Erin Brockovich, born June 22, 1960, is a renowned American paralegal and environmental activist. She gained fame for her role in the successful lawsuit against Pacific Gas & Electric Company for groundwater contamination in Hinkley, California, which was depicted in the Oscar-winning film Erin Brockovich (2000).
Brockovich has since become a media personality, hosting TV series like Challenge America with Erin Brockovich and Final Justice. She is president of Brockovich Research & Consulting and consults for Weitz & Luxenberg and Shine Lawyers.
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Erin Brockovich Net Worth
Erin Brockovich has a net worth of $10 million. She is best known for her role in a landmark case against Pacific Gas & Electric, which alleged contamination of drinking water with hexavalent chromium in Hinkley, California.
The case was settled in 1996 for $333 million, the largest direct-action lawsuit settlement in U.S. history at the time. This story was depicted in the 2000 film Erin Brockovich, with Julia Roberts portraying Brockovich.
Early Life
Erin Pattee Brockovich was born in Lawrence, Kansas, to Betty Jo O’Neal, a journalist, and Frank Pattee, an industrial engineer and football player. She has two brothers, Frank Jr. and Thomas (1954–1992), and a sister, Jodie. Brockovich graduated from Lawrence High School and attended Kansas State University before earning an Associate in Applied Arts Degree from Wade College in Dallas, Texas. She is also dyslexic.
Career
Before her legal career, Erin Brockovich worked at K-Mart and entered a beauty pageant. She began as a legal clerk for lawyer Edward L. Masry in California. In 1993, Brockovich investigated a cluster of illnesses in Hinkley, California, caused by hexavalent chromium discharged by Pacific Gas & Electric.
Her efforts led to a $333 million settlement in 1996, the largest in U.S. history at that time. The case inspired the 2000 film Erin Brockovich, with Julia Roberts winning an Oscar for the role. Brockovich later continued her advocacy, securing another $335 million settlement against PG&E and working on similar cases nationwide.
Personal life
Erin Brockovich has three children: Matthew and Katie from her first marriage to Shawn Brown, and Elizabeth (“Beth“) from her second marriage to Steven Brockovich.
Her third husband was actor and country musician DJ Eric L. Ellis. As of 2016, Brockovich lives in Agoura Hills, California, in a house she bought in 1996 with her $2.5 million bonus from the Hinkley settlement.
Did Erin Brockovich get $2 million dollars?
Yes, from the Hinkley case settlement, Brockovich received $2.5 million as her fee.
Conclusion
Erin Brockovich’s life is a testament to the power of resilience, passion, and dedication. From her challenges with dyslexia to taking on giant corporations, her journey is both inspiring and a reminder of the change one person can bring about when driven by purpose.
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FAQs about Erin Brockovich’s Net Worth
- How did Erin Brockovich become famous?
Erin gained fame after building a case against PG&E over groundwater contamination in Hinkley, California. - How much did Erin Brockovich earn from the Hinkley case?
Brockovich received $2.5 million from the $333 million settlement. - Was there a movie made about Erin Brockovich?
Yes, the 2000 film “Erin Brockovich” starred Julia Roberts in the titular role. - How many times has Erin Brockovich been married?
Erin has been married three times. - What is Erin Brockovich’s net worth in 2023?
As of 2023, her net worth is estimated at $10 million.