What Happened to Phyllis Minkoff, Maury Povich's Ex-Wife?

You may know Maury Povich, the famous TV host who made his name with the dramatic talk show Maury. But behind this public figure, there was a woman who played a big role in his early life—Phyllis Minkoff. She was Maury’s first wife, and though her name is often tied to his, Phyllis has her own story—a story of love, family, career, and quiet strength.

In this article, we’ll dive into the life of Phyllis Minkoff. From her early days in Washington, D.C. to her two marriages, her children, and her life today, we’ll cover everything you need to know about Maury Povich’s ex-wife. Let’s get started!

Phyllis Minkoff Quick Bio


Full Name	Phyllis Minkoff
Date of Birth	February 15, 1941
Age	85 (as of 2026)
Place of Birth	Washington, D.C., USA
Ethnicity	White
Nationality	American
Religion	Christianity
Hair Color	Grey
Eye Color	Blue
Marital Status	Widowed
First Husband	Maury Povich (1962–1979)
Second Husband	Phillip Baskin (1980–2005)
Children	4 (Susan, Amy, Shoshana, Janice)
Profession	Communications & PR Expert
Net Worth	$1 million
Current Residence	Greater Pittsburgh, PA

Phyllis Minkoff Early Life and Family

Phyllis Minkoff was born on February 15, 1941, in Washington, D.C., making her a proud Washingtonian. She grew up in a tight-knit Jewish-American family. Her father, Hyman Joseph Minkoff, was a businessman who owned a local liquor store called Acme Liquors. Her mother, Ida Minkoff, was a homemaker who cared for Phyllis and her brother, Larry Minkoff.

Phyllis’s upbringing in the heart of D.C. shaped her strong personality. Although not much is known about her childhood education, those close to her describe her as a thoughtful, strong-willed, and kind person. She wasn’t one to chase the spotlight, but rather preferred working behind the scenes, quietly making things happen. This characteristic would serve her well later in life.

How Phyllis Minkoff Became Maury Povich’s Ex-Wife

Phyllis’s story really starts when she met Maury Povich. The couple married in 1962, when Maury was still making his way through the world of broadcasting. At the time, Maury wasn’t the household name he would eventually become—he was just beginning to find his feet in the industry. Phyllis was there, standing beside him as he built his career.

Their marriage lasted for 17 years. During this time, they had two daughters: Susan Anne and Amy Joyce. Phyllis supported Maury as he moved into TV talk shows and gained national fame. But like many relationships, theirs faced challenges. They eventually divorced in 1979. The reasons behind their split have never been fully public, but it’s widely believed that they simply grew apart over time.

Phyllis remarried just a year after her divorce from Maury, sparking some curiosity in the media. However, both Phyllis and Maury moved on from their marriage quietly and respectfully, with no public drama.

The Impact of Divorce

After her divorce from Maury, Phyllis embraced her new life. Rather than being defined by her past marriage, she chose to live on her own terms. She remarried in 1980 to Phillip Baskin, a well-respected attorney and city councilman from Pittsburgh.

This second marriage gave Phyllis a fresh start. She and Phillip lived in Pittsburgh, where they spent over 25 years together. Unfortunately, Phillip passed away in 2005 due to complications from Alzheimer’s disease. Phyllis remained by his side throughout his illness, showing the same quiet strength she had displayed all her life.

Phyllis Minkoff’s Career in Communications

While Phyllis may not have chased fame, she had a fulfilling career. She worked in the communications and public relations field, where she quietly built a reputation for herself. Although she didn’t seek attention, she was well-respected in her industry for her problem-solving skills, clear communication, and ability to build strong relationships.

Phyllis worked with private clients and firms (though the specifics are not widely known), handling public image, media strategy, and more. At a time when many women were expected to stay at home, Phyllis boldly stepped into a professional role, showing that women could succeed in any career they chose.

Phyllis and Maury’s Children

Phyllis Minkoff is the proud mother of four daughters. Two of them, Susan Anne and Amy Joyce, were from her marriage to Maury. The other two, Shoshana Nudel and Janice Gondelman, came from her second marriage to Phillip Baskin.

Susan Anne Povich is a lawyer and chef who later started her own successful food business.
Amy Joyce Povich pursued a career in acting and is now married to Dr. David Agus, a well-known physician.

Though Phyllis’s daughters have led relatively private lives, they have each made their mark in their respective fields.

Life with Maury

Phyllis was an important part of Maury’s life, especially in his early years. As Maury moved from the world of journalism to hosting his famous talk show, Maury, Phyllis was there supporting him every step of the way. But while Maury’s fame grew, Phyllis remained behind the scenes, choosing to support him in the background rather than seek the spotlight for herself.

Their family life was not always easy, but Phyllis played a big role in keeping things grounded during the early days of Maury’s career.

Phyllis Minkoff’s Role in Politics and Advocacy

Though Phyllis has lived a mostly private life, she has always been passionate about social and political causes. She has publicly supported several political campaigns, including backing Hillary Clinton in her 2016 presidential run. Phyllis also showed support for politicians like Bernie Sanders and Joe Kennedy III.

Phyllis didn’t just talk about change—she actively participated in causes she believed in. She was part of the Women’s Liberation Front, which advocates for women’s rights and gender equality. Phyllis used her voice to support causes that aligned with her values, demonstrating her commitment to making a difference.

Phyllis Minkoff’s Philanthropy

Phyllis’s commitment to giving back extends beyond politics. She has supported several nonprofit organizations and animal shelters, offering both her time and financial support to causes she cares about. For example, she has donated to Planned Parenthood and other organizations focused on women’s health.

Her philanthropy shows a side of Phyllis that not many know. Even without seeking public recognition, Phyllis has been quietly making the world a better place.

Phyllis Minkoff’s Life Today

Now in her 80s, Phyllis Minkoff lives a quiet and peaceful life in Greater Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. She enjoys her privacy, staying out of the public eye and away from the limelight. Unlike her ex-husband Maury, who continues to be a well-known TV personality, Phyllis has chosen to live a calm and low-profile life, focusing on her family and personal well-being.

Phyllis stays close to her family and enjoys spending time with her daughters and grandchildren. She values her privacy and lives with a sense of contentment, having built a life that’s free from the chaos of fame. It’s clear that Phyllis has found happiness in the simple things, like her community, her family, and the causes she cares about.

Phyllis Minkoff’s Net Worth

Phyllis Minkoff’s net worth is estimated to be around $1 million. While this is far from the huge fortune of her ex-husband, Maury Povich, who has a net worth of $80 million, Phyllis has always been independent and focused on her own career. She earned her living through her work in communications and public relations, building a solid foundation for herself.

Phyllis wasn’t interested in chasing fame or wealth. Instead, she chose to build a career she could be proud of and live a fulfilling life. She has made smart choices over the years and has enjoyed the rewards of hard work and dedication. Phyllis’s life proves that success doesn’t always mean having millions of dollars—it’s about living with purpose and values.

Is Phyllis Minkoff Still in Touch with Maury Povich?

There’s no clear evidence that Phyllis Minkoff and Maury Povich remain in contact after their divorce. They both moved on with their lives, and Maury remarried Connie Chung in 1984. The two became a famous media couple and adopted a son, Matthew Jay Povich, in 1995.

Phyllis and Maury seem to have gone their separate ways after their divorce. While Maury continued his career in the spotlight, Phyllis chose a much quieter path. It’s likely that their interactions, if any, have been private and away from the public eye.

Key Takeaways

Phyllis Minkoff’s life is a reminder that being in the spotlight doesn’t define a person’s worth. Though she was once married to a famous TV host, Phyllis built her own identity outside of Maury Povich’s shadow. She raised four children, made a successful career for herself, and found happiness in giving back to the community.

Her story shows that success isn’t about wealth or fame—it’s about living a life that aligns with your values. Phyllis’s quiet strength and dedication to her family, career, and causes are a testament to her character. Even though she’s not in the headlines, her story is one worth telling.

Final Thoughts

Phyllis Minkoff is much more than Maury Povich’s ex-wife. She’s a mother, a career woman, and a community advocate who has lived a fulfilling life away from the media spotlight. While her connection to Maury brought her some attention, her life is a powerful example of someone who found success on her own terms.

Today, Phyllis continues to live quietly, enjoying her family and remaining active in causes she believes in. Her story is one of resilience, independence, and love—a story that shows you don’t need the world’s attention to lead a meaningful life.