Who Is Susan Anne Povich? Inside the Life of Maury Povich’s Daughter

When you hear the name Maury Povich, you probably think of his famous TV show and the dramatic line: “You are NOT the father!” But behind the scenes, Maury has a real family — and one of the most interesting people in it is his daughter, Susan Anne Povich.

Susan may be known as Maury Povich’s daughter, but she has built a full and successful life of her own. She is a lawyer, a trained chef, a businesswoman, and a proud mom. In this article, we’ll explore who Susan Anne Povich really is — from her childhood and education to how she created a popular lobster restaurant loved across the country.

Let’s dive in and get to know her story.

Susan Anne Povich Quick Bio

Who Is Susan Anne Povich?

Susan Anne Povich is the daughter of Maury Povich and his first wife, Phyllis Minkoff. She was born on December 30, 1964, in Washington, D.C. Even though her father became very famous on TV, Susan chose a different path in life.

She started as a lawyer, then followed her passion and became a chef. Today, she runs a well-known seafood restaurant in Brooklyn called Red Hook Lobster Pound. Many people admire her for making bold choices and following her dreams — even when it meant changing her entire career.

Susan is a great example of someone who didn’t just live in her father’s shadow. She made her own name through hard work and passion.

Early Life and Family Background

Susan grew up in Washington, D.C., during a time when her father was just starting his career in media. Her mother, Phyllis Minkoff, worked in public relations, and her father was working on the news before later becoming a national TV star.

She also has a younger sister named Amy Povich, and after her parents divorced, her father married journalist Connie Chung. Maury and Connie adopted a son named Matthew, so Susan grew up with two siblings — one sister and one younger brother.

Even though she came from a media family, Susan had a childhood that was more private. She saw both the spotlight and the importance of family behind the scenes. These early years helped shape who she is today.

Education and Law Career

Susan always loved to learn. After high school, she went to the University of Michigan, where she earned her college degree. But she didn’t stop there. She went on to study at Harvard Law School, which is one of the best law schools in the country.

Getting into Harvard Law is not easy. It shows that Susan was not only smart but also very focused. After law school, she moved to New York and started working at a big law firm. She worked in the tech and music industries, helping artists and companies with legal contracts and business matters.

But after working for a while, she realized something was missing. Even though she was successful, she didn’t feel happy in that job. Something inside her was telling her to try something new — something more creative.

Why She Left Law to Follow Her Passion

Have you ever done something that looked good on paper, but just didn’t feel right? That’s what happened to Susan. After 18 months at a law firm, she knew she didn’t want to spend the rest of her life in that career.

She loved cooking for her family and friends, and she wanted to make that her focus. It was a big change, but she decided to leave her law job and go to culinary school. It wasn’t a common move, especially for someone with a Harvard Law degree — but Susan followed her heart.

This decision opened the door to a whole new chapter in her life, one that was filled with flavor, creativity, and a lot of lobster.

Culinary Training and Chef Life

Susan joined the French Culinary Institute in New York to train as a chef. This was not just cooking for fun — this was serious training. She learned everything from basic knife skills to creating full restaurant meals.

After finishing her training, Susan started working in real restaurants. She got hands-on experience, worked long hours in the kitchen, and learned what it meant to be a chef. It wasn’t easy, but she loved it.

She once shared that she enjoyed cooking for people more than just working with contracts. Cooking felt more personal. It brought people together. This love for food — and for feeding others — would soon turn into something much bigger.

How Susan Anne Povich Started Red Hook Lobster Pound

The idea for Red Hook Lobster Pound started with a simple trip. Susan and her husband, Ralph Gorham, went to Portland, Maine one Thanksgiving and brought back some fresh lobsters. While eating them at home in Brooklyn, Ralph said, “Why don’t we open a lobster place right here in Red Hook?”

That moment sparked the beginning of their restaurant journey. In 2009, they opened Red Hook Lobster Pound in Brooklyn. It wasn’t a fancy place at first — but it had heart, flavor, and a real story behind it.

Susan used her cooking skills, her business knowledge, and her love for seafood to create something special. She wanted to bring a taste of Maine to New York, and people quickly noticed.

Success Story of the Lobster Business

After opening in 2009, Red Hook Lobster Pound quickly became a favorite in Brooklyn. People loved the fresh lobster, the warm service, and the fun vibe. It brought something new and exciting to the neighborhood — and it felt real.

Soon, the business started growing. Susan and Ralph expanded to Manhattan and even Washington, D.C. They also launched a food truck called Big Red, which took their famous lobster rolls to the streets.

In 2013, Big Red was named Best Food Truck in America by The Daily Meal. Out of 400 trucks across the country, theirs came out on top. That was a huge moment for Susan. It showed that following her heart had truly paid off.

Her Life as Maury Povich’s Daughter

Even though she is known as Maury Povich’s daughter, Susan built her life outside the spotlight. She once appeared on her father’s show, Maury, which fans loved. But she never wanted to be famous just for being related to someone.

Maury has openly shared that he regrets not spending enough time with his daughters when they were young. He focused a lot on his career back then. But today, their bond is strong, and he’s proud of the woman Susan has become.

Susan respects her father’s career but chose a quieter, more personal life. She made her own name through hard work, not through TV fame.

Susan Anne Povich’s Husband and Kids

In 1998, Susan married Ralph Winthrop Gorham. They met at a New York Rangers hockey game and quickly connected. Ralph had already been married before, but the two shared a strong bond and a love for creativity.

They had a small Jewish wedding in Maury Povich’s Manhattan apartment, surrounded by close friends and family. It was a simple but sweet celebration.

Together, they have two children. Their son, Jesse, was born in 1999, and their daughter, Charley, was born in 2004. Charley is smart and active — she plays volleyball and takes part in debate teams. Jesse also helps at the family restaurant and supports the family business.

Susan Anne Povich on Social Media

Susan enjoys sharing her life online. Her Instagram handle is @lobstahmama, a fun name that fits her love for seafood.

On her page, you’ll find photos of her family, food, pets, and travels. She posts pictures from places like Portugal, Puerto Rico, and all over the U.S. Her posts show her fun and friendly side, as well as her love for cooking and family.

Unlike her sister Amy, who stays out of the spotlight, Susan is more open online. But even then, she keeps things real and positive — not too flashy, just warm and inviting.

Net Worth and Business Growth in 2025

As of 2025, Susan Anne Povich has an estimated net worth of $5 million. This didn’t come from her father’s fame — it came from her own hard work.

Her income comes mainly from Red Hook Lobster Pound, which continues to grow. With food trucks, catering, and loyal fans, the business has become a strong brand. It shows that passion and smart choices can really lead to success.

Susan made a big life change, but it worked out well. She turned something she loved — cooking — into a business that supports her family and brings joy to many people.

Fun Facts and Hobbies You’ll Love

Susan isn’t just about business. She has many fun hobbies that keep her happy and grounded.

She loves gardening, bike riding, painting, and of course, cooking at home for friends and family. Even though she runs a restaurant, she still enjoys simple meals around the table with loved ones.

Some fun facts:

• Her favorite color is blue

• She loves ice cream as much as lobster

• She enjoys cartoons and things that make her laugh

• She supports animal rescue groups and cares deeply about pets

These small things show her sweet, down-to-earth personality. She works hard, but she also knows how to enjoy life.

Final Thoughts

So, who is Susan Anne Povich? She’s much more than Maury Povich’s daughter. She’s a smart, strong, and creative woman who followed her own path — from law to cooking, and from big firms to lobster rolls.

She shows us that it’s okay to change your mind, to try something new, and to chase what makes you happy. She didn’t just follow in anyone’s footsteps — she created her own.

Today, Susan enjoys a full life with her husband, her kids, her growing business, and her simple joys. And that’s what makes her story so inspiring.

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