Who Is Laura Schlessinger? Age, Biography and Wiki
Born on January 16, 1947, in Brooklyn, New York, Laura Schlessinger is a prominent American author, radio personality, and social commentator. With a career spanning several decades, Laura has made a significant impact in the field of talk radio, earning the title of "Doctor Laura" after obtaining her Ph.D. in physiology. As of 2025, she is 78 years old and remains a relevant figure in American culture, continuing to engage audiences through her media platforms.
| Occupation | Psychologists |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | January 16, 1947 |
| Age | 78 Years |
| Birth Place | Brooklyn, New York, U.S. |
| Horoscope | Capricorn |
| Country | U.S |
Popularity
Laura Schlessinger's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Laura Schlessinger stands approximately 5 feet 5 inches (165 cm) tall and weighs around 150 lbs (68 kg). While body stats can fluctuate, she has maintained a healthy lifestyle and physical fitness throughout her career. Known for her professional yet warm demeanor, she embodies a balanced approach to health, which resonates with her audience.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Laura Schlessinger has been married twice and is currently in a relationship. Her first marriage was to Marion J. Schlessinger, which ended in divorce. She subsequently married Michael R. Schlessinger, with whom she has a son, Deryk. As of 2025, Laura is reportedly dating someone special, but she has chosen to keep details about her current partner relatively private, maintaining her focus on her career while enjoying her personal life.
She was raised in Brooklyn and later on Long Island. Her parents were Monroe "Monty" Schlessinger, a Jewish American civil engineer, and Yolanda (née Ceccovini) Schlessinger, a Catholic war bride from Italy. Schlessinger has said her father was charming and her mother beautiful as a young woman. She has a sister, Cindy, who is 11 years her junior.
Schlessinger has described her childhood environment as unloving and unpleasant, and her family as dysfunctional. She has ascribed some of the difficulty to extended family rejection of her parents' mixed faith Jewish-Catholic marriage. Schlessinger said her father was "petty, insensitive, mean, thoughtless, demeaning, and downright unloving".
She described her mother as a person with "pathological pride", who "was never grateful", who "would always find something to criticize," and who "constantly expressed disdain for men, sex, and love". She credited her father with giving her the drive to succeed.
Net Worth and Salary
With a successful career in radio, writing, and television, Laura Schlessinger has amassed a considerable wealth over the years. As of 2025, her estimated net worth is around $20 million. This wealth stems from her long-running radio show, numerous best-selling books, and various television appearances. Her keen insights and engaging personality have undoubtedly contributed to her financial success.
She was the first woman to win the Marconi Award for Network/Syndicated Personality of the Year (1997). In 1998 she received the American Women in Radio & Television's Genii Award. She was on the Forbes top 100 list of celebrities in 2000 with estimated earnings of $13 million.
In September 2002, the industry magazine Talkers named Schlessinger as the seventh-greatest radio talk-show host of all time. In 2005 and 2008,
Career, Business and Investments
Laura Schlessinger's career took off with her nationally syndicated radio show, "The Dr. Laura Program," which began in 1992. Her straightforward, no-nonsense advice style quickly garnered a loyal following, making her one of the most recognized voices in talk radio. Beyond her radio endeavors, Laura is a prolific author, with several best-selling books covering topics from family dynamics to personal responsibility.
In addition to her media work, Laura has ventured into business investments, including self-help programs and online courses, further diversifying her income streams. Her financial savvy and understanding of her audience have enabled her to maintain relevance in a rapidly changing media landscape.
Schlessinger used to combine her local radio career in Los Angeles with a private practice as a marriage and family counselor. However, after going into national radio syndication, she concentrated her efforts on The Dr. Laura Program heard each weekday, and on writing self-help books.
The books Ten Stupid Things Women Do to Mess Up Their Lives and The Proper Care and Feeding of Husbands are among her bestselling works. A short-lived television talk show hosted by Schlessinger was launched in 2000. In August 2010, she announced that she would end her syndicated radio show in December 2010.
Her show moved to the Sirius XM Stars satellite radio channel on January 3, 2011. Schlessinger announced a "multiyear" deal to be on satellite radio. On November 5, 2018, her radio program moved to the Sirius XM Triumph Channel 111.
Social Network
Laura Schlessinger actively engages with her audience through various social media platforms. Her official Twitter account (@DrLaura) boasts a significant following, where she shares insights, advice, and updates about her professional endeavors. Additionally, she maintains a presence on Facebook and Instagram, allowing her to connect with fans and promote her work.
Education
Laura Schlessinger holds a bachelor's degree in sociology from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) and a Ph.D. in physiology from the same institution. Her academic background provides a solid foundation for her expertise in interpersonal relationships and human behavior, reinforcing her credibility as a talk radio host and author.
Schlessinger attended Westbury High School and Jericho High School, where she showed an interest in science. She received a bachelor's degree from Stony Brook University. Moving to Columbia University for graduate studies, she earned a master's and PhD in physiology in 1974. Her doctoral thesis was on insulin's effects on laboratory rats.
After she began dispensing personal advice on the radio, she obtained training and certification in marriage and family counseling from the University of Southern California, where she worked in the biology department, and a therapist's license from the State of California.
In addition, she opened up a part-time practice as a marriage and family therapist.
