Phyllis Minkoff: Family, Career, and Personal Life

Phyllis Minkoff: Family, Career, and Personal Life

Phyllis Minkoff is mostly popular because of her ex-husband, Maury Povich. This article delves into her background, career, and more.

Background

Phyllis Minkoff was born on February 15, 1941 in Washington DC, United States. The names of her parents are Hyman Joseph Minkoff and Ida Minkoff. Her father, Mr Hyman, owned and operated the 1940 liquor store Acme Liquors. There is no information on her upbringing. However, we do know she has a brother named Larry Minkoff.

Career

Phyllis Minkoff worked in communications and public relations – no word on whether she worked for a firm or as a consultant. Phyllis enjoyed participating in planned parenthood when she wasn’t working in communication.

Personal Life

Phyllis Minkoff was married to Maury Povich from 1962 to 1979 and together they have two kids; Susan Anne Povich and Amy Povich. Unfortunately, she passed away at the age of 83.

Her Ex-Husband, Maury Povich

Phyllis Minkoff: Family, Career, and Personal Life

Maury Povich is a name synonymous with paternity test and dramatic confrontation icon who has appeared on television many times. But before the screaming guests and the iconic “You are NOT the father!” pronouncements, Povich made a name for himself as a respected newsman.

Born in Washington, D.C., in 1939, Povich is a native of the journalism community. His father, sportswriter Shirley Povich, ran The Washington Post. That influence drew Maury to the University of Pennsylvania in 1962 for a bachelor of television journalism degree.

Povich started in radio but went on to television. He served as a reporter and sportscaster in Washington D.C. He later presented an everyday talk show called Panorama. This gave him national exposure for his charisma and interviewing skills.

The late 1980s saw Povich move toward tabloid infotainment. Then he hosted “A Current Affair,” which delivers sensational stories and investigative reporting. The program received high ratings but was criticized for aggressive interviewing.

In 1991, Povich started his own talk show – initially titled The Maury Povich show. The program grew out of paternity disputes, relationships drama and crazy guest stories. Its signature feature – paternity by DNA testing – became a pop culture staple – with the phrase “You are not the father!” ringing in living rooms across the nation.

“Maury” as it was later called lasted more than three decades. It was a cultural touchstone – parodied in scores of shows and used in everyday conversation. The show made Povich a television personality and reportedly netted him an estimated tens of million of dollars.

Beyond the drama onscreen, Povich has an average private life. He married twice – to Phyllis Minkoff with whom he has two children – and to journalist Connie Chung, his wife since 1984.

In 2022, Povich will left “Maury,” daytime television’s last great show but he remains the tabloid talk show king. He leaves behind both controversy and a television career that will live in television history.