Lena Horne Net Worth At Death – Lena Horne, the legendary singer, actress, and civil rights activist, left behind an extraordinary legacy that continues to captivate audiences around the world. Her net worth at the time of her passing was a testament to her remarkable career, spanning seven decades of success and influence. In this blog post, we will delve into the fascinating journey of Lena Horne, exploring her achievements in music, television, and activism, as well as her personal life and real estate investments. Join us as we remember and celebrate the remarkable life of Lena Horne and uncover the details of her net worth at the time of her death.
The Legacy and Net Worth of Lena Horne
Lena Horne’s life was one of great artistic achievement and social change. Not only did she leave an indelible mark on the entertainment industry, but she also made a significant impact on civil rights and the social fabric of the United States. At the time of her death in 2010, Lena Horne had amassed a net worth of $10 million, a testament to her success and enduring legacy.
A Career Spanning Seven Decades
With a career that spanned over 70 years, Lena Horne’s journey from the chorus line of the Cotton Club to the heights of Hollywood and the stages of Broadway is a narrative of perseverance and talent triumphing over the pervasive racial barriers of her time.
From the Cotton Club to Hollywood
Born into a well-off African-American family in Brooklyn, New York City, Lena Horne’s entrance into show business was as a dancer in the Cotton Club’s chorus line in late 1933. This critical first step launched her career, leading to her screen debut and eventually her feature film debut in “The Duke is Tops.” Her contributions to the entertainment industry were vast, including numerous films, television programs, and stage shows that showcased her talent and charisma.
Triumph and Tribulation in Hollywood
Despite her clear talent and popularity, Lena Horne faced significant challenges in Hollywood. Her affiliations with communist-backed groups led to her being blacklisted in the 1950s. It wasn’t until 1969 that she returned to the big screen, proving her resilience and the public’s enduring love for her work.
Television and Nightclub Success
Throughout the 1950s and 60s, Lena Horne became a familiar face on television variety shows. Her appearances on “Kraft Music Hall,” “The Ed Sullivan Show,” and others were complemented by her successful nightclub career. Horne became one of the premier performers of the postwar era, captivating audiences with her voice and presence.
Breaking Barriers on Stage
Lena Horne’s stage work further demonstrated her versatility and helped her break racial barriers. In 1958, she became the first African-American woman to earn a Tony Award nomination for Best Actress in a Musical. Her one-woman Broadway show, “Lena Horne: The Lady and Her Music,” was a tour de force, with over 300 performances that solidified her place in Broadway history.
Music Achievements and Civil Rights Activism
Throughout the 1950s, 60s, and 70s, Lena Horne released several successful music albums, including “It’s Love,” “Lena Horne at the Waldorf Astoria,” and “Give the Lady What She Wants.” Her Grammy Award for the cast recording of her Broadway show and the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award were just two accolades among many that recognized her musical talents.
Her work as a civil rights activist was as significant as her artistic endeavors. Horne’s participation in the March on Washington in 1963 was part of her lifelong commitment to civil rights, demonstrating her dedication to equality and social justice.
Personal Life and Relationships
Lena Horne’s personal life was as rich and complex as her public persona. Married twice, she was linked romantically with notable figures such as Joe Louis, Orson Welles, and Vincente Minnelli. These relationships, though part of the tapestry of her life, never overshadowed her professional achievements or her role as a civil rights activist.
Lena Horne’s Real Estate Investments
Later in life, Lena Horne made significant real estate investments, particularly in Manhattan. In 1985, she bought a unit in a building at 23 East 74th Street and Madison. Over time, she acquired four more units in the same building, using them as guest apartments, an office, and for storage.
The Sale of Horne’s Manhattan Units
Following her death, her estate took to selling off each unit individually. In 2014, two of these units were sold to a single buyer for a combined $1.1 million. The unit she used as an office was later listed for $825,000. Finally, the last unit, which served as her residence, was listed for sale in October 2022 for $2.195 million.
Remembering Lena Horne
Lena Horne’s death at the age of 92 from congestive heart failure marked the end of an era. Her funeral at St. Ignatius Loyola Church in New York was a testament to her impact on both the entertainment industry and society at large. Her net worth at death of $10 million is a financial reflection of a life extraordinarily lived, but the true value of Lena Horne’s legacy is immeasurable.
Conclusion
Lena Horne’s life was one of groundbreaking achievements, cultural influence, and social advocacy. Her story is a powerful reminder of the impact one person can have on the world, transcending the entertainment industry and touching upon the broader themes of equality and justice. Horne’s net worth at the time of her death, while considerable, is only a small part of her vast legacy, which continues to resonate today.
FAQ & Common Questions about Lena Horne Net Worth At Death
Q: What was Lena Horne’s net worth at the time of her death?
A: Lena Horne had a net worth of $10 million at the time of her death in 2010.
Q: How long was Lena Horne’s career?
A: Lena Horne’s career spanned over 70 years.
Q: What were Lena Horne’s contributions as a civil rights activist?
A: Lena Horne participated in the March on Washington in the summer of 1963 as a civil rights activist.
Q: Where was Lena Horne born?
A: Lena Horne was born on June 30, 1917, in the Brooklyn borough of New York.
Q: How did Lena Horne pass away?
A: Lena Horne died from congestive heart failure at the age of 92 on May 9, 2010.