Elizabeth Smart has transformed a harrowing personal tragedy into a $10 million empire dedicated to child safety advocacy. Standing 5’6″ tall and now 36 years old, Smart’s journey from survivor to influential public figure represents one of the most inspiring success stories in modern American advocacy work.
| Profile | Details |
| Full Name | Elizabeth Ann Smart |
| Net Worth (2024) | $10 million USD |
| Age | 36 years |
| Height | 5’6″ (1.68m) |
| Weight | 106 lbs (48 kg) |
| Spouse | Matthew Gilmour (m. 2012) |
| Children | 3 (2 daughters, 1 son) |
| Current Residence | Park City, Utah |
| Key Income Sources | Speaking ($50K+/event), Books, ABC News |
| Notable Books | “My Story” (2013), “Where There’s Hope” (2018) |
| Notable Recognition | Child Safety Advocate, ABC News Contributor |
Who is Elizabeth Smart? A Brief Biography
In the landscape of American advocacy, few names carry the weight and impact of Elizabeth Ann Smart. Born into a devout Mormon family in Salt Lake City, Smart’s life took an unprecedented turn when she was abducted at age 14. However, what distinguishes her story isn’t the tragedy that made her famous, but rather her extraordinary transformation into one of America’s most powerful voices for child safety.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Born on November 3, 1987, in Salt Lake City, Utah, Elizabeth Smart grew up in a close-knit family where music, faith, and education were paramount. As a student at Bryant Middle School, she excelled in music, particularly the harp, and maintained strong academic performance. Her early years in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church) shaped her strong moral foundation and sense of community service.
The turning point came on June 5, 2002, when Brian David Mitchell abducted her from her bedroom. Following her miraculous rescue nine months later, Smart didn’t retreat from public life. Instead, she returned to school, eventually earning her Bachelor’s degree in Music from Brigham Young University while simultaneously laying the groundwork for what would become a remarkable career in advocacy.
Elizabeth Smart Net Worth Forbes
Smart’s current net worth of $10 million reflects her diverse professional portfolio. Her income streams have evolved significantly since her initial public appearances:
Speaking Circuit: Commands fees ranging from $50,000 to $75,000 per engagement
Literary Works: Her books, including “My Story” and “Where There’s Hope,” have generated substantial royalties
Media Contracts: Regular contributor role at ABC News
Foundation Work: The Elizabeth Smart Foundation generates significant operational revenue Brand Partnerships: Selective endorsements with child safety organizations
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Elizabeth Smart House
The Smart-Gilmour family’s residence in Park City, Utah, represents more than just a luxury home it’s a testament to Smart’s journey from captivity to security. The mountain estate, valued at approximately $3.5 million, features extensive security systems while providing a serene environment for her family. The property’s natural surroundings and privacy considerations reflect Smart’s careful balance of public influence and personal peace.
Family Support and Recent Developments
Ed Smart’s recent $2.5 million property sale in Salt Lake City, with proceeds dedicated to Elizabeth’s trust fund, underscores the family’s ongoing commitment to her mission. This financial foundation strengthens the Smart family’s ability to maintain their advocacy work while ensuring long-term security for future generations.
Elizabeth Smart Family
The Smart family unit represents a powerful example of resilience and unity. Elizabeth’s marriage to Matthew Gilmour in 2012 marked a new chapter, expanding her support network beyond her parents and five siblings. Their union, celebrated in a private ceremony at the Laie Hawaii Temple, symbolized Smart’s triumph over her past trauma.
Elizabeth Smart’s Children
As a mother of three two daughters and a son Smart approaches parenting with unique insight and dedication. Her experience has shaped her parenting philosophy, emphasizing both security and independence. While maintaining strict privacy around her children’s lives, she’s been open about how motherhood has deepened her commitment to child safety advocacy.
Elizabeth Smart’s Father: Ed Smart
Ed Smart’s role transcends typical father-daughter relationships. During Elizabeth’s abduction, his tireless media advocacy kept her case in the national spotlight. A successful real estate developer, his business acumen has provided crucial support for Elizabeth’s advocacy work. His recent personal journey, including coming out as gay in 2019, demonstrates the family’s commitment to authenticity and mutual support.
Elizabeth Smart’s Husband: Matthew Gilmour
Matthew Gilmour, whom Elizabeth met during her LDS mission in Paris, has proven an ideal partner in both her personal life and advocacy work. The Scottish-born Gilmour’s steady presence and support have enabled Elizabeth to expand her public role while maintaining a stable family life. Their partnership demonstrates how proper support can help trauma survivors not just recover, but thrive.
Media Appearances and Book Publications
Elizabeth Smart’s media presence has evolved significantly since her first appearance on national television following her rescue in 2003. As a regular contributor to ABC News, she provides expert commentary on child abduction cases and safety issues, bringing a uniquely informed perspective to breaking news coverage. Her appearances on major networks and programs like Oprah Winfrey’s show have helped millions understand the complexities of child safety and recovery from trauma.
Her powerful storytelling ability has translated exceptionally well into print media. In 2013, Smart partnered with accomplished writer Chris Stewart to pen her memoir “My Story,” which quickly climbed the New York Times bestseller list. The book offers readers an intimate look at her nine months in captivity and her remarkable journey to healing. Through vivid prose and unflinching honesty, Smart details not only the horrors she endured but also the inner strength that helped her survive.
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Elizabeth Smart’s Books and Novels
Smart’s literary portfolio has expanded thoughtfully over the years. Following the success of “My Story,” she released “Where There’s Hope: Healing, Moving Forward, and Never Giving Up” in 2018. This second book takes a different approach, weaving together Smart’s experiences with those of other survivors and experts in trauma recovery. The work has become a valuable resource for both survivors and mental health professionals.
Her latest work, “The Smart Girl’s Guide to Self-Esteem” (2024), marks her entry into the young adult market. The book addresses crucial topics like personal safety, self-worth, and resilience in an age-appropriate way that resonates with teenage readers. Drawing from her personal experience and years of advocacy work, Smart provides practical advice while maintaining an encouraging and empowering tone throughout.
In short here are for your better understanding:
- “My Story” (2013)
- “Where There’s Hope: Healing, Moving Forward, and Never Giving Up” (2017)
- “The Smart Girl’s Guide to Self-Esteem” (2024)
Elizabeth Social Media Appearance
Elizabeth Smart’s social media account details:
| Social Media | Followers | Link |
| 246K | Click here | |
| 184K | Click here | |
| Website | elizabethsmart.com | Click here |
Elizabeth Smart’s Kidnap Story
The events of June 5, 2002, forever changed the landscape of child safety awareness in America. Brian David Mitchell, a self-proclaimed religious prophet, broke into the Smart family home in Salt Lake City, Utah, and abducted 14-year-old Elizabeth at knifepoint. Along with his wife, Wanda Barzee, Mitchell held Smart captive in makeshift camps throughout Utah and California.
During her nine months in captivity, Smart endured unimaginable trauma while her family maintained a relentless search effort. Ed and Lois Smart kept their daughter’s story in the national spotlight through regular media appearances and cooperation with law enforcement. Their persistence, combined with Elizabeth’s remarkable resilience, ultimately led to her rescue on March 12, 2003, when alert citizens recognized her in Sandy, Utah.
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Professional Life
Elizabeth Smart’s career has flourished far beyond her initial role as an advocate. At the helm of the Elizabeth Smart Foundation, she’s pioneered innovative approaches to child safety education and victim support. The foundation’s programs now reach thousands of schools nationwide, implementing cutting-edge safety protocols and education initiatives.
Her professional portfolio includes serving as a special correspondent for ABC News since 2011, where she provides expert analysis on missing persons cases and child safety issues. This platform allows her to reach millions of viewers while offering unique insights that only someone with her background could provide. Her segments often focus on prevention strategies and supporting families of missing children.
Through partnerships with law enforcement agencies and child safety organizations, Smart has helped develop new protocols for handling child abduction cases. Her input has proven invaluable in updating Amber Alert systems and improving response times in missing children cases.
Speaking Engagements and Endorsements
Smart commands speaking fees upward of $50,000 per event, addressing audiences ranging from law enforcement conferences to university symposiums. Her presentations blend personal narrative with practical safety advocacy, making her one of the most sought-after speakers in her field. She typically delivers 40-50 keynote addresses annually, each carefully crafted to resonate with specific audiences while maintaining her core message of hope and resilience.
Her endorsement portfolio is equally selective and impactful. Rather than pursuing numerous commercial partnerships, Smart aligns exclusively with organizations and products that support child safety and family welfare. These strategic partnerships have included collaborations with leading personal safety device manufacturers and child identification systems.
Elizabeth Smart’s Hobbies
Beyond her professional commitments, Elizabeth Smart has cultivated a rich personal life that reflects her commitment to wellness and family. Her passion for music, particularly the harp, continues from her pre-abduction days, and she occasionally performs at charitable events. This musical background, which includes her degree in Music Performance from Brigham Young University, provides a creative outlet that contrasts with her advocacy work.
An avid outdoor enthusiast, Smart frequently explores Utah’s mountain trails with her family. These excursions near their Park City home serve both as family bonding time and as a way to reclaim her connection with nature after her months of forced outdoor captivity. She’s transformed what could have been a source of trauma into a source of joy and healing.
Comparing Elizabeth Smart’s Wealth with Other Public Figures
While Elizabeth Smart’s $10 million net worth is substantial, it reflects a different kind of success story compared to traditional celebrities. Unlike Oprah Winfrey’s $2.6 billion media empire or Ellen DeGeneres’s $370 million entertainment fortune, Smart’s wealth stems primarily from her advocacy work and educational initiatives.
Her financial portfolio more closely aligns with other advocacy-focused public figures. For instance, Malala Yousafzai, another survivor-turned-advocate, has built a net worth of approximately $3 million through similar channels of speaking engagements and book publications. Angelina Jolie, known for combining entertainment success with humanitarian work, maintains a net worth exceeding $120 million.
These comparisons highlight Smart’s unique position in public life someone who has translated personal trauma into both societal impact and financial success without compromising her core mission of child advocacy.
Conclusion
Elizabeth Smart’s journey from kidnapping survivor to wealthy advocate is truly remarkable. At 36, she’s built a $10 million empire through speaking engagements, books, and media appearances. After surviving a nine-month abduction at age 14, she transformed her trauma into triumph, becoming America’s leading voice for child safety. Now married to Matthew Gilmour with three children, she balances family life in Park City, Utah, with her work as an ABC News contributor and head of the Elizabeth Smart Foundation. Her story shows how resilience can turn tragedy into positive change.
FAQ’s
How long was Elizabeth Smart missing?
Elizabeth Smart was missing for nine months, from June 5, 2002, to March 12, 2003.
Who kidnapped Elizabeth Smart?
Brian David Mitchell and his wife Wanda Barzee kidnapped Elizabeth Smart from her bedroom in Salt Lake City.
How old was Elizabeth Smart when she was kidnapped?
Elizabeth Smart was 14 years old when she was kidnapped.
How was Elizabeth Smart found?
Alert citizens recognized her in Sandy, Utah, and contacted authorities, leading to her rescue.
Where does Elizabeth Smart live now?
Elizabeth Smart lives in Park City, Utah, with her husband and three children.
I am Elizabeth Smart cast?
The Lifetime movie “Elizabeth Smart: Autobiography” features Elizabeth telling her own story.
How was Elizabeth Smart rescued?
Two witnesses recognized her in public and alerted police, leading to her rescue in Sandy, Utah.
Who is Elizabeth Smart’s husband?
Matthew Gilmour, from Scotland, whom she met during her LDS mission and married in 2012.
What does Elizabeth Smart do now?
She works as an ABC News contributor, runs the Elizabeth Smart Foundation, and is a public speaker.
What is Elizabeth Smart’s net worth?
Elizabeth Smart’s current net worth is $10 million (as of 2024).
Who is Matthew Gilmour married to?
Matthew Gilmour is married to Elizabeth Smart; they wed in 2012 and have three children.
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A passionate entertainment journalist specializing in celebrity lifestyles, wellness transformations, and success stories. With a keen eye for detail and extensive research skills, they bring readers authentic, comprehensive insights into the lives of public figures. Get reliable, up-to-date information about their favorite personalities.
