Kris Jenner, an American reality television star, producer, media personality, and author, has an impressive net worth of $170 million. Best known for her role in “Keeping Up with the Kardashians” and as the mother of the Kardashian-Jenner clan, Jenner has built an empire through her entrepreneurial ventures and television appearances.
How Did Kris Jenner Start Her Career?
Early Life and Background
Kristen Mary Houghton was born on November 5, 1955, in San Diego, California, to Mary Jo Shannon and Robert True Houghton. Her childhood was tumultuous, marked by her parents’ constant fighting and eventual divorce when she was seven years old. Her mother, Mary Jo, gained full custody of Kris and her younger sister Karen due to domestic issues. Raised in Clairemont, California, by her mother and stepfather Harry Shannon, Kris graduated from Clairemont High School in 1973. She then worked briefly at a donut shop and as a flight attendant for American Airlines before venturing into the world of entertainment and business.
How Did Kris Jenner Rise to Fame?
Marriage to Robert Kardashian
Kris married Robert Kardashian on July 8, 1978, at the age of 17. Robert, a prominent attorney, gained national fame as part of O.J. Simpson’s defense team during his 1990s murder trial. Kris and Robert had four children: Kourtney, Kim, Khloe, and Rob. Their marriage ended in divorce in 1991, and Robert later passed away from esophageal cancer in 2003.
Marriage to Bruce Jenner
In 1991, Kris married former Olympic athlete Bruce Jenner (now Caitlyn Jenner). The couple had two daughters, Kendall and Kylie. Kris managed Bruce’s career, securing endorsement deals and boosting his public profile. They separated in 2013, finalized their divorce in 2014, and Caitlyn publicly came out as transgender in 2015.
What is “Keeping Up with the Kardashians”?
Creation and Success
In 2007, Kris Jenner pitched a reality show featuring her family’s life to producer Ryan Seacrest. Inspired by the success of “The Osbournes,” Seacrest agreed, and “Keeping Up with the Kardashians” premiered on October 14, 2007, on E! Entertainment. The show became a massive hit, showcasing the personal and professional lives of the Kardashian-Jenner family. It led to numerous spin-offs, including “Kourtney and Khloe Take Miami,” “Kourtney and Kim Take New York,” and “Khloe and Lamar.”
Impact on the Family Empire
“Keeping Up with the Kardashians” significantly boosted the family’s fame and fortune. The show allowed them to launch various business ventures, including clothing lines, skincare products, and fragrances. In 2022, Hulu premiered a new series, “The Kardashians,” which was renewed for multiple seasons due to its success.
What Business Ventures Has Kris Jenner Undertaken?
Jenner Communications
Kris runs Jenner Communications, managing the careers of her five daughters. She coined the term “momager,” reflecting her role in guiding their business endeavors and public personas. Her management skills have played a crucial role in their success across various industries.
KKW Beauty
In 2017, Kris co-founded KKW Beauty with her daughter Kim Kardashian. The cosmetics company gained significant attention, and in June 2020, Coty Inc. acquired a 20% stake for $200 million, valuing the company at $1 billion. Kris’s 8% stake in the company was worth $80 million pre-tax at the time of the sale.
Kylie Cosmetics
Kris was also a silent partner in Kylie Cosmetics. In November 2019, Coty Inc. purchased a 51% stake in Kylie Cosmetics for $600 million. Kris sold half of her 10% stake, earning a pre-tax windfall of $30 million. Her remaining 5% stake was valued at another $30 million.
How Did the O.J. Simpson Trial Affect Kris Jenner?
Personal and Professional Impact
Kris Jenner’s former husband, Robert Kardashian, was O.J. Simpson’s close friend and defense attorney. Kris was also best friends with Nicole Brown Simpson, O.J.’s wife. Nicole’s murder and the subsequent trial deeply affected Kris, who was pregnant with Kendall at the time. The trial brought immense media attention to the Kardashian family, indirectly setting the stage for their future reality TV success.
What Are Kris Jenner’s Real Estate Holdings?
Luxurious Properties
Kris Jenner owns several luxurious properties. From 2017 to 2020, her primary residence was a six-bedroom mansion in Calabasas, purchased for $9.9 million. She sold this house in August 2020 to Katharina Harf, daughter of Coty Inc. CEO Peter Harf. In La Quinta, California, Kris owns a $12 million mansion. She also maintains ownership of the family’s former $4 million Hidden Hills mansion, which her son Rob Kardashian currently occupies. Additionally, she owns a $20 million home in Hidden Hills, located next to her daughter Khloe’s residence.
What is Kris Jenner’s Legacy?
Influence and Impact
Kris Jenner’s influence extends beyond her reality TV fame. She has demonstrated exceptional business acumen, turning her family into a global brand. Her management skills and entrepreneurial spirit have significantly contributed to the success of the Kardashian-Jenner empire. With 12 grandchildren and a thriving family business, Kris Jenner’s legacy as a matriarch and businesswoman continues to grow.
Kris Jenner’s journey from a young mother and flight attendant to a reality TV star and business mogul is nothing short of remarkable. Her net worth of $170 million reflects her success in various ventures, from managing her daughters’ careers to co-founding lucrative cosmetic brands. Through her determination and savvy, Kris Jenner has built an empire that continues to captivate and influence millions worldwide.