Burt Sugarman, an American film and television producer, has accumulated a net worth of around $100 million, shared with his wife, former Entertainment Tonight host Mary Hart. His career spans over five decades, marked by his innovative contributions to television and film. Sugarman is best known for creating and producing numerous influential TV shows from the 1970s onward, including the renowned The Midnight Special series, along with The Richard Pryor Show, The Wizard of Odds, The Newlywed Game, and Celebrity Sweepstakes. His reach even extends to the film industry, where he earned an Academy Award nomination for producing Children of a Lesser God and a Primetime Emmy nomination for The Switched-On Symphony.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Born in Los Angeles, California, on January 4, 1939, Burton Roy Sugarman grew up with a knack for both business and adventure. After completing a finance degree from the University of Southern California in just three years, he entered the business world, selling cars and later taking up North American distribution for luxury car brands like Ghia, Excalibur, and Maserati. However, his interests soon shifted toward entertainment, where he quickly found his calling.
Sugarman’s career in entertainment began with television specials in the late 1960s, such as Dionne Warwick–Souled Out in 1969, followed by a series of “Changing Scene” specials. His breakthrough came with The Midnight Special, which he created in 1972, known for its live performances and featuring top musical acts, pioneering a format that resonated with audiences and set the stage for similar future productions.
Television and Film Success
Sugarman’s work as a producer is extensive, including popular game shows like The Wizard of Odds and Celebrity Sweepstakes. His foray into prime-time television with The Richard Pryor Show (1977) brought diverse programming into mainstream American entertainment. His game shows and variety specials reached a broad audience, securing his place as a major figure in the industry.
Beyond television, Sugarman’s film production portfolio includes notable works from the 1980s, such as Kiss Me Goodbye (1982), Extremities (1986), and Children of a Lesser God (1986), the latter earning him a nomination for an Academy Award for Best Picture. Sugarman’s impact extended to corporate roles in the late 1970s and 1980s when he acquired shares in amusement parks and invested in Barris Industries, a production company later purchased by Sony.
Personal Life and Real Estate Investments
Sugarman’s personal life includes high-profile marriages. His marriage to actress Carol Wayne ended in 1980, and in 1989, he married Mary Hart, with whom he has one son, AJ. The couple has invested significantly in luxury real estate. In Los Angeles, they purchased and later sold a Ritz Carlton condominium at a substantial profit. Their primary residence in West Hollywood is within the prestigious Sierra Towers, where they’ve acquired multiple units, collectively valued at around $15 million. They also maintain properties in Montana, including a residence in the exclusive Yellowstone Club, valued at several million dollars. Their known real estate holdings are estimated to be worth at least $50 million.
Awards and Recognition
Sugarman’s contributions to entertainment have been acknowledged through prestigious award nominations. He was nominated for an Academy Award for Children of a Lesser God in 1987 and a Primetime Emmy in 1970 for The Switched-On Symphony. His work continues to be appreciated for pushing boundaries in both television and film.