Bethenny Frankel: The Queen Of Reality TV And Entrepreneurship

How Much Is Bethenny Frankel Worth?

Let’s talk about Bethenny Frankel, the powerhouse behind the scenes and in front of the camera. With a net worth of $80 million, Bethenny has built an empire that goes way beyond reality TV. She first captured our hearts as a star on the hit series "The Real Housewives of New York City." Her sharp wit and no-nonsense attitude made her a fan favorite. But here's the kicker—Bethenny isn’t just a TV star. She's a multi-talented entrepreneur who has turned her passions into profitable ventures.

Bethenny’s financial success stems from her entrepreneurial spirit. While her reality TV fame certainly helped, the bulk of her wealth comes from her business ventures. One of her most notable achievements is the creation of the Skinnygirl cocktail brand. This line of low-calorie cocktails wasn’t just a passing trend—it grew into a massive brand that included snacks, drinks, and even clothing. When Beam Global acquired Skinnygirl in 2011 for around $100 million, Bethenny retained rights to certain product categories, ensuring her continued involvement and profit-sharing.

Fast forward to today, and Bethenny continues to diversify her portfolio. She's ventured into home renovation, launched a YouTube channel, authored four self-help books, and even hosts several podcasts. Oh, and let’s not forget her savvy investment in Cameo, a celebrity greeting app, which netted her a seven-figure profit. Bethenny Frankel isn’t just a reality star; she’s a business genius.

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Bethenny's Smart Move: The Cameo Investment

In 2019, Bethenny was approached by Cameo, the popular app where fans can purchase personalized video messages from celebrities. They wanted her on board, but Bethenny had one condition: equity in the company. Seeing the potential, Cameo agreed, knowing Bethenny could attract other reality TV stars, especially from the "Housewives" franchise. It was a win-win for both sides.

By 2021, Cameo’s popularity skyrocketed, especially during the pandemic, when people were craving connection more than ever. The company raised $100 million at a $1 billion valuation. Sensing the right moment, Bethenny sold her shares during this funding round. She walked away with a "seven-figure" payout, proving once again that her business acumen is unmatched. Bethenny didn’t just cash in on her fame; she leveraged it to make smart investments that paid off big time.

Early Days: Bethenny's Journey Begins

Bethenny Frankel’s story starts in New York City, where she was born on November 4, 1970. Her father, Robert J. Frankel, was a horse trainer, and her mother, Bernadette Birk, was an interior designer. Her childhood wasn’t easy. Her father left when she was just four years old, and her mother remarried when Bethenny was five. Her stepfather, John Parisella, was also a horse trainer. Growing up, Bethenny moved around a lot and attended many schools before enrolling in boarding school. Eventually, she graduated from the Pine Crest School in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

After high school, Bethenny pursued her education with a focus on psychology and communications, graduating from New York University. Her early years were filled with challenges, but they shaped her into the resilient and determined person she is today. These experiences would later fuel her drive to succeed in both her personal and professional life.

Getting Her Start: Bethenny's Early Career

After graduation, Bethenny moved to Los Angeles in 1992 with dreams of becoming an actress. She worked small acting gigs and jobs, including being a nanny to Paris Hilton and a personal assistant to Jerry and Linda Bruckheimer. These roles helped her build connections in the entertainment industry. Leveraging these contacts, she started her first company, In Any Event, an event-planning business. Although short-lived, it was an important step in her entrepreneurial journey.

Reality TV: The Road to Stardom

In 2003, Bethenny founded BethennyBakes, offering 'healthy' baked goods and meal delivery in New York City. Her big break came in 2005 when she appeared on "The Apprentice: Martha Stewart" and became one of the finalists. Although BethennyBakes eventually closed in 2006, her reality TV debut marked the beginning of her rise to fame.

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In 2008, Bethenny joined the cast of "The Real Housewives of New York City," a move that changed her life forever. Her candid and outspoken nature made her a standout figure in the world of reality television. She left the show in 2010 for personal reasons but returned in 2014 after a three-season absence. By 2019, she decided to step away again to focus on her personal life. Alongside her time on "Real Housewives," Bethenny also starred in "Bethenny Getting Married?" with her then-partner, Jason Hoppy, and even had her own talk show, "The Bethenny Show," which aired briefly in 2013. In recent years, she’s appeared on shows like "Shark Tank," "Bar Rescue," and "Beat Bobby Flay," further cementing her status as a versatile entertainer.

Building an Empire: Skinnygirl Success

Bethenny’s biggest financial success story is undoubtedly Skinnygirl Cocktails. As the founder and CEO, she built the brand from the ground up. Along the way, she authored several books, including "Naturally Thin: Unleash Your SkinnyGirl and Free Yourself from a Lifetime of Dieting" and "The SkinnyGirl Dish: Easy Recipes for Your Naturally Thin Life." These publications further solidified her presence in the wellness and lifestyle space.

When Beam Global acquired Skinnygirl in 2011, the deal was initially reported at $120 million. However, upon reviewing SEC filings, the actual deal was worth a minimum of $39 million, with potential earnings up to $64 million based on future brand performance. Despite a setback when Skinnygirl was briefly pulled from Whole Foods shelves due to a controversy over preservatives, the brand continued to thrive. Bethenny also expanded the Skinnygirl line to include pre-packaged lunch meats certified by the American Heart Association, showcasing her commitment to healthier living.

Inside the "Real Housewives" Paycheck

In a 2018 interview, Bethenny opened up about her salary negotiations for "The Real Housewives of New York City." She revealed that in the first season, she earned just $7,250 for the entire season. But Bethenny had a smart clause in her contract stating that anything she created during her time on the show would remain her intellectual property. This proved to be a game-changer when it came to her Skinnygirl brand. Bethenny’s ability to negotiate and protect her creative rights is a testament to her sharp business mind.

Bethenny's Personal Life

Bethenny’s personal life has been as dynamic as her career. She married entertainment executive Peter Sussman in 1996, but the marriage lasted only a year. Her second marriage to pharmaceutical sales executive Jason Hoppy was documented on "Bethenny Getting Married?" They tied the knot in 2010 but separated in 2012. A custody agreement was finalized in 2014, followed by a financial settlement in 2016. They officially divorced in 2021, and together they have one daughter.

In 2021, Bethenny became engaged to film producer Paul Bernon, but the relationship ended in 2024. Beyond her romantic life, Bethenny has also taken legal action to protect her image. In 2022, she sued TikTok over alleged scam ads that used her likeness without permission.

Real Estate Ventures: Bethenny's Love for Homes

Bethenny has a knack for real estate, buying and selling properties across the country. In 2011, she purchased a Tribeca loft for $4.995 million and spent $500,000 on renovations. She listed it for $6.95 million in 2016 and sold it the same day for the full asking price. In 2013, she bought a Bridgehampton home for $2 million and the adjacent property for $650,000, combining them into a 1.4-acre estate listed for $6 million in 2024.

Her Mercer Street condo in New York City, purchased for $4.2 million in 2014, underwent renovations before being sold for $3.65 million in 2020. Another Hamptons home bought in 2017 for $2 million was sold for $2.3 million in 2020. In 2017, Bethenny also acquired a SoHo condo for $4.2 million, which she renovated and listed for nearly $7 million in 2021.

Her Greenwich, Connecticut, properties include a $2.1 million home sold for $3.3 million in 2020 and another purchased for $1.8 million, renovated, and sold for $3.5 million in 2021. She also bought a $4.5 million mansion in Greenwich at the start of 2021 and a $5.45 million home in Southampton in October 2023.