Kathy Hilton is one of those public figures whose name carries weight across multiple generations. Whether through her daughters Paris and Nicky, her half-sisters Kim and Kyle Richards on “The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills,” or her own appearances on that same show, she’s remained visible in American pop culture for decades without ever chasing the spotlight aggressively.
Born into one era of Hollywood, married into hotel fortune, and mother to influencers who defined social media fame before it had a name—her life touches several distinct chapters of American celebrity culture. At 66, she continues appearing on reality television, running business ventures, and maintaining what she calls a “best friends” marriage after 45 years.
Her Background and Early Life
She was born Kathleen Elizabeth Avanzino on March 13, 1959, in Manhattan, New York. Her father Larry Avanzino had Italian ancestry, while her mother Kathleen Mary (known as “Big Kathy”) came from Irish roots.
Her parents divorced when she was young, and her mother married Kenneth E. Richards. Through that marriage, she gained two younger half-sisters—Kim and Kyle Richards, both of whom became actresses. She also has five paternal half-siblings from her father’s subsequent remarriage, though they’ve remained largely out of public view.
She grew up in Los Angeles and attended Montclair College Preparatory School, a private institution where she formed a close friendship with Michael Jackson that lasted until his death in 2009. They reportedly made prank calls together as teenagers and even made a pact to name their firstborn daughters Paris—Michael honored it in 1998, she did in 1981.
Becoming a Recognized Public Figure
She began acting as a child in 1968, appearing in popular television series of that era. Her credits included “Nanny and the Professor,” “Bewitched,” “Family Affair,” and “Happy Days.” She also had a role in the 1979 horror film “The Dark.”
Her acting career ended in 1979—the same year she married Richard “Rick” Hilton at age 20. She met him at a party when they were teenagers, and they married on November 24, 1979. That marriage shifted her public identity from working actress to part of the Hilton hotel family dynasty.
Rick Hilton is the grandson of Conrad Hilton, who founded Hilton Hotels. Rick co-founded Hilton & Hyland, a successful luxury real estate brokerage firm in Los Angeles. The marriage brought her into a level of wealth and social standing that would define the rest of her public life.
Marriage, Family, and Personal Life
She and Rick have been married for 45 years as of 2024, celebrating their anniversary with a trip to Paris and London. In interviews, she attributes their lasting marriage to being “best friends” and maintaining respect, honesty, and immediate communication when upset.
They have four children: Paris Hilton (born 1981), Nicky Hilton (born 1983), Barron Nicholas Hilton II (born 1989), and Conrad Hughes Hilton III (born 1994). They’re also grandparents to eight grandchildren as of January 2026.
Her relationship with her half-sisters has been complicated. In 2012, she said watching Kim and Kyle on “The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills” made her “break down in tears” over seeing their lives “fall apart.” Yet in 2020, she joined the show herself as a “friend of the housewives,” appearing in seasons 11 and 12 before departing in 2023. She returned for a guest appearance at the Season 13 reunion in 2024 and continues appearing as a friend in Season 15.
Work, Business Interests, and Media Involvement
In the 1980s and early 1990s, she owned and operated The Staircase, a gift and antiques shop on Sunset Plaza in Los Angeles. This venture showcased her interest in design and home decor long before lifestyle branding became common.
In 2002, she began selling merchandise on QVC, the television shopping network. In 2007, she launched her own skincare line on rival network HSN. In 2008, she released a perfume called “My Secret.”
Since 2012, she’s designed the Kathy Hilton Collection, a line of party dresses sold in high-end stores including Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue, and Nordstrom—reportedly available in 400 stores worldwide.
She’s appeared in several reality shows, mostly connected to family. She had small appearances in “The Simple Life” (2003-2005), which starred her daughter Paris and Nicole Richie. In 2005, she hosted “I Want to Be a Hilton” on NBC, where contestants competed for the opportunity to live a Hilton lifestyle. She appeared in “The World According to Paris” (2011) and more recently in “Paris in Love.”
Financial Standing and Sources of Income
Her estimated net worth is $350 million according to Celebrity Net Worth. This figure should be understood as an estimate rather than confirmed fact, as precise wealth calculations for private individuals are impossible without access to financial records.
Much of this wealth stems from her marriage to Rick Hilton, whose real estate brokerage and family hotel fortune provide substantial assets. However, she has her own income streams through fashion design, product sales on shopping networks, television appearances, and her various business ventures over four decades.
The Hiltons live in Bel-Air, Los Angeles, in a home she describes as filled with “sentimental memories.” She’s known for elaborate holiday decorating, going all out for Christmas and even hosting “Christmas in July” charity events.
Public Style and Physical Appearance
She stands 5’7″ (170 cm), which is considered above average height for women. Her public presentation leans toward classic elegance rather than trend-chasing—polished, put-together, maintaining the socialite aesthetic that defined her generation of wealthy Los Angeles women.
She’s mentioned having an extensive nighttime skincare routine that includes rubbing fruit on her face “like a toner,” followed by multiple skincare steps and vitamins. She prefers sleeping in a dark, cool room set to 68 degrees, a detail she shared when discussing her marriage routines.
Her fashion sense reflects her role as both designer and consumer of luxury goods. She appeared in Oscar de la Renta’s 2021 New York Fashion Week campaign and modeled Valentino’s 2021 resort collection alongside her daughters for Vogue in December 2020.
Personal Boundaries Away From the Spotlight
Despite decades in the public eye, she’s maintained boundaries around certain aspects of her life. She hasn’t discussed religious beliefs publicly in available interviews or profiles. Her Italian and Irish heritage is documented, but specific religious practices or spiritual beliefs remain private.
She shares aspects of family life—her marriage, her children’s accomplishments, grandchildren—but keeps deeper personal struggles or conflicts largely out of media discussion. Even when family drama plays out on “The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills,” she maintains a level of remove, appearing as “friend” rather than full cast member.
Read Also: Sophie Turner: Growing Up in the Public Eye and Finding Her Own Voice
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