What Is Kathy Hilton’s Net Worth?
Kathy Hilton, an accomplished American actress, fashion designer, and philanthropist, shares a significant net worth of $350 million with her husband, Rick Hilton, as of 2025. This substantial financial standing reflects their combined assets and ventures since their marriage in 1979. The Hiltons are prominently known as the parents of Paris Hilton and Nicky Hilton, both successful figures in their own right.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Kathleen Elizabeth Avanzino, born on March 13, 1959, in New York City, embarked on her career at the young age of nine. Her early acting roles included appearances in popular television shows such as “Bewitched,” “The Rockford Files,” “Nanny and the Professor,” “Happy Days,” and “Family Affair.” She also secured roles in films like “The Dark” and “On the Air Live with Captain Midnight,” demonstrating her versatility as a child actress.
Before meeting Richard Hilton, Kathy’s career was already underway. She attended a private high school in Los Angeles, forging a close friendship with Michael Jackson that lasted until his death in 2009. At 15, she met Richard Hilton and around the same time she took a step back from acting. They married five years later, marking a new chapter in her life.
Business Ventures and Return to Show Business
In the 1980s and early 1990s, Kathy Hilton ventured into retail, owning a novelty gift and antique store called The Staircase on Sunset Plaza in Los Angeles. This entrepreneurial endeavor showcased her business acumen and eye for unique items.
Following her marriage into the Hilton family, Kathy periodically returned to show business. In 2002, she joined the home-shopping network QVC as a host, and in 2005, she hosted the reality television program “I Want to Be a Hilton” on NBC. She later sold skincare products on HSN, a rival home-shopping network, beginning in 2007. In 2008, Kathy made a cameo appearance as herself on the soap opera “The Young and the Restless.”
In 2011, Kathy appeared on “The World According to Paris.” While her half-sisters, Kim and Kyle Richards, were cast members on “The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills,” Kathy initially avoided watching the show. However, she sporadically appeared on the show during the earlier seasons, and she began making regular appearances on the series during season 11. In June 2023, Kathy announced her departure from “The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills,” marking the end of her time on the reality show.
Since 2012, Kathy has designed the Kathy Hilton Collection of party dresses, available in four hundred stores worldwide, including Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue, and Nordstrom. In December 2020, Kathy and her daughters, Paris and Nicky, modeled the new Valentino 2021 resort collection in “Vogue” magazine, further solidifying her influence in the fashion industry.
Real Estate Holdings and Investments
Rick and Kathy Hilton have made several significant real estate investments over the years. In 1999, they purchased a 7-bedroom, 3-acre property in Water Mill, New York, for $3.385 million. They have rented out this Hamptons property for $300,000 to $400,000 per summer season. In February 2024, they listed their Hamptons mansion for just under $15 million, showcasing its value and desirability.
In 2014, the Hiltons acquired an apartment in New York City’s Pierre Hotel for $2.5 million, indicating their presence in the luxury real estate market. A year later, in 2015, they purchased a large mansion in Bel-Air for $9.2 million. They subsequently tore down the existing mansion and in September 2021, they listed this property for sale for $55 million. They ultimately sold the property in January 2024 for $25 million to Zong Qinghou, one of the richest people in China.
Philanthropic Activities and Personal Life
Kathy Hilton is known for her extensive philanthropic endeavors. In 2007, she raised money for the Make-A-Wish Foundation by organizing an auction of celebrity belongings, with all proceeds donated to the foundation. In 2011, she and her daughters received an award from the Starlight Children’s Foundation at its “A Stellar Night” gala in Los Angeles.
Kathy and Richard Hilton reside in Bel Air, Los Angeles, and have four children: Paris, Nicky, Barron, and Conrad. As of 2025, the Hiltons have seven grandchildren: three through their daughter Nicky and her husband James Rothschild, two through Paris, and two through Barron, marking a growing family legacy.
Additional Information
While precise details regarding specific income from Kathy Hilton’s various business ventures, acting roles, and other endeavors are not publicly available, the $350 million net worth she shares with her husband, Rick Hilton, is indicative of their collective success in real estate, fashion, and various entrepreneurial pursuits. Information on the Hilton family’s investments and assets is occasionally available through public records and news reports.
Further details on Kathy Hilton’s career and personal life can be found in various interviews, articles, and public appearances. These sources provide insights into her professional trajectory, philanthropic efforts, and personal relationships, contributing to a comprehensive understanding of her life and accomplishments.