Pia Zadora, a name that resonates with both admiration and controversy, has been a prominent figure in the entertainment industry for several decades.
Known for her acting, singing, and intriguing personal life, Zadora’s journey is a tapestry of dramatic performances and captivating musical renditions.
As of 2024, her net worth is estimated to be around $25 million. Let’s dive into the life and career of Pia Zadora to understand how she amassed such wealth and explore the various facets of her life.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Pia Zadora was born Pia Alfreda Schipani on May 4, 1953, in Hoboken, New Jersey. Her early life was steeped in the arts, with her father, Alphonse Schipani, being an Italian-American violinist, and her mother, Saturnina Zadorowski, a Polish-American theatrical wardrobe supervisor.
Zadora adopted part of her mother’s maiden name as her stage name, marking the beginning of her journey in the entertainment world.
Childhood and Broadway
Zadora’s career began on Broadway, where she appeared as a child actress in productions such as Midgie Purvis alongside Tallulah Bankhead and Fiddler on the Roof.
Her early experiences on stage laid the foundation for her future endeavors in acting and music.
Rise to Fame and Controversy
Pia Zadora’s rise to fame is a story filled with both accolades and controversies. Her breakthrough came in 1982 with the film Butterfly, where she starred alongside Stacy Keach and Orson Welles.
Despite the film’s critical panning, Zadora won the Golden Globe Award for New Star of the Year.
However, this accolade was marred by allegations that her then-husband, Meshulam Riklis, had influenced the award through a lavish promotional campaign.
Golden Raspberry Awards
In a twist of fate, Zadora also received the Golden Raspberry Awards for Worst Actress and Worst New Star for the same performance in Butterfly.
This dichotomy in recognition sparked widespread media attention and embedded her name in entertainment history.
Musical Career
After her film career faced challenges, Zadora transitioned to music, where she found considerable success, particularly in Europe.
She released several albums featuring popular standards, often backed by a symphonic orchestra.
Her duet with Jermaine Jackson, “When the Rain Begins to Fall,” became a hit in Europe, further cementing her status as a versatile entertainer.
Notable Albums
- Pia & Phil (1985): An album of standards with the London Philharmonic Orchestra.
- I Am What I Am (1986): A follow-up album that showcased her vocal talents.
- When the Lights Go Out (1988): Produced by Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, though it was released only in Europe.
Personal Life
Pia Zadora’s personal life has been as eventful as her career. She married businessman Meshulam Riklis in 1977, with whom she had two children.
The couple purchased the historic Pickfair Manor in Beverly Hills, only to demolish it and build a new residence, which drew public criticism.
Marriages and Family
- Meshulam Riklis: Married in 1977, divorced in 1993. They had two children, Kady and Kristofer.
- Jonathan Kaufer: Married in 1995, divorced in 2001. They had one son, Jordan.
- Michael Jeffries: Married in 2005. A Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department detective, they currently reside in Summerlin, Nevada.
Recent Years and Current Endeavors
In recent years, Pia Zadora has focused on live performances, including cabaret shows and appearances in Las Vegas.
Since 2013, she has been hosting and performing at “Pia’s Place” in Las Vegas, showcasing her enduring appeal and adaptability in the entertainment world.
Las Vegas Performances
Zadora’s performances in Las Vegas have been well-received, allowing her to maintain a connection with her audience and continue her passion for music and entertainment.
Pia Zadora’s Net Worth
As of 2025, Pia Zadora’s net worth is estimated to be around $25 million. This impressive figure reflects her accomplishments in both acting and music, as well as her investments and business ventures over the years.
FAQs
1. Who is Pia Zadora?
Pia Zadora is an American actress and singer born on May 4, 1954, in Hoboken, New Jersey. She began her career as a child actress on Broadway and gained attention for her controversial performances in films like Butterfly. Later, she transitioned to music, achieving success as a singer of popular standards.
2. What is Pia Zadora best known for?
Pia Zadora is best known for her dual recognition in the film Butterfly (1981), where she won a Golden Globe Award for New Star of the Year while also receiving Golden Raspberry Awards for Worst Actress and Worst New Star. She later gained acclaim as a singer, earning a Grammy nomination in 1984.
3. What was Pia Zadora’s early career like?
Zadora started her career on Broadway as a child actress, appearing in productions like Fiddler on the Roof. Her first film role was in Santa Claus Conquers the Martians (1964). She also appeared in commercials and theater before transitioning to movies and music.
4. Why was Pia Zadora’s film career controversial?
Her film career was controversial due to allegations that her then-husband, Meshulam Riklis, financed promotional campaigns to secure her roles and awards. Critics often panned her acting abilities, leading to multiple Golden Raspberry Awards for poor performances.
5. What are some notable films Pia Zadora appeared in?
Some of her notable films include Butterfly (1981), The Lonely Lady (1983), Voyage of the Rock Aliens (1984), Hairspray (1988), and Naked Gun 33⅓: The Final Insult (1994). Her performances often received mixed or negative reviews.
6. How did Pia Zadora transition into a music career?
After her film career faltered, Zadora focused on music in the 1980s. She released albums of popular standards, collaborated with artists like Frank Sinatra, and achieved some success with hits like “The Clapping Song” and “When the Rain Begins to Fall,” a duet with Jermaine Jackson.
7. Did Pia Zadora win any awards for her music?
While she did not win major music awards, Pia Zadora was nominated for a Grammy Award in 1984 for Best Female Rock Vocal Performance for her song “Rock It Out.” Her musical work earned more respect than her acting career.
8. What is Pia Zadora’s connection to Las Vegas?
Pia Zadora has a long-running residency in Las Vegas at Piero’s Italian Cuisine. She performs weekly with her band, showcasing her singing talents with standards and classic songs, drawing celebrities and locals alike.
9. What challenges did Pia Zadora face in her career?
Zadora faced criticism for alleged nepotism due to her husband’s financial influence on her career. Additionally, she struggled with negative reviews of her acting and limited chart success as a singer despite significant efforts in both fields.
10. What is Pia Zadora doing now?
As of recent years, Pia Zadora continues performing live music shows in Las Vegas. She focuses on singing standards and entertaining audiences with regular performances at Piero’s Italian Cuisine alongside guest artists and musicians from Sinatra’s era.
