Rebecca Gayheart’s journey through Hollywood has been one of talent, trials, and transformation. Best known in the 1990s as “The Noxzema Girl,” Gayheart leveraged her early modeling success into a diverse acting career that spans decades. As of 2025, Rebecca Gayheart’s net worth stands at $5 million, reflecting her accomplishments in television, film, and real estate, as well as the resilience she’s shown in overcoming personal hardship.
Early Life and Breakthrough in Commercial Fame
Born on August 12, 1971, in Hazard, Kentucky, Rebecca Gayheart grew up in Pine Top in a working-class family. Her mother was a Mary Kay consultant, and her father worked as a miner and truck driver. At age 15, after winning a local modeling contest, Gayheart moved to New York City to pursue modeling and acting. She studied at the Professional Children’s School and the Lee Strasberg Theatre and Film Institute, building the foundation for her future career while appearing in Burger King and Campbell’s commercials.
Her big break came in the early 1990s when she starred in a series of iconic skincare commercials, quickly becoming known nationwide as “The Noxzema Girl.”
Rise in Television and Film
Gayheart began her TV career on the soap opera Loving, playing Hannah Mayberry in more than 140 episodes. By 1995, she was cast as Toni Marchette on Beverly Hills, 90210, a role that elevated her profile significantly.
The late 1990s saw Gayheart dive into film, especially in the horror and teen genres. She had roles in Scream 2 (1997), Urban Legend (1998), and Urban Legends: Final Cut (2000). Her performance as Brenda Bates in Urban Legend became one of her most recognized roles. She also showcased her comedic side in Nothing to Lose (1997) and the cult classic Jawbreaker (1999).
She continued with TV appearances in shows like Earth 2, Wasteland, Nip/Tuck, Dead Like Me, and Ugly Betty, demonstrating her versatility in both drama and comedy. One of her notable later film appearances came in Quentin Tarantino’s Once Upon a Time in Hollywood (2019), playing the late wife of Brad Pitt’s character.
Career Slowdown and Personal Challenges
Despite a promising career trajectory, Gayheart faced serious personal setbacks. In 2001, she was involved in a tragic car accident that resulted in the death of a 9-year-old boy. The incident had a significant impact on her life and career. She pleaded no contest to vehicular manslaughter and was sentenced to probation, community service, and a fine. Gayheart later opened up about the emotional toll the accident took on her, admitting to experiencing a prolonged period of self-destructive behavior.
These events slowed her acting momentum, but she continued to appear sporadically in TV and film, including G.B.F. (2013) and Grey Lady (2017), the latter of which she co-starred in with her husband, Eric Dane.
Personal Life and Recent Updates
Gayheart met director Brett Ratner at 15, and the two were in a long-term relationship for over a decade before splitting in 1999. In 2004, she married actor Eric Dane. They have two daughters: Billie, born in 2010, and Georgia, born in 2011.
In 2009, Gayheart and Dane sued Gawker over a leaked personal video, which was eventually removed. The couple separated in 2018, but in March 2025, Rebecca filed to dismiss the divorce petition, potentially signaling a reconciliation. In April 2025, Dane disclosed his diagnosis with ALS, which has reportedly brought the family closer during a difficult time.
Real Estate and Financial Profile
Gayheart and Dane’s financial decisions over the years have added stability to her overall net worth. In 2006, the couple purchased a Los Angeles home for $1.64 million, which they later sold. Shortly after, they bought a property in Beverly Hills Post Office for $2.4 million, which remains their primary residence today. As of 2025, the home’s value has appreciated to approximately $4 million.
Her real estate investments, combined with consistent though selective acting roles and previous endorsements, contribute to her $5 million net worth. While her public profile has mellowed in recent years, her financial standing reflects her early success and smart asset management.
Legacy and Outlook
Rebecca Gayheart’s story is one of highs and lows, but her continued presence in Hollywood — even if infrequent — speaks to her enduring relevance. She has shown strength in the face of personal tragedy and continues to be a supportive figure in her family, especially as her husband now navigates a serious health battle.
From her Kentucky roots to Los Angeles real estate, and from modeling contests to cult films, Gayheart’s career has been far from conventional. As of 2025, she remains a reminder that in Hollywood, reinvention and resilience are as valuable as fame.
