Hilton launched a perfume called 'My Secret' in 2008. In 2007, she began selling a signature skincare line on HSN. She debuted with 2002 merchandise sales on cable TV's QVC home shopping network. In the 1980s and early 1990s, Hilton operated her own gift and antiques store The Staircase on Sunset Plaza in Los Angeles. In June 2021, Diane Cho of People called her 'already a Real Housewives of Beverly Hills legend', writing: 'Bravo's only mistake in casting Kathy Hilton on the show is that they didn't do it sooner.' Business ventures Her addition to the show was well-received by the cast and viewers, and she soon became a fan-favorite. In October 2020, it was revealed that Hilton herself would appear as a 'friend of the housewives' for the eleventh season of the same show. In June 2012, Hilton commented that she refuses to watch her half-sisters Kim and Kyle Richards on The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills, stating they caused her to 'break down in tears' over watching their lives 'fall apart'.

She also appeared on The World According to Paris (2011). Also in 2005, she hosted the reality show I Want To Be a Hilton on NBC. On the May 13, 2008, episode of The Young and the Restless, she made a cameo appearance as herself.įrom 2003 to 2005, Hilton appeared on a few select episodes of The Simple Life (starring her daughter, Paris, and best friend Nicole Richie), mainly on premiere and finale episodes. Notable appearances include Nanny and the Professor, Bewitched, Family Affair, Happy Days, The Rockford Files, and film appearances include The Dark and On the Air Live with Captain Midnight. In 1968, Hilton began working as a child actress, retiring in 1979. They remained close friends until his death in 2009. She graduated from Montclair College Preparatory School in Los Angeles, where she became best friends with Michael Jackson. Hilton also has five paternal half-siblings from her father's remarriage. From this marriage Hilton gained two maternal half-sisters: actresses Kim and Kyle Richards. Richards (1917–1998), who already had three grown children from a previous marriage. Hilton's parents later divorced, and her mother married Kenneth E. Her father's family comes from Italian ancestry while her mother's side comes from Ireland. Hilton is the daughter of Kathleen Mary ( née Dugan) and Larry Avanzino. From 2011–2022, Hilton has also appeared on that series. She is the mother of socialite Paris Hilton and fashion designer Nicky Hilton and the half sister of The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills stars Kim Richards and Kyle Richards. Kathleen Elizabeth Hilton ( née Avanzino born March 13, 1959) is an American socialite, fashion designer, actress, and television personality.

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