When discussing Dina Merrill net worth, one can’t help but notice the impressive legacy she inherited and built upon. As the daughter of cereal heiress Marjorie Merriweather Post and stockbroker E.F. Hutton, Dina Merrill was born into a world of financial privilege. However, it wasn’t just her inheritance that contributed to her wealth.
Throughout her life, Merrill made strategic investments, pursued a successful acting career, and became involved in notable business ventures. Let’s dive into how her family wealth, career, and investments shaped her financial legacy.
Quick Facts
| FACT | DETAIL |
|---|---|
| Real Name | Nedenia Marjorie Hutton |
| Popular Name | Dina Merrill |
| Gender | Female |
| Birth Date | December 29, 1923 – May 22, 2017 |
| Age | 93 (at death) |
| Parents | Marjorie Merriweather Post, Edward Francis Hutton |
| Siblings | Adelaide Brevoort Close, Eleanor Post Hutton |
| Birthplace | New York, New York, United States |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | White |
| Education | Miss Porter’s School, American Academy of Dramatic Arts |
| Marital Status | Married three times |
| Spouse | Ted Hartley (m. 1989–2017), Cliff Robertson (m. 1966–1989), Stanley M. Rumbough Jr. (m. 1946–1966) |
| Children | Four |
| Dating | N/A |
| Net Worth | $5 billion |
| Source of Wealth | Inheritance, Acting, Investments |
| Height | 1.73 m |
What is the Net Worth of Dina Merrill in 2024?
As of 2024, Dina Merrill’s net worth remains an impressive $5 billion. Her wealth stemmed mainly from her inheritance of the Post Cereal fortune and her investments over the years. When compared to other notable figures, Merrill’s wealth ranks among the highest, especially considering her contributions to the entertainment and business sectors.
Here are a few related individuals:
- Marjorie Merriweather Post
- E.F. Hutton
- Cliff Robertson
- Ted Hartley
- Donald Trump
- Nedenia Rumbough
- Barbara Hutton
- Glenn Close
- Cary Grant
- Stanley Rumbough Jr.
Interested in knowing more about other influential women in Hollywood? Check out our in-depth list of the most successful actresses and see how Dina Merrill compares.
Dina Merrill Salary and Finance Overview
Inheritance and Family Wealth
Dina Merrill’s financial foundation was built on the wealth of her family. As the daughter of Marjorie Merriweather Post, who inherited the Post Cereal fortune, Dina was born into an environment of significant wealth.
Her father, E.F. Hutton, was a well-known stockbroker who also contributed to her financial legacy. The inheritance she received from her family was a cornerstone of her wealth, with her mother’s estate being valued at $250 million at the time, a figure that adjusted for inflation would amount to billions.
Key Financial Assets and Investments
One of Merrill’s most notable financial moves was the sale of Mar-a-Lago to Donald Trump for $8 million in 1985. This transaction, alongside her family’s financial assets, significantly bolstered her fortune.
Dina’s real estate portfolio was also vast, with her East Hampton estate selling for $8.2 million after her death. Throughout her life, she managed family assets and made strategic investments, further increasing her wealth.
Business Ventures and RKO Pictures Merger
In the 1990s, Dina Merrill, alongside her third husband Ted Hartley, merged their company Pavilion Communications with the historic RKO Pictures. This strategic move brought the intellectual property of RKO Pictures into their control, contributing both to her business legacy and financial success.
The merger of Pavilion Communications and RKO Pictures is considered one of her most significant business accomplishments.
Career in Acting
While Merrill was born into wealth, her acting career also contributed to her financial success. She appeared in over 100 films and television shows, with notable performances in Operation Petticoat, Caddyshack II, and The Player.
Her roles in these films, along with her numerous TV appearances in shows like Bonanza and Murder, She Wrote, earned her both fame and financial reward. Though her acting income paled in comparison to her inheritance, it solidified her status in Hollywood.
Awards, Achievements, and Honors
Merrill’s contributions to both the entertainment industry and business world were widely recognized. Some of her most significant awards include:
- Lifetime Achievement Award from the American Academy of Dramatic Arts
- Women’s International Center Living Legacy Award (1994)
- Presidential appointee to the board of trustees for the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts
These honors reflect her lasting impact on both industries and her well-rounded career.
FAQs About Dina Merrill
How did she inherit her wealth?
She inherited a substantial fortune from her mother, Marjorie Merriweather Post, and her father, E.F. Hutton. Her family’s wealth was based on Post Cereal and stock brokerage.
What were Merrill’s major business ventures?
One of her most significant business ventures was the merger of her company, Pavilion Communications, with RKO Pictures, a historic Hollywood studio.
How did she contribute to Hollywood?
She starred in over 100 films and TV shows, with notable performances in Operation Petticoat, The Player, and Caddyshack II.
Who were Merrill’s spouses?
She was married three times—to Stanley M. Rumbough Jr., Cliff Robertson, and Ted Hartley.
Did Dina Merrill have children?
Yes, Dina had four children—Nedenia Colgate Rumbough, David Post Rumbough, Stanley Rumbough III, and Heather Robertson.
Conclusion
Dina Merrill’s financial legacy is as fascinating as her life. From her family’s wealth to her strategic business ventures, she left an indelible mark. Feel free to explore more content on our website Andomoney.com and share your thoughts in the comments!
