasting recognition and launched her 50+ year career.
Key Career Milestones
- 1969: Starred as Mattie Ross in "True Grit" opposite John Wayne (her breakout role)
- 1973: Played Sally in horror classic "Don't Be Afraid of the Dark"
- 1968-1969: First marriage to James Stacy (ended in divorce)
- 1970: Married James Westmoreland (short-lived marriage)
- 1970s-2020s: Continued acting in film/television while transitioning to teaching
Her decision to transition into teaching alongside acting likely influenced her net worth trajectory compared to contemporaries who pursued pure commercial entertainment careers.
What Makes Her Net Worth Lower Than Contemporaries
While $500,000 represents financial stability, it falls below many peers from her era due to several documented factors affecting her career choices and earning potential.
- Limited box office dominance: "True Grit" was successful but she didn't maintain A-list leading lady status
- Career pivot to teaching: Reduced acting workload in later decades impacted income accumulation
- Four marriages: Multiple divorces likely resulted in asset division affecting net worth
- Genre limitations: Worked primarily in Westerns and horror rather than high-budget blockbusters
"Kim Darby's net worth of $500,000 reflects a life dedicated to the arts and a career filled with notable performances, even if it doesn't match her wealthiest contemporaries"
Personal Life Details Affecting Financial Records
Kim Darby has been married four times, with only her first two marriages publicly documented: James Stacy (1968-1969) and James Westmoreland. Her current marital status remains undisclosed, which limits public financial record transparency.
At 77 years old (as of 2024), Darby is confirmed alive and rumored to be actively teaching, though her current exact location remains private.
| Attribute | Confirmed Detail |
|---|---|
| Real Name | Deborah Zerby |
| Date of Birth | July 8, 1947 |
| Age | 77 years old (2024) |
| Birthplace | Los Angeles, California |
| Profession | Actor, Teacher |
| Marriages | 4 total (2 documented) |
| Current Status | Alive, rumored teaching |
What are the most common questions about Kim Darby Net Worth What Public Records Actually Show?
What is Kim Darby's exact net worth?
Kim Darby's net worth is estimated at $500,000 based on consistent reporting from Celebrity Net Worth and multiple verified publications as of 2024-2025.
How did Kim Darby earn her net worth?
She earned her wealth primarily through her acting career spanning 50+ years, with her breakthrough role in "True Grit" being her most financially significant project.
Is Kim Darby still alive in 2024?
Yes, Kim Darby is confirmed alive at 77 years old (born July 8, 1947), though she is rumored to be busy with teaching rather than active acting.
Why is Kim Darby's net worth lower than other actors from her era?
Her transition to teaching, four marriages with divorces, and lack of sustained A-list blockbuster roles resulted in lower wealth accumulation compared to contemporaries who maintained commercial stardom.
What is Kim Darby best known for?
She is best known for playing Mattie Ross in "True Grit" opposite John Wayne, and for her role in "Don't Be Afraid of the Dark".
