Julia's secret -billionaire family life!

She's made a name for herself in comedy, but the Seinfeld star's also an heiress

Comic actress Julia Louis-Dreyfus is world famous for her roles in Seinfeld and Veep, but few fans know about the billionaire background she's spent years downplaying.

Despite being born into a shipping family dynasty, the 61-year-old actress and her comic husband Brad Hall - who celebrate 35 years of marriage next month - lead a remarkably normal life in Santa Barbara with sons, Henry, 29, and Charlie, 25.

"She may not like it, but she's been a billionairess since the day she was born," a longtime family friend tells Woman's Day.

"But Julia and Brad have no airs and graces whatsoever. They only have what they need and spend what they have. Part of Julia is embarrassed by her family's wealth."

The actress is said to be worth $310 million due to her successful TV career, but that's almost loose change compared to the wealth accumulated by the family business!

SHIPPING WEALTH

Julia's French great-great-grandfather Leopold founded the Louis Dreyfus Group in 1851, a shipping conglomerate that still generates around $80 billion a year in income in more than 100 countries.

Julia's late father Gerard (also known as William) expanded the business into the US, with ventures in real estate, energy and telecommunications. Despite the family's wealth, it's almost comical how Julia tries to hide it.