Only a few people can truly beat their chests and say that they came, saw, and conquered Hollywood and one person who falls into this category is Annette Bening. The legendary American actress has featured in several highly-acclaimed movies. She has also received numerous accolades, including four Oscar nominations, in the course of her illustrious career. Bening many now be in her 60s but she still enjoys a thriving career and is showing no signs of slowing down any time soon.
Her Humble Beginnings
Before she became a Hollywood thespian, Annette Bening was just a little tot who was born on the 29th of May 1958 in Topeka, Kansas. Her middle-income family background consists of her mother, Shirley, her father, Arnett Grant, and three older siblings namely Bradley, Byron, and Jane. Bening grew up in San Diego, California, and showcased her acting chops in several high school productions. She then studied theatre arts at the San Francisco State University and completed her degree in 1979.
Upon leaving college, Bening spent the next seven years appearing in numerous theatrical productions. She subsequently made her movie debut in the 1988 comedy, The Great Outdoors. Following that, Bening scored several minor roles before landing her big break in the 1991 movie, Bugsy. Bugsy is a crime biopic that explored the legendary romance between the notorious gangster, Bugsy, and Hollywood starlet, Virginia Hill. The film featured Warren Beatty as Bugsy while Bening played the role of Hill.
How Much Fortune Has Annette Bening Accumulated?
Most Hollywood stars rely on several sources for their fortune. It could be endorsement deals, private investments, business ventures, fees for advertising campaigns, etc. However, in Bening’s case, her primary source of income is the professional fee she commands for featuring in a movie. The Bugsy star is however not disadvantaged as she has enjoyed a prolific acting career. Since her 1991 breakthrough, she has appeared in over 40 movies and TV series combined. All these productions have undoubtedly resulted in some handsome remuneration. Bening’s career, and consequently her net worth, has also benefited from a new awakening in Tinsel Town. Contemporary Hollywood is kinder to older women and as such, mature actresses like Bening still generate a steady stream of work. All the above factors have contributed to her estimated net worth of $50 million.
What We Know About Her Marital Life and Children
Annette Bening has been married on two occasions. Her first nuptial was to choreographer, Steven White, in 1984. The union lasted for six years and they divorced in 1991. Following this, the actress commenced a relationship with her Bugsy co-star, Warren Beatty. The romance raised a few eyebrows as there was a 21-year age gap between the couple. Fans were also concerned because of Beatty’s womanizing tendencies. Bening however ignored all these speculations and continued her romance with Beatty. This decision turned out to be the right one. She and Beatty tied the knot in 1992, and have been together ever since then. They are now one of the golden couples in Hollywood and maintain that there is no special secret to their longevity.
Bening and her husband have four children together namely daughters, Isabel and Ella, and sons, Benjamin and Stephen Ira. Stephen was born with the female gender in 1992 and was thus named Kathlyn. He however identified as transgender at the age of 14 and commenced the process of transitioning. He has fully transitioned into a man and is now an author. Stephen is also an LGBTQ activist and uses his social media platform to raise awareness on Trans issues. Meanwhile, Bening and her husband have staunchly supported their son all through the years. In a 2019 interview, the actress described Stephen as a thoughtful and articulate person and stated that she was “very very proud of him”.
Other Interesting Facts About the Hollywood Legend
She once spent an entire year working as a cook on a charter boat.
She is a democrat despite her conservative republican upbringing.
Bening has been nominated for four Oscars but is yet to win any.
She has however won other accolades including two Golden Globe Awards, two SAG Awards, and one BAFTA Award.
The actress received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in the year 2006.
She supports several causes including Planned Parenthood and breast cancer research.
Also Read: Top 10 Richest People in the world with full biography and details.
