Tori Hudson

Candy Spelling, born Carole Gene Marer in 1945, is an American author, theater producer, and philanthropist. She was married to television producer Aaron Spelling from 1968 until his death in 2006. Spelling grew up in Beverly Hills and attended the Chouinard Art Institute. Her career includes writing two memoirs, "Stories from Candyland" and "Candy at Last," both of which received notable attention. She also contributed writings to publications like TMZ and the Huffington Post.

Beyond her literary work, Spelling has a significant presence in theater production, beginning with Broadway in 2010. Her productions have garnered numerous Tony Award nominations and wins, including "Promises, Promises," "How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying," "Nice Work If You Can Get It," "After Midnight," "The Color Purple," "The Iceman Cometh," "Carousel," and "Three Tall Women." She also produced television specials documenting her life and home, such as "Selling Spelling Manor" and "Beyond Spelling Manor."

Spelling is also actively involved in philanthropy, serving on the boards of various organizations including American Humane, UCLA Health System, and the Los Angeles World Affairs Council. She has supported initiatives for underprivileged families and children's enrichment programs. Her personal life includes two children, Victoria "Tori" Spelling and Randy Spelling, and she has navigated public attention regarding her family and estate.

Candy Spelling has authored two memoirs that have achieved significant recognition. Her first book, "Stories from Candyland," published in March 2009, quickly became a best-seller on The New York Times list within two weeks of its release. Her subsequent memoir, "Candy at Last," was published by Wiley in May 2014. In addition to her books, Spelling has contributed her writing to various media outlets, including online publications such as TMZ and the Huffington Post. She also starred in and produced two HGTV television specials: "Selling Spelling Manor," which chronicled the sale of her extensive Los Angeles residence, and "Beyond Spelling Manor," which documented the construction of a new home and her search for an apartment in New York City.

Beginning in 2010, Candy Spelling established herself as a notable producer on Broadway. Her initial co-production, "Promises, Promises," received four Tony Award nominations. She followed this with "How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying," featuring Daniel Radcliffe. In 2012, her production of "Nice Work If You Can Get It" earned 10 Tony Award nominations, securing wins for Featured Actor and Featured Actress. The 2013 production "After Midnight," celebrating Duke Ellington's tenure at the Cotton Club, was nominated for seven Tony Awards, with Warren Carlyle winning for Outstanding Choreography. Spelling's later productions also garnered significant acclaim, including "The Color Purple," which won the Tony Award for Best Revival of a Musical in 2016, and "The Iceman Cometh," which received eight Tony Award nominations.

Candy Spelling has dedicated considerable effort to philanthropic work, holding board positions with several prominent organizations. Since 2012, she has been a member of the board of directors for American Humane, an animal welfare organization, and was appointed vice chair in 2015. Her involvement extends to healthcare and international affairs, as she is a member of the UCLA Health System Board and the Los Angeles World Affairs Council. She also played a role in establishing the Los Angeles Parks Foundation. Spelling has actively supported community programs, including the expansion of Centro De Niños, a daycare for underprivileged families, and served for a decade on the Board of Governors for LA's Best, an after-school program for children. Her public service has been recognized with an honor from the President's Council of Service and Civic Participation.