What Is Grace Hightower’s Net Worth?
Grace Hightower, an American socialite, actress, philanthropist, and singer, has a net worth of $50 million. This figure reflects her diverse career and financial settlements.
Grace Hightower’s Career and Earnings
Hightower’s career began as a flight attendant, and she later transitioned to acting, appearing in projects such as “NYPD Blue,” “Precious,” and “The Paperboy.” While specific earnings from these roles are not publicly detailed, they contributed to her overall financial standing. She also performed the song “Somethin’s Comin’ My Way” for the “Precious” soundtrack, although revenue details from this musical endeavor are not available. Hightower also established herself in the music industry, releasing singles such as “Somethin’s Comin’ My Way” which was featured in the film “Precious.” However, comprehensive data regarding her music earnings are not publicly accessible. Her philanthropic efforts, particularly through Grace Hightower & Coffees of Rwanda, aim to improve Rwandan lives through international product marketing and distribution; however, the financial impact and personal earnings derived from this venture are not disclosed.
Divorce Settlement and Financial Details
Grace Hightower’s divorce from Robert De Niro in 2018 brought significant financial aspects to light. In June 2019, legal documents filed in a Manhattan court claimed that Robert De Niro’s net worth was at least $500 million, with earnings between 2004 and 2018 ranging from $250 to $300 million. These figures provide context for understanding the scale of assets involved in their divorce proceedings.
According to their prenuptial agreement, Grace Hightower was entitled to $1 million per year if Robert De Niro’s annual income exceeded $15 million. The agreement stipulated that if his income declined, her support would decrease proportionally. In July 2020, amidst the divorce proceedings, Hightower contested a reduction in her monthly American Express allowance, which De Niro had allegedly cut from $100,000 to $50,000. De Niro’s defense cited financial strain due to the COVID-19 crisis, impacting his business empire, including the Nobu restaurant chain. His lawyers stated that Nobu had lost $3 million in April and $1.9 million in May, suggesting he might earn only $7.5 million in 2020.
Hightower’s legal team argued that De Niro was exploiting the COVID-19 situation to financially disadvantage her. Ultimately, the judge ruled that reducing the Amex allowance to $50,000 was reasonable but ordered De Niro to pay Hightower $75,000 to assist her in securing a summer residence, given that De Niro occupied their former primary home.
Real Estate Assets
In 2006, Robert De Niro and Grace Hightower jointly purchased a 6,000-square-foot apartment in New York City for $20.9 million from Harvey Weinstein. This property was listed solely under Grace Hightower’s name in April 2024 with an asking price of $20 million, indicating it was likely part of the divorce settlement. This real estate asset significantly contributes to her overall net worth.
Philanthropic Ventures
Grace Hightower is actively involved in philanthropy and serves on the board of the New York Women’s Foundation and the New York Fund for Public Schools. She is also a member of Ronald Perlman’s Women’s Heart Health Advisory Council and the International Women’s Coffee Alliance. Her organization, Grace Hightower & Coffees of Rwanda, focuses on improving the lives of Rwandans through international product marketing and distribution. While the specific financial details of these ventures are not publicly available, they reflect her commitment to charitable activities and their potential impact on her financial interests.
Grace Hightower: Personal Life and Background
Born on April 7, 1955, in Kilmichael, Mississippi, Grace Hightower’s early life is not extensively documented in terms of detailed financial milestones. She met Robert De Niro in 1989 at a restaurant in lower Manhattan, leading to their marriage in 1997. Together, they have two children: a son, Elliot (born in 1998), and a daughter, Helen Grace (born in 2011 through surrogacy). Although the specifics of her early career as a flight attendant are not detailed with precise financial figures, it marked the beginning of her professional journey. Throughout her marriage to De Niro, Hightower maintained an active social life and became known for her involvement in various high-profile events and charitable causes, which undoubtedly contributed to her public image and opportunities.
Key Milestones and Achievements
Grace Hightower’s career includes notable milestones that have shaped her financial profile. While exact figures for her acting roles in “NYPD Blue,” “Precious,” and “The Paperboy” are not publicly available, these appearances added to her professional resume and likely provided income. Her philanthropic work, particularly with Grace Hightower & Coffees of Rwanda, demonstrates her commitment to social impact, although the direct financial benefits to her personally are not specified in public records. The 2006 purchase of a $20.9 million apartment in New York City with Robert De Niro marked a significant real estate investment, which later became a key asset in her divorce settlement. The divorce settlement itself, including the potential annual payments of $1 million based on De Niro’s income, represents a crucial milestone in her financial life. The legal battles and negotiations during the divorce proceedings, particularly regarding the reduction of her American Express allowance, highlight the complexities and financial stakes involved. These milestones collectively illustrate the trajectory of Grace Hightower’s career and financial achievements.
Additional Career Ventures and Activities
In addition to her acting roles, Grace Hightower has ventured into the music industry. She performed “Somethin’s Comin’ My Way” for the soundtrack of the film “Precious.” While the specific royalties or sales figures from this single are not publicly disclosed, it represents a foray into the music business. Her philanthropic work with organizations such as the New York Women’s Foundation and the New York Fund for Public Schools further showcases her engagement with charitable causes. Although the exact financial contributions or benefits she receives from these roles are not detailed in public records, they contribute to her public profile and network. As a member of Ronald Perlman’s Women’s Heart Health Advisory Council and the International Women’s Coffee Alliance, she participates in various initiatives that may provide networking opportunities and exposure. The success of Grace Hightower & Coffees of Rwanda in promoting Rwandan products internationally demonstrates her entrepreneurial spirit, although the exact revenue or profits she derives from this venture are not publicly available. These additional ventures and activities contribute to her overall net worth and financial activities, even though the specific details are not always accessible.