Phyllis George Net Worth: A Look at The Career, Life and Legacy of a Trailblazing Journalist and Businesswoman

What is Phyllis George’s Net Worth and Salary?

Phyllis George was a well-known journalist turned businesswoman, who ventured into various fields to create a lasting impact on many. Her net worth is estimated to be around $10 million. While this is quite impressive, it is essential to note that George was never driven by money but a passion for her work.

Throughout her career as a journalist and businesswoman, Phyllis George worked with a diverse array of media outlets, made a significant contribution to the world of business, and committed herself to various charitable causes. In this article, we will take a closer look at George’s life, work, legacy, as well as the frequently asked questions related to her.

Early Life and Education

Phyllis Ann George was born on June 25, 1949, in Denton, Texas. She grew up in a middle-class family and had three siblings. George was known for her beauty and intelligence from a young age, and she entered the Miss America pageant in 1970, eventually winning the title. The same year, George graduated from the University of North Texas with a Business Administration degree and started her career as a TV news anchor.

Career

Phyllis George began her career as a journalist, working for various television stations across the country, including the CBS affiliate, WIIC-TV in Pittsburgh, and later for the same network in Washington D.C. It was her time as a co-anchor of the NFL Today on CBS that brought her to widespread national attention and made her a household name. Despite the sexism and gender discrimination in the industry during her era, George persevered, breaking the glass ceiling in many ways.

After leaving CBS in 1984, Phyllis George shifted her focus to business and entrepreneurship. She started her own line of chicken products, “Chicken By George,” which quickly became a hit throughout the country. George also founded Phyllis George Enterprises, a marketing and consulting firm that offered services to various companies.

George also served as the First Lady of Kentucky from 1979 to 1983, after her husband, John Y. Brown, became the Governor of Kentucky.

Personal Life

Phyllis George was married twice, first to Hollywood producer Robert Evans, with whom she had one child. Her second marriage was to John Y Brown, the former Governor of Kentucky, and they had two children together.

George was notoriously private about her personal life, rarely discussing it in public, but she gave the impression of having a happy marriage and escaped any major controversies.

Illness and Death

Phyllis George was diagnosed with Polycythemia Vera, a rare blood disorder, in the late 1990s. She fought the illness for over two decades but passed away on May 14th, 2020, at the age of 70, due to complications related to the condition.

Her death was met with widespread sadness and tributes from her colleagues in the media and business world, who praised her trailblazing work and remarkable impact on society.

Real Estate

Phyllis George’s real estate portfolio was extensive and included a vast array of properties across the country. She owned a mansion in Kentucky, which was later sold after her second separation, and reportedly had several other properties located in Florida, California, and Texas.

Legacy

Phyllis George’s life and work left a profound impact on the media and business world, particularly for women in both sectors. She was a trailblazer who broke down gender barriers, continually fighting against the idea that men were superior to women in the workforce.

Along with her evident success in media and business, Phyllis George was also deeply committed to various charitable causes and philanthropy.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What are some notable awards and accolades Phyllis George received in her career?

Phyllis George was widely recognized for her work as a TV journalist and her entrepreneurship skills. She won several awards during her career, including a Regional Emmy Award, the Distinguished Young Woman of America Award for Role Model of the Year, and was inducted into the Kentucky Broadcasters Association Hall of Fame in 2008.

What inspired Phyllis George to become a journalist?

While Phyllis George initially pursued a degree in business, she discovered her passion for journalism during her time at the University of North Texas. She was inspired by the idea of being able to tell stories that could impact society and the world, and this passion drove her to become a journalist.

What impact did Phyllis George have on women in journalism and business?

Phyllis George broke down gender barriers and fought tirelessly to create an equal playing field for women in journalism and business. She was a trailblazer who showed that an incredibly successful career could be achieved by anyone, regardless of their gender.

What were some of the challenges that Phyllis George faced throughout her career?

Phyllis George faced gender discrimination and sexism throughout her career. Being a woman in the media industry wasn’t easy, as there was a pervasive belief that men could do the job better.

What were some of Phyllis George’s notable contributions to the world of business?

One of Phyllis George’s most significant contributions to the world of business was her creation of ‘Chicken by George,’ a line of chicken products that quickly became a hit throughout the country. She also founded Phyllis George Enterprises, a marketing and consulting firm that offered services to various companies.

What charities and philanthropic activities did Phyllis George support?

Phyllis George was actively involved in several charitable causes, including the Markey Cancer Foundation, the American Cancer Society, and the March of Dimes. She also founded the Kentucky Museum of Art and Craft and started the Kentucky Museum Arts Foundation to support it.

Did Phyllis George ever face any significant controversies in her life?

Phyllis George was notoriously private about her personal life and avoided any significant controversies throughout her career. She was known for her professionalism and dedication to her work.

What made Phyllis George stand out as a journalist?

Phyllis George was a unique journalist, who broke down gender barriers and paved the way for future generations of women in the media industry. She brought a new perspective to news reporting, always putting a human, empathetic touch to her work, and being honest and candid in her interviews.

What would Phyllis George want to be remembered for?

Phyllis George wanted to be remembered for breaking down gender barriers and fighting for equality in the media and business world. She had a lasting impact on society, inspiring countless women to pursue their dreams and achieve success despite the hurdles they may face.

What lessons can we learn from Phyllis George’s life and work?

Phyllis George’s life teaches us that hard work, perseverance, and the courage to break down barriers can lead to success and create a lasting impact on the world. She continues to inspire many to this day.

What was Phyllis George’s signature broadcasting moment?

Phyllis George’s signature broadcasting moment was when she became the co-anchor of the NFL Today on CBS, making her the first female sportscaster to cover a major-league sport as a regular analyst.

What is Phyllis George’s enduring legacy?

Phyllis George’s legacy is one of trailblazing, innovation, and steadfast advocacy for women. She left an indelible mark on the media and business world while remaining deeply committed to charitable causes and philanthropy.

What can young women learn from Phyllis George?

Young women can learn from Phyllis George to be brave, ambitious, and persevere in the face of challenges. Her legacy is a shining example of how women can make lasting contributions in their fields and pave the way for future generations.