Candace Bushnell Net Worth

What is Candace Bushnell's Net Worth?

Candace Bushnell is an American author and producer with a net worth of $2.5 million. At the age of 19, she sold her first children's story to a publisher, marking the beginning of her writing career. In the early 1990s, she wrote a humor column for the 'New York Observer' titled 'Sex and the City,' which chronicled her dating and social life. This column was later adapted into the hit HBO series 'Sex and the City,' starring Sarah Jessica Parker, Kim Cattrall, Kristin Davis, and Cynthia Nixon. Despite the popularity of the series, Bushnell did not make substantial earnings from it and derived 90% of her fortune from other best-selling books.

She has authored several novels, including '4 Blondes,' 'Trading Up,' 'Lipstick Jungle,' 'One Fifth Avenue,' 'The Carrie Diaries,' and 'Summer and the City.' Her book 'Lipstick Jungle' was also turned into a TV series starring Brooke Shields. In addition, she judged the reality show 'Wickedly Perfect' in 2005 and hosted her Sirius Satellite Radio talk show 'Sex, Success and Sensibility' in 2007. Her most recent books include 'Killing Monica' (2015) and 'Is There Still Sex in the City?' (2019).

Sex and the City Earnings

Although 'Sex and the City' became immensely popular, Bushnell revealed in a June 2023 interview that she sold the film and TV rights for just $100,000. She admitted that the majority of her wealth comes from her other literary works rather than the show.

Early Life

Candace Bushnell was born on December 1, 1958, in Glastonbury, Connecticut. From a young age, she displayed a keen interest in writing and storytelling. After high school, she attended Rice University in Houston, Texas, where she studied English and theater, further developing her literary skills.

New York City: The Inspiration Behind 'Sex and the City'

In the early 1980s, Bushnell moved to New York City in search of inspiration. It was in the hustle and bustle of Manhattan that she found the muse for her book 'Sex and the City,' drawing from her experiences and those of her friends. The book delved into the lives, careers, and relationships of urban women, resonating with readers globally.

Journalism Career

Before her literary success, Bushnell had a career in journalism, writing for publications like Mademoiselle and The New York Observer. Known for her sharp wit and insightful commentaries on relationships and modern society, she established herself as a talented observer of human behavior.

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'Sex and the City'

Published in 1996, Bushnell's debut novel 'Sex and the City' is a collection of columns from The New York Observer. The book explored the lives of four dynamic women in New York City, garnering worldwide acclaim and inspiring the groundbreaking TV series. Known for its bold discussions on relationships and female sexuality, the series became a cultural icon, empowering women to embrace their independence.

Literary Success: Novels and Memoirs

Following the success of 'Sex and the City,' Bushnell continued to captivate audiences with novels like 'Lipstick Jungle,' 'One Fifth Avenue,' and 'The Carrie Diaries.' Through her humor and social commentary, she solidified her place as a prominent voice in contemporary literature.

Personal Life and Real Estate

Bushnell was married to ballet dancer Charles Askegard from 2002 to 2012. In 2005, she purchased a farmhouse in Connecticut for $661,500, which she sold at a loss for $600,000 in January 2020. In August 2015, she sold her New York City apartment for $2.6 million, later buying a new apartment in NYC for $770,000 in February 2016.