Net Worth Ranker
What Is Geraldo Rivera’s Net Worth?
Geraldo Rivera, an American attorney, journalist, author, reporter, and talk show host, has accumulated a net worth of $20 million. This figure reflects his decades-long career in media, marked by diverse roles and ventures.
Early Career and Rise to Prominence
Rivera’s journey into the world of media began in 1970 when he was hired as a reporter for WABC-TV. His early work involved investigative journalism, with notable reports covering abused patients, the death of John Lennon, and the death of Elvis Presley. These reports garnered him awards and established his reputation as a dedicated and insightful journalist. In 1972, Geraldo Rivera won a Peabody Award for his report on the neglect and abuse of patients with intellectual disabilities at Staten Island’s Willowbrook State School and Rockland County’s Letchworth Village.
Rivera’s career advanced as he became a fixture on national ABC programs such as “20/20” and “Nightline.” His profile rose further in July 1973 when he was given his own show, “Good Night America,” as part of ABC’s “Wide World of Entertainment” program block. The show addressed controversial topics, including marijuana usage and Vietnam War draft dodgers. “Good Night America” aired a total of 33 episodes before concluding in 1977.
“Geraldo” and Subsequent Ventures
The eponymous show “Geraldo,” which ran from 1987 to 1998, significantly boosted his international fame. The show became known for its controversial guests and dramatic on-air events. In one notable 1988 episode, Rivera’s nose was broken during an on-air brawl involving white supremacists, Black activists, and militant Jewish activists. Despite the controversy, the show ran for 11 years and solidified Rivera’s place in the television landscape.
Simultaneously, Rivera hosted “Rivera Live” on CNBC from 1994 to 2001. This show featured evening news and interviews, further expanding his reach. Two months after the 9/11 attacks in 2001, Rivera joined Fox News as a war correspondent. Over several years, he reported from Afghanistan, Iraq, and Kuwait, undertaking 22 combat assignments. From 2009 to 2011, he hosted “Geraldo at Large” on Fox News, and he continued as a Fox correspondent on various Fox programs for the following decade. In 2018, Rivera launched a radio show in Cleveland, adding another dimension to his media presence.
Fox News Salary and Contract Details
In September 2021, Geraldo Rivera signed a multi-year contract extension with Fox News, estimated to pay a salary of $4 million per year. This contract underscores his continued value to the network and secures his position as a prominent commentator. This figure represents a significant portion of his annual earnings and contributes substantially to his overall net worth.
Earnings from Book Sales and Media Appearances
In addition to his television and radio work, Rivera has authored eight books. His literary works include “Willowbrook: A Report on How it Is and Why It Doesn’t Have to Be That Way” (1972), “Miguel Robles – So Far” and “Puerto Rico: Island of Contrasts” (both 1973), and “A Special Kind of Courage: Profiles of Young Americans” (1977). His 1992 book, “Exposing Myself,” offered a personal look into his life, and in 2018, he published a memoir titled “The Geraldo Show: A Memoir.”
Beyond his regular gigs, Rivera participated in television programs such as “Dancing with the Stars” and “The Celebrity Apprentice,” which provided additional income and exposure. While he was the first to be eliminated from “Dancing with the Stars,” these appearances expanded his audience and earning potential.
Real Estate Investments
Rivera has engaged in several real estate transactions over the years. In May 2015, he and his wife Erica purchased an apartment in New York City for $5.6 million. They listed the apartment for sale in November 2016 for $7.2 million and eventually sold it for $6.1 million. Prior to this, he owned another unit in the same building, which he bought for $3.4 million in 2011 and sold for $3.96 million in 2015. In 2017, Rivera and his wife moved to Cleveland, where they purchased a 13,000-square-foot mansion for $2.8 million.
In addition to these properties, Rivera owns a waterfront vacation home in Edgewater, New Jersey. They attempted to sell this home in 2015 for $3.75 million but ultimately removed it from the market. These real estate holdings contribute to Rivera’s overall net worth and demonstrate his investment acumen.
Personal Life and Sailing Interests
Rivera’s personal life includes five marriages and five children. His first marriage was to Linda Coblentz in 1965, which ended in divorce in 1969. He then married Edith Vonnegut in 1971, divorcing in 1975. In 1976, he married Sherryl Raymond, and they had a son, Gabriel, in 1979 before divorcing in 1984. In 1987, he married Cynthia Cruickshank, and they had daughters Isabella and Simone in 1992 and 1994, respectively, before divorcing in 2000. He is currently married to Erica Michelle Levy, whom he married in 2003, and they have a daughter born in 2005. Rivera also has a son named Cruz, born in 1987.
Rivera’s passion for sailing is well-documented. He owns a sailing vessel called Voyager and has participated in the Marion-Bermuda Cruising Yacht Race four times. He has also sailed the boat 1,400 miles up the Amazon River and around the world, which was chronicled in six one-hour specials for The Travel Channel. These adventures highlight his adventurous spirit and contribute to his public persona.
Overview of Geraldo Rivera’s Net Worth Components
Geraldo Rivera’s $20 million net worth is composed of earnings from his extensive career in television, radio, and publishing. His annual salary from Fox News, estimated at $4 million, forms a significant part of his income. Additional revenue streams include book sales, appearances on television shows like “Dancing with the Stars” and “The Celebrity Apprentice,” and real estate investments.
His real estate portfolio includes a former apartment in New York City, which he sold for $6.1 million, a mansion in Cleveland purchased for $2.8 million, and a waterfront vacation home in Edgewater, New Jersey. These assets, combined with his earnings from media appearances and contracts, contribute to his financial stability and net worth.
