Catherine Oxenberg, an accomplished actress with royal lineage, has had a career and life that intrigue audiences worldwide. Known for her role as Amanda Carrington on the soap opera Dynasty, Oxenberg has made a significant mark in Hollywood while also taking on roles as an author, activist, and mother. With an impressive Catherine Oxenberg net worth of $25 million, her story exemplifies resilience, versatility, and grace. This article takes a deep dive into her life, career, and the factors contributing to her financial success.
Early Life and Royal Upbringing
Born on September 22, 1961, in New York City, Catherine Oxenberg was raised in London in a family that carried both privilege and responsibility. She is the eldest daughter of Princess Elizabeth of Yugoslavia and Howard Oxenberg, a dressmaker with close ties to the Kennedy family. This royal lineage also makes Catherine a distant relative to members of the British royal family. Her upbringing balanced aristocratic values with personal explorations of the performing arts.
Catherine received her education at Lycée Français Charles de Gaulle in London and later moved to the United States to attend St. Paul’s School in New Hampshire. She continued her academic pursuits at Harvard University and Columbia University, where she explored areas like psychology and mythology. These formative years shaped her intellectually and emotionally, eventually guiding her into acting.
Career Highlights That Shaped Catherine Oxenberg Net Worth
Breakthrough in Acting
Catherine made her acting debut in the 1982 television film The Royal Romance of Charles and Diana, portraying Princess Diana. While her role received widespread acclaim, she became a household name after joining the hit ABC soap opera Dynasty in 1984. Playing Amanda Carrington, her dramatic portrayal of the PR magnate-turned-princess of Moldavia captured the imaginations of millions worldwide. Her work on the show won her two Soap Opera Digest Awards in 1985.
However, Catherine left Dynasty after three seasons due to a salary dispute, showcasing her strong stance on professional value—a decision that highlighted her self-worth and business acumen.
Expanding Her Portfolio
Following Dynasty, Catherine starred in numerous television movies, including Roman Holiday, Ring of Scorpio, and Still Crazy Like a Fox. She also twice reprised her role as Princess Diana in adaptations like Charles and Diana: Unhappily Ever After. By the early ’90s, Oxenberg diversified her projects, taking roles in series like Acapulco H.E.A.T.. Her experience in episodic and film projects significantly bolstered Catherine Oxenberg net worth, making her one of the most diversified actors of her time.
Her feature film debut came in the 1988 horror movie The Lair of the White Worm, starring Hugh Grant. She continued with notable roles in The Omega Code and Sanctimony, which allowed her to leave an impression in both Hollywood and independent cinema.
Television Reality and Recent Work
Catherine’s life took a turn when she married actor Casper Van Dien. The couple starred in their own reality show, I Married a Princess, which aired on Lifetime. She later appeared in docuseries like The Vow and Seduced, documenting her efforts to rescue her daughter from NXIVM—a cult that gained global notoriety. Catherine later authored Captive, a memoir detailing these harrowing experiences, alongside her advocacy for justice and survivors of trauma.
Her consistent foray into projects further illustrates her adaptability and has been instrumental in growing Catherine Oxenberg net worth.
Personal Life and Challenges
Catherine has faced numerous personal challenges throughout her life. She married producer Robert Evans in 1998, but the marriage was annulled after just nine days. She later married Casper Van Dien, with whom she shares two daughters, Ananda and Celeste. However, their marriage ended in divorce in 2015.
Her most publicized struggle involved her daughter India’s entanglement with the NXIVM cult. Catherine’s relentless efforts to rescue her daughter not only gained media attention but also reinforced her role as an activist and mother. This resilience and public focus further expanded her recognition beyond the entertainment industry.
Catherine Oxenberg Net Worth and Key Financial Highlights
Sources of Income
Oxenberg’s wealth stems from her acting career, endorsements, reality television, and literary contributions. She also ventured into executive production and advocacy campaigns that increased her net worth. Additionally, her aristocratic background likely contributed generational financial benefits to her substantial fortune.
Property and Assets
Catherine owns property in Malibu, one of which was ravaged by fire but later rebuilt and listed for $10 million. Her ability to rebuild and utilize her assets effectively highlights her resourcefulness.
Attribute | Details |
---|---|
Full Name | Catherine Oxenberg |
Birth Date | September 22, 1961 |
Birthplace | New York City, NY |
Net Worth | $25 Million |
Height | 5 ft 6 in (1.68 m) |
Education | Harvard University, Columbia University |
Notable Roles | Amanda Carrington (Dynasty), Princess Diana |
Annual Earnings | Variable (approx. $1-$2 million) |
Awards | Two Soap Opera Digest Awards (1985) |
Key Works | Dynasty, I Married a Princess, The Vow |
Career Earnings
Catherine commanded competitive salaries for her acting work:
- Dynasty: $15,000 per episode
- Acapulco H.E.A.T.: $25,000 per episode
- I Married a Princess: $65,000 per episode
Her contributions to Hollywood and her diversified portfolio remain cornerstones of Catherine Oxenberg net worth.
Philanthropy and Activism
Catherine is equally passionate about humanitarian issues, focusing on women’s rights and human trafficking. She co-founded birthing clinics in Tibet and remains an advocate for the marginalized. Her creation of the healing platform Healix180 underscores her dedication to empowering survivors of trauma.
Final Thoughts on Catherine Oxenberg Net Worth
With a distinguished career in Hollywood, a royal lineage, and a dedication to causes that matter, Catherine Oxenberg encapsulates grace and perseverance. Her estimated Catherine Oxenberg net worth of $25 million reflects not just her professional prowess but also her ability to thrive amid personal challenges.
Catherine continues to inspire audiences with her work in entertainment and activism, ensuring her lasting legacy as more than just an actress—she’s a changemaker.