Lily Collins, the enchanting lead of Netflix’s global sensation Emily in Paris, enters 2026 with fresh milestones blending Hollywood glamour and heartfelt family life. Just a year after welcoming her daughter Tove via surrogate in January 2025, Collins continues to shine on screen, with the show renewed for a sixth season promising more romantic escapades and fashion-forward drama. With an estimated net worth of $25 million, her journey from a famous musician’s daughter to a self-made powerhouse reflects resilience, talent, and smart choices that keep her thriving in an ever-evolving industry.

Lily Collins as Emily Cooper wearing a red coat walking with a companion in a scene from Emily in Paris Season 5, Netflix’s hit romantic comedy series.

Emily Cooper (Lily Collins) dons a striking red coat as she strolls with a companion in Emily in Paris Season 5, navigating love, career, and life in Europe.


Early Life: A Transatlantic Upbringing Shaped by Fame and Change

Lily Jane Collins was born on March 18, 1989, in Guildford, England, to legendary musician Phil Collins and American actress and businesswoman Jill Tavelman. Growing up amid the spotlight of her father’s Genesis fame and solo stardom, she experienced a blend of British roots and Hollywood allure from an early age.

When her parents divorced in 1996, Collins moved to Los Angeles with her mother at age five. She attended prestigious schools such as Harvard-Westlake while navigating the challenges of a high-profile family split. These formative experiences fostered a love for storytelling and performance, eventually shaping the poised, self-aware actress fans admire today.

Phil Collins and daughter Lily Collins posing together, showcasing their close family bond and shared presence in the public eye.

Phil Collins with his daughter Lily Collins, highlighting their strong family connection and mutual support in both music and film careers.


Emily in Paris & Beyond: Lily Collins’ Rise to Fame

Collins began acting at just two years old with a guest role on the BBC series Growing Pains, but her breakthrough came in 2009 as the rebellious teen in The Blind Side, earning praise alongside Sandra Bullock. She later starred in fantasy films like Mirror Mirror (2012) as Snow White and action-packed Abduction opposite Taylor Lautner.

Transitioning to more mature projects, she portrayed a young woman navigating eating disorders in To the Bone (2017), and earned a Golden Globe nomination for Rules Don’t Apply. Her role as Fantine in the 2018 miniseries Les Misérables further showcased her dramatic range. Yet it was Emily in Paris, premiering in 2020, that catapulted her to international stardom. Collins has led five seasons, with the sixth confirmed for late 2026, blending comedy, romance, and cultural clashes that have captivated millions worldwide.

Beyond acting, Collins produces through her company Case Study Films, deepening her creative footprint and adding to her earnings while shaping content that aligns with her values and interests.

Lily Collins and her husband Charlie McDowell posing together on the red carpet, dressed in formal attire and smiling for photographers.

Lily Collins and Charlie McDowell at a recent red carpet event, showcasing their glamorous Hollywood style while celebrating her ongoing success with Emily in Paris.


Family, Motherhood, and Life Off-Screen

Collins’ personal life radiates warmth and stability, offering a striking contrast to her on-screen romantic twists. She married filmmaker Charlie McDowell in September 2021, following a whirlwind romance. McDowell, son of actors Mary Steenburgen and Malcolm McDowell, shares her creative spirit, and together they welcomed their first child, daughter Tove Jane, via surrogate in January 2025.

Motherhood has reshaped Collins’ priorities. She openly discusses how balancing family and career has taught her patience and renewed appreciation for everyday moments. Despite the spotlight, she maintains close relationships with her half-siblings, including musician brothers Simon and Nicholas from her father’s side, reflecting her grounded approach amid fame’s pressures.

Exterior of Lily Collins’ former Pasadena Case Study House, a modern mid-century home with large glass windows and a landscaped front yard.

Lily Collins’ former Pasadena home, a stylish mid-century property she purchased from Kristen Wiig and later sold for a profit, reflecting her savvy real estate investments.


Lily Collins’ Net Worth Breakdown: Talent Meets Business Savvy

In 2026, Collins’ net worth is estimated at $25 million, built from a mix of acting, producing, brand partnerships, and strategic investments.

Her primary earnings come from film and TV roles, with Emily in Paris reportedly paying $300,000–$400,000 per episode, adding millions across seasons. Early projects like The Blind Side and Mirror Mirror laid her career foundation, while producing credits on projects like MaXXXine in 2024 supplemented her income.

Endorsements further boost her wealth. As a face of Cartier, Lancôme, and Living Proof haircare, she commands high-profile deals aligned with her style-icon status. Collins has also shown an entrepreneurial streak, investing in haircare brand Roz, luxury rental service Vivrelle, and carefully curated real estate flips, all contributing to her financial independence.

Even with a famous last name, Collins has earned her fortune on her own merits, blending talent, timing, and smart business decisions.


Homes, Style, and Giving Back

Real Estate

Collins’ real estate portfolio emphasizes elegance, comfort, and investment potential. Notable holdings include a Beverly Hills mansion purchased for $12.5 million in 2016 and sold for $13.5 million in 2021, and a Pasadena Case Study House bought from Kristen Wiig for $3.9 million in 2021 and offloaded for $6.13 million in 2025, netting over $2 million in profit.

She and McDowell also own two adjacent homes in Copenhagen’s Østerbro neighborhood, acquired in 2023 for around $2.7 million combined, offering a peaceful Scandinavian retreat.

Fashion, Accessories, and Style

While her car collection remains private, Collins’ luxury extends to jewelry and watches, often featuring Cartier pieces that complement her red-carpet appearances. Her style choices reflect refinement, blending glamour with approachability, enhancing her image as a modern Hollywood icon.

Philanthropy

Philanthropy is central to Collins’ lifestyle. Through her Empowerment Fund, she supports girls’ education, self-esteem, and anti-bullying initiatives, raising millions for organizations like GO Campaign. Additional donations, such as $20,000 to Bethenny Frankel’s BStrong for COVID relief, highlight her commitment to leveraging fame for meaningful impact.

Lily Collins wearing a red beret and chic Parisian outfit while walking the streets of Paris.

Lily Collins embracing Parisian style in a red beret, capturing the fashion-forward elegance for her role in Emily in Paris.


People Also Ask About Lily Collins’ World

How has motherhood changed Collins’ approach to her career?

Since welcoming Tove in 2025, Collins has embraced a balanced schedule, prioritizing family while filming Emily in Paris season five. She has shared that motherhood reignited her appreciation for life’s small joys and shaped her to seek roles with more emotional resonance.

What inspired her investments in beauty and fashion brands?

Drawn from experiences with celebrity stylists and a passion for empowerment, Collins invested in Roz haircare in 2024 and Vivrelle in 2022, aiming to support innovative companies that promote self-expression and accessible luxury.

Could Collins expand her producing role beyond Emily in Paris?

With Case Study Films, she is exploring more projects post-season six renewal, including collaborations that merge storytelling with McDowell’s directing expertise, potentially creating family-friendly content inspired by her new role as a mother.


The Bottom Line

Lily Collins exemplifies a modern celebrity who balances professional ambition, personal growth, and financial acumen. From her breakout roles to producing credits and savvy investments, she has built a $25 million fortune while navigating motherhood and philanthropy, proving that talent, strategy, and heart can coexist in Hollywood.

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Adam Arnold
Last Updated 22nd January 2026

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