Burt Sugarman Net Worth 2024, Salary and Earnings: Burt Sugarman, a renowned American television producer and businessman, has an estimated net worth of $100 million in 2024, primarily earned through his successful career in TV production, including creating the iconic show “The Midnight Special.”
Key Takeaways
- Burt Sugarman has an estimated net worth of $100 million.
- He is a renowned television and film producer.
- Sugarman created the iconic variety show “The Midnight Special”.
- He is married to former “Entertainment Tonight” host Mary Hart.
- The couple owns several high-value properties across the United States.
Burt Sugarman: A Television Titan’s Net Worth and Legacy
Burt Sugarman, a name synonymous with television production excellence, has left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry. With a career spanning several decades, Sugarman has amassed not only a significant fortune but also a legacy that continues to influence modern television.
Net Worth and Financial Success
Burt Sugarman’s net worth is estimated at $100 million, a testament to his successful career in television and film production. This figure represents a combined net worth with his wife, Mary Hart, herself a television personality of considerable renown.
Sugarman’s financial success stems from various ventures:
- Television Production: Creating and producing hit shows like “The Midnight Special”.
- Film Production: Producing critically acclaimed movies such as “Children of a Lesser God”.
- Business Investments: Owning shares in media firms and entertainment companies.
- Real Estate: Maintaining a portfolio of high-value properties.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Born on January 4, 1939, in Los Angeles, California, Burton Roy Sugarman grew up in a family that owned a pharmacy. His early interests were far from the glitz of Hollywood—as a teenager, he was passionate about dirt bikes and even won a California drag-racing championship.
Sugarman’s path to entertainment was unconventional. After graduating from the University of Southern California with a finance degree, he initially entered the automotive industry. He sold cars and started a company handling financing contracts. His entrepreneurial spirit led him to distribute Italian and American luxury cars in North America.
Transition to Television
At 28, Sugarman found himself bored with the automotive industry and sought new challenges. This restlessness led him to the world of show business, where he would make his most significant impact.
Notable Productions and Achievements
Sugarman’s production credits are extensive and impressive:
- “The Midnight Special” (1972-1981): His most iconic creation, showcasing live musical performances.
- “The Richard Pryor Show” (1977): A groundbreaking but short-lived comedy series.
- “Celebrity Sweepstakes” (1974): A popular game show of the era.
- “Children of a Lesser God” (1986): A film that earned him an Academy Award nomination.
Business Ventures Beyond Production
Sugarman’s business acumen extended beyond television and film production. In the late 1970s, he owned shares in Old Tucson Corporation, which operated amusement parks. He was also part-owner of Barris Industries, a significant player in the entertainment industry.
Personal Life and Family
Burt Sugarman’s personal life has been as eventful as his professional one. He has been married three times:
- Pauline Schur (1957-1961)
- Carol Wayne (1975-1980)
- Mary Hart (1989-present)
His marriage to Mary Hart, former host of “Entertainment Tonight,” has been his longest and most stable relationship. The couple has one son, Alec Jay (AJ), born in 1991.
Real Estate Investments
The Sugarman-Hart family has made significant investments in real estate:
- Los Angeles: Owned a condo at the Ritz Carlton, sold for $6.7 million in 2018.
- West Hollywood: Multiple units in the Sierra Towers, totaling about $15 million in investments.
- Montana: Properties in the exclusive Yellowstone Club, including a 160-acre ranch.
Their real estate portfolio is estimated to be worth at least $50 million.
Legacy and Influence
Burt Sugarman’s influence on television cannot be overstated. “The Midnight Special” changed the landscape of music on TV, providing a platform for live performances that was unprecedented at the time. His work in both television and film has earned him critical acclaim, including an Academy Award nomination and a Primetime Emmy nomination.
Latest News
In a recent development, Burt Sugarman’s iconic creation “The Midnight Special” has found a new home on YouTube. As reported by the Los Angeles Times about 18 months ago, classic performances from legendary artists such as David Bowie, Linda Ronstadt, and Tina Turner are now available on the popular video-sharing platform.
This move to digitize and share clips from “The Midnight Special” introduces Sugarman’s groundbreaking show to a new generation of viewers. It also preserves and celebrates the rich musical history captured by the program during its original run from 1972 to 1981.
Burt Sugarman’s net worth of $100 million reflects a lifetime of success in the entertainment industry. From his early days as a car enthusiast to becoming a television production powerhouse, Sugarman’s career trajectory is a fascinating study in versatility and business acumen. His legacy in television, particularly with “The Midnight Special,” continues to resonate in today’s music and variety show formats. While he may not be as active in production today, Sugarman’s impact on the entertainment industry remains significant, and his financial success serves as a blueprint for aspiring producers and entrepreneurs in the field.
Also Read:
