Gary Dell'Abate Net Worth

What Is Gary Dell'Abate's Net Worth and Salary?

Gary Dell'Abate is an American radio producer who has a net worth of $15 million.

Gary Dell'Abate is a radio legend best known for his four-decade tenure as the executive producer of "The Howard Stern Show." Joining Stern in 1984 as an eager intern at WNBC in New York, Dell'Abate quickly made himself indispensable, rising to become the show's logistical backbone. He oversaw the program's explosive syndication growth in the 1990s and managed its historic, high-stakes transition from terrestrial radio to SiriusXM satellite radio in 2006.

However, Dell'Abate is equally famous for his on-air persona, "Baba Booey." The nickname, born from his 1990 mispronunciation of the cartoon character Baba Looey, became a global pop culture phenomenon. On air, he served as the show's ultimate foil—a good-natured target for Stern's relentless mockery regarding his teeth, his vinyl collection, and his professional missteps (most notably his infamously terrible opening pitch at a New York Mets game).

Despite the constant on-air ridicule, Dell'Abate is widely respected in the broadcasting industry for his loyalty, resilience, and production acumen. He helped pioneer the "reality radio" format by allowing his personal life to become content, bridging the gap between staff and talent. Outside the studio, he authored the autobiography "They Call Me Baba Booey" (2010) and is an active supporter of the charity Lifebeat. His career stands as a unique blend of high-level executive management and performance art.

Salary

Gary Dell'Abate's annual salary to produce Howard Stern's radio network is $4 million.

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Early Life

Gary Dell'Abate was born on March 14, 1961, in Brooklyn, New York City. He was raised in Uniondale in an Italian-American household. After graduating from high school, he attended Adelphi University and received the Richard F. Clemo Award. During his early years, Gary also interned at several radio stations.

Early Career and WNBC

Gary Dell'Abate's broadcasting career officially launched in 1984 when he secured an internship at WNBC in New York City. While working in the station's traffic department, he met Howard Stern, who was just beginning to make waves in the market. Dell'Abate accepted a full-time position with The Howard Stern Show for a meager salary of $150 per week, prioritizing the opportunity over the pay. He joined a tight-knit, burgeoning ensemble that included news anchor Robin Quivers and sound effects wizard Fred Norris, cementing the core team that would dominate radio for decades.

In these early years, his duties were menial but essential; he fetched lunch for Stern, screened phone calls, and scheduled guests. On air, Stern initially referred to him as "Boy Gary," highlighting his junior status and eagerness to please. Despite the low pay and demanding environment, Dell'Abate's reliability and thick skin quickly made him indispensable to the show's daily operations.

Rise to Executive Producer

As the show moved to K-Rock in 1985 and syndication expanded across the country, Dell'Abate's responsibilities grew exponentially. He was promoted to Executive Producer, a role that required him to manage the chaotic "back office," wrangle the eccentric "Wack Pack," and book high-profile celebrity guests.

Beyond logistics, he became a critical on-air personality. He served as the show's primary "foil"—the rational, albeit clumsy, everyman who absorbed relentless teasing not only from Stern but also from head writer Jackie "The Joke Man" Martling and Quivers. This dynamic became a cornerstone of the show's format, with Norris frequently punctuating Dell'Abate's missteps with mocking sound effects. In 2006, following the show's historic move to SiriusXM satellite radio, Dell'Abate expanded his on-mic presence by co-hosting The Howard Stern Wrap Up Show alongside Jon Hein, where he offered analysis and behind-the-scenes commentary on the morning's broadcast.

The "Baba Booey" Phenomenon

Dell'Abate's defining pop-culture moment occurred on July 26, 1990. During a discussion about his collection of animation cels, he attempted to describe a cel of Quick Draw McGraw. He intended to name McGraw's sidekick, Baba Looey, but famously mispronounced it as "Baba Booey."

The mistake was immediate comedic gold for the show's cast, who ridiculed him for attempting to purchase "priceless" art without knowing the character's name. Although Dell'Abate initially insisted the joke had "gone as far as it will go," it became his permanent moniker. The nickname transcended the radio show to become a global meme; prank callers famously used it on live news broadcasts (the "Baba Booey bomb"), and spectators at PGA Tour events and other sports venues began shouting it just after athletes made a play.

(Photo by Araya Diaz/Getty Images for SiriusXM)

Notable On-Air Moments

Dell'Abate's career is also defined by his resilience during infamous on-air humiliations. Two specific incidents stand out as legendary bits in the show's history:

• The "Love Tape" (1990s): An ex-girlfriend provided the show with a videotape Dell'Abate had made for her in an attempt to win her back. The earnest, awkward footage was dissected on-air for years, cementing his reputation as a good sport who was willing to suffer for the audience's entertainment.
• The First Pitch (2009): Invited to throw the ceremonial first pitch at a New York Mets game, Dell'Abate threw the ball wildly wide, hitting an umpire. The blunder remains one of the most replayed "fails" in sports broadcasting history and provided the show with material for over a decade.

Book

Dell'Abate's 2010 autobiography "They Call Me Baba Booey" became a New York Times best-seller, and it debuted at #6 on the Best Seller list. The book explores a number of notable events in Gary's life, including his mother's struggle with depression and his brother's passing as a result of AIDS. It also tells the story of how he became the executive producer of "The Howard Stern Show."

Philanthropy

After Gary's brother died of AIDS, he became a supporter of LIFEbeat: The Music Industry Fights AIDS. Later, he became the charity's president. The aim of this charity is to form partnerships with the entertainment industry in order to advocate for sexual safety. The charity also helps individuals and supports them, regardless of their sexual orientation, gender, or status.

Relationships

In 1992, Gary Dell'Abate married his wife, Mary. Over the course of their relationship, they have had two children together.

Real Estate

In 2007, Gary bought a one-acre property in Old Greenwich, Connecticut. He proceeded to custom-build a 7,000-square-foot, 5-bedroom, 7-bathroom mansion. Gary sold this home in August 2021 for $3.15 million. Around the time of the sale, Gary mentioned on air his intention to buy homes in Maine and Florida.

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