Piers Morgan's Net Worth: How the TV Host Built His Fortune
Piers Morgan's Net Worth: How the TV Host Built His Fortune.
What is Piers Morgan's net worth and salary?
Piers Morgan is a notable English broadcaster, journalist, author, newspaper editor, and television figure, with an estimated net worth of $20 million.
Morgan, a figure often surrounded by controversy, has established a significant presence in the media industry through his work in journalism, television, and public discourse. His career commenced in 1988 at the tabloid The Sun, where his ambition and talent for breaking news led him to become the show-business editor. His bold tactics and candid demeanor garnered both praise and criticism, solidifying his reputation as a formidable presence in the field.
In 1994, at just 29 years old, Morgan achieved a remarkable milestone in tabloid journalism by being appointed editor of the News of the World, making him the youngest editor of a British national newspaper in over fifty years. His tenure was characterized by an unyielding quest for sensational stories, often utilizing unconventional methods that raised questions about ethical boundaries.
Morgan's entry into television occurred in 2006 when he became a judge on America's Got Talent, where he brought his signature candor and sharp humor to the entertainment arena. His appeal transcended the judging panel, leading to the launch of his own interview program, Piers Morgan Live, on CNN in 2011. The show became well-known for its confrontational interviews with celebrities and political figures, further establishing Morgan as a provocative and captivating media personality. From 2015 to 2021, he co-hosted Good Morning Britain.
Salary Highlights
As the host of "Piers Morgan Tonight," Morgan received an annual compensation of $2 million. In 2008, he entered into a two-year agreement with ITV, which was said to be valued at $2.6 million annually.
Early Life
Piers Morgan, originally named Piers Stefan O'Meara, was born on March 30, 1965, in Surrey, England. Shortly after his birth, his family relocated to Newick, Sussex. He was brought up in the Catholic faith. His father, Vincent Eamonn O'Meara, worked as a dentist but passed away when Morgan was only 11 months old. Following this, his mother married Glynne Pughe-Morgan, and Piers subsequently adopted his stepfather's surname. He completed his education at Chailey School and pursued a degree in journalism at Harlow College.
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Career
In 1985, Morgan commenced his career as a reporter with the South London News. By 1988, he transitioned to freelance work for The Sun. In 1994, he secured a full-time position at The Sun, where he authored the tabloid's "Bizarre" column. Although Morgan did not have a particular affinity for films or popular music, he earned the title of "Friend of the Stars" due to his remarkable talent for self-promotion.
He was often photographed alongside celebrities such as Madonna, David Bowie, Sylvester Stallone, and Paul McCartney. In January 1994, he was appointed editor of the News of the World, a position bestowed upon him by Rupert Murdoch. At the age of 29, he became the youngest editor of a national newspaper in five decades. He gained notoriety for his disregard for celebrity privacy and his direct, intrusive approach. Morgan departed from the News of the World in 1995 after publishing images of Catherine Victoria Lockwood, the spouse of Charles Earl Spencer, as she exited a rehabilitation facility in Surrey, a breach of the editorial code of conduct.
In 1996, Morgan assumed the role of editor at the Daily Mirror. His tenure at The Daily Mirror ended in 2004 when he was dismissed for refusing to retract a story that inaccurately depicted British soldiers assaulting a group of Iraqi civilians.
In May 2005, Morgan assumed ownership of the Press Gazette, a publication focused on the media industry that hosted the British Press Awards. Following his acquisition, numerous prominent newspapers chose to boycott the 2006 British Press Awards. Subsequently, the Press Gazette faced bankruptcy and was ultimately sold. In May 2006, Morgan introduced a weekly publication aimed at children aged seven to fourteen, titled "First News."
During 2006 and 2007, he served as a judge on "America's Got Talent," alongside Brandy Norwood and David Hasselhoff. Additionally, he was a judge on "Britain's Got Talent," working with Simon Cowell and Amanda Holden. In 2008, Morgan triumphed in the celebrity edition of "The Apprentice," where Donald Trump described him as "ruthless, arrogant, evil, and obnoxious" during the finale.
In 2009, he began hosting "Piers Morgan's Life Stories" on ITV. On September 8, 2010, CNN announced that Morgan would take over Larry King's slot in the evening lineup with his program, "Piers Morgan Live," which debuted on January 17, 2011, but was canceled in early 2014. In November 2015, Morgan became a host of "Good Morning Britain" on ITV.
In September 2014, he was appointed editor-at-large for the U.S. division of the Mail Online's website, where he contributes several columns weekly, in addition to a weekly column for the Mail on Sunday Event magazine.
Morgan was implicated in the notorious British phone-hacking scandal associated with the "Daily Mirror" during his tenure as editor.
Personal Life
In 1991, Morgan entered into marriage with Marion Shalloe, and the couple welcomed three sons: Albert, Spencer, and Stanley. Their marriage ended in divorce in 2008. In June 2010, he remarried, this time to journalist Celia Walden, who is the daughter of former Conservative MP George Walden. The couple celebrated the birth of their daughter, Elise, in November 2011.
Morgan is an avid supporter of the Premier League football club Arsenal F.C.
On the political front, Morgan has identified himself as a supporter of the Conservative Party.
Morgan expressed strong opposition to the Women's March on Washington in January 2017, which took place the day after Donald Trump's inauguration. He characterized the protesters as "rabid feminists" and dismissed the various protests as "vacuous." Ewan McGregor publicly disagreed with Morgan's remarks regarding the women's march and subsequently withdrew from an appearance on "Good Morning Britain" after learning that Morgan would be conducting the interview. In response, Morgan labeled McGregor a "pedophile-loving hypocrite" due to his previous support for Roman Polanski.
In December 2018, Morgan submitted a letter to Trump, formally expressing his interest in the position of White House Chief of Staff.
Real Estate
Morgan possesses several properties, including two located in the United Kingdom: a townhouse situated in west London and a country retreat in the village of Newick, East Sussex, where he spent his childhood. His London residence is a Georgian townhouse, acquired for $719,000.
Additionally, Morgan owns a residence in Beverly Hills, which he purchased for $5.4 million in 2011. Notably, Les Moonves, the former CEO of CBS, is among the previous owners of this property.
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Piers Morgan's career is a blend of remarkable achievements and controversial moments. His sharp commentary, candid interviews, and success in television have solidified his position in the media world. However, his often divisive views and actions, including his involvement in the phone-hacking scandal and clashes with celebrities, have sparked criticism.
While Morgan's net worth of $20 million reflects his success, it also highlights the cost of his bold approach to journalism and broadcasting. Ultimately, his legacy is a complicated one, admired by some for his unapologetic style, while others question his ethical boundaries and approach to public discourse.