Elaine Hendrix Net Worth 2025 has become one of the hottest search topics in September 2025, and for good reason! The beloved actress who made us all hate Meredith Blake in “The Parent Trap” is back in the spotlight with her announcement as a contestant on Dancing with the Stars (DWTS) Season 34, plus her recent reunion with Lindsay Lohan in “Freakier Friday.” With decades in Hollywood under her belt, this 54-year-old powerhouse has built an impressive fortune of $2 million through her diverse entertainment career.
Why Elaine Hendrix is Trending in 2025: Star Power, Viral DWTS Moment & Parent Trap Nostalgia
Dancing with the Stars Season 34 Announcement
The internet exploded on September 3, 2025, when ABC announced Elaine Hendrix as part of the Dancing with the Stars Season 34 cast. Paired with professional dancer Alan Bersten, she’s stepping into the ballroom for the show’s milestone 20th anniversary season premiering September 16. The timing couldn’t be more perfect – fans are already buzzing about seeing their favorite “villain” show off her dance moves, especially considering her background as a professional dancer before her acting career took off.
The Parent Trap Renaissance and Freakier Friday Cameo
Hendrix has been riding a wave of nostalgic love thanks to her surprise cameo in Disney’s “Freakier Friday,” where she reunited with Lindsay Lohan after 27 years. In the sequel, she plays Blake Kale, Anna’s editor at Rolling Stone, bringing their friendship full circle from their days on “The Parent Trap” set. This reunion has reignited the #JusticeForMeredithBlake movement, with millennials finally recognizing that maybe those twins were the real villains all along. Like her co-star Lindsay Lohan (who has also built significant wealth), Hendrix has leveraged her Parent Trap fame into lasting financial success.
Elaine Hendrix Net Worth Breakdown: How She Built Her $2 Million Fortune
| Income Source | Estimated Contribution | Notable Projects |
|---|---|---|
| Film Acting | $800,000 | The Parent Trap, Romy & Michele’s High School Reunion |
| Television Work | $600,000 | Dynasty, Joan of Arcadia, The Chronicle |
| Stage Productions | $300,000 | Hello Dolly!, Ginger Twinsies (Producer) |
| Dancing/Modeling | $200,000 | Nike, Levi’s, MC Hammer videos |
| DWTS Appearance | $125,000+ | Season 34 starting salary |
| Total Net Worth | $2 Million | As of 2025 |
Early Career and Dancing Background
Before becoming Hollywood’s most memorable “villain,” Hendrix was making bank as a professional dancer and model. She worked with major brands like Nike, Levi’s, Mattel, and Sun Microsystems, plus danced in music videos for hip-hop legends including MC Hammer, Keith Sweat, and Whodini. This early success laid the financial foundation for her acting transition after a bicycle accident in 1992 ended her dancing career.
Breakthrough Film Roles
Her portrayal of gold-digging Meredith Blake in 1998’s “The Parent Trap” became her career-defining moment, earning her both recognition and steady residual income. The film’s enduring popularity means Hendrix continues benefiting financially from streaming royalties and merchandise deals nearly three decades later.
Current Projects Boosting Her Earnings
Dancing with the Stars Season 34 Payday
According to industry sources, DWTS celebrities start with a base salary of $125,000 for rehearsals plus the first two weeks. If Hendrix goes the distance, she could earn up to $295,000 total, with weekly increases for each elimination she survives. Given her dance background, she’s positioned as a potential frontrunner for the Mirror Ball Trophy.
Theater Producer Success
Hendrix has expanded her income streams by producing the off-Broadway hit “Ginger Twinsies,” a clever parody of “The Parent Trap.” Running at the Orpheum Theater through October 26, 2025, this production showcases her business acumen beyond performing. She even hosted a Meredith Blake lookalike contest during previews, proving she knows how to capitalize on her iconic character.
Biography: From Tennessee Small Town to Hollywood Stardom
Early Life and Family Background
Born Katherine Elaine Hendrix on December 28, 1970, in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, she grew up in a military family while her father served in Vietnam. Her diverse heritage includes Italian, Danish, Irish, and English roots, contributing to her distinctive look that made her perfect for playing sophisticated antagonists.
Career Timeline and Major Milestones
1992-1995: The Foundation Years
- Moved to Los Angeles after bicycle accident ended dancing career
- First TV appearance on “Doogie Howser, M.D.”
- Recurring role as Agent 66 on “Get Smart”
1997-1998: Breakthrough Period
- “Romy and Michele’s High School Reunion” established her mean-girl persona
- “The Parent Trap” made her a household name worldwide
2001-2022: Television Success
- “The Chronicle” (2001-2002) as Kristen Martin
- “Joan of Arcadia” (2003-2005) as Ms. Lischak
- “Dynasty” reboot (2019-2022) bringing her back to primetime
Personal Life and Activism
Relationship Status and Family
Hendrix has been in a long-term relationship with Christopher J. Corabi and previously dated actor David Faustino from 1995-1997. She’s chosen not to have children, focusing instead on her career and animal advocacy work.
Animal Rights Activism
A passionate vegan since 2006, Hendrix serves as Director of Marketing and Public Relations for Animal Rescue Corps. She’s also a spokesperson for In Defense of Animals and regularly participates in Pets 90210 adoption events, using her platform to promote animal welfare.
Also read: Veronika Slowikowska’s SHOCKING Net Worth & ‘Secret Romance
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How much is Elaine Hendrix worth in 2025?
A: Elaine Hendrix’s net worth is estimated at $2 million as of 2025, according to multiple celebrity wealth tracking sources.
Q: How much will Elaine Hendrix make on Dancing with the Stars?
A: She’ll earn a minimum of $125,000 for rehearsals and the first two weeks, with potential earnings up to $295,000 if she reaches the finals.
Q: Is Elaine Hendrix married?
A: No, she’s not married but has been in a long-term relationship with Christopher J. Corabi.
Q: What is Elaine Hendrix doing now?
A: She’s currently competing on Dancing with the Stars Season 34, producing the off-Broadway show “Ginger Twinsies,” and appeared in Disney’s “Freakier Friday.”
Q: How old is Elaine Hendrix?
A: Born December 28, 1970, Elaine Hendrix is 54 years old as of 2025.
What’s Next for the Parent Trap Star?
With DWTS Season 34 just beginning and “Hello, Dolly!” on Broadway scheduled for 2026, Hendrix shows no signs of slowing down. Her savvy transition from performer to producer, combined with her enduring pop culture relevance, suggests her $2 million net worth could see significant growth in the coming years.
The timing of her DWTS appearance couldn’t be more strategic – it’s introducing her to a new generation of fans while capitalizing on the Parent Trap nostalgia wave. Whether she takes home the Mirror Ball Trophy or not, Elaine Hendrix has already won by staying relevant and financially successful in an industry known for chewing up and spitting out yesterday’s stars.
From Tennessee small-town girl to Hollywood fixture with a multimillion-dollar net worth, Elaine Hendrix proves that sometimes the “villain” really does get the last laugh.
