The Life of Phyllis Minkoff: Networth, Marriage, and Career of Maury Povich’s Ex-Wife
Phyllis Minkoff is an American communications and public relations expert who became well-known as the ex-wife of Maury Povich, the famous television host of the popular tabloid talk show “Maury.” While many people recognize her name because of this connection, Phyllis has built her own successful career in public relations and has been actively involved in political causes and charitable work. Her life story shows that she is much more than just a celebrity ex-wife.
Detailed Bio Table
| Full Name | Phyllis Minkoff |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | February 15, 1941 |
| Age | 84 years old (as of 2025) |
| Place of Birth | Washington, D.C., United States |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | White/Caucasian |
| Parents | Hyman Joseph Minkoff and Ida Minkoff |
| Siblings | Larry Minkoff (brother) |
| Profession | Communications and Public Relations Expert |
| First Marriage | Maury Povich (1962-1979) |
| Second Marriage | Phillip Baskin (1980-2005) |
| Children | Susan Anne Povich, Amy Joyce Povich, Shoshana Nudel, Janice Gondelman |
| Net Worth | Approximately $1 million |
Early Life and Family Background
Born on February 15, 1941, in Washington, D.C., Phyllis grew up in the nation’s capital with her parents, Hyman Joseph Minkoff and Ida Minkoff. Her father was a businessman who owned a liquor store called Acme Liquors, which he opened in 1940, just one year before Phyllis was born. After he stopped working at the store, he moved into real estate business.
Phyllis was raised in a close family alongside her brother, Larry Minkoff. Growing up in Washington, D.C., gave her a unique view of American politics and media, which would later influence her career choices and interests. While she has kept most details about her childhood and education private, it is clear that her upbringing taught her the importance of hard work and family values.
Professional Career
Phyllis Minkoff has spent many years working as a communications and public relations expert. However, she has always kept the specific details of her work private, and it is not clear whether she works for a company or as an independent consultant. What is certain is that she has used her skills to build a successful career in her field.
Her expertise in communication has allowed her to work on important projects and support causes she believes in. Unlike her famous ex-husband who chose a career in the spotlight, Phyllis preferred to work behind the scenes, helping to shape messages and manage public relations for various clients and organizations.
Political Involvement and Activism
Beyond her professional work, Phyllis has been passionate about politics and social causes, notably supporting Hillary Clinton’s presidential campaign in 2016 as a member of the Women’s Liberation Front. She has also shown support for other well-known political figures, including Senator Bernie Sanders and Joe Kennedy III.
As someone who cares deeply about women’s rights, Phyllis has been active in the Women’s Liberation Front, where she works to empower women and fight for gender equality. She believes that communication can be a powerful tool for creating positive change in society, especially when it comes to important social and political issues.
First Marriage to Maury Povich
Phyllis married Maurice Richard Povich, known as Maury Povich, in 1962, and their marriage lasted 17 years before ending in divorce in 1979. During their time together, they had two daughters: Susan Anne Povich and Amy Joyce Povich.
The marriage took place during the early years of Maury’s television career, long before he became the famous host of the “Maury” show that ran from 1991 to 2022. As Maury’s career grew in the media industry, Phyllis supported him while also pursuing her own professional goals in communications.
Their daughters have both achieved success in their own careers. Amy Joyce Povich became an actress and married Dr. David Agus, a well-known physician and author. Susan Anne Povich, also known as “lobstahmama,” worked as a lawyer before becoming a chef and restaurateur. She owns a seafood restaurant in New York called Red Hook Lobster Pound.
When their marriage ended in 1979, both Phyllis and Maury moved on with their lives. Some people have wondered if Phyllis had a relationship with someone else before the divorce, mainly because she remarried quite quickly. However, these are just rumors, and the real reasons for their separation have remained private.
Second Marriage to Phillip Baskin
In 1980, just a short time after her divorce from Maury, Phyllis married Phillip Baskin, an attorney and Pittsburgh councilman. The couple settled in Pittsburgh and built a new life together. They had two daughters: Shoshana Nudel and Janice Gondelman.
This marriage lasted 25 years, but it was not without its challenges. Phillip was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, a serious mental condition that affects memory and thinking. Despite the difficulties of caring for someone with this illness, Phyllis remained a devoted wife and mother. Phillip passed away in 2005 due to complications from Alzheimer’s, leaving Phyllis to continue her life and focus on her children and grandchildren.
Life After Maury Povich
While Phyllis moved on with Phillip Baskin, Maury Povich also found love again. He married Connie Chung, a well-known news anchor and journalist, in 1984. Maury and Connie met while working at a television station in Washington, D.C., in 1968. They adopted a son named Matthew Jay Povich in 1995 and have remained together ever since.
Both Phyllis and Maury have maintained respectful relationships with each other over the years, particularly for the sake of their daughters. Despite the end of their marriage, they have both found happiness in their separate lives.
Phyllis Minkoff’s Net Worth
Phyllis Minkoff’s net worth is estimated to be around $1 million, which she earned through her successful career in communications and public relations. While this amount may seem modest compared to her ex-husband Maury Povich’s net worth of approximately $80 million, it shows that Phyllis has always been financially independent.
She has never relied on her famous ex-husband for money. Instead, she built her own career and managed her finances carefully. Her financial stability is a result of her professional skills, smart decisions, and years of hard work in the communications field.
Her Children and Family Legacy
Phyllis is a proud mother of four daughters from her two marriages. Each of her children has pursued their own path in life:
- Susan Anne Povich: A lawyer, chef, and restaurant owner who runs the Red Hook Lobster Pound in New York
- Amy Joyce Povich: An actress who has appeared in films and is married to Dr. David Agus
- Shoshana Nudel: Phyllis’s daughter from her second marriage (details about her life remain private)
- Janice Gondelman: Another daughter from her marriage to Phillip Baskin (also keeps a private life)
As a mother, Phyllis has always put her children first. She raised them with strong values and supported them in achieving their dreams. Her dedication to her family is one of the most important parts of her life story.
Current Life and Legacy
As of 2025, Phyllis Minkoff is 84 years old and lives in the Greater Pittsburgh area. She continues to keep her personal life private, staying away from the media spotlight that often surrounds celebrity families. Despite this privacy, she remains active in causes that matter to her, including women’s rights, animal welfare, and political activism.
Phyllis’s legacy is not defined by her famous ex-husband but by her own achievements and contributions. She has shown that it is possible to have a successful career, raise a loving family, and make a positive impact on society without seeking fame or attention.
Conclusion
Phyllis Minkoff’s life is a story of quiet strength and meaningful achievements. While she first gained attention as Maury Povich’s wife, she has built her own identity through her successful career in communications, her political activism, and her charitable work. As a mother of four and a dedicated professional, Phyllis has shown that you don’t need to be in the spotlight to make a difference. Her legacy lives on through her children, her work, and the positive impact she has made in her community.
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