Net Worth Ranker
What Is Mary Hart’s Net Worth?
Mary Hart, a prominent American television personality, boasts a net worth of $100 million. This significant wealth is a combined figure with her husband, Burt Sugarman, who is a producer. Hart gained widespread recognition as the host of the syndicated entertainment news program “Entertainment Tonight” (ET), a position she held from 1982 to 2011, shaping her career and contributing substantially to her current financial status.
Mary Hart’s Career and Earnings
Hart’s journey to becoming a household name began in 1970 when she was crowned Miss South Dakota. This achievement propelled her into the Miss America 1971 pageant, where she advanced to the semi-finals, marking an early milestone in her public life. Following her college graduation in 1972, Hart initially pursued a career in education, teaching English at Washington High School in Sioux Falls for two years. During this period, she also showcased her broadcasting skills by producing and anchoring her own talk show on an NBC affiliate in Sioux Falls.
In 1975, Hart made a pivotal decision to fully commit to broadcasting, accepting her first full-time role at WMT-TV in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. She quickly transitioned to a station in Oklahoma City, where she co-hosted “Dannysday” with Danny Williams. Despite her growing broadcasting career, Hart supplemented her income by working part-time as a sales representative for a school yearbook company.
By the late 1970s, Hart, feeling disenchanted with journalism, relocated to Los Angeles with $10,000 in savings, determined to pursue acting. She secured roles in soap operas such as “Days of Our Lives” and appeared in various commercials. However, the income from these acting roles was insufficient, leading her back to journalism, specifically entertainment news. She co-hosted a televised version of “PM Magazine,” which led to a co-hosting role with Regis Philbin on NBC in the early 1980s. Although the show was canceled after four months, it paved the way for her career-defining role on “Entertainment Tonight.”
In 1981, Hart was interviewed by “Entertainment Tonight” producers about her experience with show cancellations. This interview led to her joining the show as a correspondent. Within a year, she was promoted to co-host alongside Ron Hendren. Over the years, Hart remained a constant presence on “Entertainment Tonight,” while her co-hosts changed frequently. Hendren was succeeded by Robb Weller in 1984, who was then replaced by John Tesh in 1986, and subsequently by Rob Goen in 1996. Throughout these transitions, Hart maintained her central role on the show. By 2004, Mark Steines had replaced Goen as co-host. During her tenure at “Entertainment Tonight,” Hart collaborated with her manager, Jay Bernstein, leading to additional opportunities such as brand endorsements and cameo appearances at Wrestlemania.
In 1988, Hart performed alongside comedian David Brenner in Las Vegas, fulfilling her long-term career aspiration of performing professionally on stage. During this time, she commuted between Las Vegas and Los Angeles, maintaining a demanding schedule.
Mary Hart’s Brand Endorsements and Real Estate Assets
Mary Hart’s legs, a signature feature, led to a contract with Hanes, where she promoted the company’s pantyhose line throughout 1987. Her legs were insured for $1 million each, highlighting their value to the endorsement deal. Hart and her husband, Burt Sugarman, have made significant investments in real estate over the years. In 2013, they purchased a condominium in downtown Los Angeles at the Ritz Carlton for $3.8 million and sold it in 2018 for $6.7 million. Also in 2013, they sold an 11,000-square-foot house in Beverly Hills for $27 million.
In 2015, the couple acquired a two-story condominium in West Hollywood for $8 million. In 2016, they purchased a second unit in the same building for $4.65 million. They subsequently acquired at least two more units in the Sierra Towers, investing a total of $15 million in that location alone. They also have owned several properties in Montana, including a lakefront house sold for $5.9 million in 2014. They also own two properties in the exclusive Yellowstone Club, one of which was listed for $8 million in 2018. Additionally, they owned a 160-acre ranch listed for sale in 2013 for $23 million. In 2019, Hart and Sugarman sold a condominium at the Ritz-Carlton for $6.3 million. This residence featured three bedrooms and 4,170 square feet of living space, with floor-to-ceiling windows offering views of Los Angeles. The building offers amenities such as a rooftop swimming pool, a billiard room, and concierge service.
In 2016, it was reported that Mary Hart listed her ranch in Big Sky, Montana, for $19.5 million. The six-bedroom residence, situated on 160 acres of land, features 7,000 square feet of living space. The couple’s real estate portfolio is worth at least $50 million. These strategic investments in real estate have significantly contributed to Mary Hart’s Net Worth and overall financial success.
Additional Ventures and Investments
Beyond her work on “Entertainment Tonight” and her real estate investments, Mary Hart has been involved in various other ventures that have contributed to her Net Worth. While specific details about these ventures are not publicly available, it is known that her collaborations with her manager, Jay Bernstein, led to numerous opportunities. These include brand endorsements, which, in addition to her Hanes campaign, likely involved partnerships with other companies seeking to leverage her widespread recognition and positive image. Hart’s cameo appearances at Wrestlemania also suggest involvement in entertainment-related projects beyond her hosting duties.
Furthermore, her performance with David Brenner in Las Vegas indicates an interest in live entertainment and stage performances, which could have opened up additional revenue streams. While the exact financial details of these ventures remain undisclosed, it is clear that Mary Hart’s Net Worth is the result of a diverse range of activities, including her long-running hosting career, strategic real estate investments, and various entertainment and endorsement opportunities.
It’s worth noting that Mary Hart’s long tenure on “Entertainment Tonight” not only solidified her status as a prominent television personality but also provided her with a consistent and substantial income stream. As the “face of ET” for nearly three decades, she became a trusted and recognizable figure in the entertainment industry, which undoubtedly enhanced her earning potential and contributed to her overall financial success.
