Mary Higgins Clark Net Worth

Mary Higgins Clark Net Worth – The Queen of Suspense

What is Mary Higgins Clark’s Net Worth and Salary?

Mary Higgins Clark was a well-known author of suspense and mystery novels. She was also called the “Queen of Suspense”. At the time of her death, on January 31st, 2020, Mary Higgins Clark had an estimated net worth of around $140 million.

Throughout her career, she enjoyed immense success with more than 50 bestselling books in her name. With each book, she amassed more than $10 million in sales revenue, through advances on royalties, film and television adaptations, and licensing deals for her works.

Early Life and Education

Mary Teresa Eleanor Higgins was born on December 24th, 1927, in the Bronx. At just the age of 11, she lost her father due to a heart attack, thus leaving her and her mother to struggle financially.

After graduating from St. Francis Xavier Grammar School, Mary Higgins Clark attended Villa Maria Academy, a Catholic high school for girls in the Bronx. She later attended Fordham University on a scholarship, where she earned a degree in philosophy.

Career

Mary Higgins Clark began her writing career while working as a stewardess for Pan American Airlines. She wrote short stories in her spare time, which were published in various magazines. However, it wasn’t until the launch of her first novel, “Where Are The Children?” in 1975 that she shot to fame.

After her primary success, she stuck to her winning formula of suspense, and her subsequent novels became instant bestsellers. Her books were known for their strong female characters, intricate plots, and suspenseful climaxes.

Some of her most famous works include “A Cry In The Night,” “Pretend You Don’t See Her,” “All Around The Town,” and “Lucky Day.” Her last book, “Kiss The Girls and Make Them Cry” was published in November 2019.

Personal Life

Mary Higgins Clark met her husband, Warren Clark, when they were both working at the Shelton Hotel in New York. They married in 1949 and had five children before his death in 1964. After Warren’s death, Mary supported her children by working at the Capitol Building in Washington, D.C. and later as a scriptwriter for a radio show. She went back to school in 1971 for her masters, to supplement the family’s income.

After her success as an author, she became actively involved in several charitable foundations, including the Lustgarten Foundation for pancreatic cancer research and The Mary Higgins Clark and Carol Higgins Clark Christmas Charity Foundation, which raises money for disadvantaged children.

Illness and Death

Mary Higgins Clark passed away on January 31st, 2020, at the age of 92, from natural causes. Her legacy as the “Queen of Suspense” continues to live on.

Real Estate

Throughout her life, Mary Higgins Clark owned several homes, including a house in Spring Lake, New Jersey, and her primary residence in Saddle River, New Jersey. The New Jersey house is where she wrote most of her books, and it was sold in 2017 for $1.6 million.

Legacy

Mary Higgins Clark’s legacy is a testament to her dedication and hard work. She is an inspiration to upcoming authors and young women everywhere. Her bestselling novels will continue to have a profound impact and resonate with readers worldwide.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Mary Higgins Clark’s most famous book?

Mary Higgins Clark’s most famous book is “Where Are The Children?” which was published in 1975. It sold over one million copies in the first year of its release and jump-started her career as an author.

What genre of books did Mary Higgins Clark primarily write?

Mary Higgins Clark primarily wrote suspense and mystery novels, earning her the title “Queen of Suspense.” Her novels were known for their intricate plots, strong female characters, and suspenseful climaxes.

What was Mary Higgins Clark’s writing process?

Mary Higgins Clark wrote her novels longhand on legal pads before having them transcribed onto a computer. She did extensive research for each of her books, usually spending around six months gathering information before beginning to write.

What was Mary Higgins Clark’s net worth at the time of her death?

At the time of her death, Mary Higgins Clark’s estimated net worth was around $140 million. Her wealth came from more than 50 bestselling novels, and the many adaptations of her work, including film and television adaptations.

What was Mary Higgins Clark’s first job?

Mary Higgins Clark began working as a secretary at the age of 16 for a company that manufactured artificial flowers. She later worked as a stewardess for Pan American Airlines, where she began writing short stories in her spare time.

How many books did Mary Higgins Clark publish?

Mary Higgins Clark published more than 50 novels. Her first novel, “Where Are The Children?”, was published in 1975, and her last book, “Kiss The Girls and Make Them Cry,” was published in 2019.

Was Mary Higgins Clark involved in any charities?

Yes, Mary Higgins Clark was actively involved in several charitable foundations, including the Lustgarten Foundation for pancreatic cancer research and The Mary Higgins Clark and Carol Higgins Clark Christmas Charity Foundation, which raises money for disadvantaged children.

Did Mary Higgins Clark receive any special recognition for her work?

Throughout her career, Mary Higgins Clark received several accolades for her work, including the National Arts Club’s first Gold Medal in literature and the Mystery Writers of America’s Grand Master Award.

Why did Mary Higgins Clark stop writing?

Mary Higgins Clark continued writing up until her death in 2020, but she had slowed down in recent years due to her age. She had said in an interview that she would stop writing when she had nothing left to say.

Did Mary Higgins Clark ever have any of her books adapted into movies?

Yes, Several of Mary Higgins Clark’s novels have been adapted into films, including “Where Are The Children?” “I’ll Be Seeing You,” and “The Cradle Will Fall.” Her novels have also been turned into several television movies and miniseries.

What was Mary Higgins Clark’s last book?

Mary Higgins Clark’s last book was “Kiss The Girls and Make Them Cry,” which was published in November 2019. The book was her 56th novel and followed her familiar style of suspenseful storytelling.

How long did it take Mary Higgins Clark to write a book?

Mary Higgins Clark’s writing process varied from book to book, but it usually took her around six months to gather research and between six to nine months to complete the manuscript.

What was Mary Higgins Clark’s approach to writing?

Mary Higgins Clark was known for her meticulous approach to writing. She would plot out every detail before beginning to write and do extensive research for each of her books.

What was Mary Higgins Clark’s most successful book?

Mary Higgins Clark’s most successful book is “Where Are The Children?”, which has sold over 10 million copies since it was published in 1975. The novel was a huge commercial success and is credited with launching her career as a writer.

What was Mary Higgins Clark’s writing style?

Mary Higgins Clark’s writing style was known for its intricate plots, strong female characters, and suspenseful climaxes. Her books were typically fast-paced, easy-to-read, and filled with unexpected twists and turns.

What was Mary Higgins Clark’s favorite book?

Mary Higgins Clark did not have a favorite book, but she often cited “Gone With The Wind” by Margaret Mitchell as one of the books that inspired her to become a writer.

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