Jill Zarin Bio, Age, Height, Husband, Affairs, Career, Net Worth, Controversies
Jill Zarin is a prominent American television personality, entrepreneur, and philanthropist, best known as an original cast member of Bravo’s The Real Housewives of New York City from 2008 to 2011. She built a public persona around her outspoken style, family life, and business ventures, including fashion lines and home goods. In 2026, Zarin remains active in media and business but faced major backlash after controversial comments on bad bunny’s Super Bowl halftime performance, leading to her removal from an upcoming E! reality series reuniting RHONY alums.
Quick Facts
| Full Name | Jill Susan Zarin (née Kamen) |
| Nick Name | Jill |
| Profession | Reality TV Personality, Entrepreneur, Philanthropist |
| Birth Date | November 30, 1963 |
| Age | 62 years 2 months old |
| Birth Place | Woodmere, Long Island, New York, U.S. |
| Nationality | American |
| Known For | Original cast of The Real Housewives of New York City, entrepreneur (Jill Zarin Home, fashion lines) |
| Ethnicity | Jewish-American |
| Zodiac Sign | Sagittarius |
| Height & Weight | 5’6″ (168 cm) & approx. 60 kg (132 lbs) |
| Hair Color | Light Brown/Blonde |
| Eye Color | Brown |
| Qualification | Degree in Retail Management from Simmons University (1985) |
| Religion | Jewish |
| Marital Status / Spouses | Widowed; married Bobby Zarin (m. 2000–2018, his death); previously Steven Shapiro (m. 1987–1998, divorced) |
| Relationships (if notable) | In a relationship with Gary Brody (post-2018) |
| Children | 1 daughter: Allyson Shapiro (from first marriage, via sperm donor) |
| Family Tree | Parents: Sol Kamen (father, businessman) and Gloria Kamen; Sister: Lisa Wexler (attorney/author); Stepchildren from Bobby: Jonathan, David, Jennifer Zarin |
| Hobbies | Philanthropy, fashion, family time, business ventures |
| Current Work | Entrepreneur (Jill Zarin Home, Jill & Ally brand), media appearances |
| Years Active | 2008–present (reality TV); business career earlier |
| Net Worth | Estimated $20–23 million (2026) |
| Philanthropy | Active in Jewish causes and charities |
Early Life & Education
Jill Zarin was born Jill Susan Kamen on November 30, 1963, in Woodmere, Long Island, New York, into a Jewish family. Her father, Sol Kamen, was a businessman, and her mother, Gloria Kamen, was a homemaker. She grew up with a sister, Lisa Wexler, who later became an attorney and author.
Zarin graduated from Simmons University (formerly Simmons College) in Boston in 1985 with a degree in retail management, which influenced her later ventures in fashion and home goods.
Career Journey
Jill Zarin’s career blends reality television fame with entrepreneurship and family business management.
Reality TV Breakthrough
Zarin joined The Real Housewives of New York City as an original cast member in 2008, appearing in Seasons 1–3 (2008–2011). Her dramatic storylines, including friendships and feuds (notably with Bethenny Frankel), made her a fan favorite. She later appeared in reunions and spin-offs.
Business Ventures
Before TV, Zarin helped run Zarin Fabrics & Home Furnishings with her late husband Bobby Zarin. Post-show, she launched Skweez Couture Shapewear, Jill Zarin Jewelry, and Jill & Ally (with daughter Allyson). In 2026, she operates Jill Zarin Home, selling rugs, furniture, and decor with discounts and fast shipping.
She co-authored Secrets of a Jewish Mother (2010), offering advice on family and life.
Career Stats
- TV Appearances: The Real Housewives of New York City (Seasons 1–3), reunions, guest spots
- Businesses: Zarin Fabrics (family), Skweez Couture, Jill Zarin Jewelry, Jill & Ally, Jill Zarin Home
- Major Milestones: Original RHONY cast; book publication; multiple product lines on HSN and retail
- Philanthropy: Supports Jewish organizations and charities
Personal Life
Jill Zarin’s personal life has been shaped by family, loss, and relationships. She married Steven Shapiro in 1987; they divorced in 1998. She had daughter Allyson Shapiro via sperm donor during this marriage.
In 2000, she married businessman Bobby Zarin (founder of Zarin Fabrics), who passed away in 2018 at age 71 from cancer. She has three stepchildren from Bobby: Jonathan, David, and Jennifer Zarin. After his death, Zarin began a relationship with Gary Brody.
Family, Husband, and Children
- Late Husband: Bobby Zarin (m. 2000–2018)
- Daughter: Allyson Shapiro (collaborates on Jill & Ally brand)
- Stepchildren: Jonathan, David, Jennifer Zarin
- Sister: Lisa Wexler
Relationships / Dating History / Affairs
Zarin was married twice; no major public affairs reported beyond her marriages and current relationship with Gary Brody.
Controversies
In February 2026, Zarin faced major backlash after posting a now-deleted Instagram video criticizing Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl LX halftime performance. She called it “the worst halftime show ever,” complaining it was mostly in Spanish with “literally no white people” and labeling it a “political statement.” The remarks were widely condemned as racist.
As a result, producers Blink49 Studios fired her from E!’s upcoming RHONY reunion series The Golden Life (featuring Luann de Lesseps, Ramona Singer, Sonja Morgan, Kelly Bensimon), announced just days earlier. Zarin defended herself, stating “I’m human” and that she wasn’t given a chance to explain. Fellow Bravo stars expressed disgust, amplifying the controversy.
Past feuds include her RHONY exit amid tensions with castmates.
Awards & Achievements
- Original cast member of RHONY (2008–2011)
- Co-author of Secrets of a Jewish Mother (2010 bestseller)
- Successful entrepreneur with multiple fashion and home brands
- Philanthropic work in Jewish community causes
Physical Statistics
- Height: 5’6″ (168 cm)
- Weight: Approximately 60 kg (132 lbs)
- Build: Average
- Hair Color: Light Brown/Blonde
- Eye Color: Brown
Quotes
- “I’m human.” (defending herself after 2026 controversy)
- On family: Advice shared in her book about love, money, and relationships.
Favorites
Limited details publicly; enjoys fashion, home decor, family events, and philanthropy.
Salary & Net Worth
Zarin’s income comes from reality TV residuals, business sales (Jill Zarin Home, past HSN lines), real estate (sold Upper East Side home for $3.25M; Florida purchase $3.5M in 2022), and endorsements. Her net worth is estimated at $20–23 million in 2026, with some sources citing up to $50 million from accumulated assets and ventures. Projections suggest steady growth through long-term brands.
Interesting Facts
- Co-founded fashion lines sold on HSN and major retailers.
- Her daughter Allyson collaborates on the Jill & Ally brand.
- Widowed in 2018; has been open about grief and moving forward.
- Known for dramatic RHONY moments, including memorable feuds.
Did You Know Already?
Jill Zarin legally managed family fabric business after marrying Bobby and turned her RHONY fame into lasting entrepreneurial success.
Social Media Links
- Instagram: @mrsjillzarin (over 600K followers)
- Facebook: Jill Zarin
- TikTok: @jillzarinofficial
- Website: jillzarin.com (for Jill Zarin Home)
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Jill Zarin known for?
She’s best known as an original cast member of The Real Housewives of New York City and her entrepreneurial ventures in fashion and home goods.
How old is Jill Zarin in 2026?
She is 62 years old, born on November 30, 1963.
What is Jill Zarin’s net worth in 2026?
Estimated at $20–23 million, from TV, businesses, and real estate.
Who was Jill Zarin’s husband?
She was married to Bobby Zarin from 2000 until his death in 2018; previously to Steven Shapiro (divorced 1998).
What controversies surround Jill Zarin in 2026?
She was fired from E!’s The Golden Life RHONY reunion series after making controversial comments about Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl halftime show, widely criticized as racist.
Does Jill Zarin have children?
Yes, one daughter, Allyson Shapiro, from her first marriage.
Conclusion
Jill Zarin’s journey from reality TV star to successful entrepreneur reflects resilience, business savvy, and a bold personality. Despite recent setbacks in 2026, her legacy in the Housewives franchise and brands endures. If this in-depth look at her life and career was interesting, share it with fellow RHONY fans!
