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Phyllis Minkoff is best known as the first wife of American TV host Maury Povich. But there is much more to her life than just being married to a famous man. She built her own path as a communications professional, raised four daughters, supported social causes, and lived a life full of meaning and care. Even though she did not spend her life in the spotlight, she showed strength, love, and quiet success.
Quick Bio: Phyllis Minkoff
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Phyllis Minkoff |
| Date of Birth | 15 February 1941 |
| Place of Birth | Washington, D.C., USA |
| Profession | Communications and public relations expert |
| First Husband | Maury Povich (m. 1962, div. 1979) |
| Children (with Maury) | Susan Anne, Amy Joyce |
| Second Husband | Phillip Baskin (m. 1980, d. 2005) |
| Children (with Phillip) | Shoshana Nudel, Janice Gondelman |
| Parents | Hyman Joseph Minkoff and Ida Minkoff |
| Sibling | Brother: Larry Minkoff |
| Current Status | Widowed |
| Residence | Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA |
| Known For | Communications work, political activism, philanthropy |
| Estimated Net Worth | Around $1 million |
Early Life and Family Background
Phyllis Minkoff was born on 15 February 1941 in Washington, D.C. She grew up in a Jewish family. Her father, Hyman Joseph Minkoff, was a businessman who ran a liquor store called Acme Liquors. Her mother, Ida Minkoff, cared for the family home. She also had a brother named Larry Minkoff.
Phyllis grew up in a warm but modest environment. From an early age, she learned the values of hard work, discipline, and community. Washington, D.C. in the 1940s and 1950s was a busy place, full of politics and public life. This environment shaped Phyllis and helped her choose her career in communications and public relations.
Education and Career in Communications
Phyllis studied communication and public relations, fields that were becoming very important during her youth. Her career was not as public as her husband’s, but she found success in her own way.
She worked in communications and public relations, helping people and organizations share their messages clearly. She supported campaigns, social causes, and worked with communities. Her skills in communication made her respected in her circles, even though she preferred to stay out of the public spotlight.
Her work also connected her with politics. She supported progressive leaders and social causes. She joined campaigns and used her voice to help promote fairness, women’s rights, and equality. This side of her life showed that Phyllis was more than just the wife of a famous man, she was an independent thinker with her own path.
Marriage to Maury Povich
In 1962, Phyllis married Maury Povich, who at that time was a young journalist working in Washington, D.C. They were a young couple full of hope. Maury would later become a very famous TV personality, known for The Maury Povich Show, which focused on talk-show drama, family stories, and DNA test episodes that became part of American pop culture.
During their 17 years of marriage, Phyllis and Maury had two daughters:
- Susan Anne, born in 1963, who later became a lawyer and then a chef. She co-owns a restaurant in Brooklyn, New York.
- Amy Joyce, born in 1967, who became an actress and married Dr. David Agus, a well-known doctor and professor.
Phyllis’s marriage with Maury ended in 1979. The couple separated after almost two decades. While Maury went on to marry journalist Connie Chung in 1984, Phyllis started a new chapter in her life.
Life After Divorce: Marriage to Phillip Baskin
After her divorce, Phyllis did not let sadness define her. In 1980, she married Phillip Baskin, a lawyer and politician from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Phillip was active in public life and worked as a city councilman.
Together, Phyllis and Phillip had two daughters:
- Shoshana Nudel
- Janice Gondelman
Her second marriage brought her stability and a chance to build a family in Pittsburgh. She lived away from Hollywood and the media attention that often followed her ex-husband.
Unfortunately, Phillip suffered from Alzheimer’s disease and passed away in 2005. His illness was difficult for the family, but Phyllis stayed strong and took care of him until his passing. After his death, she became a widow but continued to focus on her family and community.
Role as a Mother
Phyllis is the proud mother of four daughters. She always put family first. Raising children from two marriages was not easy, but she managed it with care and balance.
- Susan and Amy grew up in the busy city life of Washington and New York.
- Shoshana and Janice grew up in Pittsburgh, in a quieter environment.
Each daughter followed her own path, but they were all influenced by Phyllis’s values of education, discipline, and independence. Her role as a mother is one of the strongest parts of her life story.
Political and Social Involvement
Phyllis was never a celebrity, but she was active in politics and social causes. She supported leaders and movements that she believed would bring positive change.
She supported:
- Hillary Clinton during her campaigns.
- Bernie Sanders in his run for president.
- Joe Kennedy III in his political journey.
She was also connected with the Women’s Liberation Front, showing her support for women’s rights.
Her actions show that she was not just a quiet housewife. She was a woman with opinions and courage who wanted to help build a better society.
Charity and Philanthropy
Phyllis also gave her time and resources to charities. She supported animal shelters, showing her love for animals. She also joined other community programs to help raise awareness for important issues.
Her giving nature showed her kindness and empathy. She may not have made headlines, but she made a difference in the lives of many people and animals.
Personal Character and Lifestyle
People who knew Phyllis describe her as graceful, thoughtful, and strong. She lived simply but with meaning. Unlike her famous ex-husband, she avoided media attention. Instead, she focused on building a private life filled with family, work, and giving back.
She valued education, independence, and fairness. Even in later years, she stayed active in supporting social causes and following politics.
Later Years and Legacy
Today, Phyllis Minkoff lives in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. She is now in her 80s but still remembered for her intelligence, strength, and kindness. She may not be as famous as Maury Povich, but her life is rich in its own way.
Her story shows that not all influence is public. Some people make a difference quietly, through family, community, and values. Phyllis Minkoff is one such person.
Final Thoughts
Phyllis Minkoff may not be a household name, but her life is inspiring. She shows us that you don’t need to be in the spotlight to make a difference. As a wife, mother, professional, and community supporter, she built a meaningful life.
10 Frequently Asked Questions About Phyllis Minkoff
1. Who is Phyllis Minkoff?
She is the first wife of TV host Maury Povich and a communications expert.
2. When was Phyllis Minkoff born?
She was born on 15 February 1941 in Washington, D.C.
3. Who were her parents?
Her parents were Hyman Joseph Minkoff and Ida Minkoff.
4. Did she marry more than once?
Yes, she married Maury Povich in 1962 and divorced him in 1979. Later, she married Phillip Baskin in 1980, who died in 2005.
5. How many children does she have?
She has four daughters: Susan Anne, Amy Joyce, Shoshana Nudel, and Janice Gondelman.
6. What is her profession?
She worked in communications and public relations.
7. Where does she live now?
She lives in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
8. What causes did she support?
She supported women’s rights, political leaders like Hillary Clinton and Bernie Sanders, and charities including animal shelters.
9. What happened to her second husband?
Phillip Baskin passed away in 2005 from Alzheimer’s disease.
10. What is her net worth?
Her net worth is estimated to be around $1 million.
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