Kathy Hilton

Kathy Hilton, born Kathleen Elizabeth Hilton (Avanzino) on March 13, 1959, is an American socialite, fashion designer, actress, and television personality. She is well-known as the mother of Paris Hilton and Nicky Hilton, as well as the half-sister of Kim Richards and Kyle Richards from The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills. Hilton has been a cast member of the show since 2011. Born to Kathleen Mary and Larry Avanzino, she has Italian and Irish ancestry. After her parents' divorce, her mother married Kenneth E. Richards, giving Hilton two maternal half-sisters. She also has five paternal half-siblings. Hilton attended Montclair College Preparatory School in Los Angeles, where she formed a close friendship with Michael Jackson.