Steve Wilkos: The Man Behind The Microphone

What’s Steve Wilkos’ Net Worth?

Steve Wilkos, the no-nonsense American television personality and host, has amassed a net worth of $8 million. Now, this journey didn’t just happen overnight. Steve began his career as a U.S. Marine, where he learned discipline and toughness, before joining the Chicago Police Department in 1990. His big break came in 1994 when he started working security for "The Jerry Springer Show." That gig turned him into a regular on-screen presence, and before long, he was filling in as a guest host for the fiery Jerry Springer himself.

Fast forward to 2007, and Steve launched his own show, "The Steve Wilkos Show." This isn’t your typical chit-chat talk show. Steve dives headfirst into some of the toughest issues out there—domestic abuse, addiction, and criminal behavior. Drawing on his law enforcement background, he takes a firm stance against guests accused of crimes or misconduct. His style is unmistakable: standing during interviews instead of sitting, and yes, even throwing chairs when he’s angry. Over 15 seasons later, the show continues to pull in steady ratings, proving that Steve’s brand of tough love resonates with audiences.

From Chicago Streets to TV Stages: Early Life and Career

Steve Wilkos was born Steven John Wilkos on March 9, 1964, in Chicago, Illinois. Growing up in the Roscoe Village neighborhood, he wasn’t exactly destined for a life in front of the cameras. His dad was a police officer, and his mom taught at a beauty school. With three siblings, Steve’s childhood was anything but ordinary. As a kid and teenager, he got into his fair share of scraps at school and hung out with what he calls a "rough crowd." After graduating high school in 1982, Steve joined the U.S. Marine Corps, where he served for seven years. He even tied the knot in 1985, but that marriage ended in divorce just two years later.

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In 1990, Steve joined the Chicago Police Department, a job he stuck with until 2004. His big TV moment came in 1994 when a fellow officer asked him to do security for an episode of "The Jerry Springer Show" that involved the Ku Klux Klan. Little did he know that this one gig would change his life forever.

Guarding Chaos: Security for Jerry Springer

When Steve started working as a security guard in the early 1990s, he had no idea it would lead him to one of the most chaotic sets in television history. His role on "The Jerry Springer Show" wasn’t just about keeping the peace; it was about managing controlled chaos. Most of the show's security personnel were either retired or current police officers, and Steve brought in several officers from his squad to help out. By 2001, he was working full-time for the show. Now, you might think that being a cop and working on a TV show are similar, but Steve explains it like this: on the show, the guests are worked up and aggressive, but the environment is controlled. It’s not like being a cop, where surprises can pop up at any moment.

Steve’s time on the show wasn’t without its bumps and bruises. He once fell off the stage and slammed his jaw on the ground, and another time, he tore a muscle in his groin. But even with these injuries, he found time to dip his toes into professional wrestling with the Maryland Wrestling Championship. In 2002, he stepped into the ring and teamed up with Gillberg to take on Dino Divine & Chad Bowman. Spoiler alert: Steve and Gillberg won the match!

While working on "The Jerry Springer Show," Steve made guest appearances on other shows like "The Roseanne Show," "Check, Please!," "Identity," and "Maury." He even appeared in the 2002 documentary "When Jerry Springer Ruled the World." When Springer competed in "Dancing for the Stars," he asked Steve to fill in as the show’s host. This led to Steve subbing for Springer once a week. Oh, and let’s not forget his cameos on the MLB Network, "Between Brothers," "The Wayne Bros.," and the film "Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me."

"The Steve Wilkos Show": Serious Conversations, Tough Decisions

In 2007, Steve left "The Jerry Springer Show" to launch his own tabloid talk show, "The Steve Wilkos Show." The idea for the show came from a segment called "Steve to the Rescue," which was so popular that it caught the attention of NBC producers. While "The Jerry Springer Show" was all about raunch and high energy, Steve wanted something different. He wanted to focus on serious issues, particularly criminal justice. Each episode tackles a specific criminal justice topic or crime, featuring guests who’ve experienced these issues firsthand, either as victims or perpetrators.

Steve isn’t shy about making a statement. When guests accused of serious crimes appear on the show, he doesn’t let them sit in the chairs on stage. He believes that those who’ve committed heinous crimes don’t deserve to be comfortable, given the pain they’ve caused their victims. And if you’ve seen the show, you know that when Steve gets angry, those chairs don’t just sit there—they fly! After the first season, Steve added infidelity and paternity questions to the mix, bringing a bit of levity to the show. He’s not afraid to make jokes, even at his own expense. The show has been a hit since it premiered in 2007 and was renewed for its 18th season in March 2024.

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Beyond the Spotlight: Steve’s Personal Life

Steve’s personal life has been just as eventful as his professional one. His first marriage was to Rosae Wilkos, lasting from 1985 to 1987. His second marriage to Hannah Wilkos in 1999 ended within a year. In 2000, he married Rachelle Consiglio, an executive producer for "The Jerry Springer Show." Together, they have two children and live in Darien, Connecticut, with a vacation home in Camp Lake, Wisconsin. Steve bought the Wisconsin home in 2008 for $543,000 and the Connecticut home in 2009 for $1.9 million.

In January 2018, Steve was involved in a rollover car accident near his home and was suspected of drunk driving. The Darien police department obtained a warrant for a blood sample, and his blood alcohol level was .29. He was arrested and charged with driving while intoxicated. Steve asked the judge for an alternative punishment, hoping that completing the mandated education and treatment program would result in the charges being dismissed.

Where Does Steve Wilkos Call Home?

Steve owns a home in Darien, Connecticut, and a vacation home in Camp Lake, Wisconsin. He purchased the Darien home in 2009 for $1.9 million and the Wisconsin home in 2008 for $543,000. These properties reflect his commitment to both his family and his love for the outdoors.