Claudia Heffner Peltz is a former American fashion model and businesswoman, born on March 12, 1955, in Baltimore, Maryland, USA. As of June 2025, she is 70 years old. She holds American nationality, stands at approximately 5 feet 7 inches (170 cm) tall, and weighs around 58 kilograms (127 lbs).
Her father, William J. Heffner, served in the U.S. Army before working as a lawyer and banker, while her mother is Barbara Heffner. Claudia has two sisters: Holly McCloskey and Charlene “Chandi” Heffner.
In 1985, Claudia married billionaire businessman Nelson Peltz, and they have remained together ever since. The couple has eight children, including actress Nicola Peltz, and Claudia is also a stepmother to two of Nelson’s children from previous relationships.
Claudia began her education at a Catholic school in Baltimore. While specific academic credentials are not publicly detailed, she is believed to have pursued higher education.
She discovered her passion early on in fashion and modeling, building a successful career in the industry before stepping away to focus on her family and support her husband’s business ventures. Her role evolved from the spotlight to working behind the scenes, where she has remained an influential figure in both business and philanthropic circles.
Claudia Heffner Peltz’s estimated net worth is around $5 million, earned primarily through her modeling career and personal investments, independent of her husband’s substantial fortune.
Quick Bio of Claudia Heffner Peltz
Field | Details |
---|---|
Full Name | Claudia Heffner Peltz |
Date of Birth | March 12, 1955 |
Age | 70 (as of June 2025) |
Place of Birth | Baltimore, Maryland, USA |
Nationality | American |
Height | 5 ft 7 in (170 cm) |
Weight | 58 kg (127 lbs) |
Parents | William J. Heffner & Barbara Heffner |
Siblings | Holly McCloskey, Charlene “Chandi” Heffner |
Marital Status | Married |
Husband | Nelson Peltz (m. 1985) |
Children | 8 biological, 2 stepchildren |
Education | Catholic school in Baltimore; likely university-level |
Profession | Former model, businesswoman |
Passion | Fashion and family |
Net Worth | Approx. $5 million |
Who is Claudia Heffner Peltz?
Claudia Heffner Peltz is an American former fashion model who rose to prominence in the 1980s for her beautiful style and commanding presence in the fashion industry. She is now most known as the wife of billionaire investor and businessman Nelson Peltz, as well as the mother of actress Nicola Peltz Beckham.

Early Life and Family Background
Claudia was born March 12, 1955, in Baltimore, Maryland, United States.
She is the daughter of William J. Heffner, a former US Army soldier who subsequently became a banker and lawyer, and Barbara Heffner. Claudia was raised in a close-knit Catholic family with two sisters: Holly McCloskey and Charlene “Chandi” Heffner.
Education
She went to a Catholic school in her hometown of Baltimore. While the specifics of her further education are not publicly available, she is known to be well-educated and poised, which has helped her excel in the modeling industry.
Career
Claudia explored a career in fashion modeling in the 1980s. She collaborated with several designers and appeared in editorial shoots and advertisements. Though she was never a celebrity model, she established a solid reputation in the profession. After marrying Nelson Peltz, she left the fashion industry to focus on family life and assist her husband’s burgeoning business ventures.
When and How Did Claudia Heffner Meet Nelson Peltz?
Claudia Heffner’s exact date and year of meeting Nelson Peltz are not publicly documented by trustworthy sources. However, they were married in 1985, thus they most likely met in the early 1980s, maybe around 1983-1984.
Claudia was a fashion model at the time, and Nelson Peltz had already established himself as a businessman. Claudia’s relationship blossomed as she transitioned from modeling to a more private family life.
If a reputable source confirms a more specific timeline in the future, I will gladly offer it. Do you want a chronology of their relationship based on public events?
Claudia Heffner Peltz’s children
Claudia Heffner Peltz and her husband, Nelson Peltz, have eight children. Each has pursued a variety of careers, including business, acting, sports, and entrepreneurship. Nelson has two children from prior relationships, therefore Claudia is also a stepmother.
Matthew Peltz
Matthew, born in 1986, is an investor and partner at Trian Fund Management, the investment firm his father started. He graduated from Yale University and is married to Hallie Dunn; they have a son.
Will Peltz
Will, who was born on May 30, 1986, is an actor best known for his roles in Unfriended and the television series Euphoria and Manifest.
Brad Peltz
Brad was born in 1989 and formerly played professional ice hockey with the Ottawa Senators. He has since become a software entrepreneur, launching Mymo, a startup that automates medical appointment scheduling.
Brittany Peltz-Buerstedde
Brittany, born in 1989, is a fashion entrepreneur and the creator of the children’s designer company Leah + Rae. She studied cinema at New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts and competed in figure skating. Brittany is married to Franz Buerstedde, Rhône Group’s managing director, and has three children.
Diesel Peltz
Diesel, born in 1995, is the CEO of Twenty, a social networking software that enables friends to meet in person. He was named to Forbes’ 30 Under 30 list for Consumer Technology in 2020.
Nicola Peltz Beckham
Nicola is an actress who was born on January 9, 1995. She is best known for her roles in Transformers: Age of Extinction and Bates Motel. She is married to David and Victoria Beckham’s son, Brooklyn.
Zachary Peltz
Zachary was born in February 2003, and there is little information available about his current activities.
Gregory Peltz
Gregory, who was also born in February 2003, does not disclose his present occupation.
Claudia is also the stepmother of two children from Nelson’s prior marriages. Their identities are kept hidden.

Claudia Heffner Peltz’s Luxury Lifestyle
Claudia Heffner Peltz has an extremely lavish lifestyle, thanks to her marriage to billionaire Nelson Peltz. The family has numerous luxurious properties, including sprawling estates in Palm Beach, Florida, and New York. Their residences are recognized for their majestic architecture, expansive grounds, and high-end amenities, demonstrating a preference for elegance and comfort.
Their lifestyle entails flying on luxury jets and boats, attending premium events, and maintaining a high-profile social presence, though Claudia likes to retain a low public profile. She frequently supports charitable projects and engages in philanthropic activities with her husband.
The Peltz family is also recognize for their refined fashion sense, since they frequently wear expensive apparel and high-end fashion shows. Claudia’s prior modeling profession has continued to impact her sophisticated style.
Overall, Claudia’s luxurious lifestyle is define by privacy, elegance, and access to some of the greatest things money can buy, all while placing a heavy emphasis on family.
Claudia Heffner Peltz’s Net Worth
Claudia Heffner Peltz’s net worth is predicte to be around $5 million as of 2024. Her income stems from her early modeling career, where she worked with various well-known companies, as well as from business initiatives and investments she has made over the years. Claudia’s financial situation has improved since she married Nelson Peltz, a wealthy investor with a net worth of about $1.8 billion. Their combined assets also help her.
Aside from her personal wealth, Claudia participates in humanitarian activities through the family foundation she co-founded with her husband. Despite having a lower net worth than Nelson, she lives a nice life and benefits from their family’s financial success.
FAQs
Who is Claudia Heffner Peltz?
Claudia Heffner Peltz is a former American fashion model and the spouse of billionaire investor Nelson Peltz.
Is Claudia still modeling or working in fashion?
She withdrew from modeling to focus on family and charity work, but she retains a polished personal style influenced by her modeling career.
Claudia, how many children do you have?
She has eight children with Nelson Peltz and is the stepmother of two children from Nelson’s previous marriages.
What is the net worth of Claudia Heffner Peltz?
Her net worth is reporte to be approximately $5 million, which she has acquire from her modeling career, business activities, and family investments.
Does Claudia Heffner Peltz participate in philanthropy?
Yes, she co-founded the Claudia and Nelson Peltz Family Foundation, which supports humanitarian projects.
How is her relationship status?
She has been marrie to Nelson Peltz since 1985.
Final Thought
Claudia Heffner Peltz exemplifies a combination of elegance, commitment, and familial values. From her early days as a successful model to becoming the matriarch of a notable family, she has skillfully combined her personal and public responsibilities. While her personal wealth is small in comparison to her billionaire husband’s fortune, her influence extends beyond money through philanthropy and the supportive role she plays within her family.
Her life exemplifies how personal passions, strong family relationships, and a desire to give back can define success alongside monetary affluence. Claudia’s story continues to inspire many who respect her combination of refinement, prudence, and compassion.