Melissa Rivers has built a name for herself in television and entertainment, both through her own work and as the daughter of legendary comedian Joan Rivers. From red carpet coverage to reality TV and producing behind the scenes, she’s worn many hats in the industry.
With such a varied career, it’s no surprise that people are curious about how much is Melissa Rivers’ net worth. Let’s take a closer look at how she’s earned her money and carved out her own place in Hollywood.
What is Melissa Rivers’ Net Worth?
Melissa Rivers is an American television host and actress with an estimated net worth of $100 million, according to Sportskeeda. A large part of this came from the estate of her mother Joan Rivers who passed away in 2014. Joan left Melissa with a fortune that included cash investments and a valuable apartment in New York City. But Melissa’s wealth is not just about inheritance. She worked hard in TV production media and business.
She reportedly inherited $75 million in cash and a $35 million New York apartment from Joan. Over time she has grown that money by making smart investments and continuing her work in entertainment.
Melissa Rivers’ Early Life and Education
Melissa Warburg Rosenberg was born on January 20, 1968, in New York City. She is the only child of Joan Rivers and Edgar Rosenberg. Melissa grew up in Los Angeles, California, and went to schools like John Thomas Dye, Marlborough, and The Buckley School.
Melissa started dancing when she was 8 years old. At first, she only had group lessons once a week. But by age 12, she became more serious and started private lessons.
Melissa went to the University of Pennsylvania. She graduated in 1989 with a degree in history. Sadly, in her second year of college, her father Edgar passed away. In 1990, she decided to use her mother’s stage name and became known as Melissa Rivers.
Melissa Rivers’ Career in TV and Red Carpet Hosting
Melissa Rivers is an actress known for her roles in TV shows like Beverly Hills 90210, Silk Stalkings, and The Comeback. She also appeared in the 1998 TV movie Men in White and the 1999 comedy The Big Tease, which starred Craig Ferguson.
In 1994, she and her mother, Joan Rivers, played themselves in the docudrama Tears and Laughter: The Joan and Melissa Rivers Story.
In the 1990s, Melissa became famous for interviewing celebrities on red carpets during awards shows. She worked as a host and producer for the E! Network, creating hit specials like Oh Baby! Melissa’s Guide to Pregnancy and Oh Toddler! Surviving the Early Years in 2002.
Melissa and Joan also hosted red carpet fashion interviews for E! before moving to TV Guide Channel in 2003. This deal was worth $6 to $8 million.
In 2003, Melissa Rivers appeared on the ABC reality show I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! and was a regular guest on Tom Green’s House Tonight. She co-created and co-produced the YouTube series In Bed with Joan in 2013, where Joan interviewed celebrities. The show had guests like Kathy Griffin, Sarah Silverman, Kelly Osbourne, RuPaul, and many more.
In 2013, Melissa and Joan were honored with a double-decker tour bus dedicated to them. Later, in 2015, Melissa became a co-host on Fashion Police.
Melissa Rivers’ Personal Life and Relationships
Melissa Rivers married horse trainer John Endicott in December 1998. The wedding took place at New York City’s Plaza Hotel and cost $3 million. They divorced in 2003. Melissa had one son, Edgar Cooper Endicott, born in 2000. Edgar appeared on the reality show Joan & Melissa: Joan Knows Best? with Melissa and her mother. Melissa was also in a relationship with sports coach Jason Zimmerman from 2008 to 2011.
In 2015, Melissa filed a lawsuit against the doctors who performed surgery on her mother. The surgery led to her mother’s death.
Melissa was in a relationship with talent agent Mark Rousso from 2015 to 2021. In 2022, she met attorney Steve Mitchel at a Didi Hirsch Mental Health event. Melissa was a Co-Chairman for the organization. The couple got engaged in October 2023.
On March 15, 2025, Melissa Rivers and Steve Mitchel got married in Jackson Hole. The wedding took place at the Four Seasons in front of 150 guests.
Melissa’s home was destroyed in a fire in January 2025.
Melissa Rivers’ Charity Work and Fundraising Efforts
Melissa Rivers was very active in charity work. In 2003, she appeared in a PETA anti-fur ad campaign. The campaign encouraged people to “Fake It…for the Animals’ Sake” to help animals. She raised $100,000 for the Make-A-Wish Foundation by participating in the 2006 TV show I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here!.
On June 24, 2008, Melissa appeared on Celebrity Family Feud with her family. She played for the Guide Dogs for the Blind charity and helped win $50,000. In the same year, Melissa joined Celebrity Apprentice to raise money for the Lili Claire Foundation. However, she was fired in the episode that aired on April 26, 2009. After being fired, she had a heated argument with teammates Annie Duke and Brande Roderick.
Melissa’s mother also participated in The Apprentice season. After Melissa’s firing, her mother considered quitting but stayed and eventually won. Melissa also appeared on a special celebrity edition of Who Wants to Be a Millionaire. She helped raise $22,250 for Alzheimer’s disease research.
Melissa Rivers’ Real Estate Ventures and Loss
In 1998, Melissa bought a home in LA’s Pacific Palisades for $2.35 million. She sold it in July 2019 for $5.223 million, after listing it for $6.2 million the year before. In July 2015, Melissa helped sell her mother’s penthouse in New York City for $28 million.
In March 2016, Melissa bought a home in Santa Monica for $11 million. She sold it in March 2021 for $15.5 million. After that, she bought a new home in Pacific Palisades for $7.8 million. Sadly, this home was destroyed in the 2025 Palisades Fire.
FAQs
How much is Melissa Rivers worth in 2025?
As of 2025, Melissa Rivers’ estimated net worth is around $100 million, much of which comes from her inheritance, television work, and producing credits.
What are the main sources of income for Melissa Rivers?
Melissa Rivers earns from television hosting, producing, acting, public speaking, and book sales. A significant portion of her wealth also comes from the estate of her late mother, Joan Rivers.
Did Melissa Rivers inherit money from Joan Rivers?
Yes, Melissa Rivers inherited an estimated $75 million from Joan Rivers’ estate, including cash, real estate, and personal belongings after her mother’s passing in 2014.
Is Melissa Rivers still active in the entertainment industry?
Yes, Melissa Rivers continues to work as a TV host, red carpet correspondent, and executive producer, and is involved in charity work and media projects.
How does Melissa Rivers’ net worth compare to other celebrity children?
Melissa Rivers’ net worth is among the highest for celebrity children, especially those who have successfully carved out their own careers while managing a well-known family legacy.
