Net Worth Ranker
What Is Dorinda Medley’s Net Worth?
Dorinda Medley, an American socialite, reality television personality, and author, boasts a net worth of approximately $10 million. This wealth is accumulated through various ventures, including her television career, business endeavors, and literary work.
Dorinda Medley’s Diverse Career Ventures
Medley’s career trajectory encompasses roles in fashion, television, and writing. Her early professional life began after graduating from Franklin & Marshall College in 1986, when she joined Liz Claiborne in Manhattan. This initial role provided her with foundational experience in the fashion industry.
DCL Cashmere: A significant chapter in Medley’s career was her move to London, where she founded DCL Cashmere. The company garnered attention for its high-profile clientele, including Princess Diana and actress Joan Collins. Although specific revenue figures from DCL Cashmere are not publicly available, the brand’s prestige and clientele suggest a substantial contribution to Medley’s early financial success. DCL Cashmere operated for approximately a decade before Medley’s return to New York City.
Real Housewives of New York City (RHONY): Medley joined “The Real Housewives of New York City” in 2015 during its seventh season. Cast members on “The Real Housewives” franchise typically earn significant fees per season, which can vary based on their popularity and tenure on the show. Although Medley’s exact salary per season has not been disclosed, estimates suggest that seasoned housewives can earn anywhere from $60,000 to upwards of $1 million per season. Given Medley’s central role in the show for six seasons (2015-2020), her earnings from RHONY would have significantly bolstered her net worth. In August 2020, Dorinda announced that she was leaving the show; in an appearance on the podcast “Just B With Bethenny Frankel,” Medley stated that she was “very scared going into the season because not only was my life very intense with all the things…the house, my father, broke a rib, breaking up with John… So it was like, wow…I was sort of a, I was sort of a toothpick in an ocean. I didn’t get my voice out correctly.”
Other Television Appearances: Beyond RHONY, Medley participated in the spin-off “The Real Housewives: Ultimate Girls Trip” in 2021. She also made appearances in two episodes of “The Real Housewives of New Jersey” (2016; 2023). While these appearances likely generated additional income, the specific amounts are not publicly documented.
Author – “Make It Nice”: In 2021, Medley published the book “Make It Nice.” As an author, Medley would have received an advance payment and royalties based on book sales. The exact figures related to her book deal are not public, but successful books can generate significant income through sales, subsidiary rights, and potential speaking engagements.
Real Estate Assets Contributing to Dorinda Medley’s Net Worth
Medley’s real estate holdings have played a significant role in her overall net worth.
New York City Apartment: In 2006, Medley purchased a 1,200 square foot apartment in New York City for $1.2 million. This property was put on the market in February 2022 for $2.495 million and sold for $2.5 million a few months later, resulting in a profit of $1.3 million before taxes and fees. The apartment featured two bedrooms, two bathrooms, and a chef’s kitchen.
Bluestone Manor: Located in Great Barrington, Massachusetts, Bluestone Manor is an 11,000 square foot mansion with 7 bedrooms and 7 bathrooms. Richard Medley purchased the home in May 2005 for $2.115 million, just weeks before marrying Dorinda. The estate was originally listed for sale around 2011 for $4.9 million following Richard’s death, but the listing was removed. Today, Bluestone Manor is estimated to be worth between $5 million and $6 million, reflecting the increase in property values and potential improvements made over the years.
Personal Life and Financial Implications
Medley’s personal life has had implications for her financial status. Her marriage to hedge fund advisor Richard Medley, who was also the chief economist for the US House Banking Committee, connected her to high-profile circles and philanthropic endeavors. Richard’s passing in November 2011 resulted in Dorinda inheriting assets, the specifics of which are not fully public.
Following Richard’s death, Medley was in a relationship with John Mahdessian, owner of Madame Paulette. The couple split up before Dorinda’s final season of “The Real Housewives of New York City.”
Philanthropic Activities: Dorinda and Richard Medley worked on fundraising for causes with figures like Desmond Tutu, Brad Pitt, Angelina Jolie, and Hillary Clinton. While philanthropic activities do not directly contribute to net worth, they enhance social capital and reputation, which can indirectly influence business and career opportunities.
Dorinda Medley‘s net worth of $10 million is a combination of her business acumen, television fame, and real estate investments. Her career choices, from launching DCL Cashmere to starring on “The Real Housewives,” have all played a part in the accumulation of her wealth.
