Leona Helmsley Net Worth - Pulptastic

What was Leona Helmsley’s Net Worth?

Leona Helmsley, the “Queen of Mean”, was an American businesswoman with a net worth of $5 billion. She gained notoriety for her cruel treatment of employees and family. In the late 80s, Helmsley was convicted of federal income tax evasion and other crimes related to non-payment of contractors working on her home. She initially received a 16-year prison sentence, but it was later reduced to 19 months plus two months of house arrest.

Helmsley began her career as a condominium broker in 1968. She met Harry Helmsley, a multi-millionaire real estate entrepreneur, while working in the industry. The two became involved, and Harry divorced his wife of 33 years to marry Leona in 1972. Together, they built a New York City real estate empire that included properties such as the Empire State Building, the Park Lane Hotel, and the Helmsley Palace Hotel. They also owned Helmsley-Spear, a management and leasing business.

Early Life of Leona Helmsley

Leona Helmsley, originally known as Lena Rosenthal, was born in 1920 in Marbletown, New York. Her parents, Ida and Morris, were immigrants from Poland and were of Jewish descent. The family moved around several times before settling in Manhattan. Helmsley attended Abraham Lincoln High School briefly before dropping out to pursue her career. She changed her surname several times before legally changing it to Roberts.