Kyle Richards, age 55 as of 2024, has become a household name in American pop culture—not just for her appearances on The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills, but also for her decades-long career in acting, business, and reality television. With a net worth estimated at $100 million, Kyle’s story is one of Hollywood resilience, family ties, and smart financial moves. But how exactly did she get here?
Let’s take a closer look at the life and career of Kyle Richards, from her early acting days to her reality TV empire and her evolving personal life.
Where Did Kyle Richards Start Her Career?
Kyle Richards was born on January 11, 1969, in Hollywood, Los Angeles, into a family with deep roots in entertainment. Her parents divorced when she was still a toddler, but her Hollywood path had already begun. Kyle started acting at the age of five, landing a recurring role on the legendary show Little House on the Prairie at just six years old.
Over the next several years, she appeared in 19 episodes and acted alongside her sister Kim Richards, another child actress. In 1977, the sisters even co-starred in the thriller The Car. Kyle’s performance in the 1978 horror classic Halloween—alongside Jamie Lee Curtis—further cemented her place in cinematic history, and she later reprised her role in the 2021 sequel Halloween Kills.
What Roles Defined Kyle Richards’ Acting Career?
While she started young, Kyle never completely left acting behind. Through the 1980s and 1990s, she made guest appearances on shows like Fantasy Island, Time Express, 7th Heaven, CSI: Crime Scene Investigation, and even ER, where she appeared in 19 episodes.
Her film credits are just as diverse, ranging from National Lampoon’s Pledge This! to quirky titles like The Hungover Games. And let’s not forget her appearance in Lady Gaga’s G.U.Y. music video, adding a touch of pop stardom to her résumé.
How Did Reality TV Change Her Life?
In 2010, everything shifted for Kyle Richards when she joined the cast of The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills. As one of the original cast members—and now the longest-standing star on the show—Kyle became a defining face of the franchise. She brought drama, vulnerability, and humor to the screen, earning her multiple nominations, including Reality Star of 2019 at the People’s Choice Awards.
By 2020, she was the last remaining original housewife. According to reports, Kyle earns approximately $270,000 per season for her role, not including brand deals, bonuses, and promotional appearances.
She’s also been part of other reality shows, including The New Celebrity Apprentice (where she donated her winnings to charity), Keeping Up With the Kardashians, Vanderpump Rules, and The Simple Life, appearing as Paris Hilton’s aunt.
What About Her Personal Life and Relationships?
Kyle’s first marriage was at age 18 to Guraish Aldjufrie, an Indonesian businessman. The couple had a daughter, Farrah, but split soon after. In 1996, Kyle married Mauricio Umansky, a real estate powerhouse originally from Mexico. The couple shares three daughters and has long been seen as one of the most stable pairings in reality TV.
Mauricio is the CEO of The Agency, a luxury real estate firm that’s closed more than $5 billion in real estate sales. In any given year, he moves upwards of $150 million in properties, contributing significantly to the couple’s combined wealth.
However, by July 2023, rumors swirled that Kyle and Mauricio were separating. While the couple initially denied the speculation, they later confirmed that they were moving toward divorce. Notably, they reportedly don’t have a prenuptial agreement, which could have major implications given the scale of their shared wealth.
How Much Real Estate Does Kyle Richards Own?
Kyle and Mauricio have built an impressive portfolio of real estate over the years. Here’s a quick snapshot:
- Bel-Air mansion (2011): Bought for $3 million, sold in 2022 for $6.5 million.
- Encino home (2017): Purchased for $8.2 million.
- La Quinta home (2014): Bought for $2.35 million.
- Aspen vacation home (2019): Bought for $4.2 million, sold in 2022 for $7.75 million.
- New Aspen mansion (2022): Purchased for a reported $13.6 million.
These properties haven’t just been personal residences—they’ve served as backdrops for TV shows and brand-building tools.
What Are Kyle Richards’ Business Ventures?
Kyle has proven she’s more than just a TV star. In 2014, she launched her own clothing line with HSN, and her designs even made it to New York Fashion Week in 2019. She previously ran boutique stores under the brand “Kyle by Alene Too”, but they eventually closed.
In 2021, she launched a new luxury boutique, Kyle x Shahida, in Palm Desert, California, focusing on resort wear and loungewear.
Kyle is also a published author. Her book, Life is Not a Reality Show: Keeping It Real with the Housewife Who Does It All, mixes memoir with lifestyle advice, offering insight into relationships, motherhood, and Hollywood living.
What Has Kyle Richards Done for Charity?
Kyle and Mauricio are known for their longtime support of the Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles. They’ve donated more than $100,000 to the cause. Kyle also gave her $25,000 Apprentice winnings to the hospital and even organized a charity fundraiser as part of RHOBH.
What’s Next for Kyle Richards?
Even with personal challenges and evolving roles, Kyle remains a central figure in reality television. She continues to act, build her fashion brand, and engage her massive fan base. Whether she returns in future seasons of The Real Housewives or explores new ventures, Kyle Richards is far from finished.
From a child actor in Halloween to a Beverly Hills icon with a $100 million empire, Kyle Richards’ story is one of longevity, adaptability, and serious business savvy.
