The Office and Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt actress Ellie Kemper gained significant attention on Twitter when a user disclosed her unexpected history as a debutante. We won’t discuss whether she merits criticism. Nevertheless, this revelation prompts various inquiries, with the most prominent one being: what is Ellie Kemper’s family background?
It appears that her on-screen image as a naive Midwesterner differs significantly from the woman who enjoyed a genuinely privileged upbringing. Explore her family lineage to understand how her affluent background has influenced Ellie Kemper’s financial worth.
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Ellie Kemper Made Headlines Recently Over Her Privileged Debutante Past
It’s safe to assume that Kemper had a less-than-ideal Memorial Day weekend. During the holiday, a Twitter user characterized St. Louis’ annual Veiled Prophet Ball as an upscale gathering organized by a local organization with a controversial history. The user mentioned that Kemper had been designated as the “Queen of Love and Beauty” at this event, an accolade traditionally bestowed upon a single affluent debutante each year.
The internet witnessed a widespread uproar, and the subject amassed more than 28,000 tweets in just one day. Nonetheless, we prefer to believe that she is largely unrelated to the foundational principles of the Veiled Prophet organization.
Here’s What We Know About The Veiled Prophet Organization
According to the St. Louis Post Dispatch, the Mysterious Order of the Veiled Prophet was established in 1878 with the involvement of Alonzo Slayback, a former Confederate officer. Among its initial gatherings was The Veiled Prophet Ball, an event where the most affluent young women of St. Louis are introduced to high society. Even now, an anonymous individual, concealed behind a white veil, chooses one of the participants and bestows upon her the title of the event’s queen.
Historian Thomas Spencer suggested that the clandestine organization emerged in reaction to the Great Railroad Strike of 1877. During that period, railway workers, regardless of their racial backgrounds, united to demand improved working conditions and the prohibition of child labor. The local upper class was concerned that this labor unrest jeopardized their social standing, so they used parades and balls as a means to preserve the existing social order.
“The main objective of the Veiled Prophet events was to counter the populist calls for social and economic equality,” as expressed by Scott Beauchamp in The Atlantic. “Beyond being a procession of extravagant floats through the city, the parade and its grandeur were intended to instill the values of the upper class onto the city’s working population.”
Until 1979, the group prohibited minority participation. While they currently claim to “denounce racism” and advocate for “social advancement, economic contributions, and charitable endeavors in St. Louis,” there are still doubters.
Kemper’s Response To The Controversy
Jane Sauer, an activist who managed to gain entry to the ball in 1972, thinks that Kemper should provide a statement regarding her involvement in the event.
“I don’t believe she’s entirely responsible,” Sauer conveyed to Buzzfeed. “Definitely not. However, I would personally appreciate it if she were to issue a statement, and I’m curious about her thoughts during that period.”
Subsequently, Kemper expressed regret for her involvement with the Veiled Prophet organization and recognized its unquestionably racist, sexist, and elitist history. She pledged to persist in self-education and to leverage her privilege to advocate for a more equitable and inclusive society.
The mere involvement of Ellie Kemper’s family in the Veiled Prophet organization suggests that they possess a substantial financial worth. Let’s delve into the specific details of their wealth and the sources that have contributed to it.
Who’s Her Family And How Much Are They Worth?
As it happens, Ellie Kemper didn’t require a Netflix role to support herself financially. The actress, whose birth name is Elizabeth Claire Kemper, was born into one of Missouri’s most affluent families. Her great-great-grandfather, William Thorton Kemper Sr., was a prominent figure in the railroad and banking industries in Kansas City. His business endeavors eventually evolved into the contemporary Commerce Bancshares and United Missouri Bank.
Her father, David Woods Kemper, currently holds the position of executive chairman at Commerce Bancshares. In 2018, he handed over his duties as president and CEO to his son, John W. Kemper, who is Ellie’s brother. David Kemper possesses a substantial number of shares in Commerce Bancshares, and he earned millions during his tenure as CEO. His estimated net worth stands at approximately $415 million.
John’s net worth is estimated to be no less than $31.8 million.
It’s evident that the Kemper family wields significant influence in Missouri. For instance, the Mildred Lane Kemper Art Museum at Washington University in St. Louis is named after Ellie Kemper’s grandmother, and the family contributed $5 million toward its construction in 2004.
What Is Ellie Kemper’s Net Worth In 2022?
Ellie Kemper’s personal net worth is approximately $9 million, which is derived solely from her career in the entertainment industry. It’s likely that she will maintain financial security even if she doesn’t secure another acting role in the future.
Kemper boasts a resume with more than 60 professional credits. In addition to her roles in The Office and Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt, she has featured in numerous comedy films such as Bridesmaids and Get Him to the Greek. She has also lent her voice to various animated movies, including The Secret Life of Pets and The Lego Batman Movie.
In 2016, she and her spouse, writer Michael Koman, bought a residence in Manhattan’s Upper West Side for $2.8 million, which, compared to her family’s substantial wealth, can be considered a modest dwelling.
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