Net Worth Ranker
What Is Michael Chow’s Net Worth?
Michael Chow, a multifaceted figure in the realms of acting, interior design, and the restaurant industry, boasts a substantial net worth of $300 million. His financial success is primarily attributed to his role as the founder of the internationally recognized Mr Chow restaurant chain. The inaugural Mr Chow location opened its doors in London, England, in 1968, marking the beginning of a culinary empire. Over the years, the brand has expanded to include multiple locations, with three restaurants in London and establishments in prominent cities such as New York, Las Vegas, Miami, and Beverly Hills. His success is a testament to his business acumen and dedication to the culinary arts.
Mr Chow Restaurant Chain
The Mr Chow restaurant chain, founded by Michael Chow, is a significant contributor to his $300 million net worth. The first restaurant, established in London’s Knightsbridge district in 1968, introduced an upscale dining experience featuring Pekinese Chinese cuisine. Chow’s strategic decision to showcase artwork by renowned artists like David Hockney, Allen Jones, and Peter Blake contributed to the restaurants’ exclusive atmosphere, attracting a clientele of celebrities and high-profile individuals, including Federico Fellini, Jeanne Moreau, Frank Sinatra, and The Beatles. The Beverly Hills location, opened in 1974, drew in stars such as Jack Nicholson, Billy Wilder, and Anjelica Huston, further solidifying the brand’s reputation. In 1978, Mr Chow expanded to Manhattan, New York City, attracting a new wave of famous patrons like Andy Warhol, Jean-Michel Basquiat, and Madonna. Additional locations in Miami Beach, Malibu, and Las Vegas contributed to the brand’s expansion and financial success, ultimately impacting Chow’s impressive net worth. The financial performance of each location has been instrumental in building and maintaining the Mr Chow brand and Chow’s personal wealth.
Acting and Film Career
While Michael Chow’s net worth is primarily anchored in his restaurant ventures, his acting career has played a supplementary role. He made his film debut in the 1958 drama “Violent Playground” alongside his sister, Tsai Chin. In 1960, he appeared in Nicholas Ray’s “The Savage Innocents,” followed by roles in the historical action films “Marco Polo” and “55 Days at Peking.” The mid-1960s saw him in “Modesty Blaise” (1966) and “You Only Live Twice” (1967). Chow returned to acting in 1978 with “Who is Killing the Great Chefs of Europe?” and later in the 1982 neo-noir film “Hammett.” His resurgence in the 1990s included appearances in “Dream Lover” (1993) and “Basquiat” (1996), as well as roles in “Lethal Weapon 4” (1998) and the “Rush Hour” trilogy (1998-2007). In 2009, he appeared in “My Sister’s Keeper.” Although specific financial figures for each acting role are not available, these appearances have contributed incrementally to his overall earnings, complementing his restaurant income and interior design work.
Early Life and Education
Born Zhou Yinghua on March 7, 1939, in Shanghai, China, Michael Chow’s early life provided a foundation for his diverse career. His father, Zhou Xinfang, was a renowned Peking Opera actor, and his mother came from a wealthy tea dynasty family. His sister, Tsai Chin, is an accomplished actress, singer, and director. At age 12, Chow was sent to a boarding school in the UK, where he received a formal education. He later attended Saint Martin’s School of Art and the Hammersmith School of Building and Architecture, developing skills that would later inform his interior design work and restaurant ventures. While specific financial details from his early life are not available, his upbringing and education laid the groundwork for his entrepreneurial and artistic endeavors. His net worth can be partially attributed to the strong educational and cultural background instilled in him from a young age.
Real Estate Ventures
Michael Chow’s real estate investments have also contributed to his $300 million net worth. In 1991, Michael and his wife Eva acquired a property on South Mapleton Drive in Holmby Hills for $3.5 million, equivalent to approximately $6.5 million in 2018 dollars. Over seven years, they constructed a 30,000-square-foot mansion inspired by the Reina Sofia museum in Madrid. In October 2018, the property was listed for $78 million. While the final sale price and any other real estate holdings remain undisclosed, this venture exemplifies Chow’s ability to invest in and develop high-value properties, thereby increasing his financial standing. The strategic investment in real estate serves as another facet of his diversified approach to wealth accumulation.
Personal Life and Marital History
Michael Chow’s personal life, marked by multiple marriages, has indirectly impacted his financial affairs through divorce settlements and family arrangements. In 1968, he married Welsh model and Vogue creative director Grace Coddington, with the marriage ending the following year. In 1972, Chow married jewelry designer and model Tina Lutz, with whom he had a daughter, China, and a son, Maximilian, before divorcing in 1989. In 1992, he married Eva Chun, with whom he had a child named Asia, and divorced in 2017. In 2019, Chow married Vanessa Rano, with whom he has two children, Phoenix and Skye. While specific financial details related to these divorces are not publicly available, such settlements often involve significant asset division, impacting his overall net worth. These personal milestones have financial implications that contribute to a holistic view of his financial standing.
Interior Design and Architecture
Beyond his culinary and acting ventures, Michael Chow’s skills in interior design and architecture have contributed to his financial success. He has designed all of his own restaurants, reflecting his artistic vision and attention to detail. Chow also designed the Giorgio Armani stores in Beverly Hills and Las Vegas, further showcasing his design capabilities. His Los Angeles home also bears his architectural imprint. In the 2010s, he had solo exhibitions in Hong Kong and Beijing. His work in these fields enhances his brand and contributes to his overall net worth.
