Phyllis Minkoff is best known as the first wife of television personality Maury Povich, but her own story reaches far beyond that marriage. Born in Washington, D.C., she built a long career in public relations and communications while raising four children and staying active in political causes. Unlike her famous ex-husband, Minkoff has spent decades avoiding the spotlight, which has only fueled public curiosity about who she really is and how she has lived her life since their divorce. This article breaks down her background, career, family life, and current status in a clear and organized way.
Phyllis Minkoff Bio Table
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Phyllis Minkoff |
| Date of Birth | February 15, 1941 |
| Birthplace | Washington, D.C., United States |
| Age (2026) | 85 years old |
| Profession | Public Relations and Communications Specialist |
| First Spouse | Maury Povich (married 1962, divorced 1979) |
| Second Spouse | Phillip Baskin (married 1980, widowed 2005) |
| Children | Susan Anne Povich, Amy Joyce Povich, Shoshana Nudel, Janice Gondelman |
| Parents | Hyman Joseph Minkoff and Ida Minkoff |
| Sibling | Larry Minkoff |
| Political Affiliation | Democratic Party supporter, Women’s Liberation Front member |
| Estimated Net Worth | Approximately $1 million |
| Nationality | American |
Early Life and Family Background
Phyllis Minkoff was born on February 15, 1941, in Washington, D.C. Her father, Hyman Joseph Minkoff, ran a local business called Acme Liquors, which he opened around a year before her birth. Her mother, Ida Minkoff, managed the household. Phyllis grew up alongside her only sibling, a brother named Larry Minkoff, in a close-knit family setting typical of mid-century Washington.
Details about her early schooling remain private, as Minkoff has kept most of her personal history out of public records. What is clear is that her upbringing in the nation’s capital shaped her later interest in communications, media, and civic engagement.
Marriage to Maury Povich
Phyllis Minkoff married Maurice Richard Povich, widely known as Maury Povich, in 1962. At the time, Povich was just beginning his career in broadcast journalism, long before he became a household name as the host of the tabloid talk show “Maury.” The couple settled in the Washington, D.C. area and built their early adult life together during his rise in the television industry.
Their marriage lasted 17 years and produced two daughters, Susan Anne Povich and Amy Joyce Povich. By 1979, the couple’s paths had diverged as Povich’s career grew more demanding and public, while Minkoff preferred a quieter, more private lifestyle. The two finalized their divorce that year, reportedly without major public conflict.
Life After the Divorce
Following her split from Povich, Minkoff did not stay out of romantic life for long. In 1980, she married Phillip Baskin, an attorney and Pittsburgh city councilman. The couple relocated to Pittsburgh, where they welcomed two more children, expanding Minkoff’s family to four daughters in total.
This second marriage lasted 25 years until Baskin passed away in 2005 due to complications from Alzheimer’s disease. Minkoff has not remarried since his death and has continued to lead a private life focused on family and community involvement.
Career in Public Relations
Minkoff built her professional identity as a communications and public relations specialist, a career she pursued independently of her marriages. She has kept specific details about her employers and clients private, which fits with her broader preference for staying out of public records.
Her work in communications aligned closely with her personal interests in political advocacy and social causes. This combination allowed her to use professional skills to support issues she cared about, rather than simply working behind the scenes for corporate clients.
Political and Charitable Involvement
Minkoff has long been active in progressive political causes. She publicly supported Hillary Clinton’s 2016 presidential campaign as a member of the Women’s Liberation Front, an organization focused on women’s rights and advocacy. She has also shown support for other prominent political figures, including Senator Bernie Sanders and Joe Kennedy III.
Beyond politics, Minkoff has donated to various nonprofit organizations, with particular attention to animal welfare shelters across the United States. Her charitable work reflects a consistent pattern of quiet, behind-the-scenes contribution rather than public recognition.
Family Life and Children
Phyllis Minkoff is the mother of four daughters from her two marriages. Susan Anne Povich, her eldest daughter with Maury Povich, pursued careers as a lawyer, chef, and restaurateur. Amy Joyce Povich, her second daughter, became an actress and appeared in films including “Transamerica” and “Miss Match.”
From her marriage to Phillip Baskin, Minkoff had two additional daughters, Shoshana Nudel and Janice Gondelman. Both have maintained relatively private lives, with limited public information available about their careers or personal pursuits.
Where Is Phyllis Minkoff Now?
As of 2026, Phyllis Minkoff is in her mid-eighties and continues to live away from public attention. There is no public evidence that she and Maury Povich remain in close contact, though both have reportedly maintained a respectful relationship for the sake of their daughters. Povich went on to marry journalist Connie Chung in 1984, and the two remain married today.
Minkoff’s estimated net worth is around one million dollars, built entirely through her own career rather than any settlement or inheritance. This financial independence reflects the self-sufficient path she chose after her first marriage ended.
Conclusion
Phyllis Minkoff’s life shows that a brief connection to fame does not have to define a person. She built a steady career, raised four daughters, and stayed committed to causes she believed in, all while keeping her personal life private. Her story stands as a reminder that quiet, purposeful living can be just as meaningful as public recognition.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Phyllis Minkoff?
Phyllis Minkoff is an American public relations and communications specialist known for being the first wife of talk show host Maury Povich.
When did Phyllis Minkoff divorce Maury Povich?
Minkoff and Povich married in 1962 and divorced in 1979 after 17 years of marriage.
How many children does Phyllis Minkoff have?
She has four daughters: Susan Anne Povich and Amy Joyce Povich from her marriage to Povich, and Shoshana Nudel and Janice Gondelman from her marriage to Phillip Baskin.
What is Phyllis Minkoff’s net worth?
Her estimated net worth is around one million dollars, earned through her career in public relations and communications.
Is Phyllis Minkoff still alive in 2026?
Yes, as of 2026, Phyllis Minkoff is reported to be alive and living privately at 85 years old.
