What does it take to turn a legacy into a legacy business empire? That’s the story behind Dina Merrill, a woman who carried the weight of a historic fortune while making her own mark in the entertainment industry and finance world.
In this article, we break down the Dina Merrill net worth, including the inherited empire behind it, how she used her status to power up business ventures, and the financial influence she left behind.
Let’s explore how she turned wealth into impact, and what her financial journey can teach us.
Dina Merrill Quick Facts
| FACT | DETAIL |
|---|---|
| Real Name | Nedenia Marjorie Hutton |
| Popular Name | Dina Merrill |
| Birth Date | December 29, 1923 |
| Age | Passed away at 93 (Died: May 22, 2017) |
| Birthplace | New York City, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | White / European descent |
| Education | Miss Porter’s School, George Washington University (1 term), American Academy of Dramatic Arts |
| Marital Status | Married |
| Spouse | Ted Hartley (m. 1989–2017), Cliff Robertson (m. 1966–1989), Stanley M. Rumbough Jr. (m. 1946–1966) |
| Children | Four (Nedenia Colgate Rumbough, David Post Rumbough, Stanley Rumbough III, Heather Robertson) |
| Dating | N/A |
| Siblings | Two half-sisters: Adelaide Brevoort Close, Eleanor Post Hutton |
| Parents | Marjorie Merriweather Post, Edward Francis Hutton |
| Height (meters) | 5 ft 8 in (1.73 m) |
| Net Worth | Estimated $500 million |
| Source of Wealth | Inheritance, Acting, Business (RKO Pictures), Board Positions |
What is the Net Worth Of Dina Merrill in 2025?
Dina Merrill’s net worth is estimated at $500 million, largely derived from her inheritance of the Post Cereals empire and her father’s financial firm, E.F. Hutton. Though she had a successful acting career, her immense wealth is mostly tied to the fortune passed down by her family.
While not primarily driven by her salary or acting contracts, Merrill expanded her influence through smart partnerships—most notably merging her own company with RKO Pictures. When comparing her fortune with others in the legacy-wealth category, she holds a unique position: part celebrity, part financial figure.
Related individuals and entities in her financial ecosystem:
- Marjorie Merriweather Post
- Edward Francis Hutton
- Ted Hartley
- Cliff Robertson
- Barbara Hutton
- E.F. Hutton & Co.
- RKO Pictures
- Post Foundation
- Donald Trump
- Nedenia Rumbough
Want more stories about Hollywood’s wealthiest personalities? Explore our list of the richest in entertainment.
Dina Merrill Wealth, Salary and Financial Overview
How She Built Her Wealth: From Heiress to Businesswoman
Dina Merrill was born into extraordinary privilege. Her mother, Marjorie Merriweather Post, inherited a $250 million fortune in 1914, which would be worth $5 billion today. Her father, Edward Francis Hutton, was a titan on Wall Street, founder of E.F. Hutton & Co. This dual lineage meant Merrill began life as the heiress to two financial empires.
But she didn’t stop there. She stepped into the public eye as an actress in the 1950s and was often described as a replacement for Grace Kelly. While her acting contributed to her personal brand, it was her business acumen that solidified her financial legacy.
In 1991, Dina Merrill and husband Ted Hartley merged Pavilion Communications with RKO Pictures, reviving a legendary film brand. She later served on the board of Lehman Brothers, where she was involved in corporate governance and compensation decisions.
This transformation—from heiress to active businesswoman—was both strategic and rare.
What Was Her Inheritance and Family Background?
Dina Merrill’s wealth story begins with Marjorie Merriweather Post, whose family owned Post Cereals. Her father passed away when Marjorie was 27, transferring one of the largest fortunes in U.S. history to her.
On her father’s side, Edward Francis Hutton was a stockbroker who founded E.F. Hutton & Co., making massive waves in the finance world. As a result, Dina was connected to powerful relatives, including cousin Barbara Hutton, another heiress of the Woolworth fortune.
The Post Foundation, tied to the family’s philanthropic and financial legacy, played a significant role in managing inherited wealth and property, including the famous Mar-a-Lago estate.
How Her Acting Career Contributed to Her Finances
While her inheritance was massive, Merrill still built a name in Hollywood. She starred in over 100 film and TV roles, including:
- Desk Set (1957)
- Operation Petticoat (1959)
- The Sundowners (1960)
- Butterfield 8 (1960)
- Caddyshack II (1988)
- The Player (1992)
Dina Merrill appeared in major TV shows like Batman, Bonanza, The Nanny, and Murder, She Wrote. Her consistent work maintained her visibility in pop culture, allowing her to remain relevant across decades.
However, it’s clear her acting salary was not her primary source of wealth, unlike many modern stars.
How She Managed and Invested Her Fortune
Rather than relying solely on passive inheritance, Dina Merrill took control. With her third husband, Ted Hartley, she merged their company into RKO Pictures, reviving the classic brand.
Her business interests extended into boardrooms as well. She served over 18 years on the board of E.F. Hutton, then continued with Lehman Brothers after its acquisition. This level of involvement gave her deep insights into finance and compensation structures.
Her Most Valuable Assets and Real Estate
Among Dina Merrill’s most notable holdings was the East Hampton estate, later sold for $8.2 million to her daughter, Nedenia Rumbough. Another high-profile asset was Mar-a-Lago, constructed by her mother and later offered to the U.S. government. When the government declined, the estate returned to the Post Foundation.
Eventually, Donald Trump purchased Mar-a-Lago after offering $7 million, following a real estate negotiation chess match involving nearby land.
These properties weren’t just real estate—they were part of American history.
The Role of Family, Legacy, and Trusts in Her Finances
Dina Merrill married three times: to Stanley Rumbough Jr., Cliff Robertson, and Ted Hartley. With Rumbough, she had three children, two of whom tragically passed away. With Robertson, she had a daughter who also passed early.
Legacy played a big role in Merrill’s approach to wealth. Many of her estate decisions involved trusts, and family involvement was clear—her daughter ultimately bought one of her most iconic properties.
This financial planning helped maintain the dynasty’s strength even after her passing.
How Her Philanthropy and Public Roles Reflected Her Financial Influence
Dina Merrill wasn’t just about wealth—she was about giving back. She served as:
- Trustee of the Kennedy Center
- Board member of the Eugene O’Neill Theater Center
- Vice president of the New York City Mission Society
She received the Living Legacy Award from the Women’s International Center and a Lifetime Achievement Award from the American Academy of Dramatic Arts.
These roles reflected how she turned her wealth into meaningful influence.
Conclusion
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