Net Worth Ranker
What Is Maury Povich’s Net Worth?
Maury Povich, a prominent figure in American television as a personality, former journalist, and news anchor, has amassed a considerable net worth. His current net worth is estimated to be $80 million. This figure represents the combined net worth he shares with his wife, Connie Chung, who is also a well-known entertainer. Povich is most recognized for hosting “The Maury Povich Show,” which later became simply “Maury.” The show is particularly famous for its paternity test segments, where the results are revealed live on air, often leading to dramatic and emotional reactions.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Maurice Richard Povich was born on January 17, 1939, in Washington, D.C. Growing up in a Jewish family with two siblings, Povich was significantly influenced by his father, who worked as a sportswriter for the “Washington Post.” This exposure fueled Povich’s interest in journalism from a young age. After graduating from a private preparatory school in 1957, he pursued his passion at the University of Pennsylvania, where he studied journalism and earned a degree in television journalism in 1962. After graduating from college, Maury Povich began his career in radio broadcasting, gaining initial experience and exposure in the field.
In 1966, Povich transitioned to television, taking a position as a sportscaster at WTTG, an independently-owned station. Seeking further advancement, he moved to an NBC-owned affiliate in Chicago. Despite the high expectations, the move did not result in a contract offer. Following this, Povich relocated to Los Angeles to co-anchor alongside Connie Chung, who would later become his wife. However, a change in station management led to the end of that opportunity as well. He gained invaluable experience by working in San Francisco and Philadelphia before making his way back to Washington.
In 1986, after 20th Century Fox was acquired by Rupert Murdoch, Povich was selected to host a new show called “A Current Affair.” Premiering in 1988, the show featured celebrity gossip and human interest stories, which allowed Povich to showcase his versatility as a host. During this time, Povich continued to work as a newscaster.
“The Maury Povich Show” and Subsequent Ventures
After a three-year stint hosting “A Current Affair,” Povich decided to launch his own talk show, “The Maury Povich Show.” Initially distributed by Paramount Domestic Television, the show was produced by Povich’s production company, MoPo Productions. Over time, the show underwent several studio changes before being rebranded as “Maury” by Studios USA. This marked a shift toward more sensational and controversial content, primarily driven by the “Who’s the Daddy?” segment. This segment involved paternity tests and the dramatic reveal of whether a man was the biological father of a child. At the end of the show’s run, NBCUniversal Television paid Maury Povich a salary of $13 million per year for hosting the show.
In 2000, he began hosting the game show “Twenty-One” on NBC. In 2005, he briefly co-hosted a news program with his wife called “Weekends with Maury and Connie,” although it was canceled in 2006 due to bad ratings.
Beyond his regular hosting duties, Povich has made cameo appearances in various films and television shows, often playing a satirical version of himself. These include roles in shows like “How I Met Your Mother” and the animated series “The Jack and Triumph Show.” He has also appeared in movies such as “Madea’s Big Happy Family,” “The Imagemaker,” and “The Swinger.” Additionally, he was parodied in an episode of “South Park.”
Personal Life and Relationships
In 1962, Maury Povich married Phyllis Minkoff, and they had two children together before divorcing in 1979. In 1984, Povich married Connie Chung, a news anchor he had previously met while working at a Fox News affiliate in Washington. The couple adopted a son in 1995. Maury Povich’s personal life has been closely intertwined with his professional career, reflecting a balance between his public persona and private relationships. He has maintained a relatively private stance on certain aspects of his life, focusing primarily on his professional endeavors and family.
Restaurant and Business Ventures
In 2017, Povich invested in “Chatter,” a restaurant/bar located in Washington. He is a co-owner of the establishment alongside other notable figures from the sports industry.
Golf and Hobbies
Maury Povich is a dedicated golfer and has been playing the sport for most of his life. He frequents high-profile golf courses and participates in senior amateur golf tournaments. With a 2.4 handicap, he is ranked among the top 100 celebrity golfers worldwide.
Controversy
In 2006, Bianca Nardi, a producer, filed a sexual harassment lawsuit against Maury Povich, alleging that she was asked to expose her breasts and watch pornography with other production staff members. Following an internal investigation, Nardi’s allegations were dismissed. Later that year, Povich’s lawyer requested a gag order.
Real Estate Holdings
In 2009, Maury Povich and Connie Chung purchased a 12,500-square-foot home in the Kalorama neighborhood of Washington, D.C., for $9 million. This purchase reflected their desire to return to their hometown after many years in New York City. The property, built in 1929, features a pool, koi pond, gazebo, manicured gardens, and a rooftop terrace with city views. Additionally, Maury and Connie own a ranch in Bigfork, Montana, where they spend several months each year. The exact details of the ranch’s size and value are not publicly available, but it represents a significant real estate asset within their overall portfolio.
