
Kathy Hilton Net Worth: Is Kathy Hilton the Richest Housewife?
Kathy Hilton isn’t just another Hollywood socialite—she’s a businesswoman, former actress, fashion designer, and philanthropist with an estimated net worth of $350 million (combined with her husband, real estate mogul Rick Hilton). While many know her as the mother of Paris and Nicky Hilton, Kathy has built an empire of her own over the years.
At 65 years old (born March 13, 1959), Kathy has had quite a journey—from childhood acting gigs to running a high-end fashion business and even making reality TV appearances. Let’s dive into her incredible life, career, and multimillion-dollar real estate deals.
From Child Star to Hilton Heiress
Before she married into the famous Hilton family, Kathy Hilton (née Kathleen Elizabeth Avanzino) had her own thing going on. Born in New York City, Kathy was raised in Los Angeles after her parents split. Her mother remarried, making Kathy the half-sister of reality TV stars Kim and Kyle Richards—both known for their roles on The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills.
Kathy got an early start in Hollywood, acting in hit TV shows like Bewitched, The Rockford Files, Happy Days, and Family Affair. She even made movie appearances, but by the time she was 15 years old, she decided to step away from acting. Around the same time, she met Rick Hilton, an heir to the Hilton hotel fortune. The two married in 1979, and from there, Kathy’s life took a different turn—one filled with family, fashion, and high society.
A Life of Business and Television
Although Kathy Hilton left Hollywood as a teen, she never completely abandoned showbiz. In the early 2000s, she became a TV personality in her own right. She hosted I Want to Be a Hilton on NBC, had guest spots on soap operas like The Young and the Restless, and even starred in The World According to Paris alongside her daughter, Paris Hilton.
Of course, Kathy also became a fan-favorite on The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills. While her half-sisters Kim and Kyle Richards were main cast members, Kathy made occasional appearances before officially joining as a “friend of the housewives” in Season 11. Her witty humor, over-the-top lifestyle, and hilarious antics made her an instant hit. However, in June 2023, she announced she was leaving the show for good.
Outside of television, Kathy has made a name for herself in fashion. Since 2012, she has designed the Kathy Hilton Collection, a line of elegant party dresses sold in luxury department stores like Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue, and Nordstrom. Her sense of style even landed her and her daughters, Paris and Nicky, in Vogue in 2020, where they modeled pieces from Valentino’s 2021 resort collection.
The Hilton Family & Next-Gen Wealth
Kathy and Rick Hilton have four children: Paris, Nicky, Barron, and Conrad Hilton. As of 2025, their family has expanded with seven grandchildren—three from Nicky’s marriage to James Rothschild, two from Barron, and two from Paris, who welcomed her babies with husband Carter Reum.
With a $350 million combined fortune, the Hiltons enjoy a lavish lifestyle, including multiple homes across the U.S. But Kathy isn’t just about luxury; she has a big heart for philanthropy. She has been a long-time supporter of the Make-A-Wish Foundation and was honored by the Starlight Children’s Foundation for her charitable work alongside her daughters.
The Hiltons’ High-End Real Estate Moves
The Hilton family’s real estate portfolio is nothing short of jaw-dropping. Let’s take a look at some of their biggest moves:
- Hamptons Mansion: In 1999, Kathy and Rick purchased a 7-bedroom estate in Water Mill, New York for $3.385 million. They often rent it out during the summer for $300,000 – $400,000 per season. In February 2024, they listed the property for nearly $15 million.
- Bel-Air Estate: The Hiltons bought a mansion in Bel-Air in 2015 for $9.2 million, later tearing it down to build a more luxurious home. They originally listed it for $55 million in 2021 but ended up selling it in January 2024 for $25 million. The buyer? Zong Qinghou, one of China’s richest billionaires.
- The Pierre Hotel Apartment: In 2014, they purchased a $2.5 million apartment at the famous Pierre Hotel in NYC, adding a city escape to their already impressive real estate collection.
What’s Next for Kathy Hilton?
Even though Kathy has stepped away from reality TV, she remains a fashion mogul and philanthropist. Her Kathy Hilton Collection continues to thrive, and with a family deeply rooted in entertainment and business, she’s sure to remain in the spotlight for years to come.
With her incredible net worth, iconic family, and a knack for luxury living, Kathy Hilton proves that she’s more than just a Hilton wife—she’s a powerhouse in her own right.
What do you think of Kathy Hilton’s success story? Let’s discuss in the comments!
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