Net Worth: | $500.0 Million |
---|---|
Age: | 60 |
Born: | Mar 20, 1963 |
Gender: | female |
Height: | 5 ft 9 in (1.77 m) |
Country of Origin: | United States of America |
Source of Wealth: | Model, Actor, Designer, Entrepreneur, Editor, Author |
Last Updated: | 2023 |
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What is Kathy Ireland’s Net Worth?
Kathy Ireland is an American former model, actress, entrepreneur, and designer who has a net worth of $500 million. She acquired her wealth through a successful modeling career and by creating her own brand product marketing company called Kathy Ireland Worldwide.
As of this writing, she is the richest supermodel on the planet.
Kathy Ireland’s Net Worth, Career, and Success Story (2023 Update)
Early Life and Modeling Career
Kathleen Marie Ireland, known as Kathy Ireland, was born on March 20, 1963, in Glendale, California. She was discovered by a scout from Elite Model Management when she was just sixteen years old. Ireland signed with the management company and began appearing in various fashion shoots and spreads.
Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, she enjoyed a highly successful modeling career, gracing the covers of notable magazines like Vogue, Cosmopolitan, Forbes, and Mademoiselle. She also gained recognition for her appearances in 13 consecutive Sports Illustrated swimsuit issues.
Film and Television
In addition to her modeling career, Kathy Ireland ventured into the world of acting. She made her film debut in 1988 in the movie “Alien from L.A.” and appeared in various television shows and films such as “Mystery Science Theater 3000,” “Melrose Place,” “Boy Meets World,” “The Larry Sanders Show,” and “Deadly Games.” Ireland also participated in reality television, competing on the ninth season of “Dancing with the Stars” in 2009.
She later appeared as a guest on an episode of “The Profit” in 2016, offering business advice to a CEO.
Entrepreneurial Ventures
Kathy Ireland’s entrepreneurial success began in 1993 when she released her own line of socks for Kmart. The socks became a massive sales hit, selling 100 million pairs and leading to the creation of an entire clothing line under her name. Inspired by Warren Buffett, Ireland founded Kathy Ireland Worldwide (KIWW) that same year.
Unlike many celebrity licensing deals, Ireland became the majority owner and CEO of KIWW.
After her Kmart contract expired in 2003, KIWW launched its own products, which are now sold in over 60,000 worldwide locations in 15 countries. The company markets a wide range of products, including indoor/outdoor accessories, rugs, baby furniture, bedding, wedding gowns, candles, ceiling fans, fabrics, fine crystal, mattresses, and more.
Between 2005 and 2012, products with Ireland’s brand generated over $2 billion in annual retail sales, establishing KIWW as a major player in the industry. KIWW also expanded into talent management, representing singer Janet Jackson and forming a partnership with actress and singer Vanessa Williams.
Philanthropy and Other Activities
Kathy Ireland has been actively involved in supporting various charitable causes. She has provided pro bono work for organizations like Feed the Children, City of Hope, and March of Dimes. In 2013, Ireland’s company donated $10 million to the annual Toys for Tots drive in partnership with Bendon Publishing International.
Outside of her philanthropic endeavors, Ireland has hosted multiple LPGA Golf Tournaments and became the first woman to sit on the board of the NFL Players Association in 2019. She is also a published author, writing books for children and self-help guides.
Her fitness videos have also gained recognition, with one of them winning the award for Fitness Video of the Year.
Personal Life
In 1988, Kathy Ireland married physician Greg Olsen, and they have three children together: Erik, Lily, and Chloe. She is a devout Christian and has been vocal about her anti-abortion stance and support for Israel. Ireland had a close personal friendship with actress Elizabeth Taylor, and they often attended public events together.
She credits Taylor as her mentor.
Summary
Kathy Ireland is an American former model, actress, entrepreneur, and designer with a net worth of $500 million. She gained fame through her successful modeling career and later founded Kathy Ireland Worldwide, a brand product marketing company. Ireland has also ventured into acting, philanthropy, and writing.
She is known for her dedication to various causes and her contributions to the business world. As of November 2023, Kathy Ireland’s net worth is roughly $500 million.