Barbara Hutton’s net worth is often a topic of fascination due to her extraordinary inheritance and tumultuous life filled with luxury, marriages, and losses.
Born into immense wealth, she inherited a fortune from her grandfather, Frank W. Woolworth, and her father, Franklyn Laws Hutton.
However, despite her initial riches, her lavish lifestyle, seven marriages, and high-profile socialite status led to both financial mismanagement and personal struggles.
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In this article, we explore the financial aspects of her life, including her inheritance, spending habits, and the legacy she left behind.
Table of Contents
Quick Facts
| FACT | DETAIL |
|---|---|
| Real Name | Barbara Hutton |
| Popular Name | Barbara Hutton |
| Gender | Female |
| Birth Date | November 14, 1912 |
| Age | 66 years (Died May 11, 1979) |
| Parents | Edna Woolworth, Franklyn Laws Hutton |
| Siblings | N/A |
| Birthplace | New York City, New York, U.S. |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | Primarily of English, Scottish, and Dutch descent |
| Education | Attended private schools, did not attend university |
| Marital Status | N/A |
| Spouse | Alexis Mdivani (m. 1933–1935), Count Court von Haugwitz-Hardenberg-Reventlow (m. 1935–1938), Cary Grant (m. 1942–1945), Igor Troubetzkoy (m. 1947–1951), Porfirio Rubirosa (m. 1953–1954), Gottfried von Cramm (m. 1955–1959), Prince Pierre Raymond Doan Vinh (m. 1964–1966) |
| Children | Lance Haugwitz-Hardenberg-Reventlow |
| Dating | Had numerous relationships |
| Net Worth | $3,500 |
| Source of Wealth | Inherited wealth from Woolworth and Hutton family |
| Height | 5 feet 5 inches (1.65 meters) |
What is the Net Worth Of Barbara Hutton in 2024?
Barbara Hutton’s net worth at the time of her death was reported to be $3,500, a far cry from her peak fortune of over $900 million (adjusted for inflation).
At her peak, she was known as the “Poor Little Rich Girl,” a term coined by the media to highlight her tragic fall from wealth.
Unlike modern heirs who maintain their fortunes, Barbara’s wealth was significantly diminished by a lifestyle of luxury, frequent marriages, and extravagant spending.
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She was known to possess Old Master paintings and jewelry, including pieces once owned by Marie Antoinette.
Some figures closely related to Barbara Hutton’s circle include:
- Prince Alexis Mdivani
- Cary Grant
- Porfirio Rubirosa
- Baron Gottfried von Cramm
- Lance Reventlow
- Marjorie Merriweather Post
- Frank W. Woolworth
- Franklyn Laws Hutton
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Barbara Hutton Wealth, Salary, and Financial Overview
Her Inheritance and Family Background: The Foundation of Her Wealth
Barbara Hutton’s wealth primarily stemmed from her family background.
As the granddaughter of Frank W. Woolworth, the founder of the Woolworth retail chain, she inherited a substantial fortune at the age of 21.
Her father, Franklyn Laws Hutton, co-founded E.F. Hutton & Co., a successful brokerage firm, adding to her considerable wealth.
This foundation allowed Barbara to live a life of luxury, but also set high expectations for her, which she struggled to meet, especially as she faced personal hardships later in life.
Her Socialite and Philanthropic Lifestyle
Barbara’s status as a socialite played a huge role in her financial journey.
Living in the spotlight and associated with high society, she frequently appeared in tabloids and social columns.
While she embraced her privileged life, she also engaged in philanthropy and gave back to various charitable causes.
These activities helped maintain her public image as a generous and elegant woman, but they also contributed to her financial strain.
Her personal branding, as the “Poor Little Rich Girl,” further fueled her persona and fueled public interest in her financial situation.
Marriages and Divorces: The Financial Impact of Her Relationships
Barbara’s seven marriages were not only sensational but also had a profound effect on her financial status.
Her first marriage to Prince Alexis Mdivani, a Georgian nobleman, was costly, both emotionally and financially.
Similarly, her marriage to Cary Grant, though publicized as a love story, ended in divorce, leading to costly settlements.
Each of these relationships required significant financial expenditure, leaving Barbara with less than she had inherited.
Despite these setbacks, her relationships with influential men kept her in the public eye.
Her Lavish Spending and Lifestyle Choices
Barbara’s extravagant lifestyle, including purchasing luxury homes, jewelry, and frequent vacations, drained her wealth over the years.
She owned properties in luxurious locations, including a famous mansion in Bel Air, and amassed a notable collection of fine jewelry.
Her collection even included pieces once owned by Marie Antoinette, symbolizing her penchant for grandeur.
However, despite her refined taste, these luxury purchases and her high social status left her with little financial security as she aged.
The Downfall of Her Fortune: Financial Mismanagement and Loss
Barbara’s financial downfall was a direct result of her excessive lifestyle and poor financial decisions.
Living beyond her means and continuously acquiring expensive assets led to the erosion of her inherited wealth.
Her financial advisors failed to manage her funds effectively, and this mismanagement compounded the issue.
By the time of her death, she was near bankruptcy, despite having inherited a fortune worth millions.
Her Legacy and Financial Impact
Barbara’s life serves as both a cautionary tale and an example of the complexities that come with inherited wealth.
Her legacy lives on in the public’s understanding of how easily vast fortunes can be squandered.
Her story highlights the importance of wise financial management, especially when one inherits significant wealth, and how personal choices—like marriages, spending habits, and lifestyle—can impact long-term financial health.
Important FAQs About Barbara Hutton
What was her source of wealth?
Her primary source of wealth was her inheritance from her grandfather, Frank W. Woolworth, who founded the Woolworth retail empire, and her father, Franklyn Laws Hutton, co-founder of E.F. Hutton & Co.
How many times did she marry?
She married seven times throughout her life.
Her most famous marriages included those to Cary Grant and Prince Alexis Mdivani.
What is the significance of she being called “Poor Little Rich Girl”?
She was dubbed “Poor Little Rich Girl” by the media due to her tragic life story, in which she squandered her inherited wealth despite being born into immense fortune.
Her story was often seen as one of luxury followed by loss and emotional hardship.
How did she spend her money?
She spent her money on luxury homes, expensive jewelry, fine art, and a lavish lifestyle that included frequent vacations.
Her extravagant spending habits drained much of her inherited fortune.
What was her legacy?
Her legacy is remembered as a cautionary tale about wealth management and the impact of personal decisions on financial stability.
She is also remembered for her charitable works and her status as a prominent socialite.
Conclusion
Barbara Hutton’s financial journey, from inheriting a vast fortune to ultimately losing most of it, offers valuable lessons on wealth management.
Her story is a poignant reminder of how important it is to manage inherited wealth carefully.
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