Kathy Ireland's Net Worth (Updated 2022) | Wealthy Gorilla

Net Worth:	$500 Million
Age:	60
Born:	March 20, 1963
Gender:	Female
Height:	1.77 m (5 ft 10 in)
Country of Origin:	United States of America
Source of Wealth:	Professional Model
Last Updated:	January 17, 2024

Table of Contents

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• Introduction
• Net Worth History
• Before Wealth & Fame
• Modeling & Acting Career
• Business Ventures

Introduction

Kathy Ireland is an American former model and actress who has since become an author and entrepreneur, with an estimated net worth of $500 Million.

Net Worth History

In 2015, Forbes estimated Kathy Ireland’s net worth at $420 million. A year later, her net worth had fallen to $360 million, and the publication ceased reporting on her wealth. However, in recent years, her wealth has gradually increased to a new peak of $500 Million, as of 2025.

Before Wealth & Fame

Kathy Ireland started her journey to become one of the wealthiest models in the world in 1979 when Elite Model Management scouted her. Once in the business, Kathy appeared on the covers of many magazines, including Vogue, Cosmopolitan, Harper’s Bazaar, Seventeen, Teen, Shape Fitness, and Forbes.

However, early on, when she was 17, she had her first uncomfortable experience when a photographer wanted her to pose topless. When she said no, he proceeded to push her, which resulted in her laying down the law and punching him in the face.

Modeling & Acting Career

In 1989, Kathy Ireland appeared on the swimsuit edition of Sports Illustrated’s 50th Anniversary cover, which was hailed as the greatest cover of all time by the publisher. Ireland had quickly become one of the hottest cover girls in the world, but she wasn’t keen on being just a pretty face. Inspired by models like Kate Upton and Heidi Klum, Kathy Ireland started seriously considering entrepreneurship to further her career.

Of course, along with modeling, Ireland began acting in 1988, when she appeared in her first film, “Alien from L.A.“ She has also appeared in several TV shows, including Tales from the Crypt, Melrose Place, Sabrina, the Teenage Witch, and King of the Hill.

Business Ventures

In 1993, Kathy Ireland formed Kathy Ireland Worldwide (kiWW), a brand marketing firm with an exclusive relationship with Kmart. However, once Kmart started failing, KIWW cut its ties with the retailer in 2003 and became a global license. On the 2019 Top 150 Global Licensors list, KIWW was listed with $2.6 billion in retail sales and ranked at number. 26.

After getting advice from Warren Buffett, Ireland entered the home furnishing business in 2003, marketing products from 16 manufacturers and selling goods in 14 countries. Between 2005 and 2012, her company was generating $2 billion in retail sales, earning her the title of the world’s richest model.

In 2012, she launched her line of wedding gowns, which she presented at the Festival of Brides fashion show at the Disneyland Resort. Soon after, she designed a collection of jewelry inspired by Elizabeth Taylor, as well as a collection of pet products called Loved Ones.

Keeping Up The Momentum

Kathy Ireland Worldwide entered an agreement with rug manufacturer Nourison in 2013 to create a special collection of area rugs. A few years later, she was named one of the most successful self-made women by Forbes in its first-ever list of that kind. At this point, Ireland was one of the wealthiest women in the world, and she had no desire to sit back and retire with her fortune.

In 2016, she launched Diamonds by Kathy Ireland, a jewelry collection that premiered at the High Point Market Trade Show. The following year, Ireland became the ambassador for American Family Insurance and ventured into the shipping container business, partnering with SG Blocks.

A Variety Of Projects

In addition to these business ventures, Kathy Ireland has also founded her record label, EE1, in partnership with BMG. She has also competed with the world’s wealthiest authors, publishing numerous books, including Real Solutions for Busy Moms.

In 2020, she published her first novel, Fashion Jungle, co-authored by Rachel Van Dyken, which is based on her career in the modeling industry. Along with this, Ireland has worked as a public speaker, and in 2007, spoke at the fourth Youth Assembly at the United Nations Headquarters.