When you think of successful career transformations in Hollywood, Carey Lowell’s story stands out. This talented actress and former supermodel has spent decades building wealth across multiple industries.
Today, Carey Lowell’s net worth sits at an impressive $12 million in 2025. That’s quite a journey from her early days walking runways for fashion giants to becoming a television icon.
What makes her story particularly fascinating is how she’s managed to stay relevant and profitable well into her 60s. Let’s dive into exactly how she built this fortune.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Growing up wasn’t exactly typical for Carey Lowell. Born February 11, 1961, in Huntington, New York, she spent her childhood constantly on the move thanks to her father’s job as a geologist.
Picture this: one year she’s in Libya, the next in the Netherlands, then France. The family finally put down roots in Colorado when Carey hit twelve years old.
All that international exposure? It definitely paid off later when she entered the entertainment world. After just one year studying Literature at the University of Colorado at Boulder, Carey made a gutsy move.
She packed her bags and headed straight to New York City to chase her modeling dreams. At nearly 5’10”, she had the perfect look that fashion photographers were dying to capture.
Breakthrough Roles and Major Career Milestones
The modeling world quickly embraced Carey’s unique look. Calvin Klein and Ralph Lauren couldn’t get enough of her, featuring her in campaign after campaign. But Carey had bigger plans than just posing for photos.
Her acting debut came in 1986 with “Dangerously Close,” but let’s be honest – nobody really remembers that one. The role that changed everything happened three years later.
Landing the part of Pam Bouvier in “License to Kill” opposite Timothy Dalton was like hitting the Hollywood jackpot. Suddenly, she wasn’t just another model trying to act – she was a legitimate Bond girl.
That 1989 role opened every door in Hollywood. She started popping up in major films like “Sleepless in Seattle” and “Leaving Las Vegas.” Not bad for someone who started out walking runways.
But here’s where things get really interesting. In 1996, Carey joined “Law & Order” as Assistant District Attorney Jamie Ross, and that’s when her bank account really started growing.
Carey Lowell Net Worth Breakdown
So how exactly did Carey build that $12 million fortune? It’s actually a pretty smart mix of different income streams that she’s developed over the years.
Her modeling days with Calvin Klein and Ralph Lauren laid the groundwork financially. Those high-fashion campaigns paid serious money back in the day, giving her the initial capital to make smart moves.
The Bond film definitely boosted her earning power significantly. Hollywood pays big bucks for major franchise roles, and “License to Kill” put her in a whole different salary bracket.
But here’s the real money maker: “Law & Order” became her golden goose. Over 53 episodes across different seasons and spin-offs meant steady, reliable income for years.
Then there’s the elephant in the room – her 2016 divorce from Richard Gere. While the exact settlement details are private, Gere’s $45 million net worth certainly played a role in the negotiations.
Income Sources Beyond Acting
Here’s where Carey gets really creative with her money-making. She’s not just sitting around living off past success – she’s actively building new revenue streams.
Her ceramic art business is actually pretty impressive. We’re talking handcrafted vases, bowls, and candle holders that sell for $700 to $900 each. Her Porcelain Robot Vase hits the top of that range at $900.
You can find her pieces on her website or at The 1818 Collective in Sag Harbor, New York. Not exactly mass market stuff – this is high-end art for people with serious disposable income.
But wait, there’s more. Carey teamed up with jewelry designer Sidney Garber to create some stunning pieces. Their 18K yellow gold jewelry line features diamond and ebony accents, with individual pieces running around $1,500.
Smart move, right? She’s leveraging her celebrity status to build legitimate artistic businesses that can generate income for years to come.
Personal Life and Financial Impact
Carey’s love life has definitely had its ups and downs, and each relationship shaped her financial picture differently.
Her first marriage to fashion photographer John Stember lasted from 1984 to 1988. This was during her early modeling days, so while it didn’t make her rich, it didn’t hurt her financially either.
Marriage number two was to actor Griffin Dunne from 1989 to 1995. They had daughter Hannah in 1990, right around the time Carey was hitting her stride in Hollywood. Timing worked out pretty well financially.
But the big one was Richard Gere. They got married in November 2002, though their son Homer was actually born in February 2000. Talk about doing things in their own order.
When they split in 2016 after 14 years together, things got complicated fast. Gere’s massive $45 million fortune meant lawyers, negotiations, and a settlement that likely boosted Carey’s financial security significantly.
Current Projects and Future Prospects
The best part about Carey’s story? She’s far from done. In 2022, she surprised everyone by returning to “Law & Order” as ADA Jamie Ross. After more than 20 years, fans were thrilled to see her back.
This comeback proves she’s still got serious appeal with television audiences. At 64, she’s showing that age is just a number in Hollywood – if you’ve got the talent and the fan base.
Her ceramic art business keeps growing too. Those pieces at The 1818 Collective in Sag Harbor aren’t just sitting there collecting dust – they’re actually selling to collectors and art enthusiasts.
The jewelry collaboration with Sidney Garber is expanding as well. As her reputation as an artist grows, these pieces could become even more valuable over time.
What’s really smart is how she’s positioned herself for the future. Multiple income streams, established artistic credibility, and a television legacy that keeps paying dividends.
Conclusion
Carey Lowell’s $12 million net worth tells the story of someone who never stopped evolving. From runway model to Bond girl to television icon to successful artist – that’s quite a journey.
What stands out most is her business sense. She didn’t just rely on her acting career and call it a day. Instead, she built multiple revenue streams that can support her for years to come.
Her story proves that with smart planning and creative thinking, entertainment professionals can build wealth that lasts well beyond their peak fame years. Not bad for someone who started out just trying to make it in New York City.
