Lily Collins Net Worth 2026, Age, Movies, Income & Biography

Lily Collins has an estimated net worth of $25 million as of 2026, according to Celebrity Net Worth and multiple industry sources . This impressive fortune has been built over nearly three decades in entertainment, starting as a child actress and evolving into one of Netflix's biggest stars. Her wealth comes from her lucrative Emily in Paris salary, film roles spanning two decades, modeling contracts, brand ambassadorships with luxury fashion houses, real estate investments, and writing projects .

Her yearly income varies based on projects. For Emily in Paris, she reportedly earns approximately $300,000 per episode, which translates to roughly $3 million per 10-episode season . Over four completed seasons, she's earned an estimated $12 million from the Netflix series alone, with Season 5 adding another $3 million to that total . Her film salaries range from high-six figures to low millions depending on the project's budget. Her endorsement deal with Cartier generates additional millions annually . She's also made strategic real estate investments, selling properties for significant profits—including selling a Beverly Hills home for $13.5 million in 2021 and a Pasadena property for over $6 million in 2025 . Additionally, as Phil Collins' daughter, she's set to inherit a portion of his $300 million fortune alongside her siblings .

Lily was born in Guildford, Surrey, England to rock legend Phil Collins and his second wife Jill Tavelman, an American former president of the Beverly Hills Women's Club . When her parents divorced when she was five, Lily moved to Los Angeles with her mother. Despite her father's enormous fame, she had a relatively normal upbringing in Los Angeles. She has dual British and American citizenship. She's of English heritage from her father's side and Jewish-American heritage from her mother's side. She has four half-siblings from her father's other relationships.

Her zodiac sign Pisces perfectly matches her artistic, empathetic personality. Pisces are known for being creative, intuitive, and emotionally deep—all qualities Lily brings to her performances. At 5'5", she has a petite frame that she's used to her advantage, often playing characters younger than her actual age. She's famous for her striking features, particularly her bold eyebrows which have become her signature look. Despite growing up as "Phil Collins' daughter," she worked hard to establish her own identity and prove her talent was earned, not inherited. She's been open about struggling with eating disorders as a teenager and has used her platform to advocate for body positivity and mental health awareness.

Lily spent her earliest years in Guildford, England before moving to Los Angeles at age five following her parents' divorce. Growing up in LA, she attended the Harvard-Westlake School, one of the city's most prestigious private schools where many celebrity children are educated. Despite her famous last name, she's said her father deliberately kept his music career separate from family life, so she experienced a relatively normal childhood without constant media attention.

She was academically gifted and went on to study broadcast journalism at the University of Southern California (USC), though she balanced her studies with an emerging acting and modeling career. While at USC, she wrote for several publications including Seventeen magazine, Los Angeles Times Magazine, and Teen Vogue, showcasing her writing talent alongside her on-screen work. She graduated from USC with her journalism degree, making her one of the few actresses who completed university education while pursuing entertainment. This education has served her well—she's known for being articulate in interviews and later published a book about her struggles with eating disorders titled "Unfiltered: No Shame, No Regrets, Just Me" in 2017.

Lily's first screen appearance came at just two years old when she appeared on the BBC sitcom Growing Pains . However, her professional entertainment career truly began in her teenage years when she started modeling. At age 16, she covered Seventeen magazine and went on to appear in numerous fashion publications including Teen Vogue, Glamour, and Elle. Her modeling work helped her develop confidence in front of cameras and established her as a rising style icon.

Her breakthrough came at age 20 when she was cast in the sports drama The Blind Side (2009) starring Sandra Bullock. Though her role as Collins Tuohy was supporting, the film was a massive hit earning $309 million worldwide and winning Sandra Bullock an Oscar. This gave Lily invaluable exposure and Hollywood connections. She followed this with roles in The Mortal Instruments: City of Bones and the Snow White adaptation Mirror Mirror (2012), establishing herself as a leading lady capable of carrying major studio productions.

While Lily had been working steadily in Hollywood for over a decade, her true career-defining breakthrough came in 2020 when she was cast as Emily Cooper in Netflix's Emily in Paris. Created by Darren Star (the mind behind Sex and the City), the series follows a young American marketing executive who moves to Paris for work and navigates French culture, romance, and career challenges. The show premiered in October 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic when audiences desperately needed escapist entertainment .

Emily in Paris became an instant phenomenon, watched by 58 million households in its first 28 days and becoming Netflix's top comedy series for 2020 . Critics were divided—some praised its charming escapism while others criticized it as unrealistic and filled with French stereotypes. But audiences loved it, and Lily's performance as the optimistic, fashionable Emily resonated globally. The show made her a household name and established her as Netflix royalty. She earned a Golden Globe nomination for Best Actress in a Comedy Series for the first season. The show has now run for five successful seasons, with Lily serving as both star and producer . Emily in Paris transformed her from "that actress" to one of the most recognizable faces in entertainment worldwide.

Beyond Emily in Paris, Lily has built an impressive film resume spanning nearly two decades. One of her most acclaimed performances came in Tolkien (2019), a biopic about Lord of the Rings author J.R.R. Tolkien. She played Edith Bratt, Tolkien's muse and eventual wife, delivering a nuanced romantic performance that showed her dramatic range. The film premiered at the Sundance Film Festival to positive reviews for the lead performances.

In 2019, she starred opposite Zac Efron in Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil and Vile, playing Liz Kloepfer, the longtime girlfriend of serial killer Ted Bundy. Her performance captured the complicated emotions of a woman unknowingly in love with a monster. The Netflix film was widely watched and praised for both lead performances. She also starred in the romantic comedy Love, Rosie (2014) opposite Sam Claflin, which became a cult favorite romantic film despite modest box office .

In 2020, she appeared in Mank, David Fincher's black-and-white drama about Citizen Kane screenwriter Herman J. Mankiewicz. The film was nominated for 10 Academy Awards and was watched by 85 million hours on Netflix . She played Rita Alexander, Mankiewicz's secretary, in an ensemble cast led by Gary Oldman. Other notable films include the BBC miniseries adaptation of Les Misérables (2018) where she played Fantine, the psychological thriller Inheritance (2020), and the romantic drama Windfall (2022) co-starring Jesse Plemons and Jason Segel.

Lily's television career began at age two with an appearance on BBC's Growing Pains, though this was more of a cameo than a serious role . For most of her early career, she focused on film rather than television. That changed dramatically in 2020 with Emily in Paris, which has dominated her career for the past five years. The show has become Netflix's crown jewel comedy series, consistently ranking among the platform's most-watched content .

In 2018, she starred in the BBC/PBS miniseries adaptation of Les Misérables, playing Fantine opposite Dominic West and David Oyelowo. The six-part series was critically acclaimed and showcased Lily's ability to handle serious dramatic material in prestige television. She also appeared in the limited series Windfall (2022) for Netflix, a psychological thriller that was essentially a three-character piece exploring class tensions. Emily in Paris remains her signature television role, with Season 5 having premiered in 2025 . She serves as both star and producer on the series, giving her creative control and additional compensation beyond her acting salary.

Lily earned a Golden Globe nomination for Best Actress in a Television Series – Musical or Comedy for Emily in Paris in 2021, her biggest award recognition to date. While she didn't win, the nomination from the Hollywood Foreign Press Association validated her performance and the show's cultural impact. She's been nominated for multiple People's Choice Awards, Teen Choice Awards, and MTV Movie & TV Awards throughout her career, winning several including Choice Movie Actress for Mirror Mirror.

Beyond acting awards, she's been recognized extensively in the fashion world. She's been named to numerous "Best Dressed" lists by Vogue, Harper's Bazaar, and other fashion publications. As a Cartier brand ambassador, she's become synonymous with luxury jewelry and elegant red carpet style . In 2017, she published her book "Unfiltered: No Shame, No Regrets, Just Me," which became a bestseller and was praised for its honest discussion of eating disorders and body image struggles. She's been honored by various mental health and body positivity organizations for her advocacy work. Her ability to balance commercial success (Emily in Paris) with artistic credibility (Mank, Tolkien) has earned her respect across Hollywood as a versatile actress who takes her craft seriously despite her famous lineage.

Emily in Paris represents Lily's largest single income source. She reportedly earns approximately $300,000 per episode, which translates to $3 million per 10-episode season . Earlier seasons paid less—she earned around $70,000 per episode for Season 1, increasing to $100,000 by Season 2 . Over five seasons, she's earned approximately $12-15 million just from Emily in Paris . As producer on the show, she earns additional fees and profit participation beyond her acting salary, though exact figures aren't disclosed.

Her film salaries vary significantly based on project budgets. For major studio films like The Blind Side and Mirror Mirror, she earned high-six figures to low millions. For smaller independent films and Netflix projects, her salaries range from $200,000 to $1 million depending on the production. Her Cartier brand ambassadorship generates substantial income—while exact figures aren't public, luxury brand ambassadorships typically pay millions annually plus unlimited access to products . She also earns from modeling work, magazine covers, and sponsored social media content.

Real estate investments have proven extremely profitable. She sold a Beverly Hills property in 2021 for $13.5 million after purchasing it for $12.5 million in 2016, netting a $1 million profit . In summer 2025, she sold her Pasadena home (purchased from Kristin Wiig for $3.9 million in 2021) for just over $6 million, earning approximately $2 million profit . Her book sales and writing fees add additional income streams. As Phil Collins' daughter, she's also set to inherit a portion of his estimated $300 million fortune alongside her four siblings, though she's built her own substantial wealth independent of family money .

Lily's highest single project payday has been Emily in Paris, where her per-episode rate of approximately $300,000 means she earns $3 million per season . Over five seasons, she's made an estimated $12-15 million from the series alone . This doesn't include her producing fees and potential profit participation, which could add millions more. The show has been transformative for her earning power—before Emily in Paris, she was earning significantly less per project.

For her film work, Mirror Mirror (2012) likely paid her around $1-2 million as the lead in a major studio production with a $85 million budget. The Mortal Instruments: City of Bones (2013), where she played the lead role of Clary Fray in an intended franchise, probably paid similarly given the $60 million budget. For prestige projects like Mank and Tolkien, independent film budgets meant lower salaries—likely in the $200,000-$500,000 range—but these roles offered artistic credibility rather than major paydays.

Her early career films like The Blind Side and Love, Rosie paid substantially less when she was an emerging actress—probably $50,000-$150,000 range. The success of Emily in Paris has dramatically increased her asking price for future projects. Industry insiders estimate she now commands $1-2 million for lead roles in films, a significant increase from her pre-Emily days. Her dual role as actress and producer on Emily in Paris represents her most lucrative entertainment deal to date, generating millions per season plus backend participation.

Lily's most prominent endorsement partnership is with luxury jewelry house Cartier, where she serves as a global brand ambassador . She's appeared in multiple high-profile campaigns and wears Cartier exclusively to red carpet events and in Emily in Paris. The partnership reportedly pays her millions annually plus unlimited access to Cartier's jewelry collections. Her association with Cartier has elevated her status as a fashion icon—she's become synonymous with elegant, sophisticated luxury style.

She's also worked with numerous fashion brands throughout her career. She's been a face for Lancôme cosmetics and has partnered with various fashion houses for campaigns and events. Unlike some celebrities who flood their social media with sponsored content, Lily is selective about endorsements, only partnering with brands that align with her sophisticated image. This selectivity actually increases her value—when Lily endorses something, it carries genuine weight with her fashion-conscious audience. Her Emily in Paris wardrobe has generated billions in "earned media value" for the luxury brands featured on the show, making her one of the most influential figures in fashion marketing despite not having the massive social media following of some younger stars.

Lily serves as executive producer on Emily in Paris, giving her creative control and additional compensation beyond acting fees . This producing credit represents her entry into the business side of entertainment. Industry insiders expect her to develop more projects as a producer in coming years, following the path of actresses who leverage their star power to create content rather than just starring in others' visions.

Real estate has been her most visible business investment. She's bought and sold multiple properties in Los Angeles for significant profits. In 2016, she purchased a Beverly Hills home for $12.5 million and sold it in 2021 for $13.5 million, earning a $1 million profit . She bought a Pasadena home from Kristin Wiig for $3.9 million in 2021 and sold it in summer 2025 for over $6 million, netting approximately $2 million . These strategic real estate moves demonstrate savvy investment sense and have contributed substantially to her net worth growth.

She published her book "Unfiltered: No Shame, No Regrets, Just Me" in 2017, which became a bestseller. The memoir discusses her struggles with eating disorders and body image with raw honesty. Book sales and speaking engagements related to mental health advocacy generate additional income. Unlike many actresses who diversify into beauty lines or fashion brands, Lily has remained focused primarily on acting and producing while making smart investments in real estate. Her father Phil Collins' guidance and her own journalism education have helped her make conservative, strategic financial decisions rather than risky ventures. She lives comfortably but not ostentatiously, investing wisely for long-term wealth rather than flashy displays of celebrity excess.

🏠 Properties

Lily has been actively involved in Los Angeles real estate, buying and selling multiple properties for substantial profits. In 2016, she purchased a Beverly Hills home for $12.5 million, living there for five years before selling it in 2021 for $13.5 million—a $1 million profit . In 2021, she bought a beautiful Pasadena home from comedian Kristin Wiig for $3.9 million. The property featured classic California architecture with modern updates. She sold this Pasadena property in summer 2025 for just over $6 million, earning approximately $2 million in profit .

These real estate moves demonstrate her savvy investment strategy—she's not just buying trophy properties but making strategic purchases that appreciate significantly. Her current primary residence details are kept private for security, though she's known to live in the Los Angeles area. As Phil Collins' daughter, she also has connections to her father's various properties, though she's established her own independent real estate portfolio .

Lily has been married to filmmaker and director Charlie McDowell since September 2021. They got engaged in September 2020 after dating for about a year. Charlie, the son of actors Malcolm McDowell and Mary Steenburgen, proposed during a romantic trip to New Mexico. Their wedding took place in Dunton Hot Springs, Colorado, in an intimate ceremony with close family and friends. Lily wore a stunning high-neck lace gown and shared beautiful photos on Instagram, calling it "the most beautiful, sweet, and love filled wedding."

Before Charlie, Lily had several high-profile relationships. She dated actor Jamie Campbell Bower (her co-star in The Mortal Instruments) on and off from 2012-2018. She also had a relationship with actor and model Thomas Cocquerel. She's been open about learning from past relationships and finding the right partner who supports her career and personal growth. Charlie and Lily share a love for creativity, film, and maintaining privacy—they rarely discuss their relationship publicly beyond occasional Instagram posts celebrating milestones.

Lily's relationship with her father Phil Collins is complex but loving. When her parents divorced when she was five, she moved to LA with her mother while Phil remained primarily in England. For years, they were estranged as Phil struggled with his own personal demons and multiple divorces. However, they've reconciled in recent years and now share a close bond. Lily has spoken about growing up as "Phil Collins' daughter" and the pressure that came with that identity, but also the gratitude she feels for the opportunities his name opened. She's very close to her mother Jill Tavelman and maintains relationships with her half-siblings from her father's other marriages. She's been remarkably open about her struggles with eating disorders as a teenager, publishing her memoir "Unfiltered" in 2017 to help others facing similar battles. She's become an advocate for mental health awareness and body positivity, using her platform to destigmatize these discussions.

Emily in Paris Season 5 premiered on Netflix in 2025, continuing Emily Cooper's adventures navigating romance, career, and culture in Paris . The season picks up after Season 4's cliffhanger ending and has been generating massive viewership numbers as fans binge the latest episodes. Lily serves as both star and executive producer on the series, which continues to be one of Netflix's most-watched shows globally despite critical debates about its portrayal of French culture.

There's ongoing speculation about Emily in Paris Season 6, though Netflix hasn't officially announced renewal yet . Given the show's consistent popularity and viewership numbers, industry insiders expect it to return for at least one more season. Lily has expressed interest in continuing the series as long as the stories remain fresh and interesting. The show has become a cultural phenomenon, influencing fashion trends, tourism to Paris, and conversations about American versus European work culture.

Beyond Emily in Paris, Lily has several film projects in development though specific details haven't been announced. She's expressed interest in taking on more dramatic roles that showcase different sides of her talent beyond Emily's bubbly optimism. She continues her work as Cartier brand ambassador, appearing in campaigns and at major fashion events globally. She's been active on social media sharing glimpses of her life with husband Charlie McDowell, though they maintain significant privacy about their relationship. She continues advocating for mental health awareness and body positivity, occasionally speaking at events and using her platform to support related causes. At 36, she's at the peak of her career with Emily in Paris success, established film credentials, and growing influence as a producer shaping her own projects.

Lily is active on Instagram at @lilyjcollins with over 30 million followers. She posts regularly, sharing behind-the-scenes content from Emily in Paris, red carpet fashion moments, occasional personal photos with husband Charlie McDowell, and advocacy messages about mental health and body positivity. Her Instagram aesthetic is polished and curated, reflecting her fashion icon status while maintaining authenticity. She engages with fans through comments occasionally and uses her platform to promote her work and causes she cares about.

She's also on Twitter/X though less active there compared to Instagram. She doesn't have an official TikTok account, though fan accounts dedicated to Emily in Paris and her films generate millions of views. Her social media strategy is professional and intentional—she uses it to control her narrative, promote projects, and connect with fans while maintaining strict boundaries around her personal life. Unlike younger influencer-actresses, she doesn't post daily or share every moment. This selective approach has kept her content meaningful and her privacy protected. Her posts promoting Emily in Paris generate millions of likes and comments instantly, demonstrating her significant influence and engaged fanbase. She's avoided major social media controversies by staying authentic, thoughtful, and avoiding oversharing or political debates that could alienate fans.