Eliza Dushku’s story goes beyond Hollywood stardom. From unforgettable roles on screen to building a career in mental health, she has redefined success in 2025 — balancing a $20 million net worth with a life dedicated to healing and purpose.
Eliza Dushku rose to fame as the fierce Faith on Buffy the Vampire Slayer. Now, she’s traded Hollywood for healing. As of 2025, her net worth is about $20 million, and her life has taken a powerful turn toward mental health. This article explores her journey—from acting to therapy—and how she built her wealth and purpose along the way.
Biography
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| Full Name | Eliza Patricia Dushku |
| Date of Birth (age) | December 30, 1980 (44 as of 2025) |
| Nationality | American |
| Profession | Actress, Producer, Licensed Therapist |
| Known For | Buffy the Vampire Slayer; Dollhouse; Tru Calling; Bring It On |
| Marital Status | Married (Peter Palandjian, 2018) |
| Net Worth (2025) | $20 million |
Early Life and Education
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Eliza Patricia Dushku was born on December 30, 1980, in Watertown, Massachusetts, the youngest of four children in an Albanian-American family. She grew up in the Boston area in a supportive but modest household, where creativity and academics were both encouraged.
From a young age, Eliza showed a natural flair for performance. At just ten years old, she was discovered while accompanying her brother to an audition, which led to her first film role in That Night (1992). Shortly after, she appeared in This Boy’s Life (1993) alongside Leonardo DiCaprio and Robert De Niro, and in True Lies (1994) as Arnold Schwarzenegger and Jamie Lee Curtis’s daughter. These early roles laid the foundation for her Hollywood career.
Despite rising fame, Eliza remained grounded in academics. After stepping back from full-time acting, she pursued higher education. She first studied sociology at Suffolk University in Boston, where she developed an interest in human behavior and social structures. Later, her passion for mental health led her to Lesley University, where she specialized in holistic psychology.
By June 2025, Eliza had completed her Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, a milestone that marked her transition from entertainment to a career dedicated to therapy, healing, and advocacy.
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Career
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Early Roles and Breakthrough
Eliza Dushku began acting professionally as a child. After her debut in That Night (1992), she gained attention with roles in This Boy’s Life (1993) opposite Leonardo DiCaprio and Robert De Niro, and True Lies (1994), where she played the daughter of Arnold Schwarzenegger and Jamie Lee Curtis.
Her biggest breakthrough came in 1998 when she was cast as the rebellious Slayer Faith in Buffy the Vampire Slayer. The character’s popularity extended to the spin-off Angel, solidifying her as a fan favorite in the cult series universe.
Leading TV Roles
- Tru Calling (2003–2005): Dushku starred as Tru Davies, a medical student with the power to relive days and save lives. This role cemented her as a leading actress in network television.
- Dollhouse (2009–2010): Produced by Joss Whedon, Dushku both starred in and co-produced the series through her own company. She played Echo, a woman whose memories and identities could be altered, showcasing her versatility as an actress.
Film Career
Outside of TV, Eliza starred in several films, including:
- Bring It On (2000), a teen comedy classic.
- Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back (2001).
- Wrong Turn (2003), a cult horror hit.
- The Alphabet Killer (2008).
She also provided voice work for video games and animated projects, including Saints Row 2 and Batman: Year One.
Producing and Independent Projects
Dushku expanded into producing with her company Boston Diva Productions. Notable projects include:
- Dear Albania (2015), a travel documentary exploring her family’s Albanian heritage.
- Mapplethorpe (2018), a biographical film about artist Robert Mapplethorpe.
Transition Away from Acting
By 2017, Eliza chose to step back from Hollywood to focus on education, family, and advocacy. In 2019, she reached a legal settlement with CBS after being dismissed from Bull, a case that shed light on workplace harassment in the industry.
By 2025, she had fully transitioned to her new career as a licensed therapist, specializing in psychedelic-assisted therapy and trauma counseling.
Personal Life and Relationships
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Eliza Dushku has lived a life as dynamic off-screen as it has been on-screen, balancing Hollywood fame with a deep commitment to family, education, and advocacy.
Early Life in Los Angeles and Boston Roots
During her acting career, Eliza spent much of her time in Los Angeles, where she worked steadily in film and television. Despite the demands of Hollywood, she often returned home to Boston, Massachusetts, staying closely connected to her New England roots and her Albanian heritage.
Relationships
- Rick Fox (2009–2014): Eliza was in a long-term relationship with former NBA star Rick Fox. The couple lived together in Los Angeles for several years before parting ways amicably in 2014.
- Peter Palandjian (2017–present): In June 2017, Eliza became engaged to businessman and former professional tennis player Peter Palandjian. They married in August 2018 in a private ceremony in Boston. Together, they have built a family life rooted in love, faith, and community values.
Family Life
Eliza and Peter share two sons, born in 2019 and 2021. After starting a family, Eliza stepped away from the entertainment industry to focus on parenting, higher education, and her growing passion for mental health advocacy.
Life Today
Now based in the Boston area, Eliza enjoys a quieter lifestyle centered on family, therapy, and advocacy work. She has spoken openly about the importance of healing, service, and balance, often describing her shift away from Hollywood as a return to her “true calling.”
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Net Worth
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As of 2025, Eliza Dushku’s net worth is estimated at $20 million. Her financial success comes from a diverse mix of Hollywood earnings, production projects, voice work, and legal settlements, along with ongoing revenue from fan conventions and appearances.
Sources of Income
- Television & Film Roles – Salaries from hit shows like Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Angel, Tru Calling, and Dollhouse, as well as popular films including Bring It On and Wrong Turn.
- Production Work – Profits from her company, Boston Diva Productions, which produced Dear Albania and Mapplethorpe.
- Voice Acting – Contributions to video games (Saints Row 2) and animated projects (Batman: Year One).
- CBS Settlement (2019) – Received a $9.5 million settlement after her wrongful dismissal from the TV series Bull.
- Convention Appearances – Regularly featured at fan events, which remain a lucrative revenue stream.
Comparison of Net Worth with Other Celebrities
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| Celebrity | Estimated Net Worth |
|---|---|
| Alyson Hannigan | $40 million |
| Sarah Michelle Gellar | $30 million |
| David Boreanaz | $30 million |
| Eliza Dushku | $20 million |
| Charisma Carpenter | $4 million |
This places Eliza in the middle tier among her Buffy co-stars, with many earning more from long-running shows or additional ventures.
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Interesting Facts About Eliza Dushku
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Started Acting at Age 10 – Eliza was discovered while accompanying her brother to an audition, landing her first film role in That Night (1992).
Founder of Boston Diva Productions – Her production company worked on projects like the biographical film Mapplethorpe (2018) and the documentary Dear Albania (2015).
Academic Achievement – She earned her Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling in June 2025, marking a full transition from Hollywood to healing.
Specialist in Psychedelic Therapy – Certified in psychedelic-assisted therapy, she advocates for its use in trauma treatment and supports ongoing clinical research.
Stepped Away from Acting in 2017 – She retired from Hollywood to dedicate herself to education, advocacy, and family life.
CBS Settlement (2019) – Eliza received a $9.5 million settlement after being wrongfully dismissed from the TV series Bull, a case that brought workplace harassment into public focus.
Life Motto – Guided by the Latin phrase “Non sibi sed toti” — “not for self, but for all” — she has built her life around service and helping others.
Current Status and Future Plans
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As of 2025, Eliza Dushku has fully transitioned from Hollywood actress to licensed therapist and mental health advocate. After stepping away from acting in 2017, she dedicated herself to higher education and completed her Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling in June 2025. Today, she works in Boston, specializing in psychedelic-assisted therapy, a cutting-edge field that combines traditional counseling with research-based alternative treatments.
Her practice focuses heavily on trauma survivors, veterans, and individuals struggling with mental health challenges, areas she has described as her “true calling.” Beyond her clinical work, she is active in research, advocacy, and public speaking, often lending her voice to discussions about mental health awareness, workplace safety, and holistic healing.
Looking ahead, Eliza plans to:
- Expand her therapeutic work by opening or partnering in community-based clinics.
- Continue advocacy for psychedelic-assisted therapies as they gain recognition in mainstream medicine.
- Balance family life with her husband, Peter Palandjian, and their two young sons.
- Support global healing initiatives, particularly those focused on trauma recovery and underserved communities.
Eliza Dushku’s journey shows that her greatest role isn’t one on screen, but rather in the lives she helps heal. She has described her future vision as one rooted in service, education, and compassion — proving that her reinvention is not only personal but also transformative for those she serves.
Conclusion
Eliza Dushku’s transformation from TV star to therapist is a story of purpose and reinvention. With a net worth of $20 million, she has achieved financial security, but her focus is firmly on helping others. From her early days as Faith in Buffy the Vampire Slayer to her 2025 role in mental health, her path proves that true success comes from living with meaning.
FAQ
What is Eliza Dushku’s net worth in 2025?
Around $20 million.
How did she make her money?
Through acting in TV and films, voice acting, production, and a legal settlement.
What is she doing now?
She’s a licensed therapist in Boston specializing in psychedelic-assisted therapy.
When did she retire from acting?
She stepped away from acting in 2017 and confirmed her retirement in 2024.
Is she married and does she have kids?
Yes. Married to Peter Palandjian since 2018, with two sons born in 2019 and 2021.
What are her most famous roles?
Faith in Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Angel, Tru in Tru Calling, and Echo in Dollhouse.
How does her net worth compare to her Buffy co-stars?
She has around $20 million—less than Alyson Hannigan and Sarah Michelle Gellar, but more than some others.
