What Is Anna Murdoch Mann dePeyster Net Worth?
Anna Murdoch Mann dePeyster, born Anna Maria Torv on June 30, 1944, is a Scottish-born Australian journalist and novelist. Her estimated net worth is around $1.5 billion. This significant wealth primarily stems from her divorce settlement from media mogul Rupert Murdoch in 1999. She received a reported $1.7 billion in the settlement, including $110 million in cash. Besides the cash, some sources claim the settlement was half cash and half property amounting to $200 million. This financial foundation has enabled her to engage in philanthropic activities and personal investments.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Anna Maria Torv’s early life began in Glasgow, Scotland, where she was born to Jakob Tõrv, an Estonian merchant seaman, and Sylvia Iris Bodfish, a Scottish drycleaner’s shop assistant. The family initially ran a dry-cleaning business in Glasgow before emigrating to Australia. In Australia, their attempt to establish a picnic park near Sydney faced financial difficulties, eventually leading to bankruptcy. Raised Catholic, Anna attended Our Lady of Mercy College in Parramatta, New South Wales. After high school, Anna took a job at *The Daily Mirror*, a Sydney-based paper. Later, Anna worked as a journalist for *The Sydney Daily Telegraph*, commencing her career in journalism at the age of 18.
Divorce Settlement and Financial Overview
The divorce between Anna and Rupert Murdoch in 1999 was a highly publicized event that significantly impacted Anna’s financial standing. The $1.7 billion settlement dramatically increased her **Anna Murdoch Mann dePeyster Net Worth**. It’s important to note that while some reports suggest the settlement was structured with $110 million in cash, others propose different arrangements of cash and property. She later stated that she could have sought significantly more from Murdoch, even claiming ownership of half of their roughly 10 homes around the world. Following the divorce, Murdoch remarried just 17 days later. The divorce granted Anna financial independence, allowing her to pursue personal interests and philanthropic endeavors.
Literary Contributions and Career
Beyond her role in media circles, Anna Murdoch Mann dePeyster is also a published author. She has written three novels, including “Family Business” (1988), “Coming to Terms” (1991), and “In Her Own Image” (1996). “In Her Own Image” (1985) tells the story of two sisters entangled in love with the same man on an Australian sheep station close to the Murrumbidgee River. “Family Business” (1988) delves into the intricacies of familial and corporate dynamics. “Coming to Terms” (1992) reflects personal growth and reconciliation. These novels showcase her narrative talent and understanding of complex human emotions. Before her marriage to Rupert Murdoch, she served as a director at News Corporation.
Philanthropic Activities and Personal Life
Anna Murdoch Mann dePeyster has been actively involved in philanthropic activities, serving on the boards of several non-profit organizations. These include supporting arts, education, and humanitarian causes. She is passionate about giving back, particularly within the realms of religion and education, earning her the distinction of Dame of the Order of St. Gregory the Great (DSG). Following her divorce from Rupert Murdoch, she married William Mann, a financier and CEO of Henry Mann Securities, in December 1999. The couple resided in The Hamptons, New York, in a house bought from philanthropist Yasmin Aga Khan in 2000. William Mann passed away in 2017. In April 2019, she married Ashton dePeyster, a businessman and philanthropist. Anna Murdoch Mann has a residence in Palm Beach.
Real Estate Holdings
Anna Murdoch Mann dePeyster’s assets include real estate holdings, particularly in The Hamptons, New York. In 2000, Anna and her then-husband William Mann purchased a house in The Hamptons from philanthropist Yasmin Aga Khan. Specific details, such as the exact address or purchase price, are not publicly available, the purchase underscores her investment in high-value real estate. After marrying Ashton dePeyster, the couple has been spotted at multiple social events in Palm Beach. She also mentioned that she walked away from entitlement to some of the seven homes she shared with Rupert Murdoch in her 2001 interview.
Ownership of the Yacht ‘Dancing Hare’
Anna Murdoch Mann dePeyster owns the Amels yacht ‘Dancing Hare’. This luxury vessel was originally built in 1986 by the Dutch shipyard Amels. The yacht features an exterior and interior design by Bannenberg & Rowell Design. Before Anna Murdoch Mann dePeyster purchased the yacht, it was called Lady Ghislaine and owned by Robert Maxwell. The 189 ft superyacht has glass panels encircling the deck, wraparound glass railings, and accommodation for 12 guests and 15 staff in a master suite, four doubles, and a twin stateroom. In 2021, the yacht was moored in Auckland after traversing the South Pacific and Caribbean Sea.
Family Legacy and Children
Anna Murdoch Mann dePeyster is the mother of Elisabeth Murdoch, Lachlan Murdoch, and James Murdoch, all of whom have achieved successful careers in the media industry. Elisabeth Murdoch founded Shine Group, a television production company that was later acquired by her father’s News Corporation. Lachlan Murdoch is the co-chairman of News Corp and the executive chairman of NOVA Entertainment. James Murdoch served as the CEO of 21st Century Fox and is now the founder and CEO of Lupa Systems, a private investment company. Anna is also the aunt of Australian actress Anna Torv, highlighting a family legacy in the arts and media. These details highlight the professional achievements of her children, although they do not directly impact **Anna Murdoch Mann dePeyster Net Worth**.