1Bette Davis’ waist insurance – $543,000 (£390k) in today’s money
Our list begins with Bette Davis insuring her waist for $28,000 during the 1940s, a substantial sum in her prime. Adjusted for inflation, this amount equals $543,000 (£390k) in 2021. At the peak of her fame, Davis turned to Lloyd’s of London to protect her slender waist, driven by concerns that any weight gain could jeopardize her career. In the event of casting rejections due to her size, Davis would have been entitled to substantial compensation.
