Overview

Harvey Robert Levin, born on September 2, 1950, is an American television producer, lawyer, legal analyst, and celebrity reporter. He’s most widely known as the founder and managing editor of TMZ.com, a celebrity gossip site launched as a joint venture between AOL and Telepictures Productions, a division of Warner Bros. In September 2021, WarnerMedia sold TMZ to Fox Entertainment in a deal valued at roughly $50 million. Before TMZ, Levin practiced law in California from 1975 to 1996 and gained public recognition for his legal commentary, earning the nickname ‘Doctor Law.’ He also contributed to the Los Angeles Times and taught law. Levin transitioned to television in 1982, covering legal issues for KNBC-TV and KCBS-TV. Between TMZ and People’s Court, Harvey earns at least $5 million per year in base salary and other earnings.

TMZ

Founder and Managing Editor

What Is Harvey Levin’s Net Worth?

Harvey Levin, a multifaceted American personality known for his roles as a television producer, lawyer, legal analyst, and celebrity reporter, has accumulated a significant net worth of $20 million. This financial success stems from his prominent career in the entertainment and media industries. A key component of Levin’s financial portfolio is his role as the founder and managing editor of TMZ.com, a celebrity gossip website that has become a major player in the media landscape. While Harvey Levin is the face of TMZ, it’s crucial to note that he doesn’t directly own the site. TMZ originated as a joint venture between AOL and Telepictures Productions, a division of Warner Bros., later becoming a subsidiary of WarnerMedia. In September 2021, WarnerMedia divested TMZ to Fox Entertainment in a transaction valued at approximately $50 million.

Harvey Levin’s Income and Career Highlights

Harvey Levin’s annual income is estimated to be at least $5 million, derived from his engagements with TMZ and “People’s Court.” He has earned significant money from his work at TMZ, including his roles as founder, managing editor, host, and executive producer. As of 2025, he is still a presenter on “The People’s Court,” winning a Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Legal/Courtroom Program for “The People’s Court” in 2015.

Levin’s career trajectory began with legal practice. Admitted to the California bar in December 1975, he practiced law until January 1996. His public profile rose in 1978 through participation in debates surrounding California Proposition 13. This exposure led to legal advice contributions on a radio show, where he gained the moniker “Doctor Law.” Additionally, he contributed columns to the Los Angeles Times for seven years. His early career also included teaching law at the University of Miami Law School in the mid-1970s and later at Whittier College School of Law in Costa Mesa, California.

Levin’s foray into television started in 1982 at KNBC-TV, where he covered legal issues. He subsequently moved to KCBS-TV, serving as an investigative reporter and legal analyst for ten years. A prominent case he covered was the O.J. Simpson murder trial. In 1997, he took on the role of co-executive producer and on-air legal anchor for “The People’s Court,” produced by Warner Bros. This role solidified his presence in the entertainment industry.

Beyond “The People’s Court,” Levin created other shows, including “Celebrity Justice” (2002-2005), “Famous in 12” (2014), “Rock & A Hard Place” (2008), and produced “Beyond Twisted” (2009). Since 2016, he has hosted “OBJECTified” on Fox News Channel.

The launch of TMZ in 2005 marked a significant turning point in Levin’s career. As founder and managing editor, he steered the celebrity gossip site to prominence. Early significant stories included Mel Gibson’s DUI arrest and anti-Semitic rant. Other high-profile stories covered by TMZ include Chris Brown’s assault of Rihanna and the deaths of Heath Ledger, Brittany Murphy, Kobe Bryant, and Michael Jackson. The site has grown into a large website with a nationally syndicated television show, tour buses, and more. He has hosted the series “TMZ” on TV since 2007 and appeared in more than 1,400 episodes. He was also the executive producer of “TMZ” from 2007 to 2010.

Levin has also ventured into acting, with appearances in films like “Volcano” (1997) and “Sharknado 3: Oh Hell No!” (2015), and in episodes of TV series like “JAG,” “The Sopranos,” “Family Guy,” and “Empire.”

Harvey Levin’s Real Estate Holdings

Harvey Levin’s real estate investments have contributed to his net worth. In 1998, he purchased a home in Los Angeles for $950,000. He initially listed the property for $5.3 million in March 2013 but ultimately sold it for $3.6 million in August 2015. The property is located in Los Angeles, but the exact address is not publicly available.

In 2003, Levin acquired an 1,800 square-foot ocean-view condo in Marina Del Rey, California, for $2.2 million. While a precise valuation is not possible, similar condos in Marina Del Rey would sell for approximately $4-5 million in 2025. The exact address of the condo is not publicly known. Levin owns these properties with Andy Mauer.

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