Who Inherited Ginger Rogers Estate?

Ginger Rogers was one of Hollywood’s most famous actresses and dancers. When the legendary star passed away in 1995 at age 83, many wondered who would inherit her estate. Rogers had a prolific career spanning decades, so her net worth was substantial. This left fans curious about where her fortune would go after her death. 

Let’s explore the details around Ginger Rogers’ inheritance and who ended up with her assets.

Who Inherited Ginger Rogers Estate After She Died?

Though twice married, Rogers did not have any biological children. Upon her death, the majority of her estate went to her adopted son Blake Ritter. Ritter was adopted by Rogers and her third husband William Marshall in 1960 when he was 22 years old. The two formed a close mother-son bond, and Ritter was by Rogers’ side when she passed.

In addition to Ritter, Rogers also left money to a few close friends and employees. Longtime assistant Regina Edwards received $50,000, while press agent John Long and friend Elaine Devry were each bequeathed $10,000. The rest of her fortune, including properties and royalties, went to Blake Ritter.

Who Was Ginger Rogers?

Ginger Rogers was an accomplished American actress, dancer, and singer who reached incredible heights of stardom during Hollywood’s Golden Age. Born Virginia Katherine McMath in 1911 in Missouri, Rogers got into show business at a young age. She found success on Broadway as a teenager before heading to Hollywood.

With her bubbly blonde beauty and immense talent, Rogers became one of the biggest stars of the 1930s and 40s. Some of her most notable films include 42nd Street, Gold Diggers of 1933, Top Hat, and Kitty Foyle, for which she won the Best Actress Oscar. 

Today Rogers is best remembered for her iconic partnership with Fred Astaire. The pair made 10 films together, dazzling audiences with their graceful dance numbers and undeniable on-screen chemistry. Though often overshadowed by Astaire, Rogers was a phenomenal dancer in her own right. She moved with strength, style and flawless technique. 

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How Much Was Ginger Rogers Worth When She Died?

When Ginger Rogers passed away in 1995 at the age of 83, it was reported that her estate was valued at around $20 million. This substantial fortune was accumulated through Rogers’ many decades as one of Hollywood’s biggest stars.

At the height of her career in the 1930s and 40s, Rogers was earning up to $250,000 per film – an astronomical salary for the time. She also profited from business ventures later in life, including a successful chain of chicken restaurants called Ginger Pies. Astute investments and real estate holdings added to her wealth over the years. 

While an exact number is difficult to pinpoint, estimated figures place Rogers’ net worth between $18 to $22 million when she died. The lavish Beverly Hills estate where she spent her final years was valued at $5 million alone. For a star from Hollywood’s Golden Age, Rogers maintained an impressive fortune all the way up until her death.

How Did She Make This Much Money?

Ginger Rogers amassed a multi-million dollar estate thanks to her incredible success as an actress, dancer, and shrewd businesswoman. Here are some of the ways Rogers built her substantial wealth:

• Film Career Earnings: At the height of her fame in the 1930s, Rogers earned up to $6 figures per movie, making her one of the highest-paid stars of the era. She starred in over 70 films.
• Investments: Rogers invested her earnings wisely over the course of her career in real estate, oil wells, stocks and bonds. These investments paid off handsomely. 
• Restaurant Venture: Later in life Rogers started a successful chain of chicken restaurants called Ginger Pies, which added to her fortune.
• Broadway: Prior to films, Rogers had a successful stage career on Broadway that provided an early source of revenue. 
• Royalties: Rogers earned royalties from reruns and licensing deals related to her films and music long after retiring. Her work remained popular.
• Writing: Rogers earned money from autobiographies like Ginger: My Story which became bestsellers.

How Ginger Rogers Died?

The world was saddened when Ginger Rogers, one of Hollywood’s biggest legends, passed away on April 25, 1995 at the age of 83. The actress died peacefully in her Beverly Hills home, surrounded by friends and loved ones. 

In the years leading up to her death, Rogers had suffered a stroke and struggled with ongoing health issues. Just a few weeks before she died, Rogers was hospitalized for anemia and severe fatigue. Doctors later discovered she was also experiencing heart trouble, and she was fitted with a pacemaker. 

Despite treatment, Rogers’ health continued to deteriorate quickly. In her final days, Rogers was only semi-conscious and slipped into a coma. Her official cause of death was later ruled a heart attack, with contributing factors of congestive heart failure and diabetes.

Rogers spent her final moments with her closest confidants like assistant Regina Edwards by her side. Her adopted son Blake Ritter flew in to be with Rogers in her last hours. She died quietly and peacefully at home, surrounded by loved ones who cared for her until the very end. 

How Tall Was Ginger Rogers?

Ginger Rogers stood at 5 feet, 5 inches tall with a petite frame. However, her vivacious personality and dazzling dance moves made her appear larger than life on screen. 

Though not extremely tall, Rogers had long, toned legs that she showcased to great effect in her dance numbers with Fred Astaire. Her medium height didn’t hold Rogers back – she had a towering presence and commanding charisma on camera.

Conclusion

When legendary actress and dancer Ginger Rogers passed away in 1995, questions swirled about the fate of her multi-million dollar estate. In the end, the majority went to her adopted son Blake Ritter, who used the inheritance to start the nonprofit Ginger Rogers Foundation. 

Rogers amassed her wealth through hard work and wise investments. She earned top salaries during Hollywood’s Golden Age and made smart financial decisions that allowed her fortune to grow over time. Though Rogers led a frugal lifestyle, she was worth about $20 million upon her death.

The world lost an incredible talent when Rogers died of natural causes at age 83. But her legacy lives on through unforgettable films, iconic dance moves, and a foundation that embodies her spirit of generosity. Rogers left behind more than just an estate – she left behind a lasting impact.

FAQs

How Old Was Ginger Rogers When She Died?

On April 25, 1995, Rogers died at her home in Rancho Mirage, California at the age of 83. She enjoyed over 60 years in the spotlight before her death.

When Was Ginger Rogers Born?

Ginger Rogers was born Virginia Katherine McMath on July 16, 1911 in Independence, Missouri. She was the only child of Lela Owens McMath and William Eddins McMath. Her parents divorced when Ginger was still young, and her mother later remarried John Logan Rogers. 

Ginger adopted her stepfather’s last name, becoming Virginia Rogers. She began going by ‘Ginger’ in her teenage years. Rogers was born right before World War I began raging in Europe.

Did Ginger Rogers Have Children?

Ginger Rogers did not have any biological children of her own. She suffered several miscarriages which made it difficult for her to carry a baby to term.

However, in 1943 Rogers adopted a baby boy named John Edward with her third husband Jack Briggs. Their adoption process was highly publicized at the time.