Kathleen Elizabeth Hilton (née Avanzino; born March 13, 1959) is an American socialite, fashion designer, actress, and television personality. She is the mother of socialite Paris Hilton and fashion designer Nicky Hilton.
Additionally, she is the half-sister of Kim and Kyle Richards, stars of The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills. Since 2011, Hilton has made regular guest and recurring appearances on the series, further solidifying her presence in the entertainment industry.
RELATED: Tina Denise Byrd: The Life and Times of Tammy Wynette’s Daughter
Table of Contents
Kathy Hilton Net Worth
Kathy Hilton has a net worth of $350 million. In 1999, she and Rick Hilton purchased a 7-bedroom, 3-acre property in Water Mill, New York, for $3.385 million, renting it out during summers for $300,000 to $400,000. In February 2024, they listed the mansion for nearly $15 million.
Additionally, in 2014, they acquired a Pierre Hotel apartment for $2.5 million and bought a Bel-Air mansion in 2015 for $9.2 million, later listing it for $55 million before selling it for $25 million in January 2024.
Early life
Hilton is the daughter of Kathleen Mary (née Dugan) and Larry Avanzino. Her father’s family is of Italian ancestry, while her mother’s family hails from Ireland. After her parents divorced, her mother married Kenneth E. Richards (1917–1998), who had three grown children from a previous marriage, giving Hilton two maternal half-sisters: actresses Kim and Kyle Richards.
Additionally, she has five paternal half-siblings from her father’s remarriage. Hilton graduated from Montclair College Preparatory School in Los Angeles, where she became best friends with Michael Jackson, maintaining their friendship until his death in 2009.
Career
In 1968, Hilton began her career as a child actress, retiring in 1979. Her notable appearances include roles in Nanny and the Professor, Bewitched, Family Affair, and films like The Dark. From 2003 to 2005, she appeared on select episodes of The Simple Life and hosted I Want To Be a Hilton.
In 2012, she publicly stated her refusal to watch her half-sisters Kim and Kyle Richards on The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills. Hilton joined the show as a “friend of the housewives” in 2020 and confirmed her return for the fourteenth season in 2024.
Personal life
Hilton married Richard Hilton on November 24, 1979, at the age of 20. Together, they have four children: Paris Hilton (born 1981), Nicky Hilton (born 1983), Barron Nicholas Hilton II (born 1989), and Conrad Hughes Hilton III (born 1994).
She is also a grandmother to eight grandchildren, with three from Nicky, three from Barron, and two from Paris. The couple resides in Bel Air, Los Angeles, and Hilton showcased their home in Architectural Digest for Christmas 2021.
Who is richer, Kyle or Kathy?
Kathy Hilton is wealthier than her sister Kyle Richards, with an estimated net worth of $350 million. The bulk of their wealth is attributed to their husbands, but Kathy’s fortune comes from marrying into the Hilton hotel empire.
In contrast, Kyle’s net worth is significantly lower, making it less than half of Kathy’s. Despite their familial ties, Kathy’s financial standing places her in a more affluent position compared to Kyle and her husband, Mauricio Umansky.
Conclusion
Kathy Hilton’s journey from a child actress to a wealthy socialite and reality TV star is a narrative of success, family, and resilience. Her presence in the entertainment industry, coupled with her family’s iconic status and her husband’s business acumen, has cemented her position as a notable figure in both the social and financial spheres.
RELATED: Ms. Rachel Net Worth: The Finances Behind the Fame
FAQs about Kathy Hilton’s Net Worth
- How did Kathy Hilton first become famous? Kathy Hilton initially gained fame as a child actress, with roles in TV shows and films until 1979.
- What are some of Kathy Hilton’s most notable business ventures? Apart from acting, Kathy Hilton has succeeded in her ventures into fashion, notably with her Kathy Hilton Collection of party dresses.
- Has Kathy Hilton received any significant inheritances? Kathy Hilton’s personal wealth is largely earned through her career and marriage, and she did not receive a significant inheritance from the Hilton family fortune.
- What is the primary source of income for Kathy Hilton’s net worth? Kathy Hilton’s net worth is attributed to her career and her share in her husband’s successful real estate business.
- Did Kathy Hilton’s upbringing influence her success? Growing up in a family with entertainment industry ties and later marrying into the Hilton dynasty, her upbringing and personal choices significantly shaped her career path and success.
