Dianne Wiest Net Worth
Dianne Wiest is an American actress with an estimated net worth of $500,000. Despite a highly respected career spanning film, television, and Broadway—and multiple major awards—Wiest’s finances have faced challenges in recent years. She is best known for her Academy Award–winning performances in “Hannah and Her Sisters” (1986) and “Bullets Over Broadway” (1994).
Over more than four decades, Wiest has appeared in over 60 film and television projects, establishing herself as one of Hollywood’s most acclaimed supporting actresses.
| Dianne Wiest Net Worth | $500,000 |
| Date of Birth | March 28, 1948 |
| Place of Birth | Kansas City, Missouri |
Early Life
Dianne Evelyn Wiest was born on March 28, 1948, in Kansas City, Missouri. She grew up with two brothers and was raised by her mother, Anne, a nurse of Scottish descent, and her father, Bernard Wiest, a college dean and former U.S. Army psychiatric social worker.
Initially aspiring to become a ballerina, Wiest shifted her focus to acting while attending Nürnberg American High School. She later earned a degree in Arts and Sciences from the University of Maryland in 1969.
Career
Wiest made her television debut in 1975 with the TV movie Zalmen: or, the Madness of God. She began gaining recognition in the 1980s with roles in films such as:
- Footloose (1984)
- The Purple Rose of Cairo (1985)
- The Lost Boys (1987)
- Bright Lights, Big City (1988)
- Parenthood (1989)
Her collaboration with director Woody Allen proved pivotal. Wiest won her first Academy Award for Hannah and Her Sisters and a second for Bullets Over Broadway, making her one of the few actresses to win multiple Oscars exclusively in supporting roles.
Film and Television
Throughout the 1990s and 2000s, Wiest remained a consistent presence in major films, including:
- Edward Scissorhands (1990)
- The Birdcage (1996)
- Practical Magic (1998)
- The Horse Whisperer (1998)
- Synecdoche, New York (2008)
On television, she gained mainstream recognition as D.A. Nora Lewin on “Law & Order” (2000–2002). She later earned critical acclaim for her role as Dr. Gina Toll on HBO’s “In Treatment” (2008–2009), winning a Primetime Emmy Award.
More recently, Wiest starred as Joan Short on CBS’s Life in Pieces (2015–2019) and as Miriam McClusky on Paramount+’s Mayor of Kingstown (2021–present).
Broadway and Theater Work
In addition to her screen work, Wiest has maintained a strong presence on Broadway. Her stage credits include productions such as:
- Frankenstein
- Othello
- Beyond Therapy
- Salome
- All My Sons
Her theater work has contributed significantly to her reputation as a classically trained and versatile actress.
Financial Problems
Despite her acclaimed career, Wiest revealed in 2015 that she was facing serious financial difficulties. In an interview with The New York Times, she disclosed that she could no longer afford the $5,300 monthly rent on her Manhattan apartment and was at risk of being forced to move.
Her situation highlighted the financial instability that can affect even award-winning actors, particularly those who focus on supporting roles and theater rather than blockbuster leads.
Personal Life
Dianne Wiest was previously in a relationship with her agent, Sam Cohn, during the mid-1980s. She never married but adopted two daughters: Emily (born 1987) and Lily (born 1991).
Dianne Wiest Awards
Dianne Wiest’s honors include:
- 2 Academy Awards (Best Supporting Actress)
- 3 Oscar nominations
- 2 Primetime Emmy Awards
- Golden Globe Award
- Screen Actors Guild Award (ensemble)
- Induction into the Online Film & Television Association Film Hall of Fame (2021)
Her performances in Bullets Over Broadway and Hannah and Her Sisters remain among the most celebrated supporting roles in modern cinema.
Dianne Wiest Net Worth
Dianne Wiest net worth is estimated to be $500,000.