Irene Silverman became rich mainly through marriage: she married Samuel Silverman, a multimillionaire mortgage banker, in 1941, and after his death she inherited and controlled the family townhouse and assets.

Quick Scoop

Before that, she had a modest early life and worked as a dancer, including at Radio City Music Hall and on Broadway, so her wealth did not come from an entertainment career alone.

What built her wealth

  • Marriage into money. She wed Samuel Silverman, who was already very wealthy.
  • Inheritance. After his death in 1980, she owned the Upper East Side townhouse that later became famous in the murder case.
  • Property income. She converted the mansion into an upscale boarding house, with apartments reportedly renting for thousands of dollars per month.

Bottom line

So, the short answer is: Irene Silverman became rich primarily through marriage and inheritance, then maintained and used that wealth through high- value New York real estate.

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