‘Chicago’: How Much Are the Stars of the Movie Musical Worth Today?
Murder, music, and the magic of moviemaking made Chicago the must-see motion picture of 2002. The film made lots of moolah, and so have the principal players over the course of a few decades. Here’s how they stack up today when it comes to net worth.
‘Chicago’ brought Broadway to the big screen
Based on the Broadway musical of the same name, Chicago brought the story of murderous starlets to life. On the backdrop of the Cook County Jail, accused murderer Roxy Hart vies for the attention of reporter Mary Sunshine and the other press.
For the record, Roxy is indeed guilty of gunning down her lover Fred Casely in a rage. Her doting and unassuming husband, Amos, hangs in the background as the self-proclaimed “Mr. Cellophane.”
Roxy shares a cell block with a slew of other women, including the scene-stealing local celebrity Velma Kelly, who is awaiting trial for slaughtering her cheating husband and traitorous sister. The women latch onto the charismatic and manipulative defense attorney Billy Flynn.
In charge of the prisoners is the straight-shooter, Matron Mama Morton. She doesn’t take crap, but she does accept bribes. Rounding out the key players are the magnetic yet violent heiress Kitty Baxter and the Bandleader, who cues up many of the film’s toe-tapping numbers.
Chicago is full of spectacular song and dance sequences, most of which take place inside Roxy’s twisted mind. From “Razzle Dazzle” to “All that Jazz,” the film delivers lots of elaborate musical performances that add pizzazz to the dramatic narrative.
‘Chicago’ made a killing in theaters
Not only did Chicago win six Academy Awards out of the bakers’ dozen for which it was nominated, the blockbuster earned over $300 million, according to Box Office Mojo. And since then, the stars have amassed incredible personal fortunes. Here’s a peek at their wealth, according to Celebrity Net Worth.
Richard Gere as ‘Billy Flynn’
Richard Gere brought charm to the role of the slick lawyer Billy Flynn. The actor has built a tremendous fortune of an estimated $120 million.
Catherine Zeta-Jones as ‘Velma Kelly’
Catherine Zeta-Jones won the Best Supporting Actress Academy Award for her portrayal of Velma. The star has amassed an estimated $105 million in wealth.
Renée Zellweger as ‘Roxy Hart’
In an Oscar-nominated performance, Renée Zellweger played Roxy. Estimates place her net worth at $90 million.
Queen Latifah as ‘Matron Mama Morton’
As Matron Mama Morton, Queen Latifah earned an Oscar nod. The hip hop icon has built a fortune of an estimated $70 million.
John C. Reilly as ‘Amos Hart’
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences nominated Amos portrayer John C. Reilly in the Best Supporting Actor category. Reilly, is estimated to be worth $45 million.
Lucy Liu as ‘Kitty Baxter’
Lucy Liu made a brief but unforgettable appearance as killer heiress Kitty. The TV and movie star has earned an estimated $16 million of wealth.
Dominic West as ‘Fred Casely’
Dominic West played dead as Fred in the film. His net worth is estimated to total $14 million.
Taye Diggs as ‘Bandleader’
Taye Diggs set a hip tone as the on-screen Bandleader in Chicago. The actor’s personal wealth amounts to an estimated $14 million.
Christine Baranski as ‘Mary Sunshine’
In the comedic role of Mary Sunshine, Christine Baranski hit all the right notes. The A-lister has amassed an estimated $14 million in net worth.
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