Aaron Spelling: The Man Behind The Glitz And Glamour

How Much Did Aaron Spelling Leave Behind?

Let’s talk about the legendary Aaron Spelling, the man who gave us some of the most iconic TV shows of all time. At the time of his death in 2006, this Hollywood titan had amassed a staggering net worth of $600 million. That’s right, folks—half a billion dollars! Spelling wasn’t just a TV producer; he was an entertainment powerhouse with over 218 producer and executive producer credits to his name. From “Charlie’s Angels” to “Dynasty” and “Beverly Hills, 90210,” Spelling’s work defined a generation of television.

But here’s the thing—Aaron wasn’t just a producer. He was also a writer, an actor, and even an occasional singer and dancer. Over his illustrious career, he earned 21 writing credits and appeared in more than 30 movies and TV shows. His legacy lives on, and at various points, he’s been ranked among the highest-earning deceased celebrities, thanks to the enduring popularity of his creations.

Now, let’s talk about his family. Aaron is the father of Tori Spelling and Randy Spelling, both of whom became well-known in their own right. When Aaron passed away, his will, which was updated just two months before his death, revealed that the bulk of his fortune went to his widow, Candy Spelling. Each of his children received just $800,000. And here’s the kicker: the will included a no-contest clause, meaning anyone who challenged it risked losing everything.

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Oh, and let’s not forget Spelling Manor—the largest private residence in Southern California. This mansion became a symbol of his wealth and success. We’ll dive deeper into that in a moment.

Here’s a quick list of some of the incredible TV shows Aaron brought to life:

• “Charlie’s Angels”
• “The Love Boat”
• “Fantasy Island”
• “Beverly Hills, 90210”
• “Melrose Place”
• “Dynasty”
• “Sunset Beach”
• “7th Heaven”
• “Family”
• “T.J. Hooker”
• “The Mod Squad”
• “The Rookies”
• “Starsky & Hutch”
• “S.W.A.T.”
• “Hart to Hart”
• “The Colbys”
• “Hotel”
• “Nightingales”
• “Matt Houston”
• “Vega$”

Spelling Manor: The Crown Jewel of His Empire

When Aaron Spelling passed away, one of the most talked-about aspects of his life was his Holmby Hills mansion, affectionately known as “The Manor” or “Spelling Manor.” Back in 1988, Spelling bought the property from none other than Bing Crosby. But instead of keeping the original house, he tore it down and built a 123-room, $47 million estate that became the largest single-family home in California.

When Candy Spelling put the mansion on the market in 2008, it was listed at a jaw-dropping $150 million. Heiress Petra Ecclestone eventually purchased it for $85 million in 2011, but the property didn’t stay with her for long. In 2019, it was sold to an anonymous buyer for $119.7 million, and by 2022, it was back on the market for $165 million. This place is more than just a house—it’s a symbol of the man who built it. Take a look at this video tour and aerial photo to get a sense of its grandeur:

Early Life: From Dallas to Hollywood

Aaron Spelling’s journey began in Dallas, Texas, on April 22, 1923. Born into a family of Russian-Jewish immigrants, Aaron grew up with his mother, Pearl, his father, David (a tailor), and his siblings Becky, Sam, Max, and Daniel. His father changed the family name from Spurling to Spelling after moving to America, a decision that would become iconic in its own right.

Aaron faced challenges early in life, including anti-Semitic bullying from classmates. At just 8 years old, the stress led to a nervous breakdown, causing him to lose the ability to use his legs. He spent an entire year in bed, using books to escape and eventually recover. This resilience would shape his character and drive him to succeed.

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After high school, Aaron served in the Army Air Corps during World War II, earning a Purple Heart after being shot in the hand by a sniper. He later attended Southern Methodist University, graduating with a journalism degree in 1949. While at SMU, he joined the drama club, became head cheerleader, and even directed the first student-led senior class play at the school. His talent for writing earned him a Harvard Award in 1947 and again in 1949 for plays addressing racial prejudice. In 1998, SMU honored him with their Distinguished Alumni Award.

Early Career: Breaking into Hollywood

Spelling’s career began in the 1950s when he made his acting debut in the film noir “Vicki” and appeared on shows like “Dragnet” and “I Led Three Lives.” He sold his first script in 1954 to the anthology series “Jane Wyman Presents” and quickly became a sought-after writer. By 1956, he was writing for the Western anthology series “Zane Grey Theatre,” where he eventually became one of the show’s producers in 1960.

These early years laid the foundation for the empire he would build, showcasing his versatility and talent for storytelling. Spelling wasn’t just a writer; he was a visionary who understood the power of television to captivate audiences.

Spelling Entertainment: Building an Empire

In 1965, Spelling created Spelling Entertainment, a move that would change the landscape of television forever. Over the years, he collaborated with comedian Danny Thomas on Thomas-Spelling Productions (1966-1972) and with producer Leonard Goldberg on Spelling-Goldberg Productions (1972-1986). In 1986, he took Spelling Entertainment public, raising $80 million to fuel his growing empire.

Spelling’s producing career spanned decades, during which he executive produced iconic shows like “The Lloyd Bridges Show,” “Burke’s Law,” “The Smothers Brothers Show,” “The Mod Squad,” “Charlie’s Angels,” “Fantasy Island,” “Dynasty,” “Beverly Hills, 90210,” “Melrose Place,” “7th Heaven,” and “Charmed.” Even though he stopped acting in the early 1960s, he occasionally made uncredited appearances on the shows he produced, including “Beverly Hills, 90210” and “Charmed.”

Personal Life: Family and Fame

Aaron’s personal life was as fascinating as his professional one. He married actress Carolyn Jones, best known for playing Morticia Addams on “The Addams Family,” in 1953, but they divorced in 1964. In 1968, he married Carole “Candy” Marer, who became Candy Spelling. Together, they had two children: Tori Spelling, born on May 16, 1973, and Randy Spelling, born on October 9, 1978.

Aaron often cast his children in his projects, and Tori gained international fame for her role as Donna Martin on “Beverly Hills, 90210.” The Spelling family became synonymous with Hollywood glamour, and their lives were closely followed by fans around the world.

Death and Legacy: Remembering a Legend

Aaron Spelling passed away at the age of 83 on June 23, 2006, at his home in Los Angeles, five days after suffering a stroke. He had battled oral cancer and Alzheimer’s disease in his final years. A private funeral was held for family and close friends, and he was laid to rest in a mausoleum at Hillside Memorial Park Cemetery.

Just a few days after his death, stars from some of his beloved shows, including Joan Collins of “Dynasty,” Heather Locklear of “Melrose Place,” and Farrah Fawcett, Jaclyn Smith, and Kate Jackson of “Charlie’s Angels,” paid tribute to him at the Primetime Emmy Awards. It was a touching moment that highlighted the impact he had on the entertainment industry.

Spelling left behind an estate worth $600 million, but his will, updated just two months before his death, left only $800,000 each to Tori and Randy. The inclusion of a no-contest clause ensured that his children couldn’t challenge the will without risking their entire inheritance.

Awards and Honors: Recognizing a Lifetime of Achievement

Aaron Spelling’s contributions to television earned him numerous awards and honors. He won a 1989 Outstanding Drama/Comedy Special Primetime Emmy for “Day One” and a 1994 Outstanding Made for Television Movie Primetime Emmy for “And the Band Played On.” In 1999, he received the Britannia Award for Excellence in Television, and the following year, the Producers Guild of America honored him with the Norman Lear Achievement Award in Television.

Spelling’s recognition extended beyond awards. He was honored by the Costume Designers Guild Awards, the GLAAD Media Awards, the Golden Apple Awards, the Online Film & Television Association, the Publicists Guild of America, the Soap Opera Digest Awards, and the TV Land Awards. In 1978, he earned a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, and in 1996, he was inducted into the Television Academy Hall of Fame.

In 1983, the NAACP awarded him their Humanitarian Award after he donated $100,000 to fund a heart transplant operation for 21-year-old Derrick Gordon. Aaron Spelling wasn’t just a producer; he was a humanitarian whose impact will be felt for generations to come.