Marla Maples Net Worth

Marla Maples’ Net Worth: A Look at Her Career, Relationships, and Finances

Introduction

Marla Maples, an American actress, television personality, and socialite, has captivated public attention for decades. Beyond her career in entertainment, Maples is widely recognized for her high-profile relationship with Donald Trump, adding layers of complexity to her public persona. This article delves into Marla Maples’ net worth, exploring the various facets of her life, including her career, relationships, philanthropic endeavors, and financial dealings.

Early Life and Background

Marla Ann Maples was born on October 27, 1963, in Cohutta, Georgia. Her upbringing provided a foundation for her future endeavors. Her mother, Ann Locklear Maples, was a model and homemaker, while her father, Stanley Edward Maples, was involved in real estate development, served as a county commissioner, and pursued interests in singing and songwriting. Maples’ early life included academic and extracurricular activities. She attended Northwest Whitfield High School in Tunnel Hill, Georgia, where she excelled in basketball and served as class secretary. Her popularity was evident when she was crowned homecoming queen in her senior year (1980-1981).

After graduating high school, Maples attended the University of Georgia. However, she did not complete her degree, instead choosing to pursue other opportunities, including beauty pageants. She participated in and won several contests, including the Miss Resaca Beach Poster Girl Contest in 1983 and the Miss Hawaiian Tropic contest in 1985. She was also the runner-up in the Miss Georgia contest in 1984, showcasing her early ambition and drive.

Entertainment Career

Marla Maples’ career in entertainment spans several decades and includes roles in film, television, and theater. Her debut film appearance was in “Maximum Overdrive” in 1986. Maples gained further recognition through her appearances in the world of professional wrestling. Notably, she was a celebrity guest at WWF WrestleMania VII in 1991 and also served as a guest timekeeper during a match between Sergeant Slaughter and Hulk Hogan.

Her television credits include guest appearances and recurring roles in popular series such as “Designing Women,” where she made a special appearance as herself in 1991. She expanded her reach to Broadway, joining the cast of “The Will Rogers Follies” in 1992 as “Ziegfeld’s Favorite.” In 1994, she and then-husband Donald Trump made a cameo appearance in an episode of “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air” and “Something Wilder.”

(Photo by Vinnie Zuffante/Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images)

Maples continued to appear in various television shows and films throughout the years. Notable credits include roles in “Happiness,” “Black and White,” “The Nanny,” “Spin City,” “Switching Lanes,” and “Oprah’s” “Where Are They Now?” Additionally, she appeared in films such as “Executive Decision,” “For Richer or Poorer,” “Richie Rich’s Christmas Wish,” “Two of Hearts,” “Loving Annabelle,” “A Christmas Too Many,” and “A Nanny for Christmas.”

Beyond television and film, Maples has also ventured into other entertainment avenues. She appeared in an off-Broadway production of “Love, Loss and What I Wore.” She twice hosted the Miss USA and Miss Universe pageants, showcasing her versatility and ability to connect with diverse audiences. Maples has also been a talk radio host, utilizing her platform to engage in discussions and interviews. In the music world, she released an album titled “House of Love,” which earned her a Hollywood Music in Media Award.

In 2016, Maples participated in season 22 of “Dancing with the Stars,” where she was partnered with professional dancer Tony Dovolani. They were eliminated in the fourth week of the competition. Later that year, Maples was also a guest co-host on the ABC morning talk show “The View.”

Philanthropy and Advocacy

Marla Maples has a long-standing commitment to charitable causes. She actively supports organizations that focus on peace, women’s rights, and education. Maples is a vocal advocate for Kids Creating Peace, an organization dedicated to uniting Israeli and Palestinian children. She is involved with AWARENYC.org, an advisory board member that promotes awareness and generates funds to improve the lives of women and girls in New York City and globally. Furthermore, Maples supports the Louis Armstrong Center of Music and Medicine.

In addition to her direct involvement with charitable organizations, Maples has also utilized her platform to raise awareness and advocate for various causes. She is a keynote speaker with the London Speakers Bureau, where she discusses topics such as inspiring women, wellness, spirituality, and motivation. She was a featured speaker at the Summer of Peace Summit in 2018, addressing peace and fostering common ground. She also spoke at the 2018 Global Summit on Science, Spirituality, and Environment in India. Her commitment to public discourse extended to podcasts, where she was a guest speaker on the “Journeys of Faith” podcast with Paula Faris in 2018.

Other Ventures

Marla Maples has engaged in various business ventures beyond her entertainment career. In 1990, she starred in an advertising campaign for No Excuses jeans, leveraging her public image to promote the brand. She further expanded into the fashion industry in 1993 by designing a line of maternity clothes, which were sold in several major department stores. This venture showcased her entrepreneurial spirit and ability to capitalize on market opportunities.

In January 2000, HarperCollins Publishers’ ReganBooks division announced Maples’ memoir, “All That Glitters Is Not Gold.” However, the book was never published. Maples also makes personalized videos through Cameo, providing her fans with direct engagement.

Personal Life and Relationships

Marla Maples is perhaps best known for her relationship with Donald Trump, which began while he was still married to Ivana Trump. This affair became highly publicized, and Ivana reportedly confronted Maples on an Aspen ski slope in 1991. The ensuing divorce and the subsequent marriage between Maples and Trump in 1993 drew significant media attention. The wedding was attended by 1,000 guests, including celebrities such as Rosie O’Donnell and O.J. Simpson. The relationship had its share of public ups and downs. Their daughter, Tiffany Ariana Trump, was born in 1993. The couple’s relationship ultimately ended in divorce in 1999. Under the terms of their prenuptial agreement and divorce settlement, Maples is bound by a confidentiality agreement.

Marla Maples and Donald Trump Divorce Settlement

Marla Maples’ divorce from Donald Trump remains a significant aspect of her public narrative, particularly concerning the financial arrangements. The couple announced their plans for divorce in 1997, just shy of their fourth wedding anniversary. The terms of the settlement and the prenuptial agreement provide insights into the complexities of their split.

As part of the divorce settlement, Donald Trump stated his net worth as $1.17 billion, while Marla Maples estimated her own net worth at $100,000. However, questions have been raised about Trump’s valuation of assets at the time. It is worth noting that Trump likely was not a billionaire at the time. His incentive to inflate his net worth, possibly to avoid a larger payout to Maples, is interesting.

To arrive at the $1.17 billion net worth, Trump reportedly used what would later prove to be inflated values for several assets. For example, he estimated his Trump Taj Mahal casino in Atlantic City to be worth $1.25 billion, despite its financial struggles and debt. He valued two other casinos at a combined $1 billion, both of which later faced bankruptcy.

Marla Maples reportedly sought $25 million to settle the divorce. However, the prenuptial agreement stipulated that she would receive just $1 million if they separated before five years of marriage. The couple separated before their fifth anniversary. Under the terms of the settlement, Marla was entitled to an additional $1 million to purchase a home and would receive $100,000 annually in child support payments for Tiffany until she turned 21. Tiffany was four years old at the time. Maples also retained her $250,000 engagement ring.

Real Estate Holdings

Marla Maples’ real estate transactions provide insights into her financial dealings. In November 1999, she purchased a home in Calabasas, California, for $1.349 million. Thirteen years later, in July 2013, she sold the property for $2.2 million, reflecting a profit on her investment. Following the sale of her California home, Maples acquired a condo in New York City, near Central Park.

Conclusion

Marla Maples’ life story encompasses a multifaceted career in entertainment, a high-profile personal life, and significant business ventures. While her relationship with Donald Trump has undoubtedly played a defining role in her public image, her achievements and activities extend far beyond this association. Her net worth reflects not only her financial success but also her resilience, adaptability, and commitment to philanthropic causes. Marla Maples continues to be a subject of public interest, as she remains engaged in various projects and endeavors.