Geoffrey Rush Net Worth

## Geoffrey Rush’s Net Worth: A Deep Dive into the Career and Fortune of a Triple Crown Winner

**Table of Contents**

* [What is Geoffrey Rush’s Net Worth?](#what-geoffrey-rush8217s-net-worth)
* [Early Life and Education](#early-life)
* [Career Highlights and Breakthrough Roles](#career)
* [The ‘Pirates of the Caribbean’ Franchise and Voice Acting Success](#the-pirates-of-the-caribbean-franchise-and-voice-acting-success)
* [Controversies and Personal Life](#personal-life)
* [Awards, Honors, and Accolades](#awards-honors)
* [Legacy and Impact](#legacy-and-impact)

What is Geoffrey Rush’s Net Worth?

Geoffrey Rush, the acclaimed Australian actor and film producer, boasts an impressive net worth of $40 million. This substantial fortune is a testament to his prolific career, spanning over six decades and encompassing a diverse range of roles in film, television, and theater. Rush’s financial success is further underscored by his recognition as one of the few actors to achieve the prestigious “Triple Crown of Acting” – an Academy Award, a Tony Award, and an Emmy Award. His contributions to the arts were formally acknowledged when he was named Australian of the Year in 2012, and he further served as President of the Australian Academy of Cinema and Television Arts from 2011 to 2017. Rush has solidified his place as a global icon, making considerable impacts across the entertainment industry.

Early Life and Education

Geoffrey Roy Rush was born on July 6, 1951, in Toowoomba, Queensland, Australia. His upbringing was marked by a blend of creative influences and familial transitions. His mother, Merle, worked as a sales assistant in a department store, while his father, Roy, served in the Royal Australian Air Force as an accountant. After his parents’ divorce in the mid-1950s, Geoffrey and his mother relocated to Brisbane, where they lived with her parents. Rush attended Everton Park State High School and later pursued higher education at the University of Queensland, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1972. His academic achievements were later recognized with an Honorary Doctorate of Letters from the University of Queensland in 1997; he was also named their Alumnus of the Year in 1998. During his university years, Rush’s passion for the performing arts began to flourish as he became involved with the Queensland Theatre Company, where he appeared in 17 plays. Seeking to expand his knowledge, Rush spent two years (1975) studying theatre, mime, and movement at L’École Internationale de Théâtre Jacques Lecoq in Paris.

Career Highlights and Breakthrough Roles

Geoffrey Rush’s professional career commenced in the realm of Australian television. In 1980, he was cast as Father Peter Fuller in the series “Menotti”, quickly followed by his film debut in “Hoodwink” (1981). Early roles in films such as “Starstruck” (1982) and “Twelfth Night” (1986), as well as the miniseries “Frontier” (1987) helped him gain recognition, but his breakthrough came with the role of David Helfgott in the 1996 film “Shine”. This performance garnered critical acclaim and won him several awards, including the Academy Award for Best Actor. His versatility was showcased in roles such as Inspector Javert in “Les Misérables” (1998), Sir Francis Walsingham in “Elizabeth” (1998), and Philip Henslowe in “Shakespeare in Love” (1998). Rush continued to take on a variety of roles, including the Marquis de Sade in “Quills” (2000), Leon Trotsky in “Frida” (2002). His dedication to his craft and his ability to inhabit diverse characters have cemented his place as one of the most respected actors of his generation.

The ‘Pirates of the Caribbean’ Franchise and Voice Acting Success

One of Geoffrey Rush’s most recognizable roles is that of Captain Hector Barbossa in the immensely successful “Pirates of the Caribbean” franchise. Beginning in 2003, Rush portrayed this iconic character throughout the series, contributing significantly to its global box office gross of over $4.5 billion. Beyond live-action roles, Rush has also enjoyed success as a voice actor. He lent his distinctive voice to the animated hits “Finding Nemo” (2003), “Legend of the Guardians: The Owls of Ga’Hoole” (2010), and “Minions” (2015), further broadening his appeal to audiences of all ages. In addition to acting, Rush has also taken on production roles, including “The King’s Speech,” “Macbeth” (2007), and “Storm Boy” (2019), showcasing his diverse talents and commitment to the film industry.

Controversies and Personal Life

Geoffrey Rush’s personal life has been marked by both personal milestones and public controversies. He married actress Jane Menelaus on November 20, 1988, and they have two children: daughter Angelica (born 1992) and son James (born 1995). In November 2017, “The Daily Telegraph” reported allegations of “inappropriate behaviour” with a co-star during a Sydney Theatre Company production of “King Lear.” Eryn Jean Norvill alleged that Rush had engaged in inappropriate physical contact during the production. Rush filed a defamation lawsuit against the newspaper and was initially awarded $850,000 in damages, which was later increased to $2.87 million. Additional allegations of sexual misconduct were made in December 2018 by actress Yael Stone (known for her role in “Orange Is the New Black”) concerning an earlier production. Rush responded to these allegations, stating that they were either incorrect or taken out of context. These incidents have had a significant impact on his public image, and the legal proceedings have been closely followed by the media and the public.

Awards, Honors, and Accolades

Geoffrey Rush’s talent and contributions to the performing arts have been recognized through numerous awards and honors. He has received four Academy Award nominations, winning the Best Actor in a Leading Role for “Shine”. He also received Golden Globe nominations for “Shine”, “Shakespeare in Love”, “Quills”, “The King’s Speech”, and “Genius” and won for “The Life and Death of Peter Sellers”. Rush has also won a Primetime Emmy Award for “The Life and Death of Peter Sellers.” He has been nominated for and won many Screen Actors Guild Awards, as well as awards from the BAFTA Awards, British Independent Film Awards, and several film critic associations. In 2003, he was honored with a Global Achievement Award from the Australian Film Institute, and he was awarded the AFI Raymond Longford Award in 2009. His influence was also acknowledged by the Australia Post, which released special edition “Australian Legends” stamps featuring Rush both as himself and as his character from “Shine.”

Legacy and Impact

Geoffrey Rush’s legacy extends beyond his impressive net worth and array of awards; it’s rooted in his dedication to the craft of acting and his ability to captivate audiences worldwide. With roles ranging from historical figures to animated characters, he has consistently demonstrated his versatility, skill, and commitment. Despite the controversies, his body of work remains significant, and his contributions to the arts have influenced a generation of actors and filmmakers. His performances continue to be celebrated, and he has earned a lasting place in film and theatre history.