Net Worth Of Essie Davis 2024

Essie Davis is an Australian actress known for her work in film, television and theatre. Some of her most notable roles include Portia in The Matrix trilogy, Nellie Chapman in Miss Fisher’s Murder Mysteries, and Lady Crane in Game of Thrones.

Davis has had a successful career spanning over 30 years in the entertainment industry. She is a multi-award winning actress who has received accolades such as the Australian Film Institute Award for Best Actress for her role in The Babadook. Her wide-ranging talents and captivating on-screen presence have made her one of Australia’s most acclaimed performers.

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What is Essie Davis’ Net Worth?

According to multiple sources, Essie Davis has an estimated net worth of around $5 million as of 2024. Here is a breakdown of how she has amassed her wealth over her decades-long career:

Film Career Earnings: Davis has starred in numerous high-profile films such as The Matrix Reloaded, The Matrix Revolutions, Australia, and The Babadook. Her roles in these successful movies have earned her sizeable paychecks and backend profits over the years.
Television Earnings: Her stint as Phryne Fisher on Miss Fisher’s Murder Mysteries significantly boosted her income. As a lead actress on the hit show, she likely earned between $50,000 to $100,000 per episode.
Theatre Salary: Davis is also an accomplished theatre actress who has performed in productions across Australia. Her theatre work provides her with a steady source of income. Top actresses can make between $2,000 to $10,000 per week doing stage productions.
Brand Endorsements: As a celebrity with mass appeal, Essie Davis earns additional revenue from occasionally endorsing brands and products on her social media platforms.
Real Estate Investments: Davis and her husband own valuable properties in prime locations in Australia. Her real estate assets have grown tremendously in valuation over time, contributing to her millionaire status.

Based on her varied income sources, Essie Davis has amassed an impressive net worth estimated to be around $5 million. Her wealth will likely continue rising as she remains active in film, television and theatre.

What are Essie Davis’ Major Career Highlights?

Here are some of the biggest highlights from Essie Davis’ acclaimed acting career so far:

The Babadook (2014) – Davis delivered a chilling performance as a widowed mother tormented by a sinister presence in this critically acclaimed Australian horror film. She won multiple best actress awards for her emotionally intense portrayal of the lead role.
Miss Fisher’s Murder Mysteries (2012-2015) – This mystery drama series set in 1920s Australia was Davis’ biggest television role to date. Her portrayal of the glamorous private detective Phryne Fisher earned her a devoted global fanbase.
The Matrix Reloaded and The Matrix Revolutions (2003) – Davis played a key supporting role as Maggie, one of the human rebels helping Neo in these two Matrix sequels. The blockbuster films boosted Davis’ profile internationally.
Girl with a Pearl Earring (2003) – She earned critical acclaim for her performance as Catharina, a shy maid who becomes the subject of the famous Vermeer painting in this period drama starring Scarlett Johansson.
Celebrity (1998) – One of Davis’ early career highlights was playing an ambitious soap opera star in this Woody Allen ensemble comedy co-starring Kenneth Branagh, Leonardo DiCaprio and Judy Davis.
Children of the Revolution (1996) – Davis won the Australian Film Institute Award for Best Actress in a Leading Role for playing a devoted Communist activist in this comedy-drama.

With her immense talents and range, Essie Davis has emerged as one of the most acclaimed actresses of her generation in Australia. She continues to take on compelling roles across different mediums.

What are Some Interesting Facts About Essie Davis?

She married Australian actor Justin Kurzel, who directed her in the films True History of the Kelly Gang and Assassin’s Creed, in 2002. They have two children together.
Davis was born in Hobart, Tasmania in 1970. She began acting in plays as a high school student.
She attended Australia’s prestigious National Institute of Dramatic Art (NIDA), which helped launch her professional acting career. Some of her classmates at NIDA included Cate Blanchett and Mel Gibson.
Her first movie role was a small part in the 1992 Australian film Spotswood co-starring Anthony Hopkins and Russell Crowe.
Davis played opposite her husband Justin Kurzel in a 1999 stage production of Hamlet in which she portrayed Ophelia.
She was featured as one of Australia’s most beautiful people in Who Magazine in 1998.
Davis won the Sydney Theatre Award for Best Actress in a Leading Role in 2005 for her lauded performance in the play Frozen.
She received an Order of Australia Medal in 2014 for her contributions to the performing arts as an acclaimed actress.
Davis speaks French fluently and also trained in ballet, jazz, and tap dancing as a youth.
She is known for doing her own stunts in action films like The Matrix sequels. This includes learning martial arts.
In Miss Fisher’s Murder Mysteries, Davis performs many of her character Phryne Fisher’s flashy Charleston dance numbers herself.

What is Essie Davis’ Background?

Essie Davis was born in 1970 in Hobart, Tasmania to George, a teacher, and Sylvia, a psychologist. From a young age, she displayed a natural talent and interest in performance.

Davis became involved in community theatre in high school, appearing in school productions of Antigone and Romeo and Juliet. After graduating from St Michael’s Collegiate School in Hobart in 1987, she enrolled in Australia’s prestigious National Institute of Dramatic Art (NIDA).

At NIDA, Davis honed her acting skills and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Acting in 1990. She also gained valuable experience performing in NIDA productions of plays like Top Girls, A Midsummer Night’s Dream and Les Liaisons Dangereuses.

After completing her studies, Davis began working steadily in theatre, film and television. Some early career highlights included starring in the Australian stage production of Hamlet with her future husband Justin Kurzel in 1999 and appearing in the ensemble comedy Celebrity directed by Woody Allen in 1998.

Her breakout role came in the 1996 film Children of the Revolution, where her award-winning performance as Communist activist Joan Fraser launched her into the spotlight. More acclaimed performances in films like Girl with a Pearl Earring and The Matrix series further cemented her reputation as a gifted dramatic actress.

Davis continues to demonstrate both her versatility and magnetism in a wide variety of film, television and theatre roles spanning different eras and genres. Her extensive training and experience has equipped her to take on any challenge as a performer.

What is Essie Davis’ Acting Style and Range?

Essie Davis is renowned for her outstanding acting range and versatility. She has proven her talents across film, television and theatre in a variety of genres from period dramas to horror to comedy.

Here are some of the hallmarks of Davis’ remarkable acting abilities:

Emotional depth – She excels at portraying complex emotions like grief, anger, passion, fear, and inner turmoil. Her raw, vulnerable performances connect deeply with audiences.
Physicality and movement – Davis has strong dance training which she incorporates into roles like Phryne Fisher to capture her character’s physicality and energetic presence.
Comedic timing – She has demonstrated excellent comedic skills and timing in lighter fare like Celebrity. Davis knows how to deliver a witty line or silly moment.
Captivating screen presence – Her natural charisma and luminosity light up the screen even in darker material like The Babadook. She has true star quality.
Period piece experience – Having starred in movies like Girl with a Pearl Earring and Miss Fisher’s Murder Mysteries, Davis excels at capturing the speech, manners and style of bygone eras.
Character work – She disappears seamlessly into even her most challenging roles through dedication to understanding every aspect of a character both physically and emotionally.
Risk-taking – Davis is an emotionally brave performer willing to take acting risks and tackle provocative, difficult material other actresses shun.

Essie Davis clearly possesses an enormous toolkit as an actress. Her ability to inhabit any role with total conviction is a testament to her skill and professionalism.

What are Some Memorable Essie Davis Movie Performances?

Here are 5 of Essie Davis’ most acclaimed film roles that demonstrate her impressive range:

The Babadook (2014) – Her tour-de-force performance as grief-stricken mother Amelia in the chilling Australian horror film won her Best Actress awards from both the Australian Academy of Cinema and Television Arts and the Australian Film Critics Association.
**Girl with a Pearl Earring (2003) **- Davis earned international praise for her subtle, moving performance as shy maid Catharina who becomes the subject of Vermeer’s famous painting in this period drama starring Scarlett Johansson.
Life (2015) – She drew critical raves for her comic turn as the mistress of photographer Dennis Stock in this biopic about James Dean’s early career.
The Matrix Reloaded and The Matrix Revolutions (2003) – Davis left a strong impression as Maggi, a determined human rebel resisting the machines, in these two sci-fi action blockbusters.
Celebrity (1998) – As the ambitious soap opera actress Robin, Davis held her own against cast mates like Kenneth Branagh and Leonardo DiCaprio in director Woody Allen’s satirical comedy.

What Television Shows has Essie Davis Appeared In?

Though best known for her film work, Essie Davis has also given memorable performances in several acclaimed television series:

Miss Fisher’s Murder Mysteries (2012-2015) – Davis’ portrayal of the stylish private detective Phryne Fisher in this Australian crime series earned her a worldwide following. She also demonstrated her dancing talents performing the Charleston.
Game of Thrones (2016) – She had a brief but pivotal role as Lady Crane, an actress who helps nurse Arya Stark back to health, in this landmark fantasy series.
**Janet King (2014-2017) **- On this Australian legal drama, Davis played the role of Senior Crown Prosecutor Tony Gillies.
The White Princess (2017) – She appeared as Lady Margaret Beaufort, mother of the future King Henry VII, in this miniseries about England’s War of the Roses.
New Legends of Monkey (2018-2019) – Davis took on the role of The Demon Monkey King in this fantasy-action drama inspired by Journey to the West.
Picnic at Hanging Rock (2018) – She had a recurring role as Mrs. Appleyard, the headmistress of a girls’ boarding school, in this eerie miniseries about the disappearance of several students.

Though films have been her focus, Davis has enjoyed venturing into television and demonstrating her talents in this popular medium as well. Fans appreciate getting to see more of her versatile work on the small screen when possible.

What are Some of Essie Davis’ Notable Theatre Performances?

In addition to her acclaimed screen work, Essie Davis has delivered fantastic performances in many iconic theatre productions over the course of her career:

Vieux Carre (1990) – One of Davis’ earliest professional roles after graduating from NIDA was as the Young Girl in this Tennessee Williams play staged by the Melbourne Theatre Company.
Hedda Gabler (1995) – She earned rave reviews for her take on the coveted role of the complex heroine Hedda in Henrik Ibsen’s classic play performed with Sydney Theatre Company.
Les Liaisons Dangereuses (1996) – At the Sydney Opera House, Davis shone as the scheming Marquise de Merteuil in Christopher Hampton’s theatrical adaptation of the French novel.
The School for Scandal (1998) – Davis displayed her excellent comedic chops as the gossipy Lady Sneerwell in Richard Brinsley Sheridan’s 18th century satirical comedy performed with the Bell Shakespeare Company.
Frozen (2005) – Her harrowing performance as a mother grieving her murdered daughter in this contemporary drama earned her Sydney’s Best Actress award.
A Streetcar Named Desire (2009) – Alongside Cate Blanchett, Davis embodied the fragile, troubled Stella in Tennessee Williams’ iconic play at the Sydney Theatre Company.
The Seagull (2011) – She garnered praise as Arkadina, a self-involved actress, in Anton Chekhov’s classic about art and love performed with the Sydney Theatre Company.

Davis continues to return to the stage whenever possible between screen roles. Her stunning work in these varied productions cements her reputation as one of Australia’s finest stage actresses.

What Awards Has Essie Davis Won?

Throughout her prolific career, Essie Davis has received numerous accolades recognizing her outstanding acting achievements on both stage and screen:

Australian Film Institute Award for Best Actress (1996) – for her performance in Children of the Revolution
Film Critics Circle of Australia Award for Best Actor – Female (2014) – for The Babadook
Australian Academy of Cinema and Television Arts Award for Best Actress in a Leading Role (2014) – for The Babadook
Palm Springs International Film Festival—Best Actress (2015) – for The Babadook
Australian Film Critics Association Award for Best Actress (2014) – for The Babadook
Sydney Theatre Award for Best Actress in a Leading Role (2005) – for Frozen
Helpmann Award for Female Actor in a Play (2001) – for Victory
Green Room Award for Best Supporting Actress (1998) – for Snake Skin
Order of Australia Medal (2014) – for distinguished service to the performing arts as an acclaimed actress

Davis’ trophy case overflows with these and other honors recognizing her immense talents. She continues to give award-caliber performances in every role she undertakes.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Essie Davis has emerged as one of the most respected actresses of her generation in Australia. With an estimated net worth of $5 million, Davis has amassed an impressive fortune through her work in high-profile films, hit television shows, and iconic theatre productions.

Davis is acclaimed for her outstanding range, emotional depth and captivating screen presence. Her chameleon-like ability to transform into any character with total conviction has dazzled critics and audiences alike. Memorable performances in projects like The Matrix sequels, Miss Fisher’s Murder Mysteries and The Babadook, for which she won major acting awards, have cemented her status as a leading lady.

While films have been her focus, Davis has also given fantastic performances on television and on the stage whenever possible. Her extensive training and fearless dedication to her craft is why she excels across all mediums. Moving forward, Essie Davis will undoubtedly continue taking on powerful roles that showcase the full extent of her phenomenal talents. She remains one of Australia’s greatest acting exports.

FAQs

What was Essie Davis’ breakthrough role?

Essie Davis’ breakthrough role was considered to be her acclaimed portrayal of devoted Communist activist Joan Fraser in the 1996 Australian comedy-drama film Children of the Revolution. Her complex, emotionally raw performance earned her Australia’s top acting award–the AFI Award for Best Actress. The role put her talents firmly on the radar.

How much does Essie Davis earn per episode of Miss Fisher’s Murder Mysteries?

Exact salaries on Australian television productions are not often disclosed publicly. However, as the star and lead actress of Miss Fisher’s Murder Mysteries, industry estimates put Essie Davis’ per episode salary between $50,000 to $100,000 during the show’s 2012-2015 run.

Is Essie Davis married?

Yes, Essie Davis has been married to director Justin Kurzel since 2002. The two met when they co-starred together in a stage production of Hamlet in 1999 prior to Kurzel transitioning to film directing. Davis and Kurzel have two children together — a daughter named Stella and a son named Jack.

What was Essie Davis’ role in Game of Thrones?

Essie Davis had a brief but pivotal role in the sixth season of Game of Thrones in 2016. She played the Braavosi stage actress Lady Crane who helps rescue and nurse Arya Stark back to health after a vicious attack. Lady Crane ultimately meets a tragic end at the hands of the Waif.

How tall is Essie Davis?

Essie Davis is reportedly 5 feet 9 inches (175 centimeters) tall. Her height is an asset on screen, allowing her to have a commanding physical presence in her roles, along with her considerable acting talents.