Who Is Rebekah Harkness? Age, Biography, and Wiki
Rebekah Harkness was born on April 17, 1915, and she passed away on December 17, 1982. As of 2025, she would have celebrated her 110th birthday. Harkness was an influential American philanthropist, socialite, and the widow of oil tycoon William Harkness. She garnered attention not just for her wealth but also for her contributions to the arts and philanthropic endeavors. Her legacy continues to resonate today, especially in the realms of music, dance, and education.
| Occupation | Sculptors |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | April 17, 1915 |
| Age | 67 Years |
| Birth Place | St. Louis, Missouri, U.S. |
| Horoscope | Aries |
| Country | U.S |
| Date of death | 17 June, 1982 |
| Died Place | New York City, U.S. |
Popularity
Rebekah Harkness's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Though specific body measurements for Rebekah Harkness may not be widely documented, she was known to have an elegant and commanding presence. Historically, information suggests that she stood at approximately 5 feet 6 inches (168 cm) tall, showcasing a slender build that was fashionable in her time.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Rebekah Harkness was married three times, with her most notable marriage being to William Harkness, which occurred in 1957. Their union gained substantial media attention, particularly because of the vast wealth and social status they represented. Following Harkness's death, Rebekah remained a figure of intrigue and speculation in terms of her personal relationships. Notably, she was rumored to have had romantic ties with various prominent figures, but there has been no confirmed public relationship since her widowhood.
Louis, Missouri in 1915. She was the second daughter of three children to Allen Tarwater West, a stockbroker and co-founder of G. H. Walker & Co., and Rebekah Cook (née Semple) West. Her grandfather founded the St. Louis Union Trust Company.
Neither parent was involved in the upbringing of the children, leaving them to be raised primarily by nannies. Harkness took up dancing and ice skating to lose weight and was highly disciplined in both endeavors. She attended the Rossman School and John Burroughs School in St.
Louis, and then the Fermata School for Girls in Aiken, South Carolina, from which she graduated in 1932. Harkness was friends with a young Potter Stewart, whom she affectionately called "Potsie," and their relationship was written about by her biographer Craig Unger.
Net Worth and Salary
At the time of her passing, Rebekah Harkness's net worth was estimated to be around $100 million, a sum that was a considerable fortune in the 1980s. Today, adjusted for inflation, her wealth could be substantially greater. In 2025, the legacy of her wealth continues, with various funds and foundations established in her name continuing to support artistic and philanthropic efforts. Harkness's financial acumen also highlights her involvement in investments and property ownership, positioning her as a savvy businessman during her lifetime.
Career, Business and Investments
Rebekah Harkness's career was multi-faceted; she was not only a philanthropist but also an arts patron. She actively supported numerous cultural endeavors, including ballet, music, and theater, leaving an indelible mark on the New York cultural scene. In addition to her philanthropy, she was known for her investments in real estate and the arts. Harkness was a proponent of avant-garde artists, supporting the likes of the New York City Ballet and various musical endeavors.
In the 1960s, Harkness became well known as a philanthropist and patron of the arts. Through the Rebekah Harkness Foundation, Harkness sponsored Jerome Robbins and the Joffrey Ballet.
When the Joffrey Ballet refused to rename their company in Harkness' honor, she withdrew funding and hired most of the Joffrey dancers to her new company, the Harkness Ballet.
In addition to founding the Harkness Ballet, Harkness launched a ballet school and home for the company called Harkness House, as well as the refurbished 1,250-seat Colonial Theater, which presented the Harkness Ballet and other dance companies to New York audiences.
Through the William Hale Harkness Foundation, she sponsored construction of a medical research building at the New York Hospital and supported a number of medical research projects.
Social Network
Harkness was well-connected within elite social circles, frequently mingling with artists, intellectuals, and political figures. Her philanthropic work and social engagements placed her in the spotlight, ensuring that she remained a significant figure in both cultural and social discussions. In 2025, her presence is still acknowledged in social media discussions and nostalgic retracings of American high society in the mid-20th century.
Harkness' "Holiday House" in Watch Hill was acquired in 2013 by American singer-songwriter Taylor Swift. In 2020, Swift wrote the song "The Last Great American Dynasty" for her eighth studio album Folklore (2020), in which she tells Harkness' life story and draws parallels between Harkness’ highly publicized life and her own.
Education
Rebekah Harkness attended Miss Porter’s School, a prestigious women’s school, before briefly attending Smith College. Although she did not complete her college education, her intellectual curiosity and passion for the arts spurred her lifelong contributions to culture and philanthropy. Her educational background played a crucial role in shaping her worldview and furthering her pursuits in the arts.
After graduating in 1932, she and a group of female friends formed the Bitch Pack, a sub-culture of local debutantes who enjoyed subverting society events, including lacing punchbowls with mineral oil and performing stripteases on banquet tables. Harkness would also continue to study dance and piano, and studied ballet with Victoria Cassu, who was a student of Anna Pavlova.
