Shocking extent of Gwyneth Paltrow's privileged upbringing laid bare

Daily Mail​

30-07-2025

Growing up with Hollywood royalty means Gwyneth Paltrow was privy to a luxurious lifestyle most cannot fathom, including extravagant dinners, elite private schools and preference for flying first class.
Details of the 52-year-old actress' opulent childhood have now been laid bare in a new book, titled Gwyneth: The Biography, by biographer Amy Odell.
In the tome, released on July 29, Odell recounted moments from the Goop founder's childhood, writing that her father, Bruce Paltrow, had a penchant for luxury goods - more than mom Blythe Danner - which trickled down to Gwyneth.
'Bruce was the indulger,' Odell noted in the book. 'Blythe the moderating influence.'
Odell said the director and producer, who died in 2002, 'showed Gwyneth and [her younger brother] Jake a world that would bend to your will if you knew how to ask.'
Meanwhile, the biographer noted that her mother, actress Blythe, was 'attuned to fragility, mortality, and the importance of manners.'
Gwyneth moved to New York City with her family when she was 11 years old, in 1984, where she attended the exclusive Spence School.
The future Academy Award winner moved into a five-story brownstone on the Upper East Side just steps from Central Park as she spent her days with the daughters of some of the country's most elite - and wealthy - families.
However, Gwyneth, along with her Jake, continued to travel around with their parents for work - with Bruce opting to book first class while Blyth tended to book coach - much to Gwyneth's chagrin.
According to Odell, when Bruce flew with his two kids, he booked first-class seats.
'When Bruce flew with the kids, he booked first-class seats. He would joke that Gwyneth didn't know how to turn right on an airplane (toward the coach seats),' the biographer wrote.
'Blythe tended to book coach,' it continued. '"You mean — we're not flying first-class?" Gwyneth would protest. "We're flying no class?"'
According to the biography, the Paltrow family were never without a grand vacation or famous dinner guest - suggesting it is a trait Gwyneth picked up from her father.
'[Bruce] liked to ski in Aspen with his family and his buddies during the winter, and, unsatisfied with the dining options, convinced Gordon Naccarato, a chef at Michael's in Los Angeles, to move there and open a restaurant, writing him a $125,000 check,' the biography reported.
Odell also spoke of Bruce's indulgences in his every day life.
'His briefcase was Bottega Veneta, his stationery was Tiffany. He loved the luxury brands Asprey and Zegna. His socks were cashmere. He dressed in soft colors and soft fabrics, and clothes hung beautifully on him,' she wrote.
According to the biography, the Paltrow family were never without a grand vacation or famous dinner guest - suggesting it is a trait Gwyneth picked up from her father
'In Los Angeles, he drove a black Mercedes with tan interior that he had bought one summer in Europe and decided to import, even though few gas stations pumped the leaded fuel it required.'
Daily Mail has reached out to Gwyneth's representative for comment.
Elsewhere, the biography also revisits Paltrow's discomfort while filming 1998 crime thriller A Perfect Murder opposite co-star Michael Douglas, who was cast as her husband despite being almost 30 years her senior.
Paltrow, then 25, was reportedly uneasy with their romantic scenes, finding the experience 'creepy.'
Odell's unauthorized biography of Paltrow has already seen explosive revelations about her previous relationships, including those with Brad Pitt and ex-husband Chris Martin, which Daily Mail has exclusively reported.
But the book also delves into her ruthless climb to fame and petty grudges with fellow Hollywood heavyweights.
In the late 90s, Paltrow's acclaim was on the rise although she had not yet starred in the role that would earn her the Oscar for Best Actress - Shakespeare in Love.
Yet Odell writes that she had a habit of burning through friends on her way to the top, and that included Ryder.
In a new interview with Vanity Fair, Odell revealed whether or not she had heard from Paltrow or her 'people' about the upcoming tell-all.
'I was in touch with her team over the course of the three-year process, pretty much most of that time,' Odell shared.
She explained that she asked Paltrow's team over the course of those three year if the actress wanted to speak with her.
'Right around the time I finished, I got a no,' Odell said.
The author also admitted that she had 'no idea' if Paltrow had read the book, responding: 'You would have to ask he.'