Tori Spelling, now 51 years old, is known for her iconic role as Donna Martin in Beverly Hills, 90210, and for being the daughter of television mogul Aaron Spelling, who had a net worth of $600 million at the time of his death. Surprisingly, Tori’s current net worth sits at just $150,000—a jaw-dropping figure considering the empire she was born into. So, what went wrong?
When Aaron passed in 2006, most of his fortune was left to Tori’s mother, Candy Spelling, with Tori receiving only $800,000. The inheritance gap triggered public tension between mother and daughter, with Candy reportedly cutting Tori off financially due to her spending habits. Tori later admitted she had burned through her earnings and inheritance quickly, which led to a series of very public financial challenges.
Was Tori Spelling Always Financially Irresponsible?
While Tori did grow up in luxury, her financial downfall didn’t happen overnight. After gaining fame in the ‘90s, she earned a significant income from acting and appearances. However, by 2013, she publicly revealed that she was broke. She claimed to have gone through millions of dollars due to failed real estate deals, lavish spending, and poor financial planning.
In an interview, she admitted she didn’t even have enough savings to cover a basic medical procedure. Tori and then-husband Dean McDermott even had to borrow money from Candy Spelling to pay rent at one point. It was a sobering moment for someone who once lived in a Hollywood mega-mansion.
How Did Tori Spelling Try to Rebuild Her Finances?
Despite her financial hiccups, Tori is nothing if not resilient. After 90210 ended, she leaned into reality television and entrepreneurship. She starred in shows like So Notorious (a self-deprecating comedy), Tori & Dean: Home Sweet Hollywood, and Tori & Dean: Cabin Fever. These shows gave fans a glimpse into her real life—chaotic, heartfelt, and at times, completely relatable.
She’s also an author, penning multiple books, including the New York Times bestseller sTORI Telling. Her ventures into fashion jewelry, sold on Home Shopping Network, and various hosting gigs (like MTV’s Love at First Lie) have kept some income flowing. But the hits kept coming.
Were Tori and Dean Really Living Beyond Their Means?
Yes, and it caught up with them. In 2017, City National Bank sued the couple for failing to repay a $400,000 loan, with $200,000 still outstanding. Tori had also overdrawn $17,000 from her account, according to the lawsuit. Around the same time, Dean’s ex-wife, Mary Jo Eustace, sued him for over $100,000 in unpaid child support, accusing him of splurging on vacations while ignoring financial obligations.
On top of that, American Express sued them over $87,000 in unpaid credit card debt and $260,000 in unpaid taxes. The lifestyle didn’t match their financial reality, and it became increasingly public as lawsuits piled up.
Is Tori Spelling Still Facing Legal and Health Troubles?
As recently as 2023, Tori reportedly settled her debt with American Express, but her financial health remains fragile. On the personal front, her marriage to Dean officially came to an end in March 2024, when she filed for divorce after a long period of separation and strain.
Adding to the pressure, Tori and her children were hospitalized in May 2023 after a mold infestation in their rental home caused ongoing health issues. She took to social media to share how the mold had been “slowly killing” her family, and pleaded for help—another glimpse into how tough life has been behind the scenes.
What About Her Acting Career—Is She Still Active?
Tori hasn’t disappeared from Hollywood entirely. She’s made appearances in quirky projects like The Last Sharknado and voiced characters in animated series like Jake and the Neverland Pirates. She’s also dabbled in hosting, fashion design, and social media brand deals. While her acting resume is far from empty, it hasn’t been enough to fully revive her bank balance.
Has Real Estate Played a Role in Her Ups and Downs?
Absolutely. Tori and Dean once owned a $2.5 million estate in Encino, but they sold it in 2011. Then in 2020, they bought a $3.7 million mansion in the Santa Monica Mountains—despite being embroiled in lawsuits over debt. The home had five bedrooms, eight bathrooms, a pool, spa, and luxury features, showing once again how their lifestyle often exceeded their means.
So, What’s Next for Tori Spelling?
With her divorce finalized, debts somewhat handled, and her kids’ health improving, Tori seems focused on a fresh start. Whether it’s podcasting, more reality TV, or a memoir part two, she has options. The public is still curious about her life—and that interest alone might just keep her career afloat.
Despite the fame, Tori’s story is a powerful reminder that money doesn’t guarantee financial security, especially without planning. But if there’s one thing we know about Tori Spelling, it’s that she always finds a way to stay in the conversation.