Kathleen “Kathy” Elizabeth Hilton is an American socialite, fashion designer, actress, and television personality. She is widely recognized as the mother of socialites Paris and Nicky Hilton, and for her appearances on the reality television series The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills. A multifaceted individual, Hilton has carved a niche for herself in the realms of fashion, business, and entertainment, establishing a personal brand synonymous with luxury and philanthropy.
Kathy Hilton Overview
| Full Name | Kathleen Elizabeth Avanzino |
| Date of Birth | March 13, 1959 |
| Age | 66 (as of 2025) |
| Birthplace | New York City, U.S. |
| Family | Richard Hilton (husband), Paris Hilton (daughter), Nicky Hilton Rothschild (daughter), Barron Hilton II (son), Conrad Hilton III (son) |
| Height | 5′ 5″ |
| Profession | Socialite, Fashion Designer, Actress, Television Personality |
| Net Worth | $350 million (as of 2025) |
Early Life and Education of Kathy Hilton
Born Kathleen Elizabeth Avanzino in New York City on March 13, 1959, Kathy Hilton is the daughter of Kathleen Mary and Laurence “Larry” Avanzino. Her mother was of Irish descent, while her father had Italian ancestry. Following her parents’ divorce, her mother married Kenneth E. Richards, through whom Hilton has two half-sisters, the actresses Kim and Kyle Richards. She also has five paternal half-siblings from her father’s remarriage.
Hilton attended Montclair College Preparatory School in Los Angeles, where she formed a close and lasting friendship with the future “King of Pop,” Michael Jackson. Their bond remained strong until his death in 2009.
Kathy Hilton’s Career
Acting Beginnings
Kathy Hilton’s career in the public eye began at a young age. She started as a child actress in 1968, making appearances in popular television shows such as Nanny and the Professor, Bewitched, Family Affair, Happy Days, and The Rockford Files. She also had roles in films like The Dark and On the Air Live with Captain Midnight. Hilton retired from acting in 1979 after her marriage.
Business Ventures and Fashion
In the 1980s and early 1990s, Hilton owned and operated a gift and antiques store called The Staircase on Sunset Plaza in Los Angeles. She later ventured into television shopping, debuting merchandise on QVC in 2002 and launching a signature skincare line on HSN in 2007. In 2008, she released a perfume called “My Secret”. Since 2012, Hilton has designed the Kathy Hilton Collection of party dresses, which are sold in hundreds of stores worldwide, including major retailers like Neiman Marcus and Saks Fifth Avenue.
Return to Television
Hilton returned to television in the 2000s, most notably as the host of the NBC reality series I Want to Be a Hilton in 2005. She has made numerous appearances on shows featuring her daughters, including The Simple Life and The World According to Paris. In 2020, it was announced that she would join the cast of The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills as a “friend of the housewives,” a role that quickly made her a fan favorite.
Kathy Hilton Personal Life & Family
At the age of 15, Kathy met Richard “Rick” Hilton, the grandson of Hilton Hotels founder Conrad Hilton. They married on November 24, 1979. The couple has four children: Paris (born 1981), Nicky (born 1983), Barron II (born 1989), and Conrad III (born 1994). They reside in the affluent Bel Air neighborhood of Los Angeles. As of 2024, they have eight grandchildren.
Awards and Achievements of Kathy Hilton
Throughout her career, Kathy Hilton has been recognized for her philanthropic efforts and contributions to fashion. In 2011, she, along with her daughters, received an award from the Starlight Children’s Foundation. She has also been honored by the Make-A-Wish Foundation for her fundraising activities. In 2022, she was awarded an honorary doctorate from the Academy of Art University.
Kathy Hilton Net Worth and Income
As of 2025, Kathy Hilton’s net worth is estimated to be $350 million, a figure that is a combined net worth with her husband, Rick Hilton. Her wealth is derived from her various business ventures, her husband’s success in real estate with the firm Hilton & Hyland, and their joint real estate investments.
Legacy and Influence
Kathy Hilton has established a significant legacy through her multifaceted career and her role as the matriarch of a prominent American family. Her influence extends from the worlds of fashion and business to reality television. She is also recognized for her philanthropic work with organizations such as the Make-A-Wish Foundation and the Starlight Children’s Foundation.
Interesting Facts about Kathy Hilton
- She was a close friend of pop superstar Michael Jackson, whom she met in high school.
- Hilton and Jackson made a pact to name their first daughters Paris.
- She was also friends with iconic artist Andy Warhol.
- Hilton has stated that she does not enjoy watching her sisters’ drama unfold on The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills.
Controversies
In 2022, during the reunion of The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills, fellow cast member Erika Jayne accused Hilton of using a homophobic slur during a trip to Aspen. Hilton denied the allegation. The incident, which was said to have occurred at a club, was a major point of contention during the reunion. Sutton Stracke, whose assistant was the alleged target of the slur, later denied that Hilton had made the remark. Earlier that year, Hilton also drew criticism for applying lip gloss during Mariska Hargitay‘s acceptance speech at the People’s Choice Awards.
Social Media Presence
Kathy Hilton maintains an active presence on social media. As of late 2024, her Instagram account (@kathyhilton) has over 1 million followers.
Final Words about Kathy Hilton
Kathy Hilton continues to be a prominent figure in American high society and popular culture. With her ongoing role on The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills and her various business interests, she remains in the public eye. Her future plans appear to involve continuing to build her brand and legacy, while also focusing on her growing family.
Team Dailly WikiBio