Kris Jenner, a prominent American reality television star, producer, media personality, and author, has amassed an impressive net worth of $170 million. Best known for her role in “Keeping Up with the Kardashians,” Kris is the matriarch of the famous Kardashian-Jenner family, guiding the careers of her daughters Kim, Kourtney, Khloe, Kendall, and Kylie.
How Did Kris Jenner Rise to Fame?
Kris Jenner, formerly known as Kris Kardashian, first entered the public eye as the wife of Robert Kardashian, a well-known lawyer who was part of O.J. Simpson’s defense team. Her close friendship with Nicole Simpson also brought her into the media spotlight. This exposure set the stage for her ascent in pop culture. Kris capitalized on this fame by starring in and producing several reality TV shows centered around her family, including “Keeping Up with the Kardashians,” “Kourtney and Khloe Take Miami,” and “Khloe and Lamar.”
What Was Kris Jenner’s Early Life Like?
Born Kristen Mary Houghton on November 5, 1955, in San Diego, California, Kris had a tumultuous childhood. Her parents, Mary Jo Shannon and Robert True Houghton, divorced when she was seven years old due to domestic issues. Her mother raised Kris and her sister Karen in Clairemont, California, after their father left the family. Kris graduated from Clairemont High School in 1973 and worked briefly as a flight attendant for American Airlines before venturing into the entertainment industry.
How Did Kris Jenner’s Marriages Influence Her Life?
Kris married Robert Kardashian on July 8, 1978, when she was just 22 years old. The couple had four children together: Kourtney, Kim, Khloe, and Rob. Robert Kardashian gained fame as a defense attorney during the O.J. Simpson trial. Kris and Robert divorced in 1991, and Robert passed away in 2003 due to esophageal cancer.
In 1991, Kris married Bruce Jenner, an Olympic athlete. The couple had two daughters, Kendall and Kylie. Kris managed Bruce’s career and helped the family secure numerous endorsement deals. The couple separated in 2013, and their divorce was finalized in 2014. Bruce later came out as transgender and changed her name to Caitlyn in 2015.
How Did “Keeping Up with the Kardashians” Begin?
In 2007, Kris Jenner pitched a reality show idea to producer Ryan Seacrest, inspired by a suggestion from television producer Deena Katz. The show would document the daily lives of the Kardashian-Jenner family. Seacrest saw potential in the concept and moved forward with the project, which was picked up by the E! Entertainment network. “Keeping Up with the Kardashians” debuted on October 14, 2007, and became one of the longest-running American reality TV series. The show highlighted the family dynamics, business ventures, and personal lives of the Kardashian and Jenner children, becoming a cultural phenomenon.
What Business Ventures Has Kris Jenner Been Involved In?
Beyond reality TV, Kris Jenner has been involved in various business ventures. In 2017, she co-founded KKW Beauty with her daughter Kim Kardashian. In June 2020, Coty Inc. acquired a 20% stake in KKW for $200 million, valuing the company at $1 billion. Kris owned 8% of KKW, making her stake worth $80 million pre-tax.
Kris was also a silent partner in Kylie Cosmetics. In November 2019, Coty Inc. paid $600 million for a 51% stake in Kylie Cosmetics. Kris owned a 10% stake and sold half of it during the sale, earning a pre-tax windfall of $30 million. Her remaining 5% stake was valued at another $30 million.
What is Kris Jenner’s Role in the Family’s Success?
Kris Jenner manages her daughters’ careers through her company, Jenner Communications. She has played a pivotal role in branding and marketing her family, earning the nickname “momager.” Her management and strategic decisions have significantly contributed to the family’s success in various industries, including fashion, beauty, and entertainment.
What is Kris Jenner’s Personal Life Like?
Kris Jenner has been dating entertainment businessman Corey Gamble since 2014. Despite their 25-year age difference, the couple has maintained a strong relationship. Kris has 12 grandchildren and continues to play an active role in her family’s lives.
What Real Estate Does Kris Jenner Own?
Kris Jenner has invested in several luxurious properties. From 2017 to 2020, her primary residence was a six-bedroom mansion in Calabasas, which she bought for $9.9 million and sold in 2020. She owns a $12 million mansion in La Quinta, California, near Palm Springs, and the family’s former $4 million Hidden Hills mansion. Kris also owns a $20 million home in Hidden Hills, next to her daughter Khloe’s residence.
What Are Some of Kris Jenner’s Recent Ventures?
In 2022, Hulu premiered a new series, “The Kardashians,” continuing the family’s reality TV legacy. Kris Jenner also appeared in the music video for Meghan Trainor’s single “Mother” in 2023. Despite the end of “Keeping Up with the Kardashians,” Kris continues to influence the entertainment industry and maintain her family’s prominent status.
In summary, Kris Jenner’s journey from reality TV star to business mogul showcases her ability to leverage her family’s fame into a multifaceted empire. Her strategic decisions and management skills have been instrumental in building and sustaining the Kardashian-Jenner brand, solidifying her status as a powerhouse in the entertainment and business worlds.
