Secret property empires of ‘80s and ‘90s action stars
From Hollywood heavyweights to martial arts masters, these action stars of the ‘80s and ‘90s captivated audiences with their on-screen heroics.
But beyond the silver screen, many of these screen icons were quietly building impressive property empires, making shrewd real estate investments that rivalled their blockbuster earnings.
Here’s a look into the secret property portfolios of action legends.
Arnold Schwarzenegger
Arnold Schwarzenegger became a box office giant in the ’80s and ’90s, thanks to hit action films such as Conan the Barbarian, The Terminator franchise and Total Recall.
Fans might be surprised to know that the movie star and former California governor made his first $1 million in real estate before his big break in Conan the Barbarian.
Schwarzenegger emigrated to the US in 1968 at the age of 21. He saved $US27,000 ($A41,000) and borrowed $US10,000 ($A15,000) to make the down payment of a $US215,000 ($A326,000) apartment building of six units.
The former bodybuilding champ took the best apartment for himself and rented out the others to actors he met at the gym to build connections in Hollywood while paying off his investment.
A year later, he sold the building for $US360,000 ($A546,000), pocketing a $US145,000 ($A220,000) profit.
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![1996. Actor Arnold Schwarzenegger in a scene from the film 'Terminator 2'.](data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" viewBox="0 0 768 768"%3E%3C/svg%3E)
Arnold Schwarzenegger in a scene from the film Terminator.
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The former bodybuilding champ bought a small block of units when he migrated to the United States. Picture: Harry Langdon/Getty Images
From there Schwarzenegger built his property portfolio. He then traded up to a 12-unit building, followed by a 36-unit building, followed by a 100-unit building.
By the age of 25, the Terminator star was already a millionaire, having built his wealth through real estate.
Schwarzenegger now owns a vast real estate portfolio made up of commercial properties primarily in Southern California.
Not including his personal homes, the portfolio is worth north of $US100 million ($A151 million).
Today, the actor resides in a stunning estate in Brentwood, which he purchased for $US4.9 million ($A7.4 million) in 2002, when he was still married to Maria Shriver. The couple divorced in 2021.
As of 2025, Schwarzenegger is a billionaire, with Forbes estimating his net worth at $1.2 billion.
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Today, the actor resides in a stunning estate in Brentwood, which he purchased for $US4.9 million ($A7.4 million) in 2002. Picture: Google Maps
Sylvester Stallone
From the mid-1980s to the late-1990s, Sylvester Stallone became one of Hollywood’s highest-paid actors, appearing in action films Cobra, Cliffhanger and Demolition Man.
With a net worth of $US400 million ($A606 million), the actor and director has made some impressive property moves over the years.
In 1999, the Rocky actor sold a home in Coconut Grove for a recorded $US16.2 million ($A24.6 million).
The Golden Globe winner and his wife Jennifer Flavin purchased a vacation retreat in La Quinta, California, in 2010 for $US4.5 million ($A6.8 million).
After multiple attempts since 2014, they finally sold their home in May 2020 for $US3.1 million ($A4.6 million).
That same year, Stallone snapped up a waterfront mansion in Palm Beach, Florida for $US35.4 million ($A53.6 million).
According to Realtor, the sprawling compound boasts seven bedrooms and 10.5 bathrooms, as well as a large guesthouse and cabana that sit separately to the main residence.
In addition, the layout includes a gym, wine storage, library, and a family room with a wet bar. Outside, the grounds feature a pool with a beachfront spa that practically touches the lake.
Last year, Stallone sparked outrage from his neighbours over his plans to build an 18-inch (46cm) underwater barrier next to his mansion, in an apparent bid to keep boaters away from his home.
He later abandoned his plan to erect the barrier to protect his home after fierce backlash.
Sylvester Stallone in 2006 film Rocky Balboa.
The Golden Globe winner a vacation retreat in La Quinta, California for $US3.1 million. Picture: TopTenRealEstateDeals.com
Stallone snapped up a waterfront mansion in Palm Beach, Florida for $US35.4 million. Picture: Realtor
The Demolition Man star offloaded his Beverly Hills estate to singer Adele for $58 million ($A82.8 million) in May 2022.
While that is still a jaw-dropping sum, the Hollywood actor and director first placed his custom-built mansion on the market for a whopping $US110 million ($A168 million) in January 2021
In February 2022, Stallone forked out $US18.2 million ($27.5 million) for a 2.26-acre estate in Hidden Hills, California.
This property attracted negative attention for the actor in August 2022 due to its excessive water consumption.
In May and June 2022, the property’s monthly water allocation was exceeded by 195,000 and 230,000 gallons (739,000 and 870,000 litres), respectively.
The Stallones defended themselves, stating the property featured more than 500 mature trees that required constant watering to prevent them from dying and becoming a severe fire risk.
If the Stallones exceeded their water allocation by 150 per cent in four total months, the local water department would be authorised to install a water restrictor on their property.
The Demolition Man star offloaded his Beverly Hills estate to singer Adele for $58 million in May 2022. Picture: Realtor
Less than a year after purchasing the property, the Rambo star put it on the market for $US22.5 million ($A34 million) in December 2022.
He sold the home to musician John Fogerty in October 2023, for $US17 million ($A25 million), resulting in a $US1.2 million loss ($A1.8 million).
Last year, Stallone bought a Hamptons compound for his daughters in an all-cash deal for around $US25 million ($A38 million).
The screen legend flew to New York from Palm Beach weeks before the closing to tour the mansion for the first time.
The 79-year-old star forked out a hefty deposit to buy the $US24.95 million ($A38.6 million) ritzy residence before he ever laid eyes on it in person.
The Cliffhanger star’s three daughters — Sophia, Sistine and Scarlet — were said to be excited about the purchase.
Stallone and Flavin also plan on spending time in the Hamptons home as well.
Sylvester Stallone snapped up a Hamptons compound for his daughters in an all-cash deal for around $38 million. Picture: Realtor
Bruce Willis
Bruce Willis gained fame as an action hero for playing John McClane in the Die Hard films.
Over the decades, the actor built up an incredible property portfolio across the globe.
In 1990, the Armageddon star and his then-wife Demi Moore purchased a penthouse in Central Park’s San Remo building in New York City for $US7 million ($A10.5 million).
Shortly after, the pair purchased another two-bedroom apartment in the same building.
The Ghost actress received the apartment in their divorce. In 2015, she put it on the market for the hefty price tag of $US75 million ($A113 million). She sold the pad in 2017 for $US45 million ($A68 million).
In 2014, Willis sold his former Beverly Hills mansion for $US16.5 million ($A25 million).
Bruce Willis in Die Hard with a Vengeance.
The Hollywood icon’s family announced in 2022 that Willis retired from acting after being diagnosed with aphasia — a brain disorder that affects his ability to communicate.
The Pulp Fiction actor sold all of his prize property in multiple countries as his health was declining, Page Six reports.
According to the outlet, Willis spent a number of years selling an astonishing nearly $US65 million ($A86 million) worth of luxury properties to focus on life with his family in California.
In December 2019, Willis and wife Emma Heming sold their Westchester estate in New York for $US7.66 million ($A10.1 million) after slashing the asking price by $A5.3 million ($A7 million).
The couple took a $US4.34 million ($A5.8 million) loss on the home, having bought it for $US12 million ($A18.1 million) in 2014.
The 825 sqm home has five bedrooms and five-and-a-half bathrooms, sitting on sprawling 5.5 hectares.
He then handed over $US9.8 million ($A13 million) for a new mansion in Brentwood, California.
Willis sold his Westchester estate saying he wanted to spend more time with his family and kids in Los Angeles Pictures: Realtor/Douglas Elliman
In 2018, Willis’ majestic six-bedroom 558 sqm Central Park West duplex went for $US17.75 million ($A23.7 million), with the actor saying he was downsizing to a smaller NYC apartment.
He picked up a smaller condo near Lincoln Centre for around $US7.9 million ($A10.5 million).
In October 2018, Willis unloaded his Sun Valley, Idaho, mountain house for a bargain price of $US5.5 million ($A7.3 million).
He had originally been asking $US15 million ($A20 million), nearly three times the sale price, which still set a record for the area.
And in 2019, Willis and Heming parted ways with their gorgeous, sprawling Turks and Caicos compound for an impressive $US27 million ($A36 million).
The 1255 sqm beachfront property boasts a five-bedroom main house, a yoga pavilion, a huge pool and two guesthouses, each with three bedrooms. It had been listed for $US33 million ($A51 million).
In 2021, Willis also sold a plot of land for $US6 million ($A9 million) on the celebrity-loved island of Parrot Cay in Turks and Caicos.
Bruce Willis’ former Turks and Caicos compound was listed recently for $51.6 million. Picture: SothebysRealty
Harrison Ford
Harrison Ford established him as an action hero and one of Hollywood’s most bankable stars, thanks to hit films Star Wars, Indiana Jones and Blade Runner.
The actor has amassed an impressive portfolio of properties over the years.
In 1983, the The Fugitive star purchased an estate in LA’s Brentwood neighbourhood for $US1 million ($A1.5 million). He sold the home in 2012 for $8.2 million ($A12.4 million).
Ford and his wife Calista Flockhart forked out $US12.6 million ($A19 million) on a different Brentwood home in 2011. The dwelling has been their longtime primary residence in LA.
According to property records, the Air Force One actor still owns at least three other homes in LA.
In 2001, Ford snapped up a four-bedroom penthouse in NYC’s Flatiron District for $US5.3 million ($A8 million). He listed the pad in 2010 for $US16 million ($A24 million).
Mark Hamill, Carrie Fisher and Harrison Ford in 1977 film Star Wars.
Ford in the 1984 film Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom.
It was eventually sold at the end of 2012 for $US15 million ($A22.7 million).
The apartment features an elevator, 11 rooms, a state-of-the-art kitchen and security system, a gym, an office, and a library.
At the top of the penthouse, there is a private rooftop terrace, complete with a wet bar and views of Manhattan and the Hudson River.
The Patriot Games star purchased a ranch in Jackson Hole, Wyoming in the 1980s when he was still married to his second wife, Melissa Mathison.
Ford now primarily lives on the $US13 million ($A19.9 million) estate with Flockhart.
While the exact value remains unknown, similar properties in the area range between $US70 million ($A105 million) and $US250 million ($A378 million).
The Patriot Games star purchased a ranch in Jackson Hole, Wyoming in the 1980s. Picture: Getty
Jean-Claude van Damme
Jean-Claude van Damme became an action film star with successful films such as Bloodsport, Universal Soldier and Time Cop.
In 2012, Jean-Claude van Damme purchased a newly built spec mansion in Marina Del Rey, California, for $US6 million ($A9 million), exceeding the asking price by $US125,000 ($A190,000).
The six-bedroom house features eight fireplaces, a billiard room, a home gym, an elevator, a rooftop garden, and a spa. The property also boasts fire pits, waterfalls, and a bike path.
The “Muscles from Brussels” sold the house to rapper Ice Cube in 2016 for $US7.25 million ($A10.9 million).
The Street Fighter star now lives primarily in Hong Kong, where he owns an apartment on the 75th floor of a luxury building.
Jean-Claude van Damme as Max Walker in a scene from 1994 film Timecop
The “Muscles from Brussels” sold the house to rapper Ice Cube in 2016 for $US7.25 million. Picture: Realtor
Steven Seagal
Steven Seagal rose to fame playing badass characters in the late ’80s and ’90s.
The martial arts star has a number of homes in his property portfolio.
In the early 1990s, the Under Siege actor and then-wife Kelly LeBrock bought a 90-acre property in Los Olivos, California for $US2.8 million ($A4.2 million).
They paid $US1.8 million ($A2.7 million) for the neighbouring 50-acre vineyard.
A year before their split, the couple sold the combined property in 1995 for $US3.8 million ($A5.7 million).
Steven Seagal in 1990 film Under Seige.
In 2010, Steven paid an undisclosed amount for a property in Scottsdale, Arizona. He then custom-built a stone mansion.
One of the most unique talking points of the home is its bulletproof floor to ceiling windows which look out onto the desert and downtown Phoenix.
The Above the Law star put the house on the market in December 2012 for $US4.25 million ($A6.4 million). He ultimately accepted $3.55 million ($A5.3 million) in July 2021.
He also owns a ranch in Colorado and in the Mandeville Canyon section of Los Angeles and Louisiana, the New York Post reports.
According to reports Seagal, 69, also bought a house outside of Moscow, in 2018 after becoming a Russian citizen.
He previously had trouble selling his Tennessee estate in 2017, which he eventually sold at a loss.
Seagal’s bulletproof Arizona home sold for $3.55 million. Picture: Realtor
Chuck Norris
Chuck Norris gained fame as an action star in films such as The Way of the Dragon, Good Guys Wear Black and Delta Force.
The martial artist and actor co-owned a Dallas home with his brother, Aaron. This was the residence where he lived during his time on Walker, Texas Ranger. It was listed for $US1.2 million ($A1.8 million) in 2013.
The property has four bedrooms, seven bathrooms, a theatre, a weight room and its own lake.
A separate building on the estate served as a studio during the filming of Walker, Texas Ranger.
Chuck Norris and his family currently live at Lone Wolf Ranch in Navasota, Texas, where they run their water bottling company, CForce.
Chuck Norris in TV show Walker: Texas Ranger.
Kurt Russell
Kurt Russell began his career as a child actor before transitioning to leading roles as an adult in the action films Escape from New York and Big Trouble in Little China.
Over the years, the actor and his partner Goldie Hawn have made huge real estate investments.
In 1997, the couple bought a luxurious penthouse in Manhattan for $US3.8 million ($A5.7 million).
The pair purchased a house in Palm Desert, California in 2003 for about $US3.6 million ($A5.4 million).
Halle Berry and Kurt Russell in a scene from the 1996 film Executive Decision.
Over the years, the actor and his partner Goldie Hawn have made huge real estate investments. Picture: Michael Kovac/Getty Images for Netflix
In 2011, the duo snapped up a cliff top home in the same area for $US5.7 million ($A8.6 million).
Russell and Hawn’s property portfolio extends to Vancouver, Canada, and Brentwood, California.
In addition to these, the couple also owns several vacation homes, including a lakefront property in Ontario, a vineyard in the Santa Ynez Valley, and a $US14.75 million ($A22.3 million) Malibu oceanfront retreat.
In 2019, Russell and Hawn offloaded a property in Pacific Palisades for $US6.9 million ($A10.4 million). They currently live on a 72-acre ranch just outside of Aspen, Colorado.
In 2019, Russell and Hawn offloaded a property in Pacific Palisades for $US6.9 million. Picture: Realtor
Wesley Snipes
Wesley Snipes is best known for his action films Demolition Man, Rising Sun and the Blade trilogy.
Between 1996 and 2004, the actor earned approximately $US37.9 million ($A57.3 million) from various acting jobs, according to Celebrity Net Worth.
Despite earning huge paychecks from his roles, the actor squandered a massive chunk of his wealth due to tax evasion, ultimately losing several homes.
In 2002, the Drop Zone star snapped up a mansion in Alpine, New Jersey for $US5.6 million ($A8.4 million).
Wesley Snipes in the 1998 film Blade.
Within a few years Snipes stopped paying the property tax bill, owing $US70,000 ($A105,000).
The movie star was forced to sell the home in 2014 for $US3.5 million ($A5.2 million) at a $US2.1 million ($A3.1 million) loss.
According to the Irish Examiner, the Passenger 57 actor lost his Florida home to foreclosure in 2003. His $US5.6 million ($A8.4 million) LA estate was put on the market at a reduced price
Snipes’ apartment in New York City was destroyed during the 9/11 attacks on the World Trade Center Twin Towers.
The actor squandered a massive chunk of his wealth due to tax evasion, ultimately losing several homes. Picture: D Dipasupil/FilmMagic
Jackie Chan
Jackie Chan gained Hollywood success in Rumble in the Bronx and the Rush Hour films.
Over the years, the action star has invested in real estate across Hong Kong, Mainland China, and the US.
The Shanghai Noon actor owns an estate in Hong Kong as well as properties in Shanghai and Beverly Hills.
Jackie Chan and Chris Tucker in 1999 film Rush Hour. Picture: Supplied
In 2020, Chan was forced to put his Beijing apartments up for auction due to an ownership dispute.
The martial artist worked with Yujia Real Estate and paid $US4.9 million ($A7.4 million) for the apartments in 2006.
However, the real estate company reportedly didn’t file the paperwork properly.
The property was valued at about $US14.6 million ($A22 million), but it was auctioned in September starting the bid at $US10.5 million ($A15.8 million).
The action star has invested in real estate across Hong Kong, Mainland China, and the US. Picture: Graham Denholm/Getty Images
Mel Gibson
Mel Gibson became a bankable action star with his roles in the Mad Max films and the Lethal Weapon series.
Over the years, the actor and director has owned a number of impressive properties in Malibu, Los Angeles, Costa Rica, Fiji, and throughout Australia.
In 1994, the Oscar-winner purchased Old Mill Farm, a sprawling 75-acre estate in Greenwich, Connecticut for $US9 million ($A13.6 million).
He sold the property in July 2007 for $US40 million ($A60.4 million).
In 2008, the Hollywood legend purchased the hilltop Malibu mansion from then-married couple, David Duchovny and Tea Leoni for $US11.5 million.
The Gallipoli star has made two attempts to offload it in the years since, most recently in 2019 for $US14.5 million ($A22 million).
However, after delisting the property in July of that same year, Gibson seemed content to hold on to the five-bedroom residence, only for disaster to strike in January when the home was burned to the ground in the California wildfires.
Danny Glover and Mel Gibson in Lethal Weapon 2.
Gibson’s Malibu mansion, seen before the wildfires. Picture: Realtor
In December 2004, Gibson unloaded his Australian homestead for $1.825 million.
The original estate offered 6,578 square feet of living space, including a five-bedroom, five-bathroom main house, a pool house that was being used as a gym, and a detached guesthouse above a three-car garage.
Back in June, photos obtained by Realtor reveal that the Braveheart filmmaker was rebuilding the mansion.
The images suggested that Gibson is planning to build a structure that is similar to the property that once stood on the 5.5-acre plot.
In April 2007, the Maverick star paid the hefty sum of $US26 million ($A39 million) for a 400-acre ranch in Costa Rica.
This mansion has been put on the market multiple times, with asking prices reaching up to $US35 million ($A52 million).
In December 2004, Gibson unloaded his Australian homestead for $1.825 million. The 21.2ha property including a six-bedroom house is located at Gundowring, about 331km from Melbourne.
Later that same month, he paid $US15 million ($A22 million) for a private island in Fiji called Mago Island.
Parts of this story first appeared in Page Six and Realtor and were republished with permission.
— Additional reporting by Anita Balalovski
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