Net Worth: $400 million Source: Tommy Hilfiger Ah the unmistakable little Tommy logo. Those three little stripes, red white and blue. God bless… America? Regardless, Tommy Hilfiger is an undisputed American classic. Collabs with supermodels like Gigi Hadid and the like are just helping the brand along – and you have to admit, it’s one of the most visible brands in the world. Anywho, next up is Ally Hilfiger, daughter of the man who started up Tommy Hilfiger… Tommy, Hilfiger. Which of course, makes her heir to the massive fortune. Sure, there are people on this list who are substantially wealthier, but $400 million US? That’s a lot of cash people!
The New York born socialite might be in line to inherit the mega bucks, but she hasn’t had it easy. Her childhood and even her adult years, have been tainted by Lyme disease. Sure, financially she was in the best possible position to try every known remedy, but regardless, the long-misunderstood condition impacted her life in a severe way. She served on the board of Project Lyme, which focuses on prevention and early detection, and has also written a book, cheekily titled Bite Me, in which she shares her personal journey to getting healthier and finding happiness. Fast forward and Ally’s not only an author, but a television producer. Fun fact too: she appeared way back on the MTV show Rich Girls, where she infamously had a breakdown while trying to make a burrito. Tbh, feels.
Chevy Chase
Net Worth: $50 million Source: The Crane Company Sure, he’s got a famous face and a bit of a reputation from his National Lampoon’s franchise, but Chevy Chase is more than just an American funny man! The Manhattan-born Chevy Chase was actually known by another name – Cornelius Crane. Yup. The comedian, writer, and actor was born to a Manhattan book editor and magazine writer, Edward Tinsley Chase, and a concert pianist mother. His mother, in fact, was the heir to The Crane Company – now the story is, she was adopted by Cornelius Vanderbilt! Yep, THE Vanderbilts.
Chevy’s name, “Chevy” is actually a nickname, given to him by his grandmother! Apparently she got it from a medieval English folk song, titled “The Ballad of Chevy Chase.” We probably don’t need to list all his achievements on the screen, but of course, for any young ones, he’s best known for his appearances on Saturday Night Live, as well as his many comedic roles in Caddyshack and Fletch.
Lydia Hearst-Shaw
Net Worth: $28 billion Source: William Randolph Hearst Okay, yes, you read right, that’s $28 BILLION. This next heiress has enough money to well, basically end hunger. Lydia Hearst Shaw is however, many things apart from very rich – she’s a blogger, model and has even been on the screen a handful of times. She is of course, linked to the publishing magnate William Randolph Hearst. But it is her mother whom you may know a little more about. Patty Hearst was Lydia’s mum, and she was of course infamously and tragically kidnapped by a left-wing American terrorist group, the Symbionese Liberation Army. The ordeal she went through whilst under the group’s influence was nothing short of shocking – but perhaps more shocking was the fact she was sentenced to 35 years prison! This sentence, however, was commuted by President Carter, and was later pardoned by President Bill Clinton.
Anywho, back to Lydia. Born in Connecticut, the teen attended Sacred Heart University, however went on to pursue modelling. She’s since modelled on the runway for Fendi, Chanel, Nicole Miller and Jeremy Scott, as well as appeared in advertising campaigns for Prada, Alexander McQueen, Louis Vuitton, DKNY and NARS Cosmetics. Not bad at all. Fast forward and she’s since gotten married, to comedian and podcaster Chris Hardwick, but we’ve got some trivia for you. Did you know that she dated Jeff Goldblum? The pair, whom at the time had a 32-year age difference, dated for almost a year before splitting. Look, like, love is love and all, but we’re not sure how we’d feel dating someone who was 32 when you were BORN. Nappies versus fully grown adult male. Yeah, no thanks. But hey, it lasted for a year, so…
Carly Simon
Net Worth: $65 million Source: Richard L. Simon Carly Elisabeth Simon is a singer-songwriter and a published children’s book author. She rose to fame in the 1970s with her music records, and has even charted a number of times in the U.S. Her inheritance however, comes by way of her father, Richard Simon, who was the co-founder of the book company Simon & Schuster. A bit of background on daddy-o – he was actually a classical pianist, and we think that may just be what inspired Carly to take up music and pursue it!
The leggy Carly (she’s 179cm!) actually started her career as part of a duet, The Simon Sisters, but then decided to break from her sister Lucy and departed from their folky duo. Her pursuit of a solo career did prove successful, and we think Lucy was ok with it too! Her success of course came to her early, with her debut album, Carly Simon earning her a Grammy. Now that’s quite something! Fun fact: she was married to the great James Taylor for a brief period!
Patty Hearst
Net Worth: $28 billion Source: William Randolph Hearst We’ve already spoken about her daughter, Lydia, but now it’s time for us to introduce Patty Hearst, grand-daughter of the publishing and media magnate, William Randolph Hearst. Just as an FYI if you ever get the chance to visit the Hearst Estate on the way to San Francisco, we highly recommend it! It’s pretty amazing. How the other half lives, amirite? Anyways, back to Patty Hearst.
Born in San Fran and an alumnus of the University of California, Hearst went on to become an author and an actress. Her written work is definitely worth the time – Every Secret Thing in particular. The book was written following her ordeal with the Symbionese Liberation Army on the 4th of February 1974. The memoir was a best-seller on The New York Times List and is a captivating read. She’s also featured on numerous TV shows and films, though many times this was of course, as herself in shows about her family’s extensive lineage and wealth. She’s got a stake in a $28 billion empire, so, yeah. We’re just going to keep working at our $25/hr job over here…