Hi, I’m WorldofCeos, and today, we’re diving into Candace Bushnell net worth and her financial journey. Known as the creator of Sex and the City, Bushnell transformed her experiences into massive cultural and financial success.
But her income sources extend far beyond her iconic column.
Let’s break down how her career, book deals, and adaptations have added to her wealth, and we’ll even see how she stacks up alongside other wealthy authors.
Quick Facts
| FACT | DETAIL |
|---|---|
| Real Name | Candace Bushnell |
| Popular Name | Candace Bushnell |
| Gender | Female |
| Birth Date | December 1, 1958 |
| Age | 65 |
| Parents | Calvin L. Bushnell (father), Camille Salonia (mother) |
| Siblings | Sister, Lolly |
| Birthplace | Glastonbury, Connecticut |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | Italian and English heritage |
| Education | Rice University, New York University |
| Marital Status | Divorced |
| Spouse | Charles Askegard (2002-2012) |
| Children | None |
| Dating | Previously dated Ron Galotti |
| Net Worth | $2.5 million |
| Source of Wealth | Primarily from bestselling novels and adaptations |
| Height | N/A |
What is the Net Worth of Candace Bushnell in 2024?
As of 2024, Candace Bushnell’s net worth is estimated at $2.5 million. Compared to other authors with popular works adapted into television series or movies, her net worth may seem modest.
However, she stands out for having impacted culture immensely. Here’s how she stacks up with other successful authors in the industry:
- Sarah Jessica Parker
- Kim Cattrall
- Brooke Shields
- Cynthia Nixon
- Charles Askegard
- Mark Gordon
- HarperCollins authors
- Mademoiselle contributors
- The New York Observer columnists
- richest authors
Candace Bushnell Salary and Finance Overview
How Did She Build Her Wealth?
Candace Bushnell’s journey began with her humorous Sex and the City column, which took readers through the dating adventures of her and her friends in NYC.
From 1994 to 1996, her column in The New York Observer became so popular that she adapted it into a book.
This success paved the way for a highly successful HBO adaptation, significantly boosting her profile.
Bushnell’s Sex and the City stories laid the groundwork for a career that combined relatable insights on urban life with keen wit—qualities that kept her content relevant and her influence strong.
Key Contributions to Financial Success
Bushnell’s earnings didn’t stop with Sex and the City. She launched several bestselling novels that kept her income flowing, including 4 Blondes, Trading Up, and Lipstick Jungle.
Each story brought fresh perspectives to relationships, careers, and female independence, resonating with readers worldwide.
Her influence extended to adaptations like Lipstick Jungle, which became an NBC series starring Brooke Shields. Even as the show had a shorter run, it added a valuable stream to Bushnell’s income.
Similarly, The Carrie Diaries was adapted for The CW, reaching younger audiences and further cementing her legacy.
Earnings from Publishing and Adaptation Rights
When Bushnell sold Sex and the City’s TV rights, she was compensated $100,000. While she didn’t make millions from the show itself, her other novels earned her 90% of her current wealth.
One Fifth Avenue was also optioned by ABC, and each of these adaptations has reinforced her standing in the literary world.
Notable Career Highlights and Achievements
Beyond her bestselling novels, Bushnell’s awards highlight her impact on literature and media. She won the Matrix Award for books and the Albert Einstein Spirit of Achievement Award.
Each of these awards underscores how her unique perspective has influenced the portrayal of modern women in pop culture.
Bushnell has also been a judge on CBS’s Wickedly Perfect and hosted a talk show on Sirius Satellite Radio, titled Sex, Success, and Sensibility.
Together, these roles reflect her broad appeal and the commercial opportunities her distinct voice continues to unlock.
Business Ventures Beyond Writing
Bushnell has also invested in real estate, purchasing a farmhouse in Connecticut and multiple New York City apartments. The Connecticut property, bought for $661,500, sold at a loss.
But her New York property, sold for $2.6 million, helped her maintain her financial profile in the competitive NYC market.
Her talk show on Sirius and ventures like The Broadroom, a web series, further added to her wealth.
These creative projects, while not as commercially monumental, show her flexibility in adapting her narrative style to different platforms and expanding her brand.
Personal Background and Influences on Her Work
Bushnell’s life growing up in Connecticut and her Italian-English heritage have influenced her writing.
Her father’s engineering background and her mother’s heritage shaped her curiosity. After high school, Bushnell attended Rice University and New York University.
These experiences, coupled with life in 1980s Manhattan, filled her stories with rich, observational humor that readers couldn’t get enough of.
Her marriage to ballet dancer Charles Askegard and relationships like the one with Ron Galotti have also influenced her characters and storytelling.
FAQs about Candace Bushnell
Where was Candace Bushnell born?
She was born in Glastonbury, Connecticut.
Who are her parents?
Her father, Calvin L. Bushnell, contributed to hydrogen fuel cell technology. Her mother is Camille Salonia.
What inspired her book Sex and the City?
Bushnell based her work on her own dating experiences in New York City and stories from her friends.
Did she receive any awards for her writing?
Yes, Bushnell received the Matrix Award and the Albert Einstein Spirit of Achievement Award.
What other books did she write besides Sex and the City?
Bushnell’s other books include 4 Blondes, Trading Up, Lipstick Jungle, One Fifth Avenue, The Carrie Diaries, Summer and the City, Killing Monica, and Is There Still Sex in the City?
Was Lipstick Jungle also adapted into a TV show?
Yes, NBC adapted Lipstick Jungle into a TV show starring Brooke Shields.
How did Bushnell start her career?
She began with a column at The New York Observer, which later became Sex and the City.
Who inspired the character Mr. Big in Sex and the City?
Bushnell based Mr. Big on Ron Galotti, a former publishing executive.
Does she still live in New York?
Yes, she currently resides in New York City.
Is she still writing?
Yes, Bushnell continues to write and remains active in media and literature.
Conclusion
Candace Bushnell’s journey offers a fascinating look into the world of celebrity finance and influence.
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