Ali MacGraw’s Net Worth: From Love Story to Lasting Legacy

If you have ever wondered about Ali MacGraw’s net worth, the story behind her fortune is tied to a remarkable career that spans acting, modeling, writing, and even yoga. Best known for her Oscar-nominated performance in the 1970 classic Love Story, MacGraw became an international star almost overnight. Her estimated net worth today is between $6 million and $8 million, a figure that reflects not only her success in Hollywood but also her ventures in fashion, lifestyle projects, publishing, and design. Ali MacGraw’s net worth illustrates how one woman transformed early fame into a multifaceted career that has sustained her for decades.

Who Is Ali MacGraw?

Elizabeth Alice “Ali” MacGraw was born on April 1, 1939, in Pound Ridge, New York. Raised in an artistic household—her father was a painter and her mother worked as an artist and teacher—MacGraw was immersed in creativity from a young age. After graduating from Wellesley College, she began her career in the world of fashion rather than acting.

She worked as a photographic assistant and later as a fashion stylist for Harper’s Bazaar before transitioning into modeling. MacGraw’s striking looks and natural charisma led her to appear in advertisements for major brands. This early career not only helped her financially but also gave her exposure to the media world, where she would later shine as an actress.

Her breakthrough came with the 1969 film Goodbye, Columbus, in which she starred opposite Richard Benjamin. The film was a critical and commercial success, earning MacGraw a Golden Globe Award for Most Promising Newcomer. However, it was her next film that propelled her to international stardom.

In 1970, MacGraw starred in Love Story opposite Ryan O’Neal. The film became a cultural phenomenon, one of the highest-grossing films of the decade, and earned her an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress. With her classic beauty and emotional performance, MacGraw became one of the most iconic actresses of the era.

Her career continued with notable roles in films such as The Getaway (1972), where she starred alongside Steve McQueen, and Convoy (1978). She also appeared in Players (1979) and had a recurring role in the 1980s television miniseries The Winds of War. While her acting career slowed down in the 1980s and beyond, her legacy as a cultural icon remained intact.

Outside of acting, MacGraw became known for her personal life as much as her professional one. Her high-profile marriages to film producer Robert Evans and actor Steve McQueen drew significant media attention. These relationships placed her firmly in the public eye but also came with challenges, which she later candidly discussed in her memoir.

Today, Ali MacGraw lives a quieter life in Santa Fe, New Mexico. She has focused on artistic pursuits, wellness, and community work, carving out a life that reflects her values and passions beyond Hollywood.

Estimated Net Worth

Ali MacGraw’s net worth is estimated at $6 million to $8 million as of 2025. While her career peak in the 1970s made her a household name, her fortune comes not only from acting salaries but also from modeling, book royalties, yoga ventures, and lifestyle collaborations.

Compared to some of her contemporaries, MacGraw’s net worth may seem modest, but it reflects her decision to step away from Hollywood at the height of her fame. She has spoken openly about prioritizing personal growth and health over financial gain. Nevertheless, her fortune demonstrates the power of diversifying income streams and remaining relevant across industries.

Breakdown of Ali MacGraw’s Income

Acting Career

The foundation of Ali MacGraw’s net worth lies in her acting career. Her role in Goodbye, Columbus marked her as a rising star, but it was Love Story that secured her place in Hollywood history. For her performance, she earned critical acclaim and commercial success, with the film grossing over $100 million at the box office—a huge sum for the time.

Following Love Story, she starred in The Getaway with Steve McQueen, which was another box office hit. These early films gave her significant earnings and residuals that continue to provide income through television reruns and licensing deals. While she did not appear in as many films as some of her peers, her performances were iconic enough to generate long-term financial returns.

Television roles in miniseries such as The Winds of War also added to her wealth. In the 1980s, TV productions were lucrative for stars with established reputations, and MacGraw benefited from this trend. Acting income remains one of the most visible contributors to Ali MacGraw’s net worth.

Modeling and Early Career

Before acting, MacGraw established herself as a model and fashion stylist. She worked with major brands and appeared in advertisements that gave her early financial independence. Modeling work provided her with a steady income in the 1960s and opened doors to acting opportunities.

Her fashion background also contributed to her later design collaborations. She had a keen eye for style, and her personal sense of fashion became part of her brand identity. This foundation in fashion played a role in the lifestyle and design projects that became part of her income later in life.

Books and Publishing

In 1991, Ali MacGraw published her memoir, Moving Pictures, in which she shared her life story with honesty and vulnerability. The book was well-received and sold widely, giving her both financial returns and renewed visibility. Memoirs by major stars often include substantial publishing advances, and royalties from continued sales contribute to her net worth.

The book also became an important part of her legacy, allowing her to redefine her image beyond Hollywood glamour. It provided her with a voice to share her personal struggles, triumphs, and reflections, further cementing her status as a cultural figure.

Yoga and Lifestyle Ventures

In the 1990s, MacGraw became involved in wellness and yoga, producing instructional yoga videos that were hugely popular. Her collaboration with renowned yoga teacher Erich Schiffmann resulted in the video Ali MacGraw: Yoga Mind & Body, which became a best-selling fitness tape of its era.

These projects brought in significant earnings and demonstrated her ability to pivot into new industries. At a time when yoga was becoming mainstream in the United States, MacGraw was at the forefront of this movement, linking her name to health and wellness.

Her involvement in yoga also aligned with her personal lifestyle choices, showing that her business ventures reflected her genuine passions. This authenticity helped her connect with audiences and ensured the success of her projects.

Design and Collaborations

Later in life, Ali MacGraw pursued design collaborations, particularly in textiles and fashion. Her sense of style and reputation as a fashion icon gave her credibility in these ventures. Collaborations with fashion and lifestyle brands added another income stream, allowing her to remain relevant in the design world.

She has also been involved in community-oriented art and design projects in Santa Fe, reflecting her commitment to creativity and cultural engagement. While these ventures may not have generated the same level of income as her Hollywood years, they contributed meaningfully to her wealth and her personal fulfillment.

Personal Assets

Part of Ali MacGraw’s net worth is tied to her personal assets, particularly her real estate. She has long been associated with Santa Fe, New Mexico, where she lives in a home that reflects her love for art and design. Santa Fe’s real estate market, known for its artistic and cultural appeal, has appreciated over the years, adding to her wealth.

Her focus on a quieter lifestyle means she has avoided some of the financial pitfalls that have affected other Hollywood stars. By investing in real estate and living within her means, she has maintained her fortune across decades.