Last Updated: July 16, 2025
Category:
Richest CelebritiesAuthors
Net Worth:
$70 Million
  1. What Is Winnie Holzman's Net Worth?
  2. Early Life And Education
  3. Television Career
  4. "Wicked"
  5. Wicked Royalties
  6. Personal Life
  7. Real Estate

What is Winnie Holzman's net worth?

Winnie Holzman is an American television writer, playwright, and librettist who has a net worth of $70 million. Winnie Holzman is best known for creating the cult-favorite TV series "My So-Called Life" and for writing the book for the blockbuster Broadway musical "Wicked." Blending wit, emotional intelligence, and a deep sensitivity to character, Holzman has built a career that spans both television and theater, often centering her work on the interior lives of complex women. She earned widespread acclaim for "My So-Called Life," which broke new ground in the teen drama genre, and later reached new heights with "Wicked," one of the most successful stage productions in history. The long-awaited film adaptation of Wicked further cemented its legacy. The movie version stars Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba and Ariana Grande as Glinda, bringing the beloved characters to the big screen and introducing Maguire's reimagined Oz to a whole new audience. Her ability to bring warmth, humor, and psychological nuance to her characters has made her one of the most respected storytellers in American entertainment.

Early Life and Education

Winnie Holzman was born on August 18, 1954, in Manhattan and raised in Roslyn Heights, New York. She attended Hofstra University, where she earned a degree in English, and later studied at New York University's Tisch School of the Arts, earning an MFA in musical theater writing. While at NYU, she met noted composer Stephen Schwartz, who would later become her collaborator on "Wicked." Early in her career, Holzman pursued acting, which informed her understanding of dialogue and character development as a writer.

Television Career

Holzman began her writing career in television in the late 1980s, contributing to series such as "thirtysomething," where she honed her skill for emotionally resonant storytelling. Her big breakthrough came in 1994 when she created "My So-Called Life," a critically acclaimed teen drama starring Claire Danes as Angela Chase. The show ran for only one season on ABC but became a cult classic, praised for its authentic depiction of adolescence, identity, and family dynamics. Holzman's writing on the show earned her an Emmy nomination and solidified her reputation as a thoughtful, character-driven writer.

She later worked as an executive producer and writer on the Showtime drama "Once and Again," reuniting with "thirtysomething" creators Marshall Herskovitz and Edward Zwick. Holzman also created the short-lived but well-reviewed ABC Family series "Huge" in 2010, co-writing the show with her daughter, Savannah Dooley.

"Wicked"

In the early 2000s, Holzman was recruited by composer Stephen Schwartz to write the book for a new musical based on Gregory Maguire's 1995 novel "Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West." The project reimagined the classic "Wizard of Oz" story by focusing on the unlikely friendship between Glinda the Good Witch and Elphaba, the so-called Wicked Witch of the West.

Holzman's script brought Maguire's world to life with humor, pathos, and political undertones, transforming the story into an emotionally layered spectacle. The show premiered on Broadway in October 2003 and became a massive hit. Despite mixed reviews from critics, "Wicked" resonated deeply with audiences and grew into a global phenomenon. With its powerful themes of identity, injustice, and female friendship, "Wicked" struck a chord with theatergoers across generations.

Holzman's contributions to "Wicked" were instrumental in its success. Her adaptation distilled Maguire's sprawling novel into a cohesive, character-driven stage story that balanced spectacle with heart.

(Photo by JC Olivera/Variety via Getty Images)

Wicked Royalties

As one of the three credited authors of "Wicked," Holzman shares in a 6.7% royalty pool with Stephen Schwartz and Gregory Maguire. According to financial disclosures reported in 2012, Schwartz receives the largest portion—including an extra 0.5% as a consulting producer—while Holzman and Maguire share the remainder. At the time of the report, Holzman's earnings from the production were already estimated in the tens of millions.

With "Wicked" having grossed more than $3.2 billion globally, Holzman's share of royalties is estimated to be between 1.5% and 2% of that total, equivalent to approximately $48–64 million. The release of the "Wicked" film adaptation, starring Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande, is expected to introduce a new generation to Holzman's work and further expand the franchise's legacy.

Winnie and Paul (Photo by Araya Diaz/Getty Images)

Personal Life

Winnie Holzman is married to actor Paul Dooley, known for roles in films such as "Breaking Away" and "Sixteen Candles." The couple has one daughter, Savannah Dooley, who has also worked as a screenwriter and producer. Holzman has occasionally collaborated with her daughter, including on the series "Huge."

Real Estate

In 2012, Paul and Winnie paid just under $7 million for a beachfront home in Malibu, California. They listed the home for sale at one point for $7.5 million but ultimately accepted $5.75 million in August 2020. In 2019, they paid $5.2 million for a home in Toluca Lake, California.

All net worths are calculated using data drawn from public sources. When provided, we also incorporate private tips and feedback received from the celebrities or their representatives. While we work diligently to ensure that our numbers are as accurate as possible, unless otherwise indicated they are only estimates. We welcome all corrections and feedback using the button below.
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