Gloria Vanderbilt | Biography

• By Stone Palmer
• Original : December 20, 2024

Who is Gloria Vanderbilt?

Gloria Vanderbilt was a multifaceted American icon whose life journey spanned over nine decades. Born on February 20, 1924, into the prominent Vanderbilt family in New York City, she was thrust into the limelight at a young age due to a highly publicized custody battle following the death of her father. Not only did she inherit a multi-million-dollar trust fund, but she also grew into an influential socialite during the 1930s and 1940s, making waves in fashion and Hollywood. With her distinct sense of style, she became a recognizable figure in magazines and social circles, marrying and divorcing prominent figures in the entertainment industry.

Vanderbilt's remarkable career extended beyond her upbringing as a socialite. In the 1970s, she launched a successful line of designer jeans that became a fashion staple, and her personal tragedies, including the loss of her son Carter, inspired her to pen several memoirs and novels. As an artist, she explored various mediums, creating collages and multidimensional art that captivated audiences. Known for her close bond with her son, famed journalist Anderson Cooper, Vanderbilt continued to thrive in creative pursuits until her passing on June 17, 2019, leaving behind a legacy that celebrated resilience and innovation in both art and fashion.

Early Life and Education

Gloria Vanderbilt was born on February 20, 1924, in New York City, into the prominent Vanderbilt family, known for their immense wealth and influence. Her father, Reginald Vanderbilt, was a descendant of the famous Cornelius Vanderbilt, who established a railroad empire, making him one of the first millionaires in America. Tragically, Gloria lost her father at a young age due to liver disease aggravated by alcoholism. Following his death, she inherited a multi-million-dollar trust fund, but her childhood was turbulent, often spent abroad with her party-loving mother, Gloria Morgan, and in the care of her strict maternal grandmother, Laura Morgan.

The complexities of Vanderbilt's early life intensified when she became the subject of a highly publicized custody battle at just 10 years old. Her paternal aunt, Gertrude Vanderbilt Whitney, ultimately gained custody of Gloria, who was often caught between the conflicting worlds of her mother's socialite lifestyle and her aunt's disciplined environment. Despite these hardships, Vanderbilt cultivated her own identity during her teenage years, emerging as a celebrated socialite known for her unique fashion sense. She began her formal education in the arts while studying at the Art Students League of New York, laying the foundation for her future endeavors in art, fashion, and writing.

Public Court Battle over Custody

Gloria Vanderbilt's early life was dramatically shaped by a public court battle that captured the attention of the media and the public in the 1930s. At the tender age of 10, she became the center of a custody dispute between her mother, Gloria Morgan, and her paternal aunt, Gertrude Vanderbilt Whitney. The legal skirmish revolved around not only her upbringing but also her substantial multi-million-dollar trust fund, inherited after the death of her father, Reginald Vanderbilt. This high-profile trial pitted the glamorous socialite lifestyle of her mother against the more restrained, stable environment provided by her aunt, who was a prominent sculptor and benefactor of the arts.

Ultimately, the court ruled in favor of her aunt, granting Gertrude custody while allowing Vanderbilt to spend summers with her mother. This decision effectively meant that Vanderbilt would be raised in the strict and disciplined household of her aunt, which starkly contrasted with her mother’s carefree lifestyle. The ruling also required Vanderbilt to part ways with her beloved nurse, Emma "Dodo" Sullivan, further complicating her childhood. The emotional strain of this tumultuous upbringing contributed to the complexities of Vanderbilt's later relationships, her artistic pursuits, and her quest for identity as she navigated the shifting sands of family loyalties and personal aspirations.

Hollywood Fame and Marriages

Gloria Vanderbilt's foray into Hollywood was marked by a series of high-profile engagements and a tumultuous personal life. At just 17, she married Hollywood agent Pat DiCicco, but the marriage proved to be a painful experience filled with emotional and physical abuse. This unhappy union ended in divorce in 1945, after which Vanderbilt quickly found herself entangled in a romance with the celebrated conductor Leopold Stokowski. Their marriage welcomed two sons, Stanley and Christopher, marking a new chapter in Vanderbilt's life as she balanced motherhood with her burgeoning interest in the arts.

Vanderbilt's time in the spotlight was not solely marked by her marriages; she also cultivated friendships with prominent cultural figures, including Truman Capote. In 1956, she married renowned film director Sidney Lumet, further intertwining her life with the entertainment industry. Though this marriage also ended in divorce, it showcased Vanderbilt's resilience and her ability to navigate the complex dynamics of Hollywood. Eventually, she found lasting love with writer Wyatt Cooper, with whom she had two sons, including the acclaimed news anchor Anderson Cooper. Together, they shared a rich family life until Wyatt's untimely passing, which significantly influenced Vanderbilt's artistic expression and personal narratives.

Fashion Industry Success

Gloria Vanderbilt achieved remarkable success in the fashion industry during the 1970s, emerging as a trailblazer with her innovative approach to denim. She introduced a line of designer jeans that quickly became iconic, each pair prominently featuring her signature and a distinctive swan logo. This successful venture not only capitalized on the burgeoning trend for designer apparel but also established Vanderbilt as a household name in an era marked by the rise of celebrity-branded fashion. Her jeans were celebrated for their quality, style, and fit, making them a staple in wardrobes across America and beyond.

Following the success of her jeans, Vanderbilt expanded her brand to include a diverse range of clothing and accessories. Her keen eye for fashion and design allowed her to create collections that resonated with consumers, enabling her to capitalize on the increasing demand for luxury apparel. Furthermore, Vanderbilt’s contributions to the fashion scene were underscored by her ability to blend elegance with everyday wearability, capturing the zeitgeist of the 1970s and cementing her legacy as a pioneering figure in the fashion industry.

Personal Life: Married Life and Children

Gloria Vanderbilt's personal life was marked by a series of high-profile marriages and significant relationships. Her first marriage was to Hollywood agent Pat DiCicco in 1941 when she was only 17. This tumultuous union was fraught with emotional and physical abuse, leading to their divorce in 1945. Shortly after, she found love again with the esteemed conductor Leopold Stokowski, with whom she had two sons, Stanley and Christopher. Vanderbilt’s desire for a nurturing family life contrasted sharply with the chaos of her early years, and she embraced motherhood wholeheartedly during this stage of her life.

In 1956, Vanderbilt married acclaimed film director Sidney Lumet, which brought her both joy and further challenges. That marriage ended when she divorced Lumet, leading to her third marriage with writer Wyatt Cooper in 1963. Together, they welcomed two sons, Carter and Anderson, who would become a prominent figure in journalism. While her relationships were often complex, Vanderbilt remained deeply committed to her family, especially to her son Anderson Cooper, with whom she shared an enduring bond. This commitment to family defined much of her life and gave her a sense of stability amidst her otherwise tumultuous career and personal experiences.

Net Worth and Earning: Salary Insights

Gloria Vanderbilt, an iconic figure of American fashion and art, built an impressive net worth through her diverse career as a designer, author, and actress. At the height of her success, her net worth was estimated to be around $200 million. Much of her wealth stemmed from her famous denim line, which became a cultural phenomenon in the 1970s, along with other clothing and perfume ventures. Vanderbilt’s astute marketing strategies and her ability to capitalize on her surname helped to solidify her status as a fashion mogul.

In addition to her fashion empire, Vanderbilt authored several books, including memoirs and novels, contributing significantly to her financial success. Her 1985 memoir “Once Upon a Time: A True Story” resonated with readers and showcased her literary talent. Alongside her writing and design work, Vanderbilt’s investments and real estate endeavors further enhanced her wealth. Despite facing financial challenges later in her life, including losses due to fraud, Vanderbilt's multifaceted career and business acumen were instrumental in maintaining her status as one of the wealthiest and most influential figures in American culture.