# Candy Spelling > Mediated Wiki article. Canonical URL: https://mediated.wiki/source/Candy_Spelling > Markdown URL: https://mediated.wiki/source/Candy_Spelling.md > Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Candy_Spelling > Source revision: 1350901273 > License: Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/) American author and theater producer (born 1945) Candy Spelling Spelling in 2009 Born Carole Gene Marer (1945-09-20) September 20, 1945 (age 80) Beverly Hills, California, U.S. Alma mater Beverly Hills High School Occupations Author philanthropist television personality theater producer Spouses Howard Frederick Leveson ​ ​ (m. 1963; div. 1964)​ Aaron Spelling ​ ​ (m. 1968; died 2006)​ Children Tori Randy **Carole Gene "Candy" Spelling** (née **Marer**; born September 20, 1945) is an American author, theater producer, and philanthropist.[1][2] She is the widow of [Aaron Spelling](/source/Aaron_Spelling), to whom she was married from 1968 until he died in 2006.[3] ## Early life and education Carole Gene Marer was born in [Beverly Hills, California](/source/Beverly_Hills%2C_California), to Augusta (née Rosen) and Merritt Marer, and grew up in a [Jewish](/source/Jewish) home. She has an elder brother, Anthony Marer (born July 24, 1942).[4][5] Her father was a salesman who founded a chain of furniture stores. Although initially successful, the chain failed as a result of overexpansion.[1][6] She attended [Beverly Hills High School](/source/Beverly_Hills_High_School) and [Chouinard Art Institute](/source/Chouinard_Art_Institute) in Los Angeles.[7] ## Books and television Spelling's autobiography, *Stories from Candyland*, released in March 2009, hit [*The New York Times* best seller list](/source/The_New_York_Times_Best_Seller_list) two weeks after publication.[8] Her memoir, *Candy at Last*, was published by [Wiley](/source/Wiley_(publisher)) in May 2014.[9] She has written for [TMZ](/source/TMZ) and the *[Huffington Post](/source/Huffington_Post),* among others. In December 2011 and January 2012, Spelling produced and starred in *Selling Spelling Manor,* a two-episode special for HGTV that documented the process of moving from and selling [her 123-room, 56,500 square foot home](/source/The_Manor_(Los_Angeles)). In 2013, she produced and starred in *Beyond Spelling Manor*, a three-episode series about the construction of her subsequent residence, a $35 million condominium, and her search for an apartment in New York City. The series also aired on HGTV.[10][11] ## Broadway Spelling began producing theater on Broadway in 2010. Her first co-production, *[Promises, Promises](/source/Promises%2C_Promises_(musical))*, starred [Sean Hayes](/source/Sean_Hayes_(actor)) and [Kristin Chenoweth](/source/Kristin_Chenoweth) and was nominated for four Tony Awards. Her second Broadway show, *[How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying](/source/How_to_Succeed_in_Business_Without_Really_Trying_(musical))* opened with [Daniel Radcliffe](/source/Daniel_Radcliffe) in the lead role. In 2012, she produced *[Nice Work If You Can Get It](/source/Nice_Work_If_You_Can_Get_It_(musical))*, which was nominated for 10 Tony Awards and won for Featured Actor (Michael McGrath) and Featured Actress (Judy Kaye). 2013's *[After Midnight](/source/After_Midnight_(musical))*, based on Duke Ellington's years at the [Cotton Club](/source/Cotton_Club), was nominated for seven Tony Awards with [Warren Carlyle](/source/Warren_Carlyle) winning for Outstanding Choreography.[1] Spelling went on to produce *[The Color Purple](/source/The_Color_Purple_(musical))*, the winner of the 2016 Tony Award for Best Revival of a Musical. [Cynthia Erivo](/source/Cynthia_Erivo), who portrayed the character Celie, won the Tony for Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical.[12] In 2018, her production credits included *[The Iceman Cometh](/source/The_Iceman_Cometh)*, which starred [Denzel Washington](/source/Denzel_Washington) and received eight Tony Award nominations; the revival of the Rodgers and Hammerstein musical, *Carousel*, which received Tony Awards for Best Featured Actress in a Musical (Lindsay Mendez) and Best Choreography (Justin Peck); and *[Three Tall Women](/source/Three_Tall_Women)* by [Edward Albee](/source/Edward_Albee), which earned Tony Awards for [Laurie Metcalf](/source/Laurie_Metcalf) (Featured Actress) and [Glenda Jackson](/source/Glenda_Jackson) (Lead Actress).[13] ## Philanthropy Candy Spelling in 1970 In 2012, Spelling was named to the board of directors of [American Humane](/source/American_Humane), an animal welfare organization. She was named vice chair of the board in 2015.[14] She is a member of the UCLA Health System Board,[15] a member of the board of the Los Angeles World Affairs Council, and a founding board member of the Los Angeles Parks Foundation.[16] She helped to expand Centro De Niños, downtown Los Angeles daycare center for underprivileged families, and served for 10 years as a Board of Governors Member of LA's Best, an after-school enrichment program for children in need.[17] She was honored for her public service by the President's Council of Service and Civic Participation.[18][19] Spelling was elected to the Board of Directors of L.A. Inc., the [Los Angeles World Affairs Council](/source/Los_Angeles_World_Affairs_Council), the L.A. Visitors Bureau and the [Los Angeles Convention Center](/source/Los_Angeles_Convention_Center).[20] ## Personal life She married producer and screenwriter Aaron Spelling in 1968. The couple had two children: daughter [Victoria Davey ("Tori")](/source/Tori_Spelling) (born 1973) and son [Randy Gene Spelling](/source/Randy_Spelling) (born 1978). They appeared in several of Aaron's productions, most notably in *[Beverly Hills, 90210](/source/Beverly_Hills%2C_90210)*.[21] She has seven grandchildren, two from Randy and five from Tori. Spelling would serve as the [executor](/source/Executor) to her husband's [estate](/source/Estate_(law)) and inherit the bulk of the estate as well.[22][23] Though not estranged from her son Randy, Spelling was for many years estranged from her daughter Tori,[23][24][22] with the two finally reconciling in 2022.[25] In 2009, three years after her husband's death, Spelling put their Holmby Hills mansion on the market for $150 million. It was the most expensive residential listing in the United States at the time.[26] It was sold to [Petra Ecclestone](/source/Petra_Ecclestone) for $85 million in 2011.[27] On February 16, 2026, YouTube channel *Star Power - Celebrity Documentaries & Biographies* would release the documentary *The Spelling Family's $500 Million Inheritance War*, which focused mainly on the years long feud between Spelling and her daughter over her husband's high valued [estate](/source/Estate_(law)).[23] ## References 1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-NYT_1-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-NYT_1-1) [***c***](#cite_ref-NYT_1-2) Bernstein, Jacob (25 June 2014). ["Another Spelling Production"](https://www.nytimes.com/2014/06/26/fashion/Candy-Spelling-Is-Producing-Again.html). *New York Times*. Retrieved 2018-10-24. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-2)** Wayne, George. ["The George Wayne Q&A: Candy Spelling"](https://www.vanityfair.com/news/2009/05/wayne-spelling200905). *Vanities*. Retrieved 2018-10-24. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-3)** Harris, Paul (2006-06-24). ["The king of prime-time TV dies at 83"](https://www.theguardian.com/media/2006/jun/25/usnews.broadcasting). *the Guardian*. Retrieved 2018-10-24. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-4)** ["Randy Spelling: from glittery Hollywood to fulfilling Portland | Oregon Jewish Life"](http://orjewishlife.com/randy-spelling-from-glittery-hollywood-to-fulfilling-portland/). *Oregon Jewish Life*. 2015-11-19. Retrieved 2018-10-24. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-5)** [Obituary for Aaron Spelling](https://web.archive.org/web/20121103004012/http://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/latimes/access/645066572.html?dids=645066572:645066572&FMT=CITE&FMTS=CITE:AI&type=historic&date=May+31,+1977&author=&pub=Los+Angeles+Times&desc=Obituary+1+--+No+Title&pqatl=google), *L.A. Times* (cached) 1. **[^](#cite_ref-6)** Pfefferman, Naomi (2002-03-01). ["Spell Binding"](https://web.archive.org/web/20080430010234/http://www.jewishjournal.com/home/preview.php?id=8179). *JewishJournal.com*. Archived from [the original](http://www.jewishjournal.com/home/preview.php?id=8179) on April 30, 2008. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-7)** ["From Candies to Comedies, the Spellings of Hollywood Have the Recipe for Success"](https://people.com/archive/from-candies-to-comedies-the-spellings-of-hollywood-have-the-recipe-for-success-vol-20-no-16/). *PEOPLE.com*. Retrieved 2018-10-24. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-8)** ["Candy Spelling Writes Stories from Candyland"](http://la-confidential-magazine.com/buy-the-book). *la-confidential-magazine.com*. Retrieved 2019-03-09. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-9)** Confidential. ["Candy Spelling dishes on 'bionic' lover, rift with daughter Tori Spelling in new book"](https://www.nydailynews.com/entertainment/gossip/confidential/candy-spelling-dishes-bionic-lover-new-book-article-1.1805568). *nydailynews.com*. Retrieved 2019-03-09. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-Variety_TV_10-0)** ["Candy Spelling Set to Reveal $35 Million 'Manor in the Sky' on HGTV"](https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/candy-spelling-set-reveal-35-603560). *The Hollywood Reporter*. 9 August 2013. Retrieved 2019-03-15. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-11)** ["'Beyond Spelling Manor' Premiere: Candy Spelling Shows Off 18,000 Square-Foot Penthouse (VIDEO)"](https://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/07/29/beyond-spelling-manor-premiere-penthouse-video_n_3669199.html). *Huffington Post*. 2013-07-29. Retrieved 2019-03-15. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-12)** Stasio, Marilyn (2015-12-11). ["Broadway Review: 'The Color Purple' with Jennifer Hudson, Cynthia Erivo, Danielle Brooks"](https://variety.com/2015/legit/reviews/the-color-purple-review-broadway-jennifer-hudson-1201657768/). *Variety*. Retrieved 2019-03-09. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-13)** ["Candy Spelling"](http://www.playbill.com/person/candy-spelling-vault-0000023862). *Playbill*. Retrieved 2019-03-09. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-14)** ["Staff & Board"](https://www.americanhumane.org/about-us/staff-board/). *www.americanhumane.org*. Retrieved 2019-03-15. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-15)** ["UCLA Health Board Inaugural Meeting - U Magazine - UCLA Health - Los Angeles, CA"](https://www.uclahealth.org/u-magazine/ucla-health-board-inaugural-meeting). *www.uclahealth.org*. Retrieved 2019-03-15. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-16)** ["About Us"](http://www.lawac.org/About-Us). *www.lawac.org*. Retrieved 2019-03-15. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-17)** Archerd, Army (1998-03-27). ["Smithsonian has nothing on the Spellings"](https://variety.com/1998/voices/columns/smithsonian-has-nothing-on-the-spellings-1117863231/). *Variety*. Retrieved 2019-03-15. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-18)** Wayne, George (14 April 2009). ["The George Wayne Q&A: Candy Spelling"](https://www.vanityfair.com/news/2009/05/wayne-spelling200905). *Vanities*. Retrieved 2019-03-15. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-19)** ["Candy Spelling: Charity Work & Causes"](https://www.looktothestars.org/celebrity/candy-spelling). *Look to the Stars*. Retrieved 2019-03-15. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-20)** Lyle, Diana Addison (2026-01-09). ["COVER STORY: Candy Spelling"](https://wmlifestyle.com/cover-story-candy-spelling/). *Westlake Malibu Lifestyle Magazine*. Retrieved 2026-04-24. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-21)** ["Eye Candy: Spelling's Sweet Life"](https://abcnews.go.com/2020/popup?id=7152490). *ABC News*. 1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-daughterestrangement_22-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-daughterestrangement_22-1) [https://daniellemayoras.com/celebrity-legacies-aaron-spelling-left-behind-massive-fortune-a-broken-family/](https://daniellemayoras.com/celebrity-legacies-aaron-spelling-left-behind-massive-fortune-a-broken-family/) 1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-estate_23-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-estate_23-1) [***c***](#cite_ref-estate_23-2) Star Power - Celebrity Documentaries & Biographies (February 16, 2026). ["The Spelling Family's $500 Million Inheritance War"](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LX8BSwGADa4&t=1769s). YouTube. Retrieved April 19, 2026. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-spelling_2_24-0)** ["Spelling Out Tori's Inheritance"](http://cache-origin.eonline.com/uberblog/archive.jsp?contentId=483d8511-c993-43d5-a0c5-f9b4d0285d1d). *E! Online*. Retrieved August 12, 2008.[*[dead link](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Link_rot)*] 1. **[^](#cite_ref-25)** McRady, Rachel (May 13, 2024). ["Tori Spelling Posts Mother's Day Tribute to Formerly Estranged Mom Candy Spelling"](https://www.cbs8.com/article/entertainment/entertainment-tonight/tori-spelling-posts-mother039s-day-tribute-to-formerly-estranged-mom-candy-spelling/603-27e0d37b-5fe7-4189-b8af-b4d81379ae5c). CBS 8 San Diego. Retrieved April 19, 2026. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-26)** Beale, Lauren; Hong, Peter Y. (2009-03-28). ["Candy Spelling's Holmby Hills mansion listed for $150 million"](https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2009-mar-28-fi-candy28-story.html). *Los Angeles Times*. [ISSN](/source/ISSN_(identifier)) [0458-3035](https://search.worldcat.org/issn/0458-3035). Retrieved 2019-03-15. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-27)** [Formula 1 heiress buys for $85 million Hollywood mansion|Reuters](https://web.archive.org/web/20190411053046/https://uk.reuters.com/article/us-mansion-heiress-idUKTRE76E4PP20110715) ## External links - [Official website](https://www.candyspelling.com/) - [Candy Spelling](https://www.ibdb.com/broadway-cast-staff/485292) at the [Internet Broadway Database](/source/Internet_Broadway_Database) Authority control databases International VIAF FAST WorldCat National United States Other Yale LUX --- Adapted from the Wikipedia article [Candy Spelling](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Candy_Spelling) by Wikipedia contributors ([contributor history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Candy_Spelling?action=history)). Available under [Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/). Changes may have been made.