Who Is Kathy Hilton?
Kathy Hilton is an American television personality, entrepreneur, and philanthropist best known as the mother of Paris and Nicky Hilton and a recurring figure on The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills. Before fame, she pursued acting under her birth name, Kathleen Avanzino, appearing in shows like Bewitched and Happy Days.
Her path to immense wealth began not in Hollywood but in high society, through her marriage to Richard Hilton, a descendant of Conrad Hilton, founder of Hilton Hotels.
| Full Name | Kathleen Elizabeth Avanzino Hilton |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | March 13, 1959 |
| Age (2025) | 66 years old |
| Birthplace | New York City, USA |
| Profession | Television Personality, Businesswoman, Philanthropist |
| Spouse | Richard “Rick” Hilton (m. 1979) |
| Children | Paris Hilton, Nicky Hilton Rothschild, Barron Hilton II, Conrad Hilton III |
| Estimated Net Worth (2025) | $400 Million (Combined with Rick Hilton) |
Kathy Hilton’s Net Worth in 2025
As of 2025, Kathy Hilton’s net worth is estimated at around $400 million, when combined with her husband Rick Hilton’s real estate empire. Alone, Kathy’s individual wealth sits between $200–250 million, depending on current property valuations and brand partnerships.
The couple’s primary fortune comes from Hilton & Hyland, a luxury real-estate brokerage Rick co-founded in Beverly Hills. Kathy’s earnings stem from her television roles, investments, fashion ventures, and her luxury homeware line “Kathy Hilton Collection.”
Sources of Wealth
1. Television and Media
Kathy rose to modern fame through The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills, earning a reported $300,000 per season for her guest appearances. Her charm and candid humor turned her into a fan favorite, boosting her public brand value.
2. Real Estate and Hilton Family Ties
Her husband Rick Hilton’s company handles multi-million-dollar real estate deals in Los Angeles, sometimes exceeding $150 million per property. Together, they have invested in estates across Beverly Hills and Hamptons properties valued in the tens of millions.
3. Fashion and Endorsements
Before reality TV, Kathy designed her own fashion line sold at major retailers like Neiman Marcus and Saks Fifth Avenue. She later launched a home décor collection and fragrance deals that still contribute to her yearly income.
4. Family Wealth and Legacy
Kathy’s children, Paris Hilton and Nicky Hilton Rothschild, are both wealthy public figures in their own right. The family’s collective value pushes the Hilton dynasty well past the billion-dollar mark, though most assets remain divided among generations.
Lifestyle and Properties
The Hiltons live in a sprawling Beverly Hills mansion valued at approximately $55 million, filled with rare art, designer interiors, and a vast garden where Kathy hosts charity events.
They also own vacation homes in New York, the Hamptons, and Palm Springs, alongside several investment properties through Hilton & Hyland’s portfolio.
Unlike her more flamboyant daughter Paris, Kathy prefers an understated but classic luxury lifestyle, charity galas, private art auctions, and family-focused gatherings.
Kathy Hilton Before Marriage
Before marrying into the Hilton family in 1979, Kathy Hilton already had industry exposure as a child actress and socialite. Her early income came from commercials and minor TV roles, but her real financial growth began after partnering with Rick Hilton.
Their marriage united two affluent families, the Avanzinos and the Hiltons, creating one of the most powerful social unions in American society.
Kathy and Rick Hilton’s Combined Net Worth
Together, Kathy and Rick Hilton have an estimated combined fortune of $400 million, driven by television earnings, real estate holdings, and family inheritance.
Rick’s solo ventures, including luxury brokerage Hilton & Hyland, generate millions annually in commissions, while Kathy’s role as a reality TV icon and businesswoman adds significant independent income.
Are the Hiltons a Billionaire Family?
While Kathy and Rick are multi-millionaires, the Hilton family as a whole is worth several billions, largely due to the Hilton Hotel empire and generational wealth. Paris and Nicky Hilton’s brands, along with private investments from Hilton family trusts, continue to grow globally.
This makes Kathy Hilton one of the wealthiest personalities connected to reality television and an influential figure in both entertainment and business.
Comparisons with Other Housewives
In the Real Housewives franchise, Kathy Hilton ranks near the top financially, trailing only behind ultra-wealthy stars like Lisa Vanderpump and Diana Jenkins. Her estimated net worth easily places her among the top 10 richest Real Housewives of all time.
Her sister, Kyle Richards, holds an estimated net worth of $120 million, meaning Kathy’s fortune significantly surpasses her younger sibling’s.
Interesting Facts
- Height: 5 ft 7 in (1.70 m)
- Zodiac Sign: Pisces
- Philanthropy: Actively supports Make-A-Wish Foundation and Los Angeles Children’s Hospital.
- Known For: Elegant hosting style, signature humor, and being the matriarch of the Hilton dynasty.
Frequently Asked Questions
As of 2025, Diana Jenkins remains the richest, with Kathy Hilton closely following her with a combined family net worth of around $400 million.
Kathy Hilton is significantly wealthier, primarily due to her husband’s real estate empire and inherited Hilton family wealth.
Yes. The broader Hilton dynasty, including the hotel empire and private trusts, exceeds $14 billion in cumulative assets.
Together, they are worth about $400 million, including real estate, business ventures, and investments.
Before marrying Rick Hilton, Kathy had modest acting income, roughly around $200,000, according to early career records.
She lives in a luxury Beverly Hills mansion estimated at $55 million and owns several other properties across the U.S.
Rick Hilton, real estate magnate, co-founder of Hilton & Hyland, and grandson of hotel founder Conrad Hilton.
She stands approximately 5 feet 7 inches (1.70 meters) tall.
Final Thoughts
Kathy Hilton’s net worth reflects a lifetime of wealth accumulation, family legacy, and savvy business decisions. From acting and fashion design to philanthropy and real estate, she remains a key figure in American high society.
Her influence spans generations, from her own television appearances to her daughters’ global fame, proving that the Hilton name continues to define luxury, wealth, and enduring success.
