Legend Mary Hart

Broadcast Journalist & Entertainer | 1992 INDUCTEE

Mary Hart, born in Madison, South Dakota, in 1951. She became a famous TV host known for sharing news about celebrities and entertainment. After going to Augustana College, she was even crowned Miss South Dakota in 1970. While she began her career as an English teacher in Sioux Falls, SD her love for TV led her to become a broadcaster. 

Moving to Los Angeles, Mary quickly became a big star. She hosted the show "Entertainment Tonight" for 29 years! This made her famous, and she even got a Guinness World Record for being the longest-serving entertainment news host. Mary wasn't just good at hosting; she also loved performing. She danced and sang in places like Las Vegas and Atlantic City, impressing many people. 

Mary Hart cared about helping others. She supported causes that help children, like the Children's Miracle Network Telethon. In 1989, she received a special star on the "Hollywood Walk of Fame," Mary also made exercise videos which became very popular, showing she was talented in many ways! 

Mary Hart RECEIVES Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame!

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Mary hosted the Tournament of Roses Parade on New Years Day from 1984 to 1989. She hosted the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in 1987. She RECEIVED Emmy nominations for both!

Career Timeline

  • Miss South Dakota

  • Miss America Semi-finalist

  • Taught English at Washington High School

  • Began Full-time Television Career

  • Co-hosted the Oklahoma City Dannysday Show

  • Acted in Days of Our Lives

    Made TV Commercials

    Co-hosted PM Magazine

  • Co-host of Regis Philbin’s National Talk Show

    Co-host for Entertainment Tonight (ET)

  • Added Singing and Dancing in Las Vegas

  • After 29 Years of Hosting ET, Hart Left the Show

  • Mary was given a Lifetime Achievement Award for her work on Entertainment Tonight

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Mary Hart co-hosted Entertainment Tonight (ET) for 29 Years. ET is the longest running entertainment magazine of all time.

Over the 29 years, Mary served with five different co-hosts and interviewed hundreds of celebrities including Jennifer Lopez, Sandra Bullock, Michael Jackson, Harrison Ford, and Tom Hanks

Fun Facts

  • Mary is an actress and producer, known for Jimmy Neutron: Boy Genius (2001), The Great Buck Howard (2008) and Swing Vote (2008). 

  • In 1989 and 1990, Mary teamed up with Avon to present two workout videos: Shape Up with Mary Hart and Mary Hart Fit & Firm

  • In 1994, Mary released the album: Mary Hart Sings Lullabies from the Heart

  • Mary Hart is a fan of the Major League Baseball team the Los Angeles Dodgers and attends most of the home games. She has even sung the National Anthem prior to the games a few times! If you watch a home game, you might see her sitting behind home plate.

  • Over the years, Mary has supported many charities, including the Children’s Miracle Network.

Mary Receives Daytime Emmy’s Lifetime Achievement Award

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Mary Receives Daytime Emmy’s Lifetime Achievement Award -

During her time at ET, Mary interviewed hundreds of celebrities such as Michael Jackson, Tom Cruse, Lucille Ball. Video: Mary Hart on Getting Starstruck, Hanging with Michael Jackson, and Her Million-Dollar Legs!

Reflection:

  • Mary left Sioux Falls, SD, as a young woman to pursue her dream of becoming a broadcast journalist. She didn't have a lot of money. What do you think gave Mary the confidence to make such a big move all on her own?

  • After watching videos of Mary, what would you say about her attitude?

  • Why do you think people kept wanting Mary to stay on TV and interview celebrities for 29 years?

  • What do you think a person has to do to conduct a good interview?

  • After learning about Mary, what leadership characteristics do you believe she had that allowed her to build a successful career that lasted a long time in Hollywood?

  • How does Mary’s story inspire you?