Barbara Hutton: The Tragic Life of the Woolworth Heiress

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Who Was Barbara Hutton?

Barbara Hutton, often referred to as the “Poor Little Rich Girl,” was an American socialite, heiress, and philanthropist. Born into immense wealth as the granddaughter of retail magnate Frank Winfield Woolworth, founder of the legendary Woolworth five-and-dime stores, Barbara's life was filled with privilege—but also marked by deep personal tragedy and public scrutiny. 

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Early Life and Family Legacy

Barbara Hutton was born on November 14, 1912, in New York City, to Edna Woolworth and Franklyn Laws Hutton. Her father was part of the powerful Hutton financial dynasty—his brother was the renowned stockbroker E.F. Hutton. On her mother's side, Barbara was the sole heiress to the Woolworth fortune, a retail empire that revolutionized American consumer culture.

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Childhood Tragedy and Isolation

Barbara's early years were marred by sorrow. At the age of just four, she tragically discovered her mother Edna dead in their home on May 2, 1917. Though the cause was officially listed as mastoiditis, many believe it was suicide. No autopsy was performed.

Following her mother's death, Barbara was raised by governesses and shuffled among relatives. Her father remained emotionally and physically distant. This lonely upbringing profoundly shaped her personality, contributing to her introversion and emotional struggles throughout life.

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Inheritance and Debutante Fame

When Barbara’s grandmother, Jennie Woolworth, died in 1927, she left Barbara a staggering $28.2 million in a trust fund. By the time Barbara turned 21 in 1933, her fortune had grown to nearly $40 million (equivalent to over $1 billion today), making her one of the richest women in the world.

On her 18th birthday, Barbara made her debut in New York high society—a lavish coming-out party that became the talk of the town. Despite the Great Depression, the celebration cost over $60,000, with entertainment from celebrities like Rudy Vallee and Maurice Chevalier. Attendees included members of the Rockefeller and Vanderbilt families.

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The Label “Poor Little Rich Girl”

Despite her wealth and status, Barbara Hutton was never truly happy. Isolated from everyday society and burdened by emotional wounds, she became known in the press as the “Poor Little Rich Girl”—a title that followed her for life. She often spent extravagant amounts on clothing and jewels, far beyond the comprehension of average Woolworth customers.

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Marriages and Personal Life

Barbara Hutton was married seven times, but all her marriages ended in divorce. Her most famous husband was Hollywood icon Cary Grant, the only one who refused alimony or financial gain from the union.

Her only child, Lance Reventlow, was born on February 24, 1936, from her marriage to Count Kurt Haugwitz-Reventlow. That relationship was abusive and ended violently. Lance tragically died in a plane crash in 1972, which devastated Barbara.

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Affair with Howard Hughes

Barbara also had a brief and controversial affair with billionaire Howard Hughes in 1938, while he was engaged to Katharine Hepburn. The romance unfolded during their stay at the Savoy Hotel in London.

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Philanthropy and Wartime Efforts

Despite her lavish lifestyle, Barbara Hutton was known for her generosity. During World War II, she relocated to California, where she donated millions to aid Free France, offered her private yacht to the Royal Navy, and helped raise money through war bonds.

Her giving nature, however, contributed to the erosion of her fortune, as did mismanagement by advisors and predatory relationships.

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Decline and Final Years

By the 1970s, Barbara had lost much of her fortune. Still, she continued giving—donating the family estate, Winfield House in London's Regent’s Park, to the U.S. government, which now serves as the residence of the American Ambassador to the UK.

Despite once owning priceless art, jewelry, and rare pieces such as the Pasha Diamond and Marie Antoinette's jewels, Barbara had only $3,500.00 left of her fortune when she passed from this life in May 1979 at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel in Los Angeles. She was 66 years old and died from a heart attack.

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Barbara Hutton’s Legacy

Barbara Hutton’s life remains a cautionary tale of wealth without emotional support. Though she was one of the richest women of her time, her life was dominated by personal loss, broken relationships, and emotional turmoil. Today, her story continues to fascinate those interested in American aristocracy, celebrity culture, and the paradox of inherited wealth.