Mary Hart is one of the most recognized faces in entertainment journalism. With a career spanning nearly three decades on ‘Entertainment Tonight’, she became a pop culture icon and a symbol of Hollywood glamour.
Known for her poise, professionalism, and million-dollar smile, Hart built a television empire that continues to pay off.
Today, Mary Hart’s net worth stands at a remarkable $100 million, a fortune she shares with her husband, producer Burt Sugarman. Their shared success reflects decades of hard work, smart investments, and enduring popularity.
Mary Hart Net Worth Overview
Mary Hart’s impressive net worth comes from her television career, brand endorsements, real estate portfolio, and decades of steady work in the entertainment industry. She is best known for co-hosting Entertainment Tonight from 1982 to 2011, where she became the face of celebrity news.
| Source of Income | Estimated Value (USD) |
|---|---|
| Television Career (Entertainment Tonight) | $60 Million |
| Brand Endorsements (Hanes, others) | $5 Million |
| Real Estate Holdings (Shared with Burt Sugarman) | $50 Million+ |
| Total Estimated Net Worth | $100 Million |
Mary’s long-running television success, combined with strategic real estate deals, made her one of the wealthiest women in Hollywood broadcasting history.
Early Life and Rise to Fame
Mary Johanna Harum was born on November 8, 1950, in Madison, South Dakota. She grew up in Sioux Falls and even spent time in Denmark, becoming fluent in Danish and Swedish. After graduating from Augustana College in 1972, she taught English before turning to broadcasting.
Her media journey began when she was crowned Miss South Dakota in 1970, leading her to compete in the Miss America 1971 pageant. That recognition opened doors to television. She worked for local stations in South Dakota, Iowa, and Oklahoma, gradually building her reputation.
By the late 1970s, she was juggling multiple jobs to stay afloat. Determined to succeed, she moved to Los Angeles with just $10,000 in savings, hoping to make it in show business. Her persistence paid off when she landed small roles on Days of Our Lives and later got her big break on Entertainment Tonight.
Television Career and Salary
Mary Hart joined Entertainment Tonight in 1982 and quickly became its co-host. Her confident delivery and warm on-screen presence helped turn the show into the number-one source for Hollywood news. She interviewed top stars, covered the Oscars, and became a staple of American living rooms.
Her salary reflected her success. By the early 1990s, Mary was earning over $5 million per year, making her one of the highest-paid television hosts in the world. Her tenure lasted 29 years, during which she worked alongside several co-hosts, including John Tesh, Robb Weller, and Mark Steines.
| Period | Estimated Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 1980s | $1 Million – $2 Million |
| 1990s | $3 Million – $5 Million |
| 2000s | $5 Million+ |
Her longevity and influence made her a respected figure in entertainment media. Even after leaving the show in 2011, Hart continued to make guest appearances and lend her voice to television projects.
Endorsements and Real Estate
Mary Hart’s influence extended beyond television. Her famously insured legs became part of her brand identity. In 1987, she signed a deal with Hanes, wearing their pantyhose line while hosting Entertainment Tonight.
Her legs were insured for $1 million each, making her one of the few TV personalities with such an unusual endorsement. Beyond television, Mary and Burt Sugarman built a massive real estate portfolio across the United States.
Their properties include luxurious homes in Los Angeles, Beverly Hills, Montana, and West Hollywood.
Notable Real Estate Transactions
| Property Location | Purchase Price | Sale Price |
|---|---|---|
| Ritz-Carlton Condo (Los Angeles) | $3.8 Million (2013) | $6.7 Million (2018) |
| Beverly Hills Mansion | — | $27 Million (2018) |
| Sierra Towers (West Hollywood) | $8 Million (2015) | — |
| Montana Lakefront Home | — | $5.9 Million (2014) |
Their combined real estate value is estimated to exceed $50 million, showcasing their ability to invest wisely and profit from luxury markets.
Life After Entertainment Tonight
After stepping down in 2011, Mary Hart shifted focus to philanthropy and selective media appearances. She continues to support causes related to health and education and remains a regular face at Los Angeles Dodgers games, sitting behind home plate with her husband.
Even in her 70s, Hart maintains her public appeal and class, often appearing on special television segments celebrating entertainment history. Her influence on entertainment journalism continues to inspire young broadcasters around the world.
