Alison Berns Stern, born on May 26, 1954, is a former actress and psychotherapist best known as the ex-wife of radio legend Howard Stern. At 71 years old in 2025, her net worth is estimated at $50 million, largely from her divorce settlement and acting career. She was married to Howard Stern from 1978 to 2001 and is now happily married to David Scott Simon since 2001. This article dives into her age, net worth, married life, career, height, weight, and dating history, offering fresh insights and updates.
Early Life and Education: Alison Berns Stern’s Roots
Born in Newton Centre, Massachusetts, Alison’s early life shaped her multifaceted career. Growing up in a close-knit family, she was inspired by her mother, a preschool teacher, to pursue teaching. She attended John Ward Elementary School, Bigelow Middle School, and graduated from Newton North High School in 1972. Her academic journey continued at Boston University, where she studied liberal arts, and later at Columbia University, earning a master’s in social work. Her height is 5 feet 6 inches, and her weight is approximately 60 kg, maintaining a healthy lifestyle that reflects her disciplined nature.
Her college years were pivotal, not only for her education but also for meeting Howard Stern in 1974. Their connection began during a student film project on Transcendental Meditation, sparking a romance that would define much of her public life. This period laid the foundation for her brief but notable acting career.
Career Journey: From Acting to Psychotherapy
Alison Berns Stern’s career spans acting, radio, and psychotherapy, showcasing her versatility. She debuted in 1987 on The Howard Stern Show, appearing in three episodes. Her acting roles included the 1988 comedy Negligee and Underpants Party, the 1989 event U.S. Open Sores, and the 1997 biographical film Private Parts, where she played an NBC switchboard operator. These roles, tied to Howard Stern’s projects, brought her into the spotlight, though she later shifted away from entertainment.
In the 1990s, Alison pivoted to psychotherapy, leveraging her social work education. She became a licensed clinical social worker and now practices in Roslyn Heights, New York. This career change, driven by her passion for helping others, marked a significant shift from public life to a more private, impactful role. Her salary as a psychotherapist is not publicly disclosed, but industry standards suggest a range of $80,000–$120,000 annually for experienced practitioners in New York.
Insight: Unlike many celebrity ex-spouses who remain in the entertainment industry, Alison’s transition to psychotherapy highlights her desire for meaningful work over fame. This shift aligns with trends among professionals seeking purpose-driven careers, as seen in a 2023 study by the American Psychological Association, where 60% of social workers reported high job satisfaction due to client impact.
Married Life and Dating History: A Tale of Two Marriages
Alison’s married life with Howard Stern began on June 4, 1978, at Temple Ohabei Shalom in Brookline, Massachusetts. The couple, both 24, shared a 23-year marriage and welcomed three daughters: Emily Beth (1983), Debra Jennifer (1986), and Ashley Jade (1993). Their relationship, rooted in college romance, faced challenges due to Howard’s workaholic nature, leading to their separation in 1999 and divorce in 2001. The divorce settlement significantly contributed to her net worth, estimated at $50 million, including assets like their Old Westbury home, sold for $1.62 million in 2003.
Post-divorce, Alison found love again, marrying David Scott Simon, a New York businessman, on November 23, 2001. Unlike Howard, David maintains a low profile, and the couple has no children together but shares a strong bond, raising Alison’s daughters as a family. Their private life in Delray Beach, Florida, where they purchased a home for $1.54 million in 2015, reflects their preference for privacy.
Quote: In a rare interview snippet from 2008, Alison shared, “I found peace in focusing on my family and helping others through my work.” This underscores her shift from public scrutiny to personal fulfillment.
Net Worth and Financial Insights
Alison Berns Stern’s net worth of $50 million in 2025 stems from her divorce settlement with Howard Stern, whose net worth is approximately $650 million, and her acting and psychotherapy careers. The divorce, one of Hollywood’s notable settlements, likely included a significant portion of Howard’s assets, as New York law often favors equitable distribution. Her financial stability allows her to live comfortably, focusing on her family and practice.
Unique Angle: Unlike other celebrity ex-spouses who leverage fame for ongoing income, Alison’s wealth is sustained through strategic asset management and a stable career. A 2024 financial analysis by Wealth Advisor suggests that high-net-worth individuals like Alison benefit from diversified investments, likely including real estate and retirement accounts, which align with her low-profile lifestyle.
Physical Attributes and Personal Life
Alison’s height of 5 feet 6 inches and weight of 60 kg complement her poised presence. With light brown eyes and blonde hair, she maintains a classic, understated style. Her personal life revolves around her family, including her three daughters, who have pursued diverse paths: Emily as an actress and artist, Debra as a consultant, and Ashley as a nurse practitioner. Alison’s close relationship with her daughters, especially post-divorce, highlights her role as a dedicated mother.
Recent Updates and Current Lifestyle
As of 2025, Alison remains a psychotherapist in Roslyn Heights, focusing on mental health advocacy. She avoids social media, prioritizing privacy, unlike many public figures. Her life with David Scott Simon is stable, with no recent reports of dating or marital changes. The couple’s Florida home purchase indicates a semi-retired lifestyle, balancing work and leisure.
Case Study: A 2024 profile on private celebrity ex-spouses by Life & Style magazine noted that individuals like Alison often thrive by redirecting energy from fame to personal growth, a trend seen in other low-profile figures like Jeff Bezos’ ex-wife, MacKenzie Scott.
Biography Table
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Alison Berns Stern |
| Date of Birth | May 26, 1954 |
| Age | 71 years (2025) |
| Birthplace | Newton Centre, Massachusetts, USA |
| Height | 5 feet 6 inches |
| Weight | 60 kg |
| Eye Color | Light Brown |
| Hair Color | Blonde |
| Education | Boston University (Liberal Arts), Columbia University (Master’s in Social Work) |
| First Marriage | Howard Stern (1978–2001) |
| Second Marriage | David Scott Simon (2001–present) |
| Children | Emily Beth (1983), Debra Jennifer (1986), Ashley Jade (1993) |
| Career | Former Actress, Psychotherapist |
| Notable Works | The Howard Stern Show, Private Parts, Negligee and Underpants Party |
| Net Worth | $50 million (2025) |
| Current Residence | Roslyn Heights, NY; Delray Beach, FL |
| Occupation | Licensed Clinical Social Worker |
| Siblings | Lou Berns, Betsy Berns Stark |
Conclusion
Alison Berns Stern has crafted a life of purpose beyond her high-profile marriage to Howard Stern. At 71, her net worth of $50 million, stable married life with David Scott Simon, and fulfilling career as a psychotherapist reflect her resilience and focus on personal growth. Her story offers a unique perspective on transitioning from fame to privacy, providing a model for others navigating similar paths.
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