If you’ve liked any major television show over the last decade, chances are, you’re a fan of Shonda Rhimes’ work. From Grey’s Anatomy to Scandal, to the world’s latest obsession Bridgerton, Rhimes has been the brilliance behind some of the most well-regarded works in recent television history. Becoming the first woman to create three television dramas that have achieved the 100-episode milestone, she continues to make history as a creator, head writer and executive producer.
Being named one of Time’s 100 Most Influential People three separate years, backed by an incredibly successful catalog, one may wonder just how much wealth Rhimes has acclimated. Here’s a deeper dive into how she came to be one of the most powerful show-runners in history, and how it’s earned her a multi-million dollar net worth.
Who Is Shonda Rhimes?
The youngest of six children, Rhimes grew up in Chicago Illinois, raised by two public educators in a household that encouraged building structure around your dreams. Majoring in English and film studies at Dartmouth before attending the University of Southern California to study screenwriting, she found herself at the top of her class while earning fellowships, working internships, and graduating with multiple degrees.
However, like many of us, Rhimes was unemployed after graduation. She worked various day jobs to make ends meet, including office administrator and counselor. These colorful life experiences only deepened her sense of wonder, which in turn fed the stories she brought to life on screen. While working on various short films and research directing for documentaries, she earned screenwriting opportunities and came upon varying levels of success; however, she truly earned her big break as the creator, executive producer and head writer of Grey’s Anatomy, which premiered in 2005. With a devout fan base and ensemble cast, it has earned multiple Emmys and Golden Globes, standing as the longest-running scripted primetime show in television history.
What Is Shonda Rhimes’ Net Worth?
As of 2024, Shimes has earned a net worth of $240 million. There are many streams of income that account for Rhimes’ wealth, dating all the way back to 2001 as the writer of Crossroads, the debut film of pop singer Britney Spears. Despite receiving poor ratings by critics, the film grossed more than $60 million worldwide. The Princess Diaries 2, How to Get Away with Murder, and Private Practice, are also among the many pieces of media she has credits in writing or producing.
Rhimes also signed an exclusive multi-year development deal with Netflix, which lent to works like Bridgerton (the most-watched series ever on the platform) and its spin-off Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story (which debuted at number one in 91 countries) as well as Inventing Anna. Beyond television, she published her memoir in 2015, titled Year of Yes: How to Dance It Out, Stand in the Sun, and Be Your Own Person.
Across various mediums, Rhimes has materialized her vibrant imagination into a multi-million dollar dynasty. With three daughters at home and only more ideas brewing, her fortune is expected to flourish even more.
