Kathy Hilton is an American television personality, socialite, entrepreneur, fashion designer and former child actress. She is also widely known as the wife of luxury real-estate businessman Rick Hilton and the mother of Paris and Nicky Hilton.
Over the years, Kathy has built a public identity that extends beyond her famous family name. Her work in television, fashion, retail and entertainment has helped her remain a familiar figure in American popular culture.
Quick Profile
| Profile Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Kathleen Elizabeth Hilton |
| Birth Name | Kathleen Elizabeth Avanzino |
| Date of Birth | March 13, 1959 |
| Age | 67 years old, as of 2026 |
| Birthplace | Manhattan, New York City, United States |
| Nationality | American |
| Height | Approximately 5 feet 7 inches (170 cm) |
| Profession | Television personality, socialite, entrepreneur and former actress |
| Estimated Net Worth | Around $350 million combined with Rick Hilton |
| Husband | Richard “Rick” Hilton |
| Children | Paris, Nicky, Barron and Conrad Hilton |
| Sisters | Kim Richards and Kyle Richards |
| @kathyhilton |
Kathy Hilton’s Net Worth
Kathy Hilton and her husband, Rick Hilton, are commonly estimated to have a combined net worth of around $350 million.
This figure is not an officially confirmed financial statement. It is a media estimate based on the couple’s real estate, business interests, investments and long careers.
Kathy’s personal earnings come from television appearances, fashion ventures, product collaborations and brand partnerships. Rick’s successful career in luxury real estate is believed to represent a major part of their combined wealth.
It is also important to note that Kathy does not personally own Hilton Hotels. She joined the Hilton family through her marriage to Rick, who is a grandson of Hilton Hotels founder Conrad Hilton.
Age and Early Life
Kathy Hilton was born Kathleen Elizabeth Avanzino on March 13, 1959, in Manhattan, New York City.
She is 67 years old as of 2026. Her zodiac sign is Pisces.
Kathy’s parents were Kathleen Mary Dugan, often known as “Big Kathy,” and Laurence Avanzino. After her parents separated, her mother married Kenneth Richards.
Through her mother, Kathy became the older half-sister of actresses Kim Richards and Kyle Richards.
She attended Montclair College Preparatory School in Los Angeles. Kathy also knew Michael Jackson during her childhood and reportedly remained friends with him into adulthood.
Height and Appearance
Kathy Hilton is commonly reported to be approximately 5 feet 7 inches, or around 170 centimetres tall.
Her exact height has not been confirmed through an official biography, so the figure should be treated as an estimate.
Kathy is known for her polished Beverly Hills appearance. She often wears elegant dresses, tailored jackets, designer handbags and statement jewelry.
Her blonde hair, refined makeup and classic fashion choices have become part of her recognizable public image.
Acting Career
Kathy started working as a child actress during the late 1960s.
She appeared in television programs such as Bewitched, Family Affair, Happy Days, The Rockford Files and Nanny and the Professor.
She also appeared in the film The Dark.
Kathy largely stepped away from acting around the time she married Rick Hilton in 1979. However, her early career gave her direct experience in Hollywood many years before her children became famous.
Business Ventures
After leaving regular acting, Kathy became involved in retail and fashion.
During the 1980s and early 1990s, she operated a gift and antiques shop in Los Angeles called The Staircase.
She later worked on skincare, fragrance and retail products sold through television shopping platforms.
One of her most visible business projects was the Kathy Hilton Collection, which featured formal dresses and special-occasion clothing.
Her fashion line reflected her personal style and experience attending weddings, charity galas and luxury social events.
Television Success
Kathy returned to television as a reality personality and host.
In 2005, she hosted the NBC competition series I Want to Be a Hilton. She also appeared in programs connected to her daughter Paris, including The Simple Life, Cooking with Paris, Paris in Love and The World According to Paris.
Her most popular television role came through The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills.
Kathy appeared as a guest before becoming a recurring “friend of the housewives.” Her unusual sense of humor, relaxed personality and memorable comments quickly made her popular with viewers.
The program also explored her sometimes complicated relationship with her younger sister Kyle Richards.
Husband and Marriage
Kathy has been married to Richard “Rick” Hilton since November 1979.
The couple reportedly met when Kathy was a teenager. They later married and raised four children together.
Rick became successful in luxury real estate and co-founded the Beverly Hills brokerage Hilton & Hyland.
His work involved some of the most expensive residential properties in Los Angeles. His real-estate career is believed to have contributed significantly to the couple’s wealth.
Children and Grandchildren
Kathy and Rick Hilton have four children: Paris Hilton, Nicky Hilton Rothschild, Barron Hilton II and Conrad Hilton.
Paris became a global media personality, entrepreneur, DJ and television star.
Nicky has worked in fashion and business. She is married to James Rothschild.
Barron has pursued business and real-estate interests, while Conrad is the youngest member of the family.
Kathy also has eight grandchildren. Her grandchildren reportedly call her “Kiki,” a nickname connected to her own childhood.
Family remains an important part of Kathy’s public life. She regularly shares photographs from birthdays, holidays, weddings and family gatherings.
Sisters and Family Background
Kim Richards and Kyle Richards are Kathy Hilton’s maternal half-sisters.
All three women share the same mother but have different biological fathers.
Kim and Kyle both began acting as children. They later appeared together on The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills.
Their relationships have experienced periods of disagreement and reconciliation. Some of these family tensions have appeared publicly on television.
Despite their differences, the sisters continue to reunite for important family occasions.
Homes and Lifestyle
Kathy and Rick are closely associated with Bel-Air, Los Angeles.
Their home is known for its elegant interiors, spacious entertaining areas and elaborate Christmas decorations.
Kathy enjoys hosting formal dinners, holiday parties and family gatherings. Her events often include celebrity guests, luxury décor and carefully planned menus.
Her lifestyle also includes designer fashion, charity events, travel and high-profile social occasions.
However, much of the content she shares publicly focuses on family traditions rather than wealth alone.
Social Media
Kathy’s main Instagram account is @kathyhilton.
She uses the platform to share family photographs, fashion looks, television appearances, charity events and brand collaborations.
She also posts frequently about Christmas, birthdays and time spent with her children and grandchildren.
Because follower counts change regularly, any exact total should be checked before publication.
Fun Facts
- Kathy Hilton was born with the surname Avanzino, not Hilton.
- She began her acting career before her daughter Paris Hilton was born.
- She once owned a Los Angeles shop called a gift and antiques store.
- She has been married to Rick Hilton for over 40 years.
- Her grandchildren lovingly call her “Kiki.”
Final Thoughts
Kathy Hilton’s estimated $350 million net worth is best understood as combined wealth shared with Rick Hilton.
Their fortune comes from luxury real estate, investments, business ventures and Kathy’s work in television, retail and fashion.
Although the Hilton name helped bring her public attention, Kathy has maintained a career of her own. From child acting and fashion design to reality television and entrepreneurship, she has remained visible for more than five decades.
Today, she is known not only as Paris Hilton’s mother but also as a television personality, businesswoman, socialite and central figure in one of America’s most famous families.
FAQs
What is Kathy Hilton’s net worth?
Kathy Hilton and her husband, Rick Hilton, are estimated to have a combined net worth of around $350 million. The figure is a media estimate rather than an officially confirmed amount.
How old is Kathy Hilton?
Kathy Hilton was born on March 13, 1959. She is 67 years old as of 2026.
How tall is Kathy Hilton?
Kathy Hilton is commonly reported to be around 5 feet 7 inches, or approximately 170 centimetres tall. Her exact height has not been officially confirmed.
Who are Kathy Hilton’s children?
Kathy and Rick Hilton have four children: Paris Hilton, Nicky Hilton Rothschild, Barron Hilton II and Conrad Hilton.
How did Kathy Hilton become famous?
Kathy became known through child acting, fashion ventures, television appearances and her connection to the Hilton family. She later gained wider popularity on The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills.
