- Name: Bethenny Frankel
- Current Age: 50
- Occupation(s): Entrepreneur, Television Personality, Author
- Date of Birth: November 4, 1970
- Place of Birth: New York City, New York, USA
- Nationality: American
- Parents: Robert J. Frankel, Bernadette Birk
- Siblings: None
- Spouse: Jason Hoppy (m. 2010, div. 2016)
- Children: Bryn Hoppy
- Net Worth: Estimated $70 million (2024)
- Source of Wealth: Business Ventures, Television, Books
- Brand Endorsements: Skinnygirl, Bethenny Frankel Jeans
- Ventures: Skinnygirl Cocktails, Skinnygirl Jeans, BStrong Disaster Relief
- Investments: Real Estate, Stocks
- Ethnicity: Jewish
- Height: 5’6" (168 cm)
- Weight: 121 lbs (55 kg)
- Measurements: 34-24-34
- Notable Works: "Naturally Thin," "The Skinnygirl Dish," "The Real Housewives of New York City"
Early Life and Education
Bethenny Frankel was born on November 4, 1970, in the United States. She is the only child of Robert J. Frankel, a horse trainer, and Bernadette Birk, an interior designer. Her parents divorced when she was four, and her mother later married horse trainer John Parisella. Frankel describes her childhood as difficult, with her mother struggling with alcoholism and violent arguments with her stepfather.
Frankel attended multiple schools before going to boarding school. She graduated from the Pine Crest School in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, in 1988. She then pursued studies in psychology and communications at New York University, after attending the Natural Gourmet Institute in New York City and Boston University for two years.
Career Beginnings and Entrepreneurship
In 1992, Frankel moved to Los Angeles to pursue acting, working as a nanny for Paris Hilton and a personal assistant for Jerry Bruckheimer. She started her first company, "In Any Event," a party-planning business, followed by a venture in re-selling pashmina scarves. In 2003, she launched "BethennyBakes," a baking business featured on The Apprentice: Martha Stewart in 2005.
After appearing on The Apprentice, Frankel joined the reality TV series The Real Housewives of New York City in 2008. She later starred in spin-off series like Bethenny Ever After and Bethenny & Fredrik. In addition to her TV career, Frankel founded Skinnygirl, a lifestyle brand, and BStrong, a disaster relief initiative.
Television Career and Philanthropy
Frankel’s TV career includes hosting her talk show Bethenny and competing on shows like Skating with the Stars. She also produced and starred in The Big Shot with Bethenny. Outside of TV, she authored self-help books, created an exercise DVD, and posed for a PETA billboard. In 2011, she appeared on the cover of Forbes magazine.
As a philanthropist, Frankel founded BStrong, providing disaster relief after events like Hurricane Harvey and the Puebla earthquake. She also supported relief efforts in Puerto Rico and during the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2022, she aided Ukraine during the Russian invasion with humanitarian aid.
Advocacy and Personal Life
In response to the 2023 SAG-AFTRA and WGA strikes, Frankel advocated for reality TV personalities’ rights, calling for unionization and better treatment. She has spoken out against antisemitism and considers herself Jewish. Frankel has been married twice, first to Peter Sussman and then to Jason Hoppy, with whom she shares a daughter, Bryn. She dated Dennis Shields until his passing in 2018 and is now engaged to Paul Bernon.
Frankel has a severe fish allergy and has advocated for airlines to stop serving fish to prevent hazards to passengers with allergies. Her personal experiences and advocacy efforts highlight her commitment to various causes and her willingness to speak out on important issues.
Financial Insights:
Bethenny Frankel’s diverse business ventures, including Skinnygirl Cocktails, Skinnygirl Jeans, and BStrong Disaster Relief, have been significant contributors to her wealth. As of 2024, her estimated net worth stands at $70 million. In addition to her entrepreneurial endeavors, Frankel has made strategic investments in real estate and stocks, further solidifying her financial success.
Expert Opinions and Insights:
According to industry experts, Frankel’s ability to leverage her reality TV platform into a successful business empire is a testament to her business acumen and marketing savvy. Her authenticity and relatability have endeared her to a loyal fan base, driving the success of her various ventures.
