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What Is Piers Morgan’s Net Worth
Piers Morgan, a well-known English broadcaster, journalist, writer, newspaper editor, and television personality, has accumulated a considerable net worth of $20 million. His career, marked by controversial opinions and high-profile positions, has spanned various media platforms, contributing to his financial success.
Piers Morgan’s Career Highlights and Earnings
Morgan’s journey in the media began in 1988 at The Sun, where he quickly rose to the position of show-business editor. His aggressive reporting style and knack for generating headlines were key to his early success.
In 1994, at the age of 29, Morgan became the editor of the News of the World, making him the youngest editor of a British national newspaper in over half a century. Although specific financial details from this period are not publicly available, it’s evident that this role significantly boosted his career and earning potential. His tenure was marked by a relentless pursuit of sensational stories, often employing unorthodox methods that blurred the lines between ethics and expediency, contributing to his visibility and later opportunities.
Piers Morgan’s foray into television began in 2006 when he joined the judging panel of America’s Got Talent. This role provided him with significant exposure in the United States and increased his marketability. In 2008, Morgan signed a two-year deal with ITV, reportedly worth $2.6 million per year. This marked a substantial increase in his earnings, reflecting his growing popularity and demand as a television personality.
From 2011 to 2014, he hosted Piers Morgan Live on CNN, earning an annual salary of $2 million. This high-profile position further cemented his status as a major media figure and contributed significantly to his net worth.
Between 2015 and 2021, Morgan co-hosted Good Morning Britain, solidifying his presence in British television. While his exact salary for this role is not publicly disclosed, it is estimated to be substantial, given the show’s popularity and his prominence as a co-host. This position helped sustain his high income and maintained his public profile.
In addition to his television roles, Morgan has also worked as the editor-at-large for the U.S. operation of Mail Online since September 2014. He writes several columns a week and a weekly column for the Mail on Sunday Event magazine. Although the specific income from these writing ventures is not public, it undoubtedly adds to his overall earnings.
Piers Morgan’s Real Estate Portfolio
Piers Morgan owns a number of properties, including two in Britain. One of these is a townhouse in west London, which he purchased for $719,000. This Georgian townhouse serves as his primary residence in London.
He also owns a country retreat in the East Sussex village of Newick, where he grew up. The specific details of this property, such as its exact address or purchase price, are not publicly available. However, owning a country home in this desirable area suggests a significant asset.
Morgan also owns a home in Beverly Hills, which he purchased for $5.4 million in 2011. This luxurious property was previously owned by Les Moonves, the former CEO of CBS. The Beverly Hills residence indicates a substantial investment in high-end real estate and contributes to his overall net worth.
These real estate holdings demonstrate that Piers Morgan has diversified his assets, investing in properties in both the United Kingdom and the United States. The value of these properties likely fluctuates with market conditions, but they generally represent a stable and significant portion of his net worth.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Piers Stefan O’Meara, born on March 30, 1965, in Surrey, England, later adopted his stepfather’s surname, Morgan. He attended the Chailey School and studied journalism at Harlow College. His early life provided the foundation for his future career in media.
In 1985, Morgan began his journalism career as a reporter for the South London News. This initial role provided him with hands-on experience and a foundation in local news reporting. He started freelancing at The Sun in 1988, which marked a significant step in his career, leading to a full-time position writing the newspaper’s “Bizarre” column by 1994. Despite not being a fan of movies or pop music, his exceptional skills at self-promotion allowed him to become the “Friend of the Stars,” frequently photographed with celebrities such as Madonna, David Bowie, Sylvester Stallone, and Paul McCartney. This ability to network and create publicity for himself proved invaluable in his career advancement.
In January 1994, Rupert Murdoch appointed Morgan as the editor of the News of the World, making him the youngest editor of a national newspaper in 50 years at the age of 29. This appointment was a major milestone, showcasing his rapid rise in the industry. Known for his lack of sympathy for the privacy of celebrities and his forthright style, his tenure at the News of the World was short-lived, ending in 1995 after publishing photos of Catherine Victoria Lockwood, then the wife of Charles Earl Spencer, leaving a rehab clinic in Surrey. This incident, which violated the editors’ code of conduct, led to his departure from the newspaper.
In 1996, Morgan became the editor of the Daily Mirror. His time at the Daily Mirror was also controversial, and he was fired in 2004 after refusing to apologize for publishing photos that had falsely shown British soldiers attacking Iraqi civilians. This event further solidified his reputation as a controversial figure in the media.
Other Ventures and Ownership
In May 2005, Morgan took over as owner of the Press Gazette, a media industry publication that put on the British Press Awards. However, many major newspapers boycotted the 2006 British Press Awards due to Morgan’s ownership, and the Press Gazette eventually went into bankruptcy and was sold. This venture did not prove financially successful for Morgan.
In May 2006, Morgan launched a weekly paper for kids aged seven to 14 called “First News.” While the long-term financial outcomes of this venture are not publicly detailed, it represents another attempt by Morgan to diversify his media interests.
Television Judge and “The Apprentice” Win
Morgan served as a judge on “America’s Got Talent” alongside Brandy Norwood and David Hasselhoff in 2006 and 2007, and on “Britain’s Got Talent” alongside Simon Cowell and Amanda Holden. These roles increased his visibility and popularity on both sides of the Atlantic.
In 2008, Morgan won the celebrity version of “The Apprentice.” In the final, Donald Trump described Morgan as “ruthless, arrogant, evil, and obnoxious,” showcasing the strong personality that has defined his career. The specific financial rewards from winning “The Apprentice” are not detailed, but the win certainly boosted his profile.
“Piers Morgan’s Life Stories” and CNN’s “Piers Morgan Live”
In 2009, Morgan began hosting “Piers Morgan’s Life Stories” on ITV. This interview show provided him with a platform to conduct in-depth interviews with prominent figures, further enhancing his reputation as a skilled interviewer.
On September 8, 2010, CNN announced that Morgan would replace Larry King in the network’s evening line-up with his show, “Piers Morgan Live,” which premiered on January 17, 2011. Although the show was canceled in early 2014, it provided Morgan with significant exposure and a substantial salary of $2 million per year. “Piers Morgan Live” was known for its confrontational interviews with celebrities and politicians, further cementing Morgan’s status as a provocative media personality.
Personal Life and Political Views
In 1991, Morgan married Marion Shalloe, and the couple had three sons: Albert, Spencer, and Stanley. They divorced in 2008.
In June 2010, Morgan married journalist Celia Walden, daughter of former Conservative MP George Walden. In November 2011, they welcomed a daughter, Elise. His marriage to Walden and the birth of his daughter have been significant personal milestones.
Morgan is a fan of the Premier League football club Arsenal F.C. His support for Arsenal is a well-known aspect of his public persona.
Politically, Morgan has identified as a supporter of the Conservative Party. However, his views and commentary often generate controversy. In January 2017, he strongly objected to the Women’s March on Washington, describing protesters as “rabid feminists” and the multiple protests as being “vacuous.” This led to disagreements with figures like Ewan McGregor, who pulled out of appearing on “Good Morning Britain” after discovering Morgan would be interviewing him.
