Net Worth Ranker
What Is Maria Menounos’ Net Worth?
Maria Menounos, a prominent Greek-American figure in the entertainment industry, has accumulated a considerable fortune through her diverse career. As of 2024, Maria Menounos’ net worth is estimated to be $20 million. This substantial sum reflects her success as an actress, journalist, television presenter, and entrepreneur. Her income streams are varied, stemming from her work in television, film, online ventures, and strategic endorsements.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Born on June 8, 1978, in Medford, Massachusetts, Maria Menounos is the daughter of Greek immigrants Costas and Litsa Menounos. Growing up in the Boston suburb, she attended Medford High School. It was during her teenage years that she first ventured into the world of filmmaking, producing an independent film titled “Land of Merry Misfits” at the age of 17. She also actively participated in beauty pageants, securing the title of Miss Massachusetts Teen USA in 1995. Menounos later attended Emerson College, where she became involved with Emerson Independent Video. During her time at Emerson, she gained valuable experience as a reporter for Channel One News, covering significant events such as the El Salvador earthquakes and interviewing prominent figures like President George W. Bush.
Television Career: From Entertainment Tonight to E! News
Maria Menounos’ career in television began to take off in 2002 when she joined “Entertainment Tonight” as a correspondent. In this role, she covered a wide range of topics, including movies, music, and fashion. She remained with the program until 2005, after which she transitioned to “Access Hollywood.” In August 2011, Menounos joined “Extra” as a co-host alongside Mario Lopez, a position that further solidified her presence in the entertainment news landscape. Her work on “Extra” earned her a Daytime Emmy for Outstanding Entertainment News Program, underscoring her talent and dedication. In 2014, she left “Extra” and signed a multi-year contract with E! Entertainment to host and produce several programs. In July 2015, Menounos took over from Giuliana Rancic as the co-anchor of E! News. However, she stepped down from this role in July 2017 due to a medical battle with a brain tumor. Despite this setback, her contributions to E! News were significant.
Acting Roles and Film Ventures
In addition to her work as a television presenter and journalist, Maria Menounos has also pursued acting opportunities. In 2004, she appeared in UPN’s “One on One,” and in 2005, she had a role in the film “Fantastic Four” alongside Chris Evans. She also starred in the film “Kickin’ It Old Skool” opposite Jamie Kennedy. Maria Menounos acted in and produced “Adventures of Serial Buddies.” In 2005, Maria personally funded the recovery and restoration of the film she made when she was 17, “Land of Merry Misfits,” and got John Waters to narrate it. The film finally premiered at the 2007 Tribeca Film Festival. Furthermore, she secured guest-starring roles on television shows such as “Without a Trace,” “One Tree Hill,” and “Scrubs.” In 2006, she appeared in Jessica Simpson’s music video for “A Public Affair.” In 2008, she had a role in the movie “Tropic Thunder.” These acting roles, while not her primary focus, have contributed to Maria Menounos’ net worth.
Entrepreneurial Ventures: AfterBuzz TV
Maria Menounos’ entrepreneurial spirit is evident in her founding and management of AfterBuzz TV, an online entertainment network. As the founder, she was named 2014’s CES Entertainment Matters Ambassador. This venture showcases her business acumen and her ability to identify and capitalize on opportunities in the digital media landscape. While specific revenue figures for AfterBuzz TV are not publicly available, the network’s success has undoubtedly contributed to Maria Menounos’ net worth and solidified her position as a media entrepreneur.
WWE Appearances and Hosting Roles
As an avid WWE fan, Maria Menounos has made several appearances in the wrestling world. She first appeared in October 2009, guest-hosting “WWE Raw” alongside Nancy O’Dell. On that night, she made her in-ring debut in a six-diva tag team match with Gail Kim and Kelly Kelly. In December 2011, she returned to the ring at the WWE Tribute to the Troops, teaming up with Alicia Fox, Eve Torres, and Kelly Kelly to defeat the Bella Twins. At WrestleMania XXVIII, she teamed up with Kelly Kelly to defeat Beth Phoenix and Eve Torres. From 2014 to 2019, Menounos hosted the WWE Hall of Fame red carpet pre-show and appeared during the event as a guest backstage interviewer for several Wrestlemanias. In January 2018, Maria served as the special guest ring announcer for the first-ever women’s Royal Rumble match. These appearances, while primarily for entertainment purposes, have also added to Maria Menounos’ visibility and earning potential.
“Dancing with the Stars” and Other TV Appearances
In 2012, Maria Menounos participated as a contestant on “Dancing with the Stars,” partnering with Derek Hough. The pair finished in fourth place. Maria Menounos launched a new interview series called “Conversations with Maria Menounos.” The next year, her reality TV series “Chasing Maria Menounos” premiered on the Oxygen network. Such appearances have further contributed to Maria Menounos’ net worth and expanded her reach to a broader audience.
Personal Life and Real Estate
Maria Menounos has been in a relationship with director, producer, and former MTV writer and filmmaker Keven Undergaro since April 1998. They were married on New Year’s Eve 2017, live on television, and had another wedding in Greece in October 2018. The couple welcomed daughter Athena on June 23, 2023, via a surrogate. In 2005, Maria and Kevin purchased a home in Encino, California, for $2.3 million. The 5-bedroom property, situated on just under an acre, is estimated to be worth $5-6 million today. The increase in value reflects the appreciation of real estate in the Los Angeles area and contributes to Maria Menounos’ overall net worth.
