35 Years Strong: Inside The Enduring Marriage Of Mary Hart And Producer Burt Sugarman (Latest 2025 Updates)

The enduring partnership of television icon Mary Hart and legendary producer Burt Sugarman continues to be one of Hollywood's most fascinating and private love stories, with new details emerging in late 2024 and 2025. After more than 35 years of marriage, the couple remains a fixture in the entertainment and sports worlds, notably making headlines for their continued tradition of attending major Los Angeles Dodgers games and making significant moves within their multi-million dollar real estate portfolio. This deep dive uncovers the latest on their life together, the impressive careers that brought them together, and the family they’ve built.

As of December 2025, Mary Hart and Burt Sugarman are enjoying a dynamic chapter in their lives, marked by both public appearances and strategic private divestments. Their relationship, which began in the late 1980s, has successfully navigated the pressures of fame, a significant age gap, and the demands of two high-profile careers, solidifying their status as an entertainment power couple whose influence spans decades from the golden age of variety television to modern celebrity news.

Mary Hart: A Complete Biography and Career Profile

Mary Hart, born Mary Johanna Harum, became a household name as the face of celebrity news for nearly three decades. Her career trajectory from a beauty queen to a television legend is a testament to her charisma and professionalism.

• 5 Shocking Facts About Anna Congdon Penn State Sweetheart To Nfl Fiances Social Media Firestorm Cc90e

• Full Name: Mary Johanna Harum
• Date of Birth: November 8, 1950
• Place of Birth: Madison, South Dakota, U.S.
• Age (as of 2025): 75
• First Husband: Terry Hart (divorced in the 1970s; she kept his surname)
• Current Husband: Burton "Burt" Roy Sugarman (married April 8, 1989)
• Child: Alec Jay Sugarman (born 1991)
• Career Highlights:
  • Miss South Dakota 1970.
  • Began full-time television career in Iowa and Nebraska (WMT-TV, KMTV).
  • Longtime co-host of Entertainment Tonight (ET) from 1982 to 2011.
  • Holds the record for the longest-serving host of any syndicated entertainment news program.
  • Known for her distinctive voice and signature leg-crossing move, which was once famously covered by Lloyds of London with a $1 million insurance policy.
  • Inducted into the Broadcasting and Cable Hall of Fame.
• Notable Co-hosts on ET: John Tesh, Bob Goen, Mark Steines, and Jann Carl.

Burt Sugarman: The Man Behind the Producer and Their Surprising Love Story

Mary Hart’s husband, Burt Sugarman, is a titan of television production, whose career predates and parallels the rise of his famous wife. His work in the 1970s and 80s cemented his legacy as a pioneer in music and game show formats.

The Legendary Producer's Career

Burton Roy Sugarman (born January 4, 1939) is best known for creating one of the most iconic music programs in television history: The Midnight Special. This late-night variety show, which ran from 1972 to 1981, offered live, unedited performances from the biggest names in rock, soul, and pop music, a format considered groundbreaking at the time.

Sugarman's extensive production credits also include several popular game shows and comedy specials, showcasing his versatility in the industry. These entities include Celebrity Sweepstakes, Whew!, and The Wizard of Odds. He also famously produced the influential The Richard Pryor Show in 1977.

• The One Where They Tanked Jokes 15 Shocking New Secrets From The Friends Tv Show Behind The Scenes G9zdh

Prior to his marriage to Mary Hart, Burt Sugarman was married twice, including to actor Carol Wayne, and was known as an influential figure with deep connections across the entertainment landscape. The couple shares one son, Alec Jay Sugarman, who was born in 1991.

How Mary and Burt’s Romance Began

The story of how the Entertainment Tonight host and the veteran producer met is a classic Hollywood tale of admiration turned to reality. Burt Sugarman has mentioned that he was an avid viewer of Mary Hart on Entertainment Tonight, often seeing her on television.

Their relationship began in 1988, and they were married a year later on April 8, 1989, in a private ceremony aboard a yacht. Mary was nearly 39, and Burt was in his late 40s, marking a significant, yet successful, chapter in both of their lives. The 11-year age difference has never been a factor in their public life, as they have consistently presented a united front for over three decades.

• The Surprise Vegas Wedding And Shared Grief 5 Shocking Details Of John Schneider And Dee Dee Sorvinos Whirlwind Romance Ohirf

The Latest Updates: Real Estate, Dodgers, and Life in 2025

The year 2025 has brought several high-profile public appearances and major lifestyle adjustments for Mary Hart and Burt Sugarman, demonstrating their continued presence in the public eye and their strategic approach to their vast real estate holdings.

Dodgers Tradition Continues Strong

Mary Hart has been a dedicated Los Angeles Dodgers fan since 1979, a passion she developed after meeting the late manager Tommy Lasorda. Her tradition of attending key games, particularly the World Series, has become a famous staple of the team’s postseason coverage.

This tradition was proudly on display throughout the 2024 and 2025 baseball seasons. Mary Hart and Burt Sugarman were spotted in their customary front-row seats at several critical games, including Game 1 of the 2024 NLCS and the 2025 World Series. Their presence, often captured by cameras, serves as a reminder of their enduring connection to Los Angeles and the entertainment world's intersection with sports.

Major Real Estate Portfolio Adjustments

The couple has a history of high-value real estate investments, and recent years show a strategic consolidation of their properties. These transactions provide a fresh look into their current lifestyle and financial planning:

• LA Live High-Rise Sale: Mary Hart and Burt Sugarman recently sold their luxury high-rise unit at the Ritz-Carlton Residences at LA Live. The property, which was a prime urban residence, sold for $6.3 million, indicating a shift away from their downtown Los Angeles base.
• Big Sky, Montana Ranch Listing: The couple has also put their massive 160-acre retreat, known as Elk Horn Ranch, in Big Sky, Montana, on the market. This luxury compound, which serves as a ski and golf retreat, was originally listed for $26.5 million, with a later price adjustment to $21 million. The listing of this property suggests a move toward simplifying their extensive portfolio and spending more time in fewer locations.

The Secret to a 35-Year Hollywood Marriage

In an industry known for short-lived romances, the marriage of Mary Hart and Burt Sugarman is a remarkable anomaly. Their longevity is often attributed to a shared foundation in the entertainment business, mutual respect, and a commitment to family, centered around their son, Alec Jay Sugarman.

Mary Hart’s decision to step away from her full-time role at Entertainment Tonight in 2011 after nearly 30 years allowed her to focus more on her personal life and charitable endeavors. This shift, combined with Burt Sugarman's established career and their shared interests like the Dodgers, has created a stable, supportive environment that has allowed their relationship to thrive for over three decades, proving that some Hollywood love stories truly do last.