Post Updated: Thursday, October 15, 2026
Mary Hart remains one of television’s most recognizable faces decades after stepping away from the Entertainment Tonight desk. At 75, the former Miss South Dakota and longtime entertainment host still draws attention—especially when she appears in her familiar front-row seat at Dodger Stadium. Fans often ask the same question: who is the man by her side? The answer is Burt Sugarman, the veteran film and television producer she has been married to since 1989.
Their partnership stands out in Hollywood for its quiet longevity and mutual respect.
Table of Contents
Who Is Burt Sugarman?
Burt Sugarman (full name Burton Roy Sugarman) was born on January 4, 1939, in Los Angeles. Now 87, he built a substantial career behind the camera long before marrying Mary. He is best known for creating and producing the groundbreaking music series The Midnight Special, which ran from 1972 to 1981 and featured live performances by major artists of the era.
His producing credits also include films such as Children of a Lesser God, Kiss Me Goodbye, and Extremities, along with various television specials and game shows. Beyond entertainment, he has held business interests in media companies and real estate. Sugarman had two earlier marriages—one to Pauline Schur and another to actress Carol Wayne—before finding lasting partnership with Mary.
Their Path to Marriage
Mary Hart’s first marriage was to Terry Hart from 1972 to 1979. She kept his surname professionally after their divorce. In the late 1980s she met Burt Sugarman, and the connection proved lasting. On April 8, 1989, the couple married in a private ceremony aboard a luxury yacht—an intimate choice that reflected their preference for keeping personal milestones away from the spotlight.
Shortly after the wedding, Mary converted to Judaism, her husband’s faith. The decision underscored the depth of their commitment. More than 37 years later, their marriage remains one of Hollywood’s more stable long-term unions.
Family Life and Their Son
Mary and Burt share one child, son Alec “AJ” Sugarman, born on December 24, 1991. AJ has largely stepped outside the entertainment world. He studied political science at Stanford University and later earned a master’s degree from the U.S. Naval War College. He previously served as a special assistant for legislative affairs in the Trump administration.
The family has lived in several high-profile Los Angeles residences over the years, including Trousdale Estates in Beverly Hills, the Ritz-Carlton Residences at L.A. Live, and more recently Sierra Towers. They also maintain properties in Montana and Palm Desert, balancing city life with quieter retreats.
Shared Interests and Public Appearances
Beyond family, Mary and Burt share a deep love for the Los Angeles Dodgers. Mary’s connection to the team dates back to 1979, when she met legendary manager Tommy Lasorda and later sang the national anthem at a game. The couple regularly occupies seats behind home plate and have been spotted cheering through multiple postseason runs, including recent 2026 playoff coverage.
Key highlights of their life together include:
- A private yacht wedding in 1989 that set a low-key tone
- Mary’s conversion to Judaism after marriage
- Raising a son who chose public service over Hollywood
- Decades of consistent support for the Dodgers
- A combined net-worth estimate often cited around $100 million
Detail Information Husband’s Full Name Burton Roy “Burt” Sugarman Born January 4, 1939 (age 87) Marriage Date April 8, 1989 Years Married (as of 2026) 37+ Previous Marriage (Mary) Terry Hart (1972–1979) Children One son, Alec “AJ” Sugarman (born 1991) Burt’s Notable Work The Midnight Special, Children of a Lesser God Shared Passion Los Angeles Dodgers Residences Sierra Towers (LA), Montana, Palm Desert
Conclusion
Mary Hart’s husband, Burt Sugarman, has been her steady partner for nearly four decades. Their story is less about red-carpet flash and more about private commitment, shared values, and a genuine partnership that has weathered the unique pressures of public life. From a quiet yacht wedding to front-row seats at Dodger Stadium, they have built a life that feels both glamorous and grounded.
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