Carole Gene “Candy” Spelling (née Marer; born September 20, 1945) is an American author, theater producer, and philanthropist. She was married to Aaron Spelling from 1968 until his death in 2006.
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Candy Spelling Net Worth
Candy Spelling has a net worth of $600 million. Upon his death, she inherited Aaron Spelling’s entire estate, including notable homes and valuable syndication royalties. However, Aaron left Tori Spelling just $800,000, leading to claims that Tori has struggled financially, even living in a cheap motel and RV in 2023.
Candy Spelling has been criticized for her daughter’s situation. Aside from her wealth, Candy has contributed to philanthropy and worked as a Broadway producer. She has also authored several books.
Early life
Carole Gene Marer was born in Beverly Hills, California to Augusta (née Rosen) and Merritt Marer in a Jewish household. She has an older brother, Anthony Marer (born July 24, 1942).
Her father, a salesman, founded a chain of furniture stores that initially thrived but ultimately failed due to overexpansion. Carole attended Beverly Hills High School and later studied at the Chouinard Art Institute in Los Angeles.
Career
In 2009, Candy Spelling published her autobiography, Stories From Candyland, which quickly became a New York Times Bestseller. She followed with a memoir, Candy at Last, and contributed to publications like TMZ and the Huffington Post. From 2011 to 2012, she appeared on HGTV’s Selling Spelling Manor, detailing her efforts to sell her late husband’s estate.
Later, she produced Broadway shows, including Promises, Promises, How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying, Nice Work If You Can Get It, After Midnight, and The Color Purple.
Personal life
Candy Spelling married producer and screenwriter Aaron Spelling in 1968, and they had two children: Tori (born 1973) and Randy (born 1978). Both children appeared in several of Aaron’s productions, including Beverly Hills, 90210. She has seven grandchildren, two from Randy and five from Tori.
In 2009, three years after Aaron’s death, Spelling listed their Holmby Hills mansion for $150 million, making it the most expensive residential listing in the U.S. at the time. It was sold to Petra Ecclestone for $85 million in 2011.
What happened to Aaron Spelling’s money?
Aaron Spelling, reportedly worth $600 million, left his fortune to his widow, Candy Spelling, upon his death. His daughter, Tori Spelling, who has faced financial struggles, received only $800,000 from the estate according to her father’s will.
Conclusion
Candy Spelling’s life story is one of glamour, resilience, and philanthropy. Her journey from a Hollywood wife to a successful author, producer, and philanthropist illustrates a legacy that transcends her association with television royalty.
FAQs about Candy Spelling
- How did Candy Spelling inherit her wealth? Candy Spelling inherited a significant portion of her wealth from her late husband, Aaron Spelling, a renowned television producer, including valuable real estate and royalty streams from his TV shows.
- What is Candy Spelling’s most famous real estate property? Candy Spelling’s most famous real estate property is the Spelling Manor, a lavish 56,500-square-foot mansion in Los Angeles, which she sold in 2011.
- Which Broadway shows has Candy Spelling produced? Candy Spelling has produced several successful Broadway shows, including “Promises, Promises,” “How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying,” “Nice Work if You Can Get It,” and “The Color Purple.”
- How has Candy Spelling contributed to philanthropy? Candy Spelling is known for her philanthropic efforts, particularly in animal welfare with the American Humane, and her involvement with various foundations and councils focusing on public affairs and healthcare.
- What challenges has Candy Spelling faced in her personal life? Candy Spelling has faced challenges including public scrutiny over her daughter Tori Spelling’s financial struggles and the complexities of managing her late husband’s estate.
