Kathy Hilton Net Worth 2026: $350M Fortune & Bio

When most people hear the name Hilton, they think of Paris—the celebrity, the DJ, the entrepreneur. But behind every famous daughter is a mother who knew how to build wealth long before reality TV made it cool.

Kathy Hilton’s net worth sits at a stunning $350 million in 2026, and here’s the part that surprises everyone: she earned most of it herself. No trust fund. No inheritance windfall. Just smart business moves, strategic real estate investments, and a fashion line that’s sold in over 400 stores worldwide.

Let me walk you through exactly how a former child actress became one of the wealthiest women in Beverly Hills—and why her story is more interesting than any Real Housewives drama.

Quick Facts About Kathy Hilton

What Is Kathy Hilton Net Worth in 2026?

Kathy Hilton net worth is $350 million as of 2026. This figure represents her combined wealth with her husband, real estate mogul Richard Hilton. While many assume the Hiltons inherited their fortune from the famous hotel empire, the truth is far more complicated—and far more impressive.

The $350 million comes from multiple income streams built over four decades:

• Real estate investments (the biggest source)
• Fashion and beauty businesses
• Television appearances and hosting
• Brand partnerships and endorsements
• Strategic property sales

Here’s what shocks most people: Kathy and Rick built this fortune mostly on their own. When Rick’s father, Barron Hilton, died in 2019, he left the family just crumbs. Barron had donated 97% of his $4.5 billion estate to charity, splitting only 3% among 24 family members. Rick and Kathy received approximately $5.6 million—a tiny fraction of what people expected.

By that point, though? They didn’t need it. They’d already built their own empire.

How Kathy Hilton Made Her Money

Unlike celebrities who inherit wealth or strike it rich overnight, Kathy’s fortune grew gradually through smart decisions:

1. Real Estate Empire (Estimated: $200M+)

Rick Hilton co-founded Hilton & Hyland, one of the most prestigious luxury real estate brokerages in Los Angeles. The firm has handled billions in transactions, representing celebrity clients and ultra-wealthy buyers. As Rick’s partner in life and business, Kathy benefited from every deal.

Their personal property portfolio includes:

• Bel Air mansion bought for $9.2M, sold for $25M
• Hamptons estate purchased at $3.385M, sold for $10.995M
• Manhattan penthouse at the Pierre Hotel worth $2.5M

2. Kathy Hilton Collection (Estimated: $30-50M)

In 2012, Kathy launched her namesake fashion line featuring party dresses and evening wear. The collection is sold in high-end stores including Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue, and Nordstrom, with distribution in over 400 stores worldwide.

Industry insiders estimate the brand generates $5-10 million annually in revenue. Over the past decade, that adds up to serious money.

3. Television Career (Estimated: $5-8M)

Kathy has appeared on multiple TV shows throughout her life:

• Child actress in the 1960s-70s
• QVC host starting in 2002
• “I Want to Be a Hilton” host (2005)
• HSN presenter (2007-2010s)
• Real Housewives of Beverly Hills cast member (2021-2023)

While her RHOBH salary wasn’t publicly disclosed, “friend of the housewives” typically earn $150,000-$300,000 per season. Full cast members can make $500,000 or more per season.

4. Home Shopping Networks (Estimated: $10-15M)

Kathy sold skincare products and beauty items on QVC and HSN for over a decade. These platforms reach millions of viewers, and successful products can generate substantial revenue through sales commissions.

5. Brand Partnerships

Kathy has modeled for luxury brands like Valentino and appeared in Vogue magazine with her daughters. These high-profile collaborations add both income and brand value.

Early Life and Education: From New York to Hollywood

Kathy Hilton was born Kathleen Elizabeth Avanzino on March 13, 1959, in New York City. Her father, Laurence K. Avanzino, was of Italian descent, while her mother, Kathleen Mary, had Irish and Scottish ancestry.

Her parents divorced when she was young, and her mother remarried Kenneth E. Richards. This marriage brought Kathy two famous half-sisters: actresses Kim Richards and Kyle Richards. Yes, the same Kyle Richards who stars on Real Housewives of Beverly Hills.

Growing up in Los Angeles, Kathy attended private schools and got her first taste of show business early. At just 9 years old, she began her acting career, appearing in popular TV shows of the era.

Childhood Acting Career

Before she was a Hilton, young Kathleen Avanzino was a working child actress. Her resume included:

• Bewitched (1969)
• The Rockford Files (1974)
• Nanny and the Professor (1970)
• Happy Days (1974)
• Family Affair (1970)
• The Dark (1979)
• On the Air Live with Captain Midnight (1979)

She worked steadily throughout the 1960s and early 1970s, building both her acting skills and her comfort in front of cameras—skills that would serve her well decades later on reality television.

Meeting Rick Hilton: A Teenage Romance

At age 15, Kathy met Richard Hilton, the son of Barron Hilton and grandson of hotel magnate Conrad Hilton. It was 1974, and Rick was already being groomed for a role in the family business.

Kathy’s mother, known as “Big Kathy” in family circles, reportedly saw this as the opportunity of a lifetime. According to Jerry Oppenheimer’s biography “House of Hilton,” Big Kathy had always taught her daughters that marrying well was the path to security and success.

Kathy and Rick dated for five years. She “retired” from acting at 15 to focus on their relationship. They married in 1979 when Kathy was 20 and Rick was 24, beginning a partnership that has now lasted over 45 years.

Career Timeline: Four Decades of Building Wealth

1960s-1970s: Child Star Era

From age 9 to 15, Kathy worked as an actress, appearing in over 20 television shows and films. This early exposure to the entertainment industry taught her how Hollywood really works—lessons she’d use when managing her daughters’ careers decades later.

1980s-1990s: Behind the Scenes

After marrying Rick, Kathy stepped back from the spotlight. But she wasn’t idle. In the 1980s, she owned a gift and antique store called The Staircase on Sunset Plaza in Los Angeles. This was her first real venture as a business owner.

During this period, she also focused on raising four children: Paris (born 1981), Nicky (born 1983), Barron II (born 1989), and Conrad (born 1994). But Kathy was always working behind the scenes, building the social connections that would later prove invaluable.

She became best friends with Michael Jackson—a friendship that lasted until his death in 2009. She cultivated relationships with fashion designers, celebrities, and business moguls. In elite circles, your network truly is your net worth.

2000s: Return to the Public Eye

In 2002, Kathy began hosting on QVC, the home shopping network. This marked her return to television after more than 20 years away.

In 2005, she hosted “I Want to Be a Hilton” on NBC, a reality show that gave contestants a chance to experience the Hilton lifestyle. While the show only lasted one season, it kept Kathy in the public conversation.

By 2007, she had moved to HSN (Home Shopping Network) where she sold skincare products and beauty items. She continued this work for several years, building a steady income stream outside of Rick’s real estate business.

2010s: Fashion Designer

The biggest business move came in 2012 when Kathy launched the Kathy Hilton Collection. This line of party dresses and evening wear became her signature business venture.

The collection was sold in 400+ stores worldwide, including:

• Neiman Marcus
• Saks Fifth Avenue
• Nordstrom
• Various international boutiques

The dresses featured Kathy’s aesthetic: elegant, sophisticated, perfect for the kinds of parties she’d been attending for decades. The business capitalized on her name recognition and her genuine understanding of what wealthy women want to wear to galas and charity events.

In December 2020, Kathy, Paris, and Nicky modeled together for Valentino’s 2021 resort collection in Vogue magazine—a high-profile moment that reinforced the Hilton brand’s luxury positioning.

2020s: Reality TV Star

In 2021, Kathy joined Real Housewives of Beverly Hills for season 11. At first, she appeared as a “friend of” the housewives, a recurring role that gave her camera time without the full commitment of being a main cast member.

Her appearance was an immediate hit. Fans loved her:

• Quirky personality and “Kathy-isms” (funny mispronunciations)
• Obvious wealth without showing off
• Complex family dynamics with half-sister Kyle Richards
• Behind-the-scenes glimpses of Hilton family life

She returned for season 12 but announced in June 2023 that she was leaving the show. During her time on RHOBH, she became one of the most talked-about cast members, particularly after a controversial incident in Aspen during season 12.

The Real Estate Portfolio: Where the Big Money Lives

Real estate is the foundation of Kathy and Rick’s $350 million fortune. Rick’s company, Hilton & Hyland, is one of the most successful luxury real estate brokerages in the world. But their personal property investments are equally impressive.

Bel Air Mansion: $15.8M Profit

In 2015, Rick and Kathy paid $9.2 million for a large mansion in Bel-Air, one of Los Angeles’s most exclusive neighborhoods. They tore down the existing structure and built a custom home.

In September 2021, they listed the property for $55 million. The price was ambitious—perhaps too ambitious. The property sat on the market for over two years.

Finally, in January 2024, they sold to Zong Qinghou, one of the richest people in China, for $25 million. While that’s less than half their asking price, they still made a $15.8 million profit on the deal.

Hamptons Estate: 7x Return on Investment

In 1999, Rick and Kathy paid $3.385 million for a property in Southampton’s exclusive Fordune community. The 10,500-square-foot home sat on 2.7 acres with deeded beach access.

For 25 years, this was the family’s summer retreat. Paris met her husband, Carter Reum, at this house during Thanksgiving 2019. The estate hosted countless family gatherings, holidays, and summer vacations.

In February 2024, they listed the property for just under $15 million. It sold in September 2024 for $10.995 million—more than three times their original purchase price. That’s a 225% return over 25 years, not even accounting for rental income (they reportedly rented it out each summer for $300,000-$400,000).

Manhattan Penthouse at the Pierre Hotel

In 2014, Rick and Kathy bought an apartment at New York City’s legendary Pierre Hotel for $2.5 million. This property serves as their East Coast base, keeping them connected to Manhattan’s social scene.

The Pierre, located on Fifth Avenue, is one of New York’s most prestigious addresses. Owning property there isn’t just about the apartment—it’s about the lifestyle and connections that come with it.

Total Real Estate Holdings

Between these three major properties and other investments, real estate likely represents $150-200 million of the Hiltons’ net worth. And that’s just their personal holdings—not counting Rick’s share of Hilton & Hyland’s value as a company.

Family Life: The Hilton Dynasty

Husband: Richard “Rick” Hilton

Rick Hilton is the co-founder of Hilton & Hyland, established in 1993 with partner Jeff Hyland. The firm has become synonymous with luxury real estate in Los Angeles, handling multi-million dollar properties for celebrities, executives, and wealthy international buyers.

Rick’s own net worth is estimated at $350 million (the same combined figure with Kathy). He comes from the famous Hilton hotel family, though as I mentioned earlier, he didn’t inherit the fortune many assume.

In 2024, at age 69, Rick launched yet another venture: Hilton Hilton, a new boutique real estate brokerage with his son Barron II and daughter-in-law Tessa as co-CEOs. Even in his late 60s, Rick continues building.

The couple has been married since 1979—over 45 years. When asked about their marriage’s success, Kathy told People magazine: “If you have a disagreement, always make up before you go to sleep.” Their favorite date spot? The Cheesecake Factory. Despite their wealth, some things stay surprisingly normal.

Children: The Next Generation

Paris Hilton (Born 1981)
The most famous Hilton child has built her own empire. Paris’s net worth is estimated at $300 million, earned through her DJ career, perfume line (which has grossed over $2.5 billion), business ventures, and media appearances. She married venture capitalist Carter Reum in 2021 and has two children.

Nicky Hilton Rothschild (Born 1983)
The quieter Hilton sister is a fashion designer and businesswoman with an estimated net worth of $100 million. She married James Rothschild of the famous banking family in 2015. They have three children together.

Barron Hilton II (Born 1989)
Named after his grandfather, Barron works in real estate and serves as co-CEO of his father’s new brokerage firm, Hilton Hilton. He’s married to Tessa Gräfin von Walderdorff, and they have two children.

Conrad Hughes Hilton III (Born 1994)
The youngest Hilton has stayed largely out of the spotlight, though he’s had some legal troubles over the years. He works in the family real estate business.

Eight Grandchildren

Kathy and Rick are grandparents to eight grandchildren:

• Three through Nicky and James Rothschild
• Two through Paris and Carter Reum
• Two through Barron and Tessa
• One through Conrad

Half-Sisters: Kyle and Kim Richards

Kathy’s relationship with her half-sisters adds another layer to her story. Kyle Richards has been a main cast member of Real Housewives of Beverly Hills since season 1 in 2010. When Kathy joined the show in 2021, it created an interesting dynamic—two sisters on the same reality show, but with very different bank accounts.

Kyle’s net worth is estimated at $100 million (less than a third of Kathy’s), largely built through her decades-long acting career and her own business ventures.

Kim Richards, the eldest sister, had a successful child acting career but struggled with addiction as an adult. Her net worth is estimated at only $500,000.

The three sisters have had a complicated relationship, with on-camera conflicts about family history, money, and past hurts. Kathy has said watching her sisters on RHOBH used to make her “fall apart and break down in tears”—one reason she avoided the show for so many years.

Age, Height, and Personal Details

How Old Is Kathy Hilton in 2026?

Kathy Hilton was born on March 13, 1959, making her 66 years old in 2026. Despite being in her mid-60s, she maintains an active lifestyle and continues to work in fashion and business.

Height and Physical Stats

Kathy stands at 5 feet 7 inches tall (1.70 meters), which is taller than the average American woman. Her height has served her well in the fashion world, both as a model for her own collection and in high-profile campaigns with brands like Valentino.

Zodiac Sign: Pisces

As a Pisces (born March 13), Kathy supposedly embodies classic Pisces traits: intuitive, artistic, compassionate, and sometimes escapist. Astrology fans might see these characteristics in her creative business ventures and her emotional approach to family relationships.

Lifestyle and Personal Style

Kathy’s wardrobe features designers like:

• Valentino
• Oscar de la Renta
• Chanel
• Dolce & Gabbana

She travels in style, attends global fashion weeks, and is a regular at philanthropic galas. But despite the obvious wealth, she’s known for being surprisingly down-to-earth—a quality that made her popular with RHOBH viewers.

Philanthropy: Giving Back

Wealth isn’t just about accumulation for Kathy—she’s also known for charitable work:

Make-A-Wish Foundation: In 2007, she raised money by asking celebrities to auction personal belongings, with proceeds benefiting Make-A-Wish.

Starlight Children’s Foundation: In 2011, Kathy and her daughters received an award at the foundation’s “A Stellar Night” gala in Los Angeles.

She also supports various causes through attendance at charity galas and events throughout Beverly Hills and the Hamptons. In wealthy social circles, your charitable work is as important as your business success.

Kathy Hilton vs. Other Celebrities: Wealth Comparison

How does Kathy’s $350 million stack up against other celebrities?

Kathy Hilton: $350M

• Built through real estate, fashion, and TV
• Combined net worth with husband Rick
• 45+ years of wealth building

Paris Hilton: $300M

• Her daughter, earned independently
• DJ career, perfume empire, business ventures
• Built over 20 years

Kyle Richards: $100M

• Half-sister, RHOBH main cast member
• Acting career since childhood, business ventures
• Married to real estate mogul Mauricio Umansky (separated 2023)

Kim Kardashian: $1.7B

• Friend of Paris Hilton
• Reality TV, SKIMS shapewear, beauty line
• Wealthiest reality TV star

Nicky Hilton: $100M

• Daughter, fashion designer
• Married to James Rothschild (banking heir)
• Quieter business approach than sister Paris

Kim Richards: $500K

• Half-sister, former child actress
• Struggled with addiction and financial issues
• Minimal active income

Lisa Vanderpump: $90M

• RHOBH alum, restaurants and TV shows
• SUR, Pump, Villa Blanca businesses
• Reality TV producer and star

Among Real Housewives cast members across all franchises, Kathy Hilton ranks in the top 5 wealthiest. Only Diana Jenkins (RHOBH, $300M) and a few other housewives with inherited or corporate wealth come close.

The Inheritance Story: Why the Hiltons Didn’t Get Rich from Hotels

Here’s the story that shocks everyone: Kathy and Rick inherited almost nothing from the Hilton hotel empire.

Conrad Hilton, the founder of Hilton Hotels, died in 1979. In his will, he left almost his entire fortune to the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation, a charity. His family, including his son Barron (Rick’s father), had to sue to get anything at all. They eventually won a settlement that gave them a portion of the estate.

But history repeated itself. Barron Hilton followed his father’s example. On Christmas 2007, Barron announced that 97% of his $4.5 billion fortune would go to charity—the same foundation his father had supported. Only 3% would be split among his descendants.

Why? Reports suggest Barron was embarrassed by his granddaughters Paris and Nicky, whose party-girl reputations and reality TV antics he found distasteful. Paris’s sex tape scandal in 2003 and her subsequent fame on “The Simple Life” represented everything Barron thought was wrong with the younger generation.

When Barron died in 2019, the math worked out brutally: 24 Hilton family members split about $135 million. That’s roughly $5.6 million each—a lot of money for most people, but a tiny fraction of billions.

By that point, Rick and Kathy had already built their $350 million fortune independently. The inheritance barely made a dent.

The lesson? The Hilton name opened doors, but Rick and Kathy had to build their own fortune. And they did.

Frequently Asked Questions About Kathy Hilton’s Net Worth

Is Kathy Hilton richer than Paris Hilton?

Yes, but just barely. Kathy’s net worth is $350 million (combined with Rick), while Paris has independently earned $300 million. However, Kathy’s figure includes her husband’s wealth, so on an individual basis, Paris has likely surpassed her mother.

How did Kathy Hilton make her money?

Kathy built her wealth through multiple sources: real estate investments with husband Rick, her Kathy Hilton Collection fashion line, television appearances (RHOBH, QVC, HSN), and strategic property sales. The biggest contributor is real estate.

Did Kathy Hilton inherit money from Hilton Hotels?

No. When Rick’s father Barron Hilton died in 2019, he left 97% of his fortune to charity. The Hilton family members each received approximately $5.6 million—far less than most people assume.

What is Kathy Hilton’s fashion line worth?

While exact figures aren’t public, industry estimates suggest the Kathy Hilton Collection generates $5-10 million annually in revenue. Over the past 12+ years, the brand has likely contributed $30-50 million to her net worth.

How much did Kathy Hilton make from Real Housewives of Beverly Hills?

Her exact salary wasn’t disclosed, but “friend of the housewives” typically earn $150,000-$300,000 per season. Over two seasons, Kathy likely made $300,000-$600,000 from RHOBH—a small fraction of her total wealth.

Who is richer, Kathy Hilton or Kyle Richards?

Kathy is significantly wealthier. Her $350 million net worth is more than triple Kyle’s estimated $100 million. However, both sisters are among the wealthiest Real Housewives across all franchises.

How much is Rick Hilton worth separately?

Rick and Kathy’s wealth is intertwined, with a combined net worth of $350 million. Separately, Rick’s business interests (particularly Hilton & Hyland) likely represent the majority of the couple’s wealth, while Kathy’s independent ventures (fashion, TV) contribute a significant but smaller portion.

What properties do Kathy and Rick Hilton own in 2026?

As of 2026, the Hiltons’ primary residence is in Bel Air, Los Angeles. They also own a penthouse apartment at the Pierre Hotel in Manhattan. They recently sold their Bel Air mansion ($25M in 2024) and their Hamptons estate ($10.995M in 2024).

The Bottom Line: How Kathy Hilton Built $350 Million

Kathy Hilton’s story is the opposite of what most people assume about wealthy celebrity families. She didn’t inherit a fortune. She didn’t marry into guaranteed wealth (though marrying Rick certainly helped). She built her $350 million net worth through:

Smart Real Estate Investing: Buying properties in Bel Air and the Hamptons decades ago, then selling at the right time for massive profits.

Business Diversification: Fashion line, TV hosting, home shopping, brand partnerships—multiple income streams that added up over decades.

Strategic Patience: Holding properties for 25+ years to maximize appreciation. Not chasing quick money but playing the long game.

Leveraging Her Name: The Hilton name opened doors, but Kathy walked through them with actual products and businesses, not just fame.

Partnership Marriage: Building wealth alongside Rick for 45+ years, with both partners contributing to the family fortune.

At 66 years old in 2026, Kathy Hilton has proven that old money isn’t always inherited—sometimes it’s earned through decades of smart decisions, hard work, and strategic positioning.

Her daughters Paris and Nicky learned from watching their mother. Both have built their own substantial fortunes, neither depending on family money or inheritance. That might be Kathy’s greatest legacy: teaching her children that wealth isn’t given—it’s built.