Eliza Dushku rose to fame playing Faith, the fierce “other Slayer” on Buffy the Vampire Slayer and its spin-off Angel. In the UK, she became well-known among Sky One and BBC Two audiences in the early 2000s. Now, her story stands out not just because of her nostalgia appeal, but for her bold reinvention. Her estimated net worth of $20 million (£16 million) reflects decades of success in acting, production, voice work, syndication, and even a major legal settlement.
Fans and readers are intrigued that she earned her wealth through more than just screen roles—her later work in mental health and philanthropy also plays a part. Her journey from Hollywood to healing demonstrates a rare path of resilience—and that makes her net worth genuinely worth talking about.
Net Worth Analysis (2025)
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$20 million (£16 million) is a net worth figure cited by Celebrity Net Worth, Just Jared, and News.com.au, reflecting a consistent estimate across platforms.
Breakdown of her income sources:
- Television earnings and syndication royalties: from long-running shows such as Buffy and Angel
- Box office and film residuals: notably from Bring It On, which remains popular in re-airings and DVD collections
- Legacy voice work: ongoing royalties from game re-releases
- Production earnings: notably from her projects with Boston Diva Productions
- Legal settlement: CBS payout for wrongful dismissal from Bull
- Fan convention appearances and licensing deals, especially in the UK
Though she stepped away from screen work in 2017, these diversified streams continue to support her lifestyle and public work.
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Early Life & Career Start
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Eliza Patricia Dushku was born on 30 December 1980 in Watertown, Massachusetts. Her father, Philip, is of Albanian descent, and her mother, Judith Rasmussen, comes from Danish, English, Irish, and German roots. Growing up with three older brothers, she attended Beaver Country Day School and later graduated from Watertown High School in 1998. Although raised in the Mormon faith, she distanced herself from organised religion as she got older.
At age ten, she was discovered by a casting scout who spotted her while she was accompanying her brother to an audition. This led to her first role in That Night (1992). She followed that with roles in This Boy’s Life (1993) and True Lies (1994), which earned her a Young Artist Award nomination for Best Young Actress. These early successes positioned her as one of Hollywood’s most promising child performers.
Breakthrough Roles: Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Tru Calling
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Her breakout role came in 1998 when she was cast as Faith Lehane on Buffy the Vampire Slayer. Faith was a bold, unpredictable foil to Buffy—a character that quickly gained traction with audiences in both the U.S. and the UK. Buffy aired heavily on Sky One and BBC Two, building a cult UK audience who memorably valued her dynamic and edgy presence.
Eliza reprised the character in the Angel spin-off and then starred in Tru Calling (2003–2005), playing Tru Davies, a morgue worker who relives days to save lives. Though it had only two seasons, Tru Calling built a dedicated international fanbase. These roles earned nominations like the Saturn Award for Best Supporting Actress, and recognition from the Online Film & Television Association.
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Income Sources: Acting, Voice Work, Production, Settlement, and More
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Eliza’s net worth of $20 million (£16 million) comes from multiple reliable income streams:
- Acting in television and film: Buffy, Angel, Tru Calling, and Dollhouse were her main TV roles. Films include Bring It On (2000), Wrong Turn (2003), Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back (2001), and The New Guy (2002).
- Voice work for games and animation: She voiced characters in video games like Yakuza, Saints Row 2, and Fight Night Champion, keeping income flowing from royalties.
- Production ventures: Through Boston Diva Productions, she produced Dear Albania (2015) and helped develop the film Mapplethorpe (2018).
- CBS legal settlement: After being dropped from Bull, she received a $9.5 million settlement in 2019 from CBS, reported as compensation for wrongful dismissal. Some media sources estimate the total value closer to $13 million, accounting for lost future earnings.
- Residuals and appearances: Even though she officially retired from acting in 2017, she continues to receive syndication royalties and makes public appearances at fan events—especially UK-based conventions.
These various sources ensure her wealth is sustained even after leaving mainstream acting.
Recent Updates (2025): Education, Titled Career, and Public Work
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In June 2025, Eliza Dushku officially earned a Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Lesley University, Cambridge, Massachusetts. She shared this milestone on Instagram, writing that graduating “feels like a deep calling realized.” She is now certified in psychedelic-assisted therapy and has called this her “true calling”
She has transitioned into the role of a licensed therapist, focusing on trauma, PTSD, and addiction recovery. She and her husband have supported clinical studies involving psychedelic therapies, particularly for veterans and survivors of trauma. Her transformation into a mental health professional has made her a figure of credibility and compassion both socially and scientifically.
Public appearances now are mostly tied to mental health advocacy and speaking engagements in conferences across the US and UK. Her shift underscores a purpose-driven life after Hollywood.
Comparison with Similar Hollywood Actresses Known in the UK
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Here is how Eliza’s net worth compares to some peers known well in the UK:
- Sarah Michelle Gellar (Buffy lead) – estimated at around $30 million, boosted by lead roles and business ventures after Buffy.
- Alyson Hannigan (Willow) – around $40 million, thanks to How I Met Your Mother.
- David Boreanaz (Angel) – around $30–35 million, owing to major roles in Bones and SEAL Team.
Eliza’s $20 million positions her in the mid-to-upper tier among Buffy alumni. What sets her apart is her early retirement from acting and her purposeful career pivot into mental health and advocacy.
Personal Life & Philanthropy
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Eliza married businessman Peter Palandjian in August 2018. They reside in Boston and have two sons: Philip “Bourne” (born August 2019) and Bodan (born August 2021).
She has openly discussed overcoming addiction and trauma, finding sobriety, and using her journey to inspire others. She and Peter have donated to mental health and psychedelic research, backing veteran care programmes. Eliza is also known for her activism in women’s rights and supporting survivors of misconduct, including speaking publicly about her own experiences with abuse during childhood and harassment on set.
Conclusion
Eliza Dushku’s path is one of notable transformation. From a beloved TV icon as Faith in Buffy to a medical professional specialising in mental health, she has charted a new course that draws from her own healing journey. With an estimated net worth of $20 million (£16 million), she remains financially secure while dedicating herself to helping others through therapy and advocacy.
For UK readers who remember her from Sky One and BBC Two, her story will feel both familiar and inspiring. It shows how a public figure can redefine their legacy on their own terms.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is Eliza Dushku’s net worth in 2025?
Eliza Dushku’s net worth in 2025 is estimated at around $20 million (£16 million). This wealth comes from her long career in television and film, including popular series like Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Tru Calling, as well as residuals, production income, voice acting royalties, and a $9.5 million settlement from CBS.
How did Eliza Dushku make her money?
Eliza earned most of her income through acting roles in hit TV series such as Buffy, Angel, Tru Calling, and Dollhouse. She also starred in successful films like Bring It On and Wrong Turn. Additionally, she voiced characters in video games, co-founded Boston Diva Productions, and received a settlement from CBS in 2019.
What is Eliza Dushku doing now?
Eliza has transitioned from Hollywood to mental health work. In June 2025, she graduated with a Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Lesley University. She is now a licensed therapist specialising in psychedelic-assisted therapy and speaks at conferences about trauma recovery and mental health.
When did Eliza Dushku retire from acting?
Eliza stepped away from acting after her final role in Bull in 2017 and officially announced her retirement in September 2024. Since then, she has dedicated herself to education, family life, and her new career in therapy.
Is Eliza Dushku married and does she have children?
Yes. Eliza married businessman Peter Palandjian in August 2018. Together, they have two sons: Philip “Bourne,” born in 2019, and Bodan, born in 2021. The family currently lives in Boston, Massachusetts.
What are Eliza Dushku’s most famous roles?
Her most memorable roles include Faith in Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Angel, Tru Davies in Tru Calling, and Echo in Dollhouse. She is also known for films like Bring It On, Wrong Turn, and Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back.
How does Eliza Dushku’s net worth compare to her Buffy co-stars?
Eliza’s net worth of $20 million is impressive but slightly lower than Alyson Hannigan’s $40 million and Sarah Michelle Gellar’s $30 million. However, it is comparable to David Boreanaz, whose net worth is around $30–35 million.
Where is Eliza Dushku now?
Eliza lives in Boston, Massachusetts, with her husband and two children. She practices as a licensed therapist and focuses on mental health advocacy, trauma recovery, and speaking engagements in both the US and UK.
