Geraldo Rivera Net Worth: A Closer Look at the Wealth of the Multi-Talented Personality
| Category | Richest Business › Lawyers |
|---|---|
| Net Worth | $20 Million |
| Salary | $4 Million |
| Birthdate | July 4, 1943 (80 years old) |
| Birthplace | Brooklyn |
| Gender | Male |
| Height | 5 ft 9 in (1.765 m) |
| Profession | Lawyer, Journalist, Talk show host, Author, Actor, Police officer, Sailor, Cinematographer |
| Nationality | United States of America |
What is Geraldo Rivera’s Net Worth?
Geraldo Rivera, a highly accomplished attorney, journalist, author, reporter, and talk show host, has accumulated a net worth of $20 million. Over the course of his career, Rivera has reached notable heights in the field of investigative journalism, earning awards for his in-depth reports on stories like abused patients, John Lennon’s death, and Elvis Presley’s death. Additionally, his numerous talk shows and appearances on prominent news networks have contributed to his financial success.
Highlights of Geraldo Rivera’s Career
Geraldo Rivera’s career in news and entertainment began in 1970 when he joined WABC-TV as a reporter. From there, he rose to international fame with his eponymous show “Geraldo,” which aired from 1987 to 1998. Rivera’s career took an additional turn in the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks when he joined Fox News as a war correspondent, reporting from war zones such as Afghanistan and Iraq. Throughout the years, he has won seven Emmy awards and a Peabody award for his impactful reporting. Rivera has also showcased his diverse talents by participating in shows like “Dancing with the Stars” and “The Celebrity Apprentice.”
Early Life of Geraldo Rivera
Geraldo Rivera was born on July 4, 1943, in Brooklyn, New York City. Raised in a predominantly Jewish household, Rivera comes from a background of Jewish and Puerto Rican ancestry. He attended West Babylon High School and later pursued a bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of Arizona. Rivera continued his education at Brooklyn Law School, earning his law degree in 1969.
Geraldo Rivera’s Career Journey
Following his graduation from law school, Geraldo Rivera worked with various organizations, including Community Action for Legal Services and the National Lawyers Guild. He gained recognition for his work when WABC-TV news director Al Primo interviewed him about his activism. This ultimately led to an offer for a reporting position. Rivera commenced his career at WABC-TV in 1970 as a reporter for “Eyewitness News.”
Throughout his tenure at WABC-TV, Rivera’s investigative reporting gained national attention. In 1972, he received a Peabody Award for his report on the abuse of intellectually disabled patients at Willowbrook State School and Letchworth Village. As his reputation grew, he began appearing on national ABC programs like “20/20” and “Nightline.”
In 1973, Geraldo Rivera started hosting his own show called “Good Night America” as part of ABC’s “Wide World of Entertainment” program block. The show explored controversial topics of the time, positioning Rivera as a voice for social issues. He continued his work with ABC on various projects, including intriguing specials like “The Mystery of Al Capone’s Vaults.”
In 1987, Rivera ventured into daytime talk show hosting with “Geraldo,” a show known for its controversial and dramatic episodes. The program garnered significant attention for featuring guests from diverse backgrounds, often leading to heated confrontations. Rivera’s career at ABC continued with “Rivera Live” on CNBC, an evening news and interview program that aired from 1994 to 2001.
Following the September 11 attacks in 2001, Geraldo Rivera transitioned to Fox News and embarked on a year-long stint as a war correspondent. He then received his own show on Fox News, initially titled “At Large with Geraldo Rivera” and later rebranded as “Geraldo at Large.” Additionally, Rivera has made regular appearances on various Fox News shows.
Geraldo Rivera’s Personal Life
Throughout his life, Geraldo Rivera has been married five times and has five children. His marriages include Linda Coblentz (1965-1969), Edith Vonnegut (1971-1975), Sherryl Raymond (1976-1984), Cynthia Cruickshank (1987-2000), and Erica Michelle Levy (2003-present). In addition to his children from marriages, Rivera has another son, Cruz, born in 1987, though the mother has not been publicly disclosed. He has also openly admitted to having a multi-year affair with Marian Javits, the wife of New York Senator Jacob Javits, until 1985.
In his leisure time, Geraldo Rivera enjoys sailing. As the owner and skipper of a sailing vessel named Voyager, Rivera has completed numerous remarkable sailing adventures, including a 1,400-mile journey up the Amazon River and a circumnavigation of the globe. His sailing endeavors have been documented in six one-hour specials for The Travel Channel.
Net Worth Over Time and Components of Geraldo Rivera’s Wealth
Geraldo Rivera’s net worth has gradually accumulated throughout his successful career in various fields, primarily journalism, television hosting, and writing. While his exact earnings and financial assets may not be publicly disclosed in detail, the estimated net worth of $20 million provides a glimpse into his financial success.
The components contributing to Geraldo Rivera’s net worth include his salaries from hosting talk shows, serving as a war correspondent, and making regular appearances on Fox News programs. Additionally, his ventures as an author have likely generated additional income. Rivera’s notable achievements, such as winning seven Emmy awards and a Peabody award, further contribute to his professional accomplishments and financial standing.
As Geraldo Rivera continues to make appearances and contribute to the media landscape, his net worth may continue to grow and reflect his ongoing success as a multi-talented personality.