Hey now, does the “King of All Media” really need an introduction? Howard Stern is not your average radio broadcaster. He’s infamous for his explicit content and causing controversy. Everyone knows about his radio talk show, but we’re spilling the beans on some of the lesser known details of this celebrity’s life. We’ll get into everything from FCC fines, fractured relationships with other celebrities to plastic surgery.
Alison Berns
Before he became the ‘King of All Media,’ he attended Boston University where he met his first wife. Things did not turn out so well in the end, but they started off great. Stern said, “Within a week after our relationship began, I knew I was going to marry her.” Thus, Stern married Alison Berns in 1978 when they were just 24 years old. Things soon took a tragic turn, and Stern ended up with a much younger woman later.
Alison Berns
First Marriage
Unfortunately, their relationship was strained due to Stern’s workaholic nature. Speaking about the end of their marriage, he said, “I was totally neurotic and sort of consumed with work. I took work as the most important thing and the only thing.” They divorced in 2001. His divorce was only the beginning of a life filled with controversial moments. So, prepare yourselves for a wild ride.
First Marriage
Family Affairs
Together with Alison, Howard had three daughters: Emily, Debra and Ashley. Recently, Stern confronted controversy over his supposed strained relationship with Emily. Emily became an observant orthodox Jew and it was reported that this 30 something year old faults her father for her lack of dating. In an interview she stated, “my dad’s emphasis on sexuality [in his career] kept me out of the dating ring [when I was younger].” The interview continues with her comments about her parents’ divorce, “I felt like the divorce came out of nowhere. I thought that sacred bond was so strong. He used to be one way, and then he marries a model.” Stern later responded to this interview on his show, but we’ll get to that.
Family Affairs
Second Marriage
That model that Emily spoke of is none other than, Beth Ostrosky. Shortly before finalizing his divorce, he began dating Beth in 2000. Then, the two got engaged in 2007 and even had their ceremony officiated by Mark Consuelos, who is married to Kelly Ripa. Stern, eighteen years older than Ostrosky, is still married to her today.
Second Marriage
Complicated Relationship
Some claimed that Stern’s daughter Emily is clearly not the biggest fan of her father. She has stated, “My dad always instilled in us, ‘Everybody’s watching you,’…[Howard] always said it was for our protection,” though the interview implied she felt it was his narcissism. Her statement continued, “I was alone. The belief that we were so different made it unhealthy. Maybe because he was disconnected from the world, he experienced so much shame about who he was.” After this NY Post interview came out, Stern tried to clear things up on air. He claims both he and Emily feel the article did not reflect the true nature of their relationship.
Complicated Relationship
Inspiration
But, we’re jumping ahead…let’s get back to the very beginning. Perhaps, you did not know that Howard’s own father was part owner of a recording studio in New York City. There, in his father’s studio many commercials and cartoons were recorded. It was his time visiting the studio, that Howard was first exposed to voice work and inspired to start his own. Big stars such as Larry Storch, Don Adams and Wally Cox all passed through and inspired a young Howard to pursue radio.
Inspiration
The Beatles Saved Him
As a kid, Howard described himself as not a “particularly happy kid,” in an interview with Billboard magazine. Thus, music became his salvation. He said found himself extremely lonely for the majority of childhood. Therefore, he resorted to music. He bought tons of albums and would spend the entire day listening to them isolated in his room. Stern called The Beatles, “prophets.” He even said their music became his religion. Later in life, he would need to find other ways of coping with struggles, but we’ll get there.
The Beatles Saved Him
First Gig
While studying at Boston University, Stern began working on the campus radio station called WTBU. His show with three other friends was called The King Schmaltz Bagel. Unsurprisingly, he began causing trouble for his uncensored dialogue. Then, the show was canceled after only one airing because of a racially insensitive segment called “Godzilla Goes to Harlem.”
First Gig
WRNW
Back during his first marriage, his wife Alison Berns insisted Howard take a radio job at WRNW in New York. Thus, he started in late 1976 and even became the production and program director. Beginning at only 96 dollars a week, he worked his way up to $250 weekly. Even the King had humble beginnings.
WRNW
Moving Around
Obviously, Stern made bigger moves after WRNW. He got a show with NBC, but the trouble was keeping this gig. He began working there back in 1982. Actually, the station even hired a lawyer specifically to silence Howard’s mic if he approached any forbidden topics. He lasted a short three years with NBC.
Moving Around
Intense Scrutiny
Actually, it was his mentioning of “Virgin Mary Kong” that got them to hire this lawyer to watch Stern. In case you’re wondering, the discussion was about a video game in which men chase the Virgin Mary through a bar located in the city of Jerusalem. Go figure! Anyway, this got him a suspension and a new babysitter, so to say. Stern nicknamed this man “pig Virus” for keeping such a close eye on his words. Both Stern and his radio co-host Quivers were eventually fired in September of 1985.
Intense Scrutiny
Short Lived Career
Perhaps, Stern was always destined for radio. Maybe offensive comments and subsequent apologies is all Stern was supposed to be doing in this world. He actually tried his hand at marketing and let’s just say it did not go well…Yes, Stern worked at a New York advertising agency for a total of three hours. Hey, that’s got to be a record!
Short Lived Career
Banned From Clear Channel Radio
Family is not the only complication Howard has dealt with during his life. Most of his career battles revolved around censorship. Back in 2004, his unfiltered radio habits got him into trouble. The Clear Channel Radio had his show on six different markets at the time. When Stern interviewed Rick Salomon things got a bit out of hand. Salomon and Stern went into explicit details about Salomon’s adult tape with international star, Paris Hilton. The FCC fined the station $495,000. Therefore, Clear Channel Radio banned Stern.
Banned From Clear Channel Radio
Move to Satellite
A censored show was not an option for Stern. Thus, after he was banned he announced his move to satellite radio. On Sirius Satellite Radio he could freely speak without concern since satellite radio is FCC regulation free. Despite this freedom, Stern still confronted issues with the new station over payment. Win some, lose some.
Move To Satellite
Critique of Selena In Bad Taste
Okay, this man is not known for being particularly sensitive in light of tragedies. Thus, it was not surprising that he drew criticism when insulting the late Selena Quintanilla. Not to mention, this insult happened in 1995, right after her murder. He said, “Spanish people have the worst taste in music…This music does absolutely nothing for me. Alvin and the Chipmunks have more soul.” Needless to say, this infuriated grieving fans and there was even a disorderly conduct arrest warrant that went out for him in Texas. Rightfully so, the radio host apologized on air the following week in Spanish. He claimed his comments were not meant to add to the pain of fans and family, but rather made in satire.
Critique Of Selena In Bad Taste
Countless Fines
Surely, you have understood by now, that Stern has gotten himself into a fair amount of trouble. Well, just how much you ask? Due to his refuse to censor himself, the FCC fined companies his show was broadcasted on a total of over $2.5 million! Yet, it was the particular fine of over $500,000 from the interview about the adult tape that got him to move to satellite.
Countless Fines
Experimenting With Drugs
Perhaps, it’s no surprise that a man without many boundaries would also have experimented with illegal substances. Back during his school days in the 1970s, he tried hallucinogens and psychedelics. Often, he smoked and took Quaaludes and even LSD. Though, it was a bad trip with LSD that ended his experimental phase. Also, as a control freak it did not seem to fit his personality.
Experimenting With Drugs
Radio Success
Well, we have delved head first into a lot of the noise surrounding this notorious host, but maybe we should take a step back. Let’s be fair and talk about his initial success in the 90s. Back in 1990 he began hosting a late night radio show called The Howard Stern Show. It was on WWOR-TV and immediately became a hit. In fact, his ratings surpassed Saturday Night Live! Thus, began his acclaimed career.
Radio Success
Beyond Radio
Stern’s talents span beyond radio. He’s the author of two NY Times Best Sellers, Private Parts and Miss America. Despite being banned in certain book stores, they both flew off the shelves. Stern even released a film adaptation of Private Parts(1997), which was also a hit.
Beyond Radio
Who Is Miss America?
Wait, hold on…who is this Miss America he named his book for exactly? You may not believe this, but it’s Howard himself! During an interview he explained, “When I was a kid growing up in high school, I would come down the steps. My parents were disgusted by me. I had started this growth spurt. I looked like a big, hairy pencil. I’m walking down the steps and my father would look at me and I’d be in my underpants. And he looked down at his son who was sprouting with facial hair and he’d go, ‘Oh, look. There’s Miss America.” At least his humor allows for some self deprecation!
Who Is Miss America?
Political Roots
Actually, there’s more to this media guru than the entertainment industry. He even ran for Governor of New York in 1994! Eventually, he removed his name from the ballot and decided to back George Pataki, who ended up winning. Though a year after, in 1995, his proposed plan for restricting construction work in New York and Long Island to nighttime passed as The Howard Stern Bill. Who knew this comedian did some productive good for fellow citizens of the Northeast? Thanks man!
Political Roots
Howard’s Got Talent
With his experience of making it in the entertainment industry, Stern felt fully qualified as a judge on America’s Got Talent. Actually, he enjoyed his time on the show and even hoped to help others. After four seasons he decided to leave and said, “I thought it would be really cool to be a judge, because I think I have something to offer. If I had any dream about this, it’s that I could take someone who was struggling and seriously give advice. I was told over and over again that I had no talent. I was in college radio. No one was banking on me. I sent a copy of my show to my father, my father wrote me back a five-page letter and was brutally honest…It wasn’t harsh, I think it was out of love.”
Howard’s Got Talent
Practiced In Shotokan
Stern spent years practicing the art of Shotokan karate. Shotokan actually comes from Japan. From his years of experience, he earned a brown belt. We sure wouldn’t want to mess with him, knowing he possesses these skills. Apparently, those practiced in Shotokan karate are able to lay a person flat onto the floor within seconds!
Practiced In Shotokan
In the Zone
When Stern gets into the zone, there is apparently nothing quite like it! Witnesses claim his work mode completely differs from the person others know off the air. In his interview with Rolling Stone he said, “People who have seen me work – when I don’t wear dark glasses and you can see my eyes – said my eyes go back and forth like a mile a minute. I said to my wife, ‘I’m in another zone.’ It’s almost like my eyes roll into the back of my head, and four hours later, the show’s over.” Sounds a bit like possession to us! But hey, whatever works for the king!
In The Zone
Unbelievable Net Worth
Remember all those FCC fines? Well, they got nothing on this man’s net worth. Howard Stern alone is worth a whopping $600 million! I guess that enormous number starts to sound real once you hear that his Sirius Satellite job pays him about $90 million annually. Let’s not forget his various properties, endorsements and other investments. I guess he can afford to remain uncensored at this point.
Unbelievable Net Worth
Disappointment with Bowie
Sure, Stern has had his fair deal of upset with other celebrities. Usually, they feel insulted at something he said. Yet, things were a bit different during his early radio days when he had David Bowie on. Apparently, Bowie played some songs but refused to be interviewed. This really disappointed Stern since he hoped to discuss the musician’s work and journey. Perhaps, Bowie made it up to him when he performed specially for the radio star in 1998 at Stern’s 44th birthday.
Disappointment With Bowie
Serious OCD
Maybe as much of a signature feature as his lack of censorship, would be his OCD. Howard has been very open about his struggles with obsessive-compulsive disorder. In his book, Miss America, he discusses this battle with OCD further. He traces the beginning of this struggle to his time at college. One thing that has aided him with this has been his meditation pratices, but we’ll give you more on that soon.
Serious OCD
Trump Friendship
If anyone could maintain a friendship with such a contentious figure as Donald Trump, are you surprised it’s Stern? We weren’t either. Yes, he is a personal friend of the President. Howard even attended Trump’s wedding. Though, he put his personal relationship with Trump aside during the 2016 election when he voted for Hillary Clinton.
Trump Friendship
Animal Lover
Maybe there is something Stern loves more than creating uproar…animals! Did you know Stern had a soft spot for furry creatures? Both Howard and his wife are top donors to the North Shore Animal League America or NSALA. This organization, found in New York, is known for being on of the biggest no-kill shelters in the world. They have saved animals from huge disasters like Hurricane Katrina and Hurricane Rita.
Animal Lover
Not A Larry King Fan
Back to his more public feuds…did you hear about his comments on Larry King? Stern referred to the TV legend as a loser and the “luckiest man in show business…He moved to CNN where he had no competition. As soon as MSNBC and Fox News gave him a little bit of competition, the cards folded.” Clearly, he does not consider Larry King to be the talented man millions consider him.
Not A Larry King Fan
Daily Meditation
Stern’s relationship with meditation began close to forty years ago when his parents introduced him to it. He credits transcendental meditation for helping him quit smoking, cope with OCD symptoms and even succeed in his career! Howard has also openly stated that meditation saved his mother from her depression. The more we read, the more layers we find to this notorious talk show host!
Daily Meditation
Rough Relations With Kathie Lee Gifford
While Stern has turned a new leaf more recently, for years he berated Gifford very publicly. Often, Stern talked down on TV host when discussing her family life. After rumors surfaced that Gifford’s husband had an affair with a flight attendant, he said on air, “How embarrassed is she? She looks like the biggest idiot.” Years later, Kathie revealed during her appearance on What What Happens Live in 2014 that Stern had since apologized and asked for forgiveness. Gifford claimed she had forgave him years before this apology. So apparently, all is good between the two now.
Rough Relations With Kathie Lee Gifford
Howard’s Mansion
It’s not only his net worth that has our jaw on the ground. The home in Palm Beach, Florida that he purchased with his wife Beth in 2013 cost $52 million! This mansion measures at 19,000 square feet. As if the initial price wasn’t enough, Stern paid over $13 million for renovations. I mean Beth’s closet alone is larger than most Americans’ apartments!
Howard’s Mansion
Plastic Surgery
Usually, we can’t stop hearing about plastic surgery when discussing older female celebrities. Well, Stern was never one to fit the normal mold. As always, Stern’s name seems to come up with all types of trending and scandalous topics, even with plastic surgery. Though, this time it’s not just speculation by the public about plastic surgery. During his show’s game called Staff Revelations in 2006, he admitted to having work done on his nose, liposuction from his chin and even a facelift back in the 90s.
Plastic Surgery
Insensitive Jokes
Since we’re taking it back a bit to uncover his past, it’s worth mentioning that he was fired from a station in 1982. Yes, his insensitive joke did not go over well with DC101. This was back when an Air Florida plane flying from Washington National Airport had just tragically crashed into the 14th Street Bridge. The crash had 74 fatalities. Despite the seriousness of the incident, Stern phoned the airline the next day on air to inquire about flight costs from the airport to the 14th Street Bridge. It only took six months for DC101 to fire him. Honestly, we’re surprised it took them that long.
Insensitive Jokes
Rivalry
The host of WMMR, John DeBella, rivaled Stern at number one for a period of time. Thus, it makes sense the two notoriously butted heads. When Stern’s morning show with WXRK, broadcast by WYSP in Philadelphia, reached number one in 1990, he took his celebrations to a new level. In Rittenhouse Square he put on a fake funeral for his rival host DeBella to celebrate his success. If we were DeBella we would surely be a bit alarmed to see someone having a mock funeral in our honor!
Rivalry
Trouble With The IRS
Okay, maybe this one was not intentional. Though, it caused quite the stir none the less. During a broadcasting of his show in May 2015, Stern broadcast parts of a conversation between Judith Barrigas, a citizen from Massachusetts, and an IRS agent. Apparently, the agent had called into the show prior to this conversation with Barrigas and was on hold until he was connected with Barrigas in order to answer a tax question she had about her personal finances. Then, the calls got mixed up somehow which led to parts of the call being heard live on air, including Judith’s phone number. Afterwards, Barrigas attempted to sue Howard for the exposure, citing unlawful invasion of privacy on top of negligence.
Trouble With The IRS
His Policies
As we mentioned, Stern had a brief stunt in politics when he ran for governor in 1994. His policies really made him stand out for the Libertarian candidate that he is. Firstly, he hoped to reinstate the death penalty. Of course, this comes as a very controversial opinion, but Stern is no stranger to that! However, in order to officially have his name on the ballot, it was required he release private financial information and his address to which Stern refused. Thus, he withdrew from the race.
His Policies
Insensitive Comments
Well, by now we all no that Stern does not always approach sensitive subjects with caution. In fact, his comments in reaction to what was the worst mass shooting at the time, Columbine, upset many grieving Americans. Stern chose to mention that many of the teens running for their lives were “really good looking girls.” This segment was even airing in Denver, which reacted accordingly. One news publication, The Rocky Mountain stated, “Let Howard Stern make his millions in other broadcast markets. He does not belong in Denver.”
Insensitive Comments
King Of All Media
Beginning in 1992, Stern became the self-proclaimed ‘King of All Media.’ Yet, to call himself this was not quite doing it for Stern. Thus, in 2006, he trademarked the title. Unfortunately, due to it being rejected multiple times, this was not granted until 2013. Anyway, now Stern has it trademarked so he has the right to sue anyone who uses it.
King Of All Media
Albums
It wasn’t all radio broadcasting for this legend. Indeed, he released a total of three albums. In 1982, he released his first called, “50 Ways To Rank Your Mother” and included tracks like “Howard Stern is A God.” Next, came his compilation album of his radio moments called “Crucified By The FCC.” The last album is for his film Private Parts and came out in 1997.
Albums
National Radio Hall of Fame
Despite criticising the National Radio Hall of Fame very publicly, they invited him to be inducted in 2012. Yet, this did not phase him. Immediately, he announced on the radio that the director of the hall only invited him since they needed more attention for their “little-known Hall of Fame.” Hey now, Howard!
National Radio Hall Of Fame
Chess Lessons
Perhaps, you didn’t know that this media guru is an avid chess fan. Yes, he began playing from a very young age. Stern played online through the Internet Chess Club and even took lessons from chess master Dan Heisman, who founded the site. For all you chess players out there, Stern got a 1600 rating. So now that you know he’s got a nerdy side, we should tell you he also loves comic books and even watching Sex and the City!
Chess Lessons
Forbes List
Obviously, Stern is hugely successful, but just how successful you ask? Well, Forbes named both him and Simon Cowell tied for first place in their list of highest paid American TV personalities in 2013 at $95 million annually. Then, in 2015, Forbes named Stern 5th on their highest earning celebrities in the world and the top paid media personality in the world!
Forbes List
Book Cover
Apparently, Stern had some different ideas for his book cover before the final version. His Miss America book cover originally was supposed to be a photo of him and OJ Simpson at Trump’s wedding. Can you really expect anything else from this guy?
Book Cover
Feud with Sandler
Luckily, things were later smoothed over, but Stern and Adam Sandler had a rough relationship. This was mostly due to Stern, according to his eventual apology. The two did not even speak to each other for years because Stern often criticized Sandler’s films. In late 2015, Stern apologized for his aggressive critiques when he had the actor on his show. Sandler admitted the comments hurt him, especially since he had always been a fan of Stern since college. Stern told Adam, “I always felt bad about all the years we didn’t speak. I really did because I was a total f‑‑king a‑‑hole.” Thankfully, Stern recognized he was wrong and all is well between the two now. Fans were not expecting this at all considering how harsh and critical Stern can be. Though these two patched things up, we can’t say the same for our next actor and Stern.
Feud With Sandler
Trouble With Chevy
Apparently, Chevy Chase and Stern have a rocky history. So the story goes, Chase was caught on tape, during commercial breaks during a 1992 taping of Larry King’s show, saying awful things about Stern. Somehow, Stern got this tape and even played it on the radio just before calling Chase. Chase told the radio star to never phone him again. Fast forward a few years, Stern and comedian/actor Richard Belzer made several calls to an angry Chase at 5 o’clock in the morning. Okay, follow this…then after that Stern and Chase patched things up, so Chase got an invite to Stern’s wedding. However, Chase made a very inappropriate toast at the wedding, thus again, reigniting the flames.
Touble With Chevy
Jamie Foxx
In 2010, things hit the fan with Jamie Foxx after the actor/comedian criticized Stern on his radio show, “Foxxhole.” Foxx brought up Stern’s comments on Stern’s radio show about Precious actress, Gabourey Sidibe’s weight. On his show Stern addressed the Foxx controversy, “I’m not … gonna sit here and take it and listen to some bull—-. And quite frankly, I’m going to end it now, because, you know what, I got a s—load of stuff on Jamie, which isn’t a lot of fun.” Indeed, Stern went on and said Foxx is no friend of his any longer and alluded to some suspicions about Foxx’s sexual orientation.
Jamie Foxx
Sides with Conan
If you’re wondering where Stern stands on the controversy surrounding Conan and Jay Leno, he’s made himself quite clear. Stern has stated that even just hearing Leno’s name makes him throw up. Years ago, he told Conan that Leno would never let Conan have The Tonight Show. Oh, and get this, Stern even claims that Leno has stolen material from him! In addition, he says that Jay Leno and Ryan Seacrest represent everything today that is wrong with broadcasting entertainment in America.
Sides With Conan
Cat Lover
Most people who know the star, are aware of his and Beth’s dedication to animals. However, many don’t realize how much Stern really loves cats. You wouldn’t believe how many cats they have fostered within just three years. 300 cats and kittens! We are very serious right now! Hard to believe he had such a soft spot for those tiny creatures? After hearing that, you might now be able to picture this. Once Stern returns home from work he gets down on all fours to clean up litter and play with their rescue animals. Beth even said he’s the driving force behind all the fosters.
Cat Lover
He’s Got Brains, Too!
It’s not all jokes with Stern. Apparently, he was quite the student. He graduated magna cum laude from Boston University with a 3.8 GPA! Since his time there, he has funded a scholarship for BU students.
He’s Got Brains, Too!
Picking Up Hobbies
Of course, Stern still enjoys chess, however he recently has limited his time playing the sport in order to pick up a new hobby. Stern now spends time working on photography. Some of his first photos were layouts for Hamptons magazine. He contined to shoot during the year for WHIRL magazine and the North Shore Animal League. Unsurprisingly, he decided to found his own company. It’s called Conlon Road Photography, named after a road he lived on as a boy.
Picking Up New Hobbies
New Deal with Sirius
Despite difficulties with the company, Stern has signed on again with Sirius. That’s right, it was announced in December 2015 that he signed a new deal for five more years. This new deal also gave the company rights to his material to archive for a new on-demand streaming application.
New Deal With Sirius
Strong Views On Religion
Obviously, fans know Stern speaks his mind unfiltered. There is no topic safe from his comments, including religion. While promoting his book Miss America, in an interview with Camille Paglia, he responded to her question about his thoughts on religion and politics. To this he said, “I’m sickened by all religions. Religion has divided people. I don’t think there’s any difference between the Pope wearing a large hat and parading around with a smoking purse and an African painting his face white and praying to a rock.”
Strong Views On Religion
Unexpected Move
Something unprecedented happened on May 10, 2017. During his lengthy career, Stern has never taken an unplanned day off. Yet, that day Stern announced a cancelation of his show in order to take a personal day. This got fans worrying about the future of his show. Many conspiracy theories and rumors spread, such as that he and his wife, Beth, were having problems or that one of his parents had passed away. However, Stern returned the following Monday without further explanation. Hopefully, it was nothing too serious.
Unexpected Move
Fantasizing About Retirement
Stern has been through quite a lot over his years in the spotlight. Though, he’s famous for being a workaholic as we mentioned earlier. Thus, fans were in disbelief when he mentioned retirement during his August 2017 interview with David Letterman. He admitted, “I fantasize that if I retire, I would have this youthful look…I feel a bit burned out.” Many speculate that the ‘King of All Media’ could be on his way out, but surely, one cannot fathom the scandals that would continue in retirement for the uncensored legend Stern.
Fantasizing About Retirement
Fantasizing About Retirement
Fans were shocked in March 2018, when Howard Stern came out so harshly against his personal friend, President Donald Trump. On his show, Stern spoke about the Stormy Daniels allegations and added, “I was watching the news. They said that the president calls his friends and asks advice…He’s never once called me and asked for advice. Which kind of got me a little upset”. Cohost Robing Quivers said Trump might not want to hear Stern’s opinion, to which Stern came back with the bold statement, “Yeah, probably not. My advice would be, like, get the f*** out of there man. Just give it over to [Vice President Mike] Pence — let him do his thing.”
Stern’s Bold Statement