Tori Spelling: The Ups And Downs Of A Hollywood Life

What’s the Scoop on Tori Spelling's Net Worth?

Tori Spelling is an American actress whose career has been both celebrated and scrutinized. She has a net worth of $150 thousand, which might come as a surprise given her famous lineage. Born into Hollywood royalty, Tori is the daughter of legendary TV producer Aaron Spelling, whose fortune was estimated at $600 million at the time of his death. Despite this, Tori didn’t inherit a large chunk of her father’s wealth. When Aaron passed away in 2006, the majority of his estate went to her mother, Candy Spelling, leaving Tori with just $800,000. The financial tension between mother and daughter only deepened, with Candy reportedly cutting Tori off financially, citing her daughter's spending habits as problematic.

Of course, Tori didn’t just rely on her father’s name to make it in Hollywood. She carved out her own career, most notably playing Donna Martin on the iconic '90s TV series "Beverly Hills, 90210." This role catapulted her into the spotlight, and she later appeared in the show's modern spin-off. Beyond that, she’s explored various facets of the entertainment industry, starring in the sitcom "So Notorious," a satirical take on her public persona, and appearing in numerous TV movies for Lifetime and the Hallmark Channel. She also made a splash in reality TV, co-starring with her husband, Dean McDermott, in "Tori & Dean: Home Sweet Hollywood." Beyond acting, she’s written books, including the "New York Times" bestseller "sTORI Telling," and launched a jewelry line, proving her versatility and entrepreneurial spirit.

Is Tori Spelling Really Broke?

Back in October 2013, Tori made headlines when she claimed to be broke, revealing that she had spent every penny she’d ever earned or inherited. She estimated her losses at around $15 to $20 million, attributing the financial downfall to failed real estate investments and extravagant purchases for her family. In a candid interview, Tori admitted:

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"I don’t have one million dollars. We had some income here and there, but no savings apart from our retirement accounts."

However, her husband, Dean McDermott, quickly clarified her statements the following day, telling US Magazine:

"Right now things are going well. Tori and I are doing just fine financially."

While it’s easy to assume the worst, let’s not forget that Tori’s mom, Candy Spelling, has a net worth of $600 million. So, Tori’s financial future isn’t exactly bleak. But that doesn’t mean she hasn’t faced challenges. In March 2017, City National Bank filed a lawsuit against Tori and Dean after they failed to pay off $200,000 of a $400,000 loan. The bank also claimed Tori had overdrawn her checking account by $17,000. Around the same time, Dean was being sued by his ex-wife, Mary Jo Eustace, for $100,000 in unpaid child support. Eustace accused him of living a lavish lifestyle while neglecting his financial responsibilities, stating:

"In the last six weeks he has been on two luxurious vacations, Iceland & the Four Seasons in Punta Mita. He resides in a $2 million estate paid by his mother-in-law, Candy Spelling, and has no impetus to work. He owes over $100,000 moving forward, and I believe he has no intention of paying. He bounces my son’s university rent/tuition and is delinquent in paying therapist bills, while he shops visibly and throws lavish parties for his other five children."

Despite these setbacks, Tori managed to settle her credit card debt with American Express in 2023, showing resilience in the face of financial adversity.

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Growing Up in Hollywood: Tori’s Early Years

Tori Spelling was born Victoria Davey Spelling on May 16, 1973, in Los Angeles, California. From the very beginning, she was immersed in the world of entertainment. Her father, Aaron Spelling, was a powerhouse in the television industry, and her mother, Candy Spelling, was an accomplished author and socialite. Tori also has a brother, Randy Spelling, who transitioned from acting to become a life coach. Growing up, Tori attended Beverly Hills High School before transferring to Harvard Westlake, where she graduated in 1991. Her education was just the beginning of a life shaped by the glitz and glamour of Hollywood.

Launching a Career: Tori’s Acting Journey

Tori’s acting career began at a young age, thanks to her father’s influence. At just six years old, she started taking acting lessons with a coach her dad hired for her. These lessons paid off, leading to guest appearances on popular TV shows like "The Love Boat," "Fantasy Island," and "Saved by the Bell." Her big break came at 17 when she was cast as Donna Martin on "Beverly Hills, 90210," a role that would define much of her career. The show ran for ten seasons, from 1990 to 2000, and earned her two Young Artist Award nominations. During this time, Tori also appeared in several made-for-TV films, including "Co-Ed Call Girl," "A Friend to Die For," and "Mother May I Sleep With Danger?" In 2006, she starred in the VH1 sitcom "So Notorious," a show that poked fun at her public image.

Reality Bites: Tori’s Foray into Reality TV

Tori’s ventures into reality TV began in 2007 when she and her husband, Dean McDermott, purchased a bed and breakfast in Fallbrook, California. This purchase inspired the reality show "Tori and Dean: Inn Love," which later evolved into "Tori and Dean: Home Sweet Hollywood" after they sold the property. In July 2007, Tori even became an ordained minister to officiate a gay couple’s wedding at the bed and breakfast, a moment captured on the show. The couple’s spinoff series, "Tori & Dean: sTORIbook Weddings," premiered in 2011 but faced legal challenges when writers accused them of stealing the idea. Despite these hurdles, Tori continued to appear on reality shows, including "Tori & Dean: Cabin Fever" and as a contestant on "The Masked Singer" and host of "Love at First Lie."

Other TV Roles: From Voice Acting to Guest Appearances

Tori’s diverse career includes voice acting, guest appearances, and starring roles in various TV projects. In 2011, she voiced the Pirate Princess in "Jake and the Neverland Pirates." She also played a role in the comedy short film "Hoarders: Untold sTori," which premiered at the Outfest Film Festival. Tori was a contestant on "Big Brother 13" in 2011 and made a guest appearance on Nick Jr.'s "Yo Gabba Gabba" in 2012. In 2014, she reunited with her former "90210" co-star Jennie Garth in the ABC Family TV series "Mystery Girls." She later remade "Mother, May I Sleep with Danger?" alongside James Franco in 2016. Since 2018, Tori has been hosting the makeover TV series "The Look: All Stars" and appeared in the TV movie "The Last Sharknado: It's About Time."

Branching Out: Tori’s Other Ventures

Beyond acting, Tori has explored other creative avenues. She designs and sells her own line of fashion jewelry on the Home Shopping Network. Additionally, she’s authored three books: "sTori Telling," which offers a glimpse into her life in the spotlight; "Mommywood," which delves into her experiences as a mother; and "Uncharted Territory," showcasing her storytelling abilities. These ventures highlight her entrepreneurial spirit and passion for creative expression.

Behind Closed Doors: Tori’s Personal Life

Tori’s personal life has been as much in the spotlight as her career. She was first married to actor and playwright Charlie Shanian from 2004 to 2006. In 2006, she married Dean McDermott, whom she met while filming the TV movie "Mind over Murder." At the time, Dean was married to Mary Jo Eustace, and they were in the process of adopting a child. After their divorce, Dean and Tori went on to have five children together. Tori also became a stepmother to Dean’s son from his previous marriage, Jack Montgomery McDermott. However, in June 2022, it was reported that Tori and Dean were on a trial separation. By June 2023, they officially announced their separation after 17 years of marriage, with Tori filing for divorce in March 2024. In May 2023, Tori and her children were hospitalized after falling ill from a mold infection in their home, prompting her to seek help on social media.

Building Dreams: Tori’s Real Estate Adventures

Tori and Dean have a history of buying and selling properties, reflecting their love for luxurious living. In 2020, they purchased a stunning 5,980-square-foot home in the Santa Monica Mountains for $3.7 million. The mansion boasts five bedrooms, eight bathrooms, a gourmet kitchen, a playroom, and a wet bar. The property also features a swimming pool and spa with a rock waterfall, offering a serene escape. Previously, the couple owned a 6,700-square-foot Encino estate, which they sold for $2.5 million in 2011. This home featured six bedrooms, 6.5 bathrooms, and four fireplaces, along with a formal entryway and custom finishes. The master suite included a sitting area, fireplace, balcony, and spa tub, while the grounds offered a lanai, BBQ, putting green, and a pool/spa. Their real estate endeavors highlight their taste for luxury and their ability to adapt to changing circumstances.