What Was Vidal Sassoon’s Net Worth?

Vidal Sassoon, a British hairstylist, author, and entrepreneur, passed away in 2012 with a net worth of $200 million. Growing up in an orphanage, Sassoon worked as a hairdressing apprentice and later became politically active as part of the 43 Group, an organization combating anti-Semitism after World War II. He fought in the Arab-Israeli War and went on to create many iconic hairstyles for women, including his modern take on the “bob,” which was meant to be wash-and-go and departed from the high-maintenance styles of the time. By the 1980s, he had a worldwide hair care line and a chain of salons, which he later sold to the Regis Corporation in 2002. Sassoon was appointed Commander of the Order of the British Empire in 2009 and published several books, including “Vidal: The Autobiography” in 2010.

Vidal Sassoon’s Life

Vidal Sassoon was born in Hammersmith, London, England in 1928 to a Sephardi Jewish father and Ashkenazi Jewish mother. His parents split when he was three years old, and his mother couldn’t take care of him and his brother, Ivor. They were placed in a Jewish orphanage, where they lived for seven years.

After returning to London, Sassoon left school at 14 and became a messenger during World War II. His mother wanted him to be a hairdresser, so she took him to Adolph Cohen’s hairdressing school. He joined the 43 Group, an anti-fascist organization, when he was 17 and fought in the Arab-Israeli War in 1948.

Vidal Sassoon’s Career and Legacy

Vidal Sassoon trained with Raymond Bessone in Mayfair and opened his own salon in London in 1954. He became famous for his geometric and efficient hairstyles. He opened his first US salon in 1965 and launched his hair care products in 1973. In 1983, his company was bought by Richardson-Vicks and later by Procter & Gamble. He sued the latter for fraud in 2003. Vidal sold his business interests in the ’80s to focus on philanthropy. He was featured in a documentary in 2010 and was chosen as one of the British cultural icons on the Beatles’ “Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band” album cover.

Vidal Sassoon’s Personal Life

Vidal Sassoon was married three times during his lifetime. His first marriage was to Elaine Wood, a receptionist at his salon, from 1956 to 1958. He then wed actress Beverly Adams in 1967, with whom he had three biological children and one adopted child before they divorced in 1981. Unfortunately, their daughter Catya passed away in 2002 due to drug use. Vidal became estranged from his adopted son David and disinherited him.

Vidal went on to marry model Jeanette Hartford-Davis in 1983, but they separated soon after. He later married designer Rhonda Holbrook, also known as “Ronnie,” in 1992, and they remained married until his death in 2012.

Despite his busy personal life, Vidal was committed to eradicating anti-Semitism and established the Vidal Sassoon International Center for the Study of Antisemitism at Hebrew University of Jerusalem in 1982. He also supported the Performing Arts Council of the Music Center of Los Angeles and the Boys Clubs of America.

Vidal Sassoon Dies at 84

Vidal Sassoon, the celebrated hairdresser who revolutionized the industry with his iconic haircuts, salons, schools, and product lines, has died at his Bel Air home at the age of 84. He had been battling leukemia since 2009.

Born in 1928, Sassoon began his career as an apprentice during World War II and went on to become the most famous hairdresser in the world. His family announced his passing in a statement, expressing their sadness and saying that he will be greatly missed by his wife of 20 years, Ronnie, his children, grandchildren, family, and friends.

Vidal Sassoon’s Real Estate Holdings

Vidal Sassoon and his wife Ronnie owned the Singleton House in Los Angeles, which included four bedrooms and five bathrooms and sat on over five acres of land. The home was listed for $19.955 million in 2007, but it didn’t sell. After Vidal’s death, the home was listed for $17.995 million. They also owned two homes in Cincinnati’s Mt. Adams neighborhood. One was sold for $900,000 in 2007, and they paid $1.2 million for their other home in 2006. That home went on the market for $1.25 million in 2017.

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