What Is Rachel Hunter’s Net Worth?
Rachel Hunter, a prominent figure in the fashion and entertainment industries, boasts a net worth of $40 million. This substantial sum is a result of her successful career as a model, actress, and television personality. Hunter’s financial achievements are rooted in her diverse professional endeavors and strategic investments.
Early Career and Modeling Success
Born on September 9, 1969, in Glenfield, Auckland, New Zealand, Rachel Hunter’s early life was marked by aspirations of becoming a dancer. Although a rare blood disease curtailed her dancing dreams, it paved the way for her entry into the modeling world. At the age of 16, Rachel started modeling in New Zealand and quickly gained recognition. Her initial success led to opportunities in Australia and France, notably as the face of Tip Top Ice Cream, marking a pivotal moment in her early career.
Hunter’s career truly took off after relocating to New York at the age of 17. Mentored by Eileen Ford of Ford Models, she quickly secured contracts and began appearing on the covers of prestigious magazines. Rachel’s modeling portfolio includes appearances in “Italian Vogue,” “Australian Vogue,” “Cosmopolitan,” and “Elle.” Her breakthrough moment came in 1989 when she graced the pages of “Sports Illustrated” as a swimsuit model. This exposure catapulted her to the top of the modeling industry, leading to subsequent appearances on the cover of the “Sports Illustrated” swimsuit issue. In 2004, she further expanded her brand by posing nude for “Playboy,” a decision that generated both publicity and income. Hunter remains affiliated with Ford Models, a testament to her enduring presence in the modeling world.
Acting and Television Ventures
Beyond modeling, Rachel Hunter has cultivated a career in acting and television. In 1997, she made an appearance as herself on “The Drew Carey Show,” showcasing her ability to transition into comedic roles. In 2006, she briefly appeared in “The Benchwarmers.” Other film roles include appearances in “Confessions of a Go-Go Girl,” “The Perfect Assistant,” and “Piranhaconda,” further diversifying her entertainment portfolio.
From 2012 to 2013, Hunter served as a judge on “New Zealand’s Got Talent,” earning a reported salary of NZD $200,000 per season. Following this, she launched her own television series, “Rachel Hunter’s Tour of Beauty.” This show, which explores diverse concepts of beauty across the globe, was produced by Imagination Television and aired on various international networks, contributing significantly to her income through production fees and potential royalties. Rachel is also known for her appearance in the Fountains of Wayne music video for “Stacy’s Mom,” for which she received a standard rate for music video models, further adding to her income stream.
Divorce Settlement with Rod Stewart
Rachel Hunter’s divorce from musician Rod Stewart in 2007 significantly impacted her financial standing. At the time of their separation, Rod Stewart’s net worth was estimated to be between $120 million and $150 million. Rachel initially sought half of his net worth as a divorce settlement, which would have amounted to between $50 million and $75 million. The final settlement terms were undisclosed, but it included funds for Rachel to purchase several homes, a substantial settlement likely in the tens of millions of dollars, and an agreement for financial support for their two children, who were 14 and 12 years old at the time.
While the exact figures remain confidential, financial analysts estimate that Rachel received a lump sum settlement of approximately $25 million to $35 million. Additionally, Rod Stewart provided funds for Rachel to acquire real estate properties in both the United States and New Zealand. This settlement not only secured her financial future but also allowed her to invest in various ventures and maintain a comfortable lifestyle.
Real Estate Investments
Rachel Hunter has made strategic investments in real estate, contributing to her overall net worth. In 2020, she sold a home in the Hollywood Hills for $3.45 million. She originally purchased this property in 2004 for $2.425 million, resulting in a profit of over $1 million. The property, located not far from Laurel Canyon, is situated in the foothills just above the Sunset Strip. Spanning approximately 4,500 square feet, the home features wood-beamed ceilings, French doors, five bedrooms, and a flagstone-lined pool and spa. Before selling, the property was listed for as much as $5 million, and rental fees ranged from $15,000 to $20,000, indicating its high value and desirability.
Hunter also owned a traditionally styled home in Hermosa Beach, Los Angeles, which she purchased with her former fiancé, Jarret Stoll, for $3.65 million in 2007. After their split, Stoll retained sole ownership of the property. Furthermore, in 2004, she sold a 6,000-square-foot, Mediterranean-style property in Sherman Oaks for $2.55 million. These real estate transactions demonstrate her savvy investment strategies and ability to generate substantial profits through property sales.
Other Ventures and Endorsements
In addition to her modeling, acting, and real estate ventures, Rachel Hunter has engaged in various other activities that have contributed to her income. She has secured endorsement deals with several brands, including Cover Girl, which significantly boosted her earnings during the peak of her modeling career. The exact financial details of these endorsement deals are confidential, but industry experts estimate that they were worth several million dollars annually.
Hunter’s television series, “Rachel Hunter’s Tour of Beauty,” has also generated income through international distribution and licensing agreements. The show has been broadcast in multiple countries, including the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, contributing to her revenue stream. She has also made appearances in various independent films, earning standard acting fees for her roles. These diverse income streams, combined with her strategic investments, have solidified Rachel Hunter’s financial success and contributed to her $40 million net worth.