Kathy Hilton, age 66 as of 2025, is widely recognized not just as the mother of socialite Paris Hilton but as a successful entrepreneur, former actress, fashion designer, and philanthropist. With an impressive net worth of $350 million—shared with her husband, Richard (Rick) Hilton, the heir to the Hilton Hotels empire—Kathy’s journey is more than just a story of fame by association. From her early days in Hollywood to creating a fashion brand and becoming a staple on reality TV, Kathy Hilton has carved out her own legacy. Let’s take a deeper look into her life, career, and how she built her multimillion-dollar fortune.
Where Did Kathy Hilton Come From?
Kathy Hilton was born Kathleen Elizabeth Avanzino on March 13, 1959, in New York City. She grew up in a blended family with Italian, Irish, and Scottish roots. After her parents divorced, her mother remarried Kenneth E. Richards, making actresses Kim and Kyle Richards her half-sisters. Growing up in Los Angeles, Kathy attended a private high school where she famously became best friends with Michael Jackson, a friendship that lasted until his death in 2009.
How Did Kathy Hilton Begin Her Career?
Believe it or not, Kathy Hilton’s career began long before she married into the Hilton dynasty. At just 9 years old, she stepped into Hollywood as a child actress, landing roles on popular television series like “Bewitched,” “Happy Days,” and “The Rockford Files.” She also appeared in films such as “The Dark” and “On the Air Live with Captain Midnight.” Despite her success as a young actress, Kathy stepped away from acting by the time she was 15, just as she met Richard Hilton. The two would later marry in 1979.
How Did Kathy Transition Into Business and Reality TV?
After her brief Hollywood stint, Kathy Hilton ventured into business by opening a novelty gift and antique shop called The Staircase on Sunset Plaza in Los Angeles during the 1980s and early 1990s. But her return to the spotlight was inevitable. In the early 2000s, she hosted a show on QVC, followed by her own NBC reality show, “I Want to Be a Hilton,” in 2005. She later became a familiar face on HSN, selling skincare products, and even made a cameo on “The Young and the Restless” in 2008.
Kathy is also well known for her involvement with “The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills,” where her half-sisters Kim and Kyle Richards are series regulars. Initially, Kathy avoided watching the show due to its emotional toll but eventually joined as a recurring cast member in season 11. However, she stepped away from the series again in June 2023.
What is the Kathy Hilton Collection?
Fashion is another key pillar in Kathy’s business empire. Since 2012, she has been the force behind the Kathy Hilton Collection, a line of elegant party dresses sold in over 400 stores worldwide, including top retailers like Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue, and Nordstrom. Her work in fashion received further acclaim when she and her daughters, Paris and Nicky, graced the pages of “Vogue” in 2020, modeling for Valentino’s 2021 resort collection.
What About Kathy Hilton’s Family Life?
Kathy and Rick Hilton have built a strong family legacy. They are parents to four children: Paris, Nicky, Barron, and Conrad Hilton. Between them, the couple has seven grandchildren. Kathy and Rick reside in the upscale neighborhood of Bel Air, Los Angeles, where they have raised their family amidst Hollywood’s glitz and glamor.
Is Kathy Hilton Involved in Philanthropy?
Absolutely. Beyond business and entertainment, Kathy Hilton is a committed philanthropist. In 2007, she spearheaded a campaign encouraging celebrities to auction personal items to benefit the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Her charitable efforts continued when she and her daughters were honored by the Starlight Children’s Foundation at its “A Stellar Night” gala in 2011.
What Real Estate Investments Have Boosted Kathy Hilton’s Net Worth?
Real estate has played a significant role in Kathy and Rick Hilton’s wealth accumulation. In 1999, they purchased a 7-bedroom estate in Water Mill, New York (Hamptons) for $3.385 million. The property has since been a lucrative summer rental, fetching up to $400,000 per season. As of February 2024, they listed it for nearly $15 million.
Their real estate portfolio also includes a $2.5 million apartment at The Pierre Hotel in New York City, bought in 2014. In 2015, the Hiltons acquired a Bel Air mansion for $9.2 million, which they eventually sold to Chinese billionaire Zong Qinghou for $25 million in January 2024. Notably, this was after initially listing it at $55 million in 2021.
How Did Kathy Hilton Build Her $350 Million Fortune?
Kathy Hilton’s impressive net worth of $350 million isn’t solely due to her marriage into the Hilton empire. From her early acting roles and reality TV appearances to her fashion line and smart real estate investments, Kathy has diversified her income streams. Combined with Rick Hilton’s success in real estate development and as chairman of Hilton & Hyland, the couple has built a financial empire that stands the test of time.
In many ways, Kathy Hilton exemplifies the modern socialite-businesswoman, seamlessly blending old Hollywood charm with entrepreneurial grit.
