Phyllis Minkoff is an American woman best known as the first wife of retired television host Maury Povich. The couple married in 1962 and spent 17 years together before divorcing in 1979. They share two daughters, Susan and Amy. Beyond her connection to Povich, Minkoff has been described as a public relations professional who later built a family life in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
Quick Bio
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Phyllis Minkoff |
| Date of Birth | February 15, 1941 (reported) |
| Age | 85 years (as of October 2026, based on reported birth date) |
| Birthplace | Washington, D.C., United States |
| Nationality | American |
| Profession | Public relations and communications professional (reported) |
| Known For | First wife of Maury Povich |
| First Husband | Maury Povich (1962–1979) |
| Second Husband | Philip Baskin (around 1980–2005) |
| Children | Susan Anne Povich and Amy Joyce Povich |
| Stepchildren | Janice Gondelman and Shoshana Nudel |
| Estimated Net Worth | Around $1 million (secondary estimates) |
| Later Partner | Earl Aussenberg (died 2022) |
Who Is Phyllis Minkoff?
Phyllis Minkoff became known through her marriage to Maury Povich, the longtime host of the popular daytime talk show Maury. Their relationship began before Povich became a nationally recognized television personality.
Unlike her former husband, Minkoff maintained a relatively private life. Her background has been associated with communications and public relations, although her professional career has received less media coverage than her marriages and family relationships.
Early Life and Background
Phyllis Minkoff was reportedly born on February 15, 1941, in Washington, D.C., making her 85 years old in 2026. Published biographies identify her parents as Hyman Joseph Minkoff and Ida Minkoff.
She reportedly grew up alongside her brother, Larry Minkoff. Her childhood and education have received limited coverage, but Washington, D.C., remained an important part of her early life. She later became connected to the city’s broadcasting community through her marriage to Maury Povich.
Marriage to Maury Povich
Phyllis Minkoff married Maury Povich in 1962, when he was beginning his broadcasting career. Their marriage developed during a period when Povich was establishing himself as a television journalist and presenter.
Povich joined Washington television station WTTG in 1966 and began hosting Panorama in 1967. As his career progressed, the couple raised their two daughters while navigating the demands of his work.
Their marriage ended in divorce in 1979 after approximately 17 years. Povich later became nationally famous through A Current Affair and his syndicated talk show, Maury, which aired from 1991 to 2022.
Why Did They Divorce?
The specific circumstances behind Phyllis Minkoff and Maury Povich’s divorce have never been fully explained by both former spouses.
However, Povich has acknowledged that his early career ambitions affected his family life. In comments reported by People, he reflected on putting professional responsibilities ahead of his marriage and children.
His remarks provide some perspective on their separation, although they do not explain every aspect of the relationship. The couple divorced in 1979 and eventually continued their lives with different partners.
Phyllis Minkoff’s Children
Phyllis Minkoff and Maury Povich have two daughters, Susan Anne Povich and Amy Joyce Povich. Both have established careers outside their father’s television industry.
Susan Anne Povich, born in June 1963, graduated from Harvard Law School and initially worked as an attorney. She later entered the restaurant business, co-founding Red Hook Lobster Pound in Brooklyn with her husband, Ralph Gorham.
Amy Joyce Povich was born on January 5, 1967. She pursued acting and earned a master’s degree from Yale. Her film credits include Transamerica (2005). She married physician and author Dr. David Agus in 1994.
Minkoff also became part of a blended family through her second marriage. Philip Baskin had two daughters, Janice Gondelman and Shoshana Nudel, who became Susan and Amy’s stepsisters.
Second Marriage to Philip Baskin
After divorcing Maury Povich, Phyllis Minkoff married Philip Baskin around 1980. Baskin was a respected Pittsburgh attorney and former city councilman who served from 1961 to 1969.
Their marriage connected Minkoff to Pittsburgh, where Baskin had built an established legal career. Together, they shared a blended family that included children from their previous marriages.
The couple remained married for approximately 25 years until Baskin died on January 2, 2005, at age 83. His obituary in the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette confirms their marriage and describes his contributions to Pittsburgh’s legal and civic communities.
Career and Professional Life
Phyllis Minkoff has been described in several biographies as a public relations and communications professional. Her reported work involved media communication and public engagement, although specific employers and professional achievements have received limited independent coverage.
Some secondary accounts also associate her with charitable activities, women’s causes, and political interests. However, her individual involvement in particular organizations is not extensively documented.
Unlike Maury Povich, whose career unfolded before television audiences, Minkoff kept her professional life largely separate from public entertainment.
Phyllis Minkoff’s Net Worth
Phyllis Minkoff’s net worth has been estimated at around $1 million by secondary celebrity biography websites. The reported amount is commonly linked to her career in public relations and communications.
However, the estimate is not supported by detailed financial records, making it difficult to establish her actual wealth. Her former husband’s broadcasting earnings and professional success should not be confused with her personal finances.
Personal Life After Philip Baskin
Following Philip Baskin’s death, Minkoff maintained family connections in Pittsburgh. Her later personal life included a relationship with Earl Aussenberg, an industrial engineer and certified public accountant.
Aussenberg’s obituary, published by the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, identified Phyllis Baskin as his loving partner. It also mentioned his close relationship with members of her extended family.
Aussenberg died on March 22, 2022, at age 88. His obituary provides an important documented reference to Minkoff’s later life and family relationships.
Where Is Phyllis Minkoff Now?
Phyllis Minkoff has maintained a private lifestyle for many years. Her later family history is closely associated with Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, although recent information about her residence and activities is limited.
She has not developed a recognizable presence on major social media platforms or regularly appeared in entertainment interviews.
While her former husband’s career continued to attract media coverage, Minkoff generally remained outside the spotlight. Her family relationships provide the clearest available picture of her life in recent decades.
Her Connection to Connie Chung
Maury Povich married television journalist Connie Chung in 1984, five years after his divorce from Minkoff. Chung became widely recognized for her work with major American television networks.
Povich and Chung adopted their son, Matthew Jay Povich, in 1995. Maury therefore has three children: Susan and Amy from his marriage to Minkoff and Matthew from his marriage to Chung.
Although their family histories are connected through Povich, Minkoff and Chung belong to different periods of his personal life. Povich and Chung remained married in 2026, more than four decades after their wedding.
Final Thoughts
Phyllis Minkoff’s life extends beyond her marriage to Maury Povich. She raised two daughters, became part of a blended family through her marriage to Philip Baskin, and maintained personal connections in Pittsburgh.
Although she has never pursued the same public recognition as her former husband, her family history remains an important part of Povich’s personal story. Her quieter life reflects a path largely separate from the television fame that brought her name into public attention.
Frequently Asked Questions
How old is Phyllis Minkoff?
Phyllis Minkoff was reportedly born on February 15, 1941, making her 85 years old as of October 2026.
Why is Phyllis Minkoff famous?
She is best known as the first wife of Maury Povich, the American television host famous for his long-running daytime talk show Maury.
How many children does Phyllis Minkoff have?
She has two biological daughters, Susan Anne Povich and Amy Joyce Povich, from her marriage to Maury Povich. Her second marriage also brought two stepdaughters into the family.
Did Phyllis Minkoff remarry after Maury Povich?
Yes. She married Pittsburgh attorney and former city councilman Philip Baskin around 1980. They remained married until his death in January 2005.
What is Phyllis Minkoff’s estimated net worth?
Her net worth is commonly estimated at approximately $1 million by celebrity biography websites, although the figure is not supported by detailed financial records.
