Daryl Hannah is one of those rare Hollywood stars who’s managed to stay relevant across multiple decades. Whether you remember her from the sci-fi classic Blade Runner, the romantic hit Splash, or as the fierce Elle Driver in Kill Bill, her career has been nothing short of remarkable.
Now, at 64 years old (as of 2025), Daryl has shifted much of her focus to environmental activism while still making selective appearances in film and TV. With a net worth of $20 million, she’s built a legacy not just in Hollywood but also as a passionate advocate for sustainable living.
From Chicago to the Big Screen
Born Daryl Christine Hannah on December 3, 1960, in Chicago, Illinois, she had anything but a smooth childhood. Diagnosed with autism as a child, she was shy and often felt isolated. Her mother, Susan Jeanne Metzger, later became a film producer, while her father, Donald Hannah, worked in the tugboat business. After her parents divorced, her mother married financier Jerrold Wexler, introducing Daryl to a world of creativity through her step-uncle, legendary cinematographer Haskell Wexler.
Despite her struggles, Daryl found solace in films. She studied acting at the University of Southern California and trained in ballet before diving into the movie industry.
The Breakthrough: Blade Runner & Splash
Hannah’s Hollywood debut came in 1978 with The Fury, but it was in 1982 that she really caught attention. She played Pris, the athletic replicant in Blade Runner, a role that required her to perform her own stunts (even suffering an injury on set).
Just two years later, she became a household name with Splash (1984), playing a mermaid opposite Tom Hanks. The film was a massive success, proving that she had the charm and talent to be a leading lady.
A Decade of Success & Hollywood Stardom
The 1980s were golden years for Daryl Hannah. She starred in major films like:
- Roxanne (1987) alongside Steve Martin
- Wall Street (1987) as Darien Taylor
- Steel Magnolias (1989), where she played a shy but lovable character
By the 1990s, she continued working, appearing in the Grumpy Old Men films and indie projects. Though Hollywood started shifting focus to younger actresses, Daryl remained a respected name in the industry.
Kill Bill & Career Resurgence
Just when some thought her Hollywood days were slowing down, Quentin Tarantino cast her as Elle Driver in Kill Bill: Vol. 1 (2003) and Vol. 2 (2004). The role, a one-eyed assassin with a vicious streak, was unforgettable. It reminded audiences just how fierce and versatile she could be.
Since then, she’s balanced indie films with TV projects like Netflix’s Sense8 (2015-2018), keeping her career alive while dedicating time to activism.
Beyond Hollywood: Environmental Activism & Personal Life
Daryl isn’t just an actress—she’s an environmental warrior. Passionate about sustainability, she’s:
- Built and lived in an off-grid tiny home
- Produced documentaries about climate change
- Been arrested for protesting the Keystone pipeline
- Advocated for plant-based living and veganism
Her dedication to activism is as strong as her Hollywood career.
On the personal front, she dated Jackson Browne and John F. Kennedy Jr. before finding love with Neil Young. The two tied the knot in 2018, proving that love can come at any stage of life.
