Alison Berns: The True Story of Howard Stern’s Ex-Wife

Do you ever wonder what happened to Howard Stern’s first wife? Her name is Alison Berns, and even though she has stayed out of the spotlight for many years, people still want to know more about her.

Alison was married to Howard Stern before he became famous. They were together for over 20 years, had three daughters, and went through both good and hard times as a couple.

In this article, we will talk about Alison Berns’ life — how she met Howard, her small acting career, their divorce, and what she is doing now. Alison’s story is not just about being “Howard Stern’s ex-wife.” It’s a story about love, family, change, and starting a new life.

Alison Berns Quick Bio

Alison Berns’ Early Life

Alison Berns was born on May 26, 1954, in Newton, Massachusetts, USA. She grew up in a quiet and simple environment, far away from the world of fame and cameras. From a young age, she was known to be smart, calm, and focused on her education.

She studied at Newton North High School, and later went to Boston University, where she met someone who would change her life forever — Howard Stern.

People close to her have often said that Alison was a very caring person, someone who preferred peace and privacy. That calm nature would later play an important role in her family life.

How Alison Berns Met Howard Stern

Alison met Howard in college, and their story feels like something from a movie. Howard was a student at Boston University, working on a film project for one of his classes. He asked Alison to act in the project, and that’s how they first connected.

At first, Alison didn’t want to be in the film. But Howard kept calling her and finally convinced her. He even joked that she was his “dream girl” and had the perfect face for the camera.

Their connection was instant. Howard later said that within just one week of dating Alison, he knew he wanted to marry her. The two young students fell deeply in love — long before Howard became a star.

Alison Berns and Howard Stern’s Marriage Story

Alison and Howard got married on June 4, 1978, at Temple Ohabei Shalom in Brookline, Massachusetts. At the time, they were just a young couple starting their lives together. Howard wasn’t famous yet, and Alison supported him in every way.

As Howard’s fame grew, their lives became more public. But Alison stayed grounded. She didn’t seek fame. She focused on her home and raising their children. People admired how she stayed strong, even when the spotlight was on them.

They were married for over 20 years, which is a long time, especially in the entertainment world.

Alison Berns as a Wife and Mother

Alison wasn’t just Howard Stern’s wife — she was also a dedicated mother. Together, they had three daughters:

• Emily Beth Stern (born 1983)

• Deborah Jennifer Stern (born 1986)

• Ashley Jade Stern (born 1993)

Alison focused most of her energy on her kids. She raised them with love, care, and patience. While Howard was busy with his radio show, Alison was the steady hand at home.

She didn’t just stay silent, though. Sometimes, she would call into Howard’s show to keep him in check if he said something inappropriate. She wasn’t afraid to speak up, especially when it came to protecting her family.

Alison Berns’ Acting Career in the 1990s

While Alison wasn’t a full-time actress, she did appear in several of Howard’s projects during the 1980s and 1990s. Some of her known appearances include:

• Negligee and Underpants Party (1988)

• U.S. Open Sores (1989)

• Private Parts (1997, Howard’s biographical film)

She also made regular appearances on The Howard Stern Show. But acting was never her main goal. It was more about helping Howard and being part of his work.

Eventually, Alison left acting behind and focused on other things. Later in life, she became interested in mental health and social work, something she quietly pursued away from the cameras.

What Caused the Divorce Between Alison Berns and Howard Stern?

Alison and Howard seemed like the perfect couple, but things weren’t always easy behind the scenes. Howard’s obsession with work and his rising fame started to affect their relationship.

In one well-known moment from 1995, Alison called into Howard’s show live on air and confronted him about their personal life. It shocked many listeners and gave a glimpse into their struggles at home.

Howard later admitted that he was so focused on success that he neglected his family. He said their marriage was great, but he failed as a husband. They officially separated in 1999, and their divorce was finalized in 2001.

Even though the divorce was hard, they remained respectful, especially for the sake of their daughters.

Life After Divorce

After the divorce in 2001, Alison Berns quietly stepped away from public life. Unlike many celebrity ex-wives, she didn’t write a book, give big interviews, or make headlines. Instead, she chose peace, privacy, and a fresh start.

Later that same year, Alison married David Scott Simon. Some people thought he was the famous real estate mogul, but he’s not. David is a private man, and their life together has stayed out of the spotlight. Alison seemed to finally find the quiet and support she needed after years in the public eye.

Since then, she’s focused on living a calm and happy life, away from cameras and gossip. No drama. No noise. Just peace.

Where Is Alison Berns Now?

Today, Alison Berns lives a very private life. Reports say she splits her time between Roslyn Heights, New York, and Delray Beach, Florida. She doesn’t appear in public events, and she isn’t active on social media.

Some sources say she now works as a psychotherapist or social worker. This makes sense, considering she studied social work at Columbia University. Helping people seems to fit her calm and caring personality.

She’s not chasing fame. Instead, Alison is enjoying a life focused on family, healing, and quiet happiness — far from the spotlight she once shared with Howard Stern.

Alison Berns’ Children With Howard Stern

Alison and Howard have three daughters, and she remains very close to all of them. Let’s look at where they are now:

• Emily Beth Stern – She is an actress, singer, and artist. Emily has shared her spiritual journey through music and writing.

• Deborah Jennifer Stern – She once acted but now runs her own consulting company and has a very private life.

• Ashley Jade Stern – She became a nurse practitioner and is known for staying completely out of the public eye.

Alison has always been protective of her daughters. Even after the divorce, she and Howard made sure to raise their children with love and support. They stayed friendly for the sake of the kids.

Alison Berns Net Worth and Financial Life

Thanks to her long marriage to Howard Stern, Alison Berns’ net worth is estimated to be between $10 million and $50 million. At the time of their divorce, Howard was already very successful, and it’s believed Alison received a large settlement.

She also sold their Old Westbury, NY home for over $1.6 million in 2003. In 2015, she and her new husband bought a beautiful house in Florida worth $1.54 million.

Today, Alison is financially secure. She doesn’t live a flashy life, but she has clearly built a stable and comfortable future for herself.

After Alison, Howard Stern later married Beth Ostrosky Stern in 2008. Beth is very different from Alison. She is a model, actress, and animal rights advocate — often seen in magazines and events.

Alison, on the other hand, has chosen a very quiet life. No red carpets, no interviews, and no celebrity lifestyle. But that doesn’t make her story less important.

Many fans still admire Alison Berns for staying true to herself. She was with Howard when he had nothing and stood by him through his rise to fame. Her strength and grace made her a very important part of Howard’s journey.

Final Thoughts

Some people still call her “Howard Stern’s ex-wife”, but Alison Berns is much more than that.

She was part of Howard’s life when it truly mattered — during the early struggles, the family-building years, and the peak of his fame. She helped raise three strong and smart daughters. She faced public attention and personal pain with quiet dignity.

And today, she’s proof that you can walk away from fame and still build a full, peaceful, and meaningful life. Whether she’s working as a therapist or enjoying retirement, Alison Berns has earned her peace.

She didn’t need to chase attention to leave her mark. Her story is powerful because it’s real — and it reminds us that starting over can sometimes be the best thing you ever do.

(FAQs)

When did Alison Berns marry and divorce Howard Stern?

Alison married Howard Stern on June 4, 1978, and they divorced in 2001 after 23 years of marriage.

Who is Alison Berns married to now?

She married David Scott Simon in November 2001, just months after her divorce from Howard Stern.

How old is Alison Berns and when is her birthday?

Alison Berns was born on May 26, 1954. She is 71 years old as of 2025.

How many children does Alison Berns have?

She has three daughters with Howard Stern — Emily Beth, Deborah Jennifer, and Ashley Jade Stern.

Where is Alison Berns now, and what does she do in 2025?

As of 2025, Alison lives a private life in Roslyn Heights, New York, and Delray Beach, Florida. She is believed to work as a psychotherapist or mental health counselor.