Michael Gelman Net Worth

What is Michael Gelman's net worth and salary?

Michael Gelman is an American television producer who has a net worth of $30 million. Michael Gelman is best known for his work as the executive producer of the syndicated morning show "Live."

He joined the program in the mid-1980s when it was still "The Morning Show" with Regis Philbin and has remained at the helm through its many evolutions, including "Live! with Regis and Kathie Lee," "Live! with Regis and Kelly," "Live! with Kelly and Michael," and "Live with Kelly and Ryan." Gelman's ability to adapt the format and pairings of the co-hosts while keeping the show's mix of celebrity interviews, topical banter, and audience participation fresh has made him one of the most enduring figures behind daytime television.

His steady leadership helped the program maintain high ratings across decades of industry change, and he became well-known to viewers thanks to frequent on-air mentions and occasional appearances, especially when Regis or Kelly would poke fun at him. Beyond "Live," Gelman has also produced specials and television events, but his reputation is most closely tied to building "Live" into one of the most successful morning talk shows in history. His behind-the-scenes influence and longevity in the role have earned him recognition as one of television's most reliable executive producers.

Salary

Michael Gelman's salary per year is $5 million.

Early Life

Michael Seth Gelman was born on August 4, 1961, in Highland Park, Illinois, a suburb of Chicago. Raised in a Jewish household, he developed an early interest in both the technical and creative aspects of media. Gelman pursued this passion at the University of Colorado at Boulder, where he studied broadcast production management at the School of Journalism. While still a student, he gained valuable early experience working with the U.S. Ski Association, where he covered pre-Olympic trials as an editor, field producer, and cameraman. The role allowed him to sharpen his skills in live sports coverage and logistics-heavy productions, a foundation that would serve him well in his later career as a live television producer.

During his junior year of college, Gelman landed an internship with WABC-TV in New York. That opportunity exposed him to the fast-paced world of broadcast television and allowed him to work alongside professionals who would later become mentors. His talent, ambition, and ability to handle the pressures of live programming quickly set him apart. By the time he graduated, Gelman had positioned himself for a career in television at the very network where he interned.

(Photo by Patrick McMullan/Patrick McMullan via Getty Images)

Career

Gelman joined WABC-TV in the 1980s and was soon assigned to a new local talk show called "The Morning Show" hosted by Regis Philbin. His organizational skills and instincts for what worked on air quickly propelled him into leadership. When the show was syndicated nationally in 1988 as "Live with Regis and Kathie Lee," Gelman was named executive producer, a role he has held through every subsequent incarnation of the program. Over the decades, he has overseen transitions from Regis and Kathie Lee Gifford to Regis and Kelly Ripa, then Kelly alongside Michael Strahan, Ryan Seacrest, and now Mark Consuelos. Under his watch, "Live" became one of the most successful and enduring talk shows in television history, maintaining its popularity with a format that blends celebrity interviews, lifestyle segments, and unscripted banter between the hosts.

Part of Gelman's unique public profile comes from how often he is mentioned by name on air. Regis Philbin famously teased him, often jokingly blaming "Gelman" for behind-the-scenes decisions. As a result, Gelman became a recognizable figure to audiences, sometimes appearing on screen himself. His long tenure has made him one of the most influential executive producers in daytime television.

In addition to "Live," Gelman has occasionally stepped in front of the camera. He appeared in a 2000 episode of "Spin City" and played himself on Kelly Ripa's sitcom "Hope & Faith" in 2005. He has popped up on game shows like "Hollywood Squares," served as a guest expert on "Who Wants to Be a Millionaire," and appeared as a judge on "Iron Chef America." His reputation in pop culture has been cemented further through parodies on "Saturday Night Live" and "The Dana Carvey Show."

Gelman's work has earned him critical recognition, including a Daytime Emmy Award in 2012. His ability to keep "Live" relevant for more than three decades has made him one of the rare behind-the-scenes producers to become a household name.

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Personal Life and Real Estate

Michael Gelman married Canadian television personality Laurie Hibberd in 2000. Laurie was a successful entertainment reporter and talk show host in her own right, best known for co-hosting "The Parenting Show" on Life Network and for her work with the Canadian networks YTV and Global Television. Together, the couple has two daughters and have split their time between Manhattan and the Hamptons.

The Gelmans' real estate holdings reflect their long careers in television. In New York City, they own a four-bedroom apartment spanning about 2,500 square feet. Outside the city, they purchased a 5,600-square-foot home in the Hamptons in 2004 for $2.3 million. Thanks to the area's booming luxury real estate market, the home is now estimated to be worth around $9 million. The property serves as a retreat for the family and a place to host colleagues and friends during the summer season.

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