Phyllis Minkoff’s Real Story: Her Marriage, Career, and New Life

You may have heard of Maury Povich, the famous TV host known for his dramatic talk show, Maury. But before his big TV career took off, there was a woman quietly standing beside him — Phyllis Minkoff.

Phyllis is not just “Maury’s first wife.” She has her own story — full of love, work, family, and quiet strength. Over the years, she built a solid career in public relations, raised four children, and supported political and social causes close to her heart. Today, many people are curious about who she really is and what happened after the spotlight moved away.

In this article, we’ll walk through Phyllis Minkoff’s real story — from her early life to her two marriages, her children, and her quiet new life today. Let’s begin at the start.

Phyllis Minkoff Quick Bio

Phyllis Minkoff’s Early Life in Washington, D.C.

Phyllis Minkoff was born on February 15, 1941, in Washington, D.C. She grew up in a close-knit Jewish-American family. Her father, Hyman Joseph Minkoff, was a well-known businessman who owned a local liquor store called Acme Liquors. Her mother, Ida Minkoff, was a supportive homemaker who helped raise the family.

Phyllis wasn’t an only child — she had a brother named Larry Minkoff. Together, they spent their childhood in the heart of D.C., during a time when the city was changing and growing. It was a simple yet strong beginning that shaped who she would become later in life.

Phyllis’s Education and Personality

There isn’t much public information about where Phyllis went to school, but it’s clear she was smart, curious, and determined. People close to her described her as thoughtful, strong-willed, and kind. Even at a young age, she showed a deep interest in communication, social issues, and public life.

She didn’t chase the spotlight — she liked being the person who worked behind the scenes, making things happen quietly and effectively. That would later help her build a meaningful career in communications and public relations.

Her Career in Communications and PR

Phyllis spent much of her adult life working in communications and public relations, though she never craved attention for it. She either worked with private clients or firms (the details are not fully public), but people who knew her say she was very professional and respected in her field.

She had a talent for solving problems, sharing messages clearly, and building strong connections. Whether it was helping someone shape their public image or supporting political campaigns, Phyllis Minkoff made her mark quietly but powerfully. In a time when many women were expected to stay home, she stepped into a professional role with confidence and grace.

Phyllis Minkoff and Maury Povich’s Marriage

In 1962, Phyllis married Maurice Richard Povich, who we now know as Maury Povich. At that time, Maury was still climbing his way up in the world of news and television. Together, they were a strong and promising couple living in Washington, D.C.

Their marriage lasted 17 years, during which they raised a family and supported each other’s careers. Phyllis stood by Maury during his early broadcasting days, even as he moved into TV talk shows and began gaining national fame.

It wasn’t a Hollywood-style marriage, but it was real, filled with the ups and downs that come with love, work, and raising children.

Why Did Phyllis and Maury Divorce?

In 1979, Phyllis and Maury ended their marriage after nearly two decades together. They never shared public details about the reason. But many believe they simply grew apart as their lives changed.

Maury’s fame was growing quickly, and Phyllis may have wanted a quieter, more private life. There were also whispers that she remarried soon after the divorce, which sparked some public curiosity. But no drama was confirmed, and both moved on respectfully.

Even after their split, Phyllis Minkoff’s story didn’t stop there. In fact, her next chapter turned out to be just as meaningful.

Phyllis Minkoff’s Second Marriage to Phillip Baskin

In 1980, just a year after her divorce from Maury, Phyllis married Phillip Baskin. Phillip was a well-respected attorney and city councilman in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He wasn’t a celebrity, but he was very active in local government and community issues.

Together, Phyllis and Phillip built a new life in Pittsburgh. Their marriage lasted 25 years, until Phillip sadly passed away in 2005 due to Alzheimer’s disease. Phyllis stayed by his side through it all, showing the same quiet strength she had shown throughout her life.

This second marriage gave her a fresh start — one that was rooted in family, community, and deep care for others.

Phyllis Minkoff’s Children

Phyllis Minkoff is the proud mother of four daughters — two from each of her marriages.

With Maury Povich, she had Susan Anne Povich and Amy Joyce Povich. Susan grew up to become a lawyer and later opened a successful food business. Amy followed a creative path and became an actress.

From her second marriage to Phillip Baskin, Phyllis had Shoshana Nudel and Janice Gondelman. Both daughters have kept private lives and stayed out of the public eye, much like their mother.

Through all her life changes, Phyllis always put her children first. She raised them with care and values, helping them grow into independent women with strong voices.

Phyllis Minkoff’s Political and Social Work

Phyllis Minkoff has always cared deeply about the world around her. Even though she stayed away from the spotlight, she used her voice to support causes she believed in.

In 2016, she publicly supported Hillary Clinton’s run for president. She also backed other political figures like Bernie Sanders and Joe Kennedy III. Phyllis believed in strong leadership and equal rights for everyone, especially women.

She was also part of the Women’s Liberation Front, a group that supports women’s rights. She didn’t just talk about change — she took action by supporting community projects and lending her voice to important issues.

Her Support for Nonprofits and Animal Shelters

Besides politics, Phyllis spent time supporting nonprofit groups and animal shelters. She gave donations and offered help to causes that needed attention.

For example, she supported Planned Parenthood projects, which help women with health and family planning. She also cared about the safety and care of animals, and donated to local shelters that rescued and protected them.

This side of Phyllis Minkoff shows how much she cared — not just about her family, but about people and animals who needed help. She lived with kindness and compassion.

Phyllis Minkoff’s Life in Greater Pittsburgh

After her second marriage, Phyllis settled in Greater Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. She chose to live a simple and private life, away from the busy world of television and fame.

She doesn’t have social media and rarely appears in public stories. But neighbors and people in her community remember her as kind, gentle, and warm-hearted.

Even in her older years, Phyllis keeps life peaceful. She enjoys time with her family, takes part in local efforts, and continues to live with purpose — even if the cameras are no longer watching.

What Is Phyllis Minkoff’s Net Worth?

As of 2025, Phyllis Minkoff’s net worth is estimated to be around $1 million. While she never chased wealth or fame, she built a steady and respected career in communications and public relations.

She earned her living through years of honest work, smart choices, and by staying true to her values. Compared to her ex-husband Maury Povich’s $80 million net worth, Phyllis kept things much simpler — and that’s how she liked it.

Her story shows that success doesn’t always mean being rich or famous. It can also mean living a life you’re proud of.

Is She Still in Touch With Maury Povich?

There’s no public news that Phyllis Minkoff and Maury Povich stayed in close contact after their divorce. They both moved on with new partners and built separate lives.

Maury married Connie Chung, a well-known news anchor, in 1984. The couple later adopted a son named Matthew Jay Povich. They became a power couple in media, while Phyllis chose a quieter and more personal path.

Even though they took different roads, both seem to have found peace in their own ways.

Phyllis Minkoff’s Life Today

In 2025, Phyllis Minkoff is now 84 years old. She lives a quiet and comfortable life, surrounded by her family and away from public attention. She doesn’t need fame or big headlines — her life is full just as it is.

She is remembered by many as the woman who once stood beside a famous TV host. But more importantly, she is respected for her kindness, strength, and the work she did behind the scenes.

Phyllis’s story reminds us that even when you’re not in the spotlight, you can still lead a life that matters.

Final Thoughts

Phyllis Minkoff’s real story is one of love, change, and quiet strength. She supported a famous husband, built a career in PR, raised four wonderful daughters, and spent her later years helping others and living peacefully.

She didn’t need attention to make an impact. Her choices, values, and quiet kindness speak louder than any talk show ever could.

As people continue to ask, “Who was Maury Povich’s first wife?” — we now know the full answer. Phyllis Minkoff was much more than that. She was a professional, a mother, an advocate, and a woman who lived life her own way.

(FAQs)

How many times was Maury Povich married?

Maury Povich has been married twice. His first wife was Phyllis Minkoff (1962–1979), and his second wife is Connie Chung, whom he married in 1984.

What did Phyllis Minkoff look like when she was young?

Phyllis Minkoff was known for her graceful beauty and strong presence in her younger days. While she stayed out of the spotlight, she had a classic D.C. charm and carried herself with quiet confidence.

How old is Phyllis Minkoff, and what is her net worth now?

Phyllis Minkoff is 84 years old as of 2025. Despite living a very private life, her net worth is estimated at $1 million, built through her long career in communications and PR.

What happened between Phyllis Minkoff and Maury Povich?

Phyllis and Maury were married for 17 years but divorced in 1979. Their split was quiet, but Phyllis remarried just months later, which shocked many fans at the time.

Did Phyllis Minkoff remarry? How many kids does she have?

Yes, Phyllis married Phillip Baskin in 1980 after her divorce from Maury. She has four daughters — two with Maury (Susan and Amy) and two with Phillip (Shoshana and Janice).

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