Meet Larry Ellison’s Hollywood Heirs: Where Are They Now?
Larry Ellison’s Children: Hollywood Power Players in Their Own Right
Larry Ellison, the billionaire co-founder of Oracle, is known for his vast fortune and extravagant real estate portfolio. But beyond his success in the tech world, he has also influenced Hollywood—through his two children, David Ellison and Megan Ellison. While they’ve each forged their own paths in the entertainment industry, their father’s fortune has played a key role in shaping their careers.
So, where are they now? Let’s take a closer look at how they’ve benefited from their father’s wealth and what they’re up to today.
David Ellison: The Skydance Success Story
A Rough Start in Hollywood
David Ellison, born in 1983, always had a passion for film. He attended the University of Southern California to study film but dropped out to pursue an acting career. His big break came in 2006 when he starred alongside James Franco in Flyboys, a World War I drama. Unfortunately, the movie bombed at the box office, reinforcing the perception that David was just another “rich kid” throwing money at Hollywood.
From ‘Dumb Money’ to Hollywood Mogul
Determined to change the narrative, David transitioned from acting to producing. He founded Skydance Media in 2010 and started financing blockbuster films, including Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol and Star Trek Into Darkness. Though he faced setbacks with box office flops like Gemini Man, he proved his business acumen by securing a $1 billion revolving credit line and selling part of Skydance for $275 million.
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Billionaire Heir Turned Media Powerhouse
Today, David is in talks to acquire Paramount Global, a move that could cement his legacy in the entertainment industry. His deep pockets, combined with a strategic approach to streaming and production, have helped him shed the “dumb money” reputation and emerge as a serious player in Hollywood.
Megan Ellison: A Hollywood Rebel with Billionaire Backing
Early Filmmaking Ambitions
Like her brother, Megan (born in 1986) also dropped out of USC film school. She started as a boom operator in a small indie film but quickly moved into producing. At just 24 years old, she launched Annapurna Pictures, a production company that would go on to back some of Hollywood’s most critically acclaimed films.
A Billionaire’s Gift & Annapurna’s Rise
When Megan turned 25, Larry Ellison gave her $1.8 billion, providing her with the financial cushion to take risks in Hollywood. Her bold approach paid off—she financed award-winning films like Zero Dark Thirty, Her, and American Hustle. In 2014, at just 28 years old, she became the first woman (and first openly lesbian woman) to receive two Academy Award Best Picture nominations in the same year.
Hollywood’s Enigma & A Comeback?
Despite her early success, Annapurna faced financial struggles in 2019, leading Megan to retreat to Hawaii. Her father stepped in, restructuring the company. While she stepped back from the limelight, she recently revived her Hollywood presence by purchasing and producing Nimona, which earned an Oscar nomination for Best Animated Feature in 2024.
How Much Did They Inherit?
While Larry Ellison’s $158.8 billion net worth dwarfs his children's individual wealth, both David and Megan have benefited significantly:
- David Ellison built Skydance Media with his father’s support and is now valued in the hundreds of millions.
- Megan Ellison received $1.8 billion outright from her father, which helped fund Annapurna Pictures.
Despite their billionaire inheritance, both have managed to carve out their own identities in Hollywood—albeit with a financial safety net most filmmakers could only dream of.
What’s Next for Larry Ellison’s Heirs?
With David eyeing a potential takeover of Paramount and Megan making a quiet but meaningful comeback in animation, it’s clear that the Ellison siblings are far from done shaping Hollywood. Whether they’ll fully step out of their father’s shadow remains to be seen, but for now, they’re making their own mark—one blockbuster at a time.
