America’s Wealthiest 14 Heirs & Heiresses: Ranking Fortunes Revealed.

Despite its relatively short history compared to other nations, America has emerged as the birthplace of some of the world’s most successful multinational corporations and the residence of numerous extraordinarily wealthy celebrities. From tech giants like Facebook to hospitality icons such as Hilton, and from e-commerce behemoth Amazon to automotive pioneer Ford, the nation has become synonymous with innovation.

Acting dynasties and sports legends further contribute to America’s rich tapestry of success. Remarkably, the wealthiest individuals often pass down their fortunes, creating a tradition of generational wealth. Whether inherited by children, spouses, or extended family, the transfer of wealth is a common practice. Even those who choose not to follow in the family business often receive a substantial share of the fortune. This list unveils the richest heirs and heiresses in America, featuring recognizable names alongside individuals who prefer to maintain a low profile, opting for wealth without fame.

1.Brooke Shields

Net Worth: $25 million*

Wealth Inherited From: Frank Shields

Actress and former child model Brooke Shields, with a net worth of $25 million, inherits her wealth from her late father, Frank Shields, a Revlon executive. Born and residing in Manhattan, Shields gained critical acclaim for her role in Louis Malle’s “Pretty Baby.” Her career includes iconic ’80s films like “The Blue Lagoon” and “Endless Love.” Briefly married to tennis star Andre Agassi, she found lasting love with Chris Henchy, celebrating eighteen years of marriage with two children. As the heiress to the Shields fortune, Brooke embodies the seamless integration of Hollywood success, personal life, and a prestigious family legacy.

2. Ariana Rockefeller

Net Worth: $2.8 billion*

Wealth Inherited From: Standard Oil

Ariana Rockefeller, a wealthy heiress and scion of the historic Rockefeller dynasty, inherits her riches from the family’s association with Standard Oil, founded in the early nineteenth century. The Rockefeller legacy, rooted in immense wealth amassed through Standard Oil, extends to contemporary times marked by significant charitable contributions. Following the sale of Standard Oil to BP, the family experienced another substantial financial gain. Ariana, passionate about fashion and a Columbia University alum, ventured into the industry, establishing a successful eponymous label, now including a handbag line. Beyond business, she actively supports philanthropic endeavors, notably chairing the NYBG Winter Ball and advocating for the Humane Society. Residing in the Upper East Side of Manhattan with her entrepreneur husband, Matthew Bucklin, Ariana Rockefeller exemplifies a modern heiress balancing tradition, entrepreneurship, and a commitment to charitable causes.

3. Kate Hudson

With a net worth of $80 million, actress Kate Hudson is more than a Hollywood star – she’s the daughter of legendary actress Goldie Hawn and actor Kurt Russell. Her acting journey began at eleven, progressing from the Santa Monica Playhouse to films like “Almost Famous,” earning her a Golden Globe and an Oscar nomination. Beyond acting, Hudson owns the successful fashion label Fabletics. While she’s amassed her fortune independently, her Hollywood lineage traces back to her iconic mother, Goldie Hawn, ensuring a substantial inheritance. As Goldie remains a Hollywood icon, Kate Hudson embodies a captivating blend of talent, entrepreneurial spirit, and the promise of a significant familial legacy.

4. Dakota Johnson

With a net worth of $14 million, actress and model Dakota Johnson is the offspring of Hollywood icons Don Johnson and Melanie Griffith. Born in Austin, Texas, and now residing in Los Angeles, Johnson gained fame for her role as Anastasia in the “Fifty Shades of Grey” series, winning a People’s Choice Award and earning a BAFTA Rising Star nomination. Known for her versatility in dramas like “Suspiria” and “The Social Network,” Johnson’s career showcases limitless potential. While financially secure due to her parentage, she navigates her Hollywood journey independently, occasionally challenging parental expectations, proving that for this rising star, the sky’s truly the limit.

5. Alexander Soros

With a staggering net worth of $20 billion, Alexander Soros, son of billionaire George Soros, forges his path as a philanthropist and writer. Holding a Ph.D. in history from Berkeley, he serves as the deputy chair for the Open Society Foundations. His philanthropic endeavors include support for the Jewish Funds for Justice and serving on the board of Global Witness. Passionate about environmental causes, Soros actively combats deforestation in the Amazon and advocates for the well-being of international workers. Beyond his immense wealth, Alexander Soros is a force for positive change, contributing to the legacy established by his father.

6. Anderson Cooper

With a net worth of $110 million, journalist and TV personality Anderson Cooper hails from the illustrious Vanderbilt family, known for one of America’s largest fortunes. Born in New York City, Cooper’s success extends beyond his family name. A Yale University graduate, he modeled for fashion icons like Calvin Klein and Ralph Lauren before embarking on a journalism career. Hosting CNN’s “Anderson Cooper 360,” he solidifies his place in media. Despite his Vanderbilt connections, Cooper has carved his own path, showcasing the depth of his talent and intelligence while maintaining a link to the historic Vanderbilt legacy established by Cornelius Vanderbilt in the 1800s.

7. Amanda Hearst

Heiress and Philanthropist Amanda Hearst’s Wealth Surpasses $100 Million Through Hearst Corporation Inheritance

American socialite, model, and Marie Claire’s Associate Marketing Editor champions charity against puppy mills

Amanda Hearst, the American socialite and model, has amassed a staggering net worth exceeding $100 million, primarily inherited from the Hearst Corporation. Born in New York, Hearst is renowned for her involvement in philanthropy, particularly as the founder of Friends of Finn, an organization committed to eradicating inhumane practices in puppy mills.

As the Associate Marketing Editor at Marie Claire, Hearst seamlessly blends her editorial prowess with her commitment to social causes. Educated at Fordham University, she brings both passion and a prestigious background to her professional endeavors.

Hearst’s lineage is deeply rooted in American history, with her great-grandfather being the iconic William Randolph Hearst. Despite a family history intertwined with the gold tycoon George Hearst, whose exploits inspired HBO’s series Deadwood, Amanda Hearst’s fortune primarily stems from the Hearst Corporation.

Beyond her glamorous lifestyle, Hearst dedicates herself to the welfare of animals, a cause close to her heart. Friends of Finn, under her leadership, has become a formidable force in the fight against the mistreatment of dogs.

Amanda Hearst’s multifaceted career, philanthropic endeavors, and family legacy solidify her as a prominent figure, transcending the realms of socialite and model. Her impact is not just in the fashion world but also in making a meaningful difference in the lives of animals.

8. Billie Lourd

Hollywood Scions Billie Lourd and Jake Gyllenhaal Forge Paths of Success and Legacy

Billie Lourd’s $25 Million Net Worth: A Legacy from Hollywood Royalty

Billie Lourd, the talented actress and daughter of the late Star Wars icon Carrie Fisher, has carved her own niche in Hollywood. Inheriting a substantial fortune from her legendary mother, Lourd, with a net worth of $25 million, is also the granddaughter of the iconic Debbie Reynolds. Currently residing in the opulent Beverly Hills, Lourd’s Hollywood lineage and talent have propelled her into the spotlight. Having attended NYU, she has showcased her acting prowess in television hits like Scream Queens and American Horror Story. Lourd’s portrayal of Lieutenant Connix in Disney’s Star Wars trilogy further solidifies her position in the industry, despite facing the tragic loss of her mother and grandmother.

9. Jake Gyllenhaal

Jake Gyllenhaal’s $65 Million Success Story: A Hollywood Scion’s Journey

Jake Gyllenhaal, son of renowned Hollywood director Stephen Gyllenhaal and brother to actress Maggie Gyllenhaal, emerges as a formidable force in the entertainment industry. Born in Los Angeles and a graduate of Columbia University, Gyllenhaal’s acting career took flight with his childhood role in the 1991 film City Slickers. His breakthrough came with October Sky, followed by an Indie Award for Donnie Darko and critical acclaim for Brokeback Mountain. His father, Stephen Gyllenhaal, amassed wealth through directing films like Family of Spies and Waterland, along with various successful TV shows. Jake’s connections, coupled with his undeniable talent, have propelled him to a net worth of $65 million, showcasing the success of a Hollywood scion with a strong family legacy.

10. Carly Simon

Carly Simon, the iconic singer-songwriter and children’s book author, has not only graced the music industry with her unforgettable records but has also made a mark in Hollywood. Rising to fame in the 1970s, Simon, with a net worth of $65 million, earned a Grammy for her debut solo album. Daughter of Richard L. Simon, co-founder of Simon & Schuster, Carly’s wealth is a testament to her talent and family legacy. Beyond music, she showcased her acting prowess with a memorable cameo in John Travolta’s “Perfect” in 1985, solidifying her status as a versatile artist at the age of 75.

 11. Nicky Hilton

Nicky Hilton’s $20 Million Empire: From Hilton Hotels to Fashion Heights

Nicky Hilton, the heiress, fashion designer, and businesswoman, has crafted her own path in the spotlight, away from the shadow of her famed sister, Paris Hilton. Inheriting a $20 million fortune from the Hilton Hotels legacy, Nicky’s journey involves more than just being an heiress. Graduating from the Convent of the Sacred Heart, she delved into modeling and later found success in the fashion industry. Married to James Rothschild, she not only has a successful handbag line but also collaborates with various brands, showcasing her entrepreneurial spirit. Nicky Hilton’s dedication to her business ventures and fashion design proves that she is more than just an heiress, standing tall in the world of fashion.

12.Chevy Chase

Net Worth: $50 million*
Wealth Inherited From: The Crane Company

Chevy Chase’s $50 Million Comedy Empire: A Name Synonymous with Laughter

Chevy Chase, the comedic genius born Cornelius Crane, has etched his name in the annals of comedy. With a net worth of $50 million, Chase’s lineage connects him to The Crane Company through his mother’s adoption by Cornelius Vanderbilt, her stepfather. Known for his iconic roles on Saturday Night Live and in classic comedies like Caddyshack and Fletch, Chevy Chase remains a prominent figure in American comedy. Despite a reduced on-screen presence, Chase’s impact and wealth showcase the enduring legacy of a comedic icon.

13. Olivia Wilde

Net Worth: $20 million*
Wealth Inherited From: Andrew Cockburn

Olivia Wilde is an actress, heiress, and activist who was born in NYC and attended the Gaiety School of Acting in Dublin, Ireland. She has also directed a film, Booksmart, which was released at the end of May 2019 (May 24th, to be exact).

Wilde got her start in television. She was on the Fox’s popular medical series, House, from 2007 to 2012. She played Dr. Hadley (AKA “Thirteen”). She’s also had roles in films, including Conversations with Other Women, Tron: Legacy, Butter, The Incredible Burt Wonderstone, The Lazarus Effect, Rush and more.

While her film career took off back in 2005, the bulk of Wilde’s wealth actually comes from her father, journalist Andrew Cockburn, whose million-dollar fortune gave the young actress a significant safety net during her early years in Hollywood.

14. Balthazar Getty

Net Worth: $200 million*
Wealth Inherited From: Getty Oil

Balthazar Getty, born Paul Getty, is indeed a member of the wealthy Getty family known for their association with the oil industry. As of the last available information, his net worth is estimated to be around $200 million, largely inherited from the Getty Oil fortune.

Apart from his inheritance, Getty has pursued a career in the entertainment industry. He has been involved in music production and is associated with The Wow, a rap duo, as well as the band Ringside. In addition to his musical endeavors, he had a notable acting career, starting from his childhood. Some of his roles include playing Ralph in the film adaptation of “Lord of the Flies” and Thomas Grace in the Disney ABC show “Alias.” One of his memorable performances was as an auto mechanic in David Lynch’s film “Lost Highway.”

Getty also gained recognition as a teen icon through appearances in films such as “Natural Born Killers,” “White Squall,” “Big City Blues,” and “Ladder 49.” In addition to his contributions to the entertainment industry, he is involved in philanthropy and supports causes like The Lunchbox Fund, which aims to provide food to impoverished children in Africa.