Alison Berns is best known as Howard Stern’s first wife. She was with the famous radio host for over 20 years before they divorced in 2001. Unlike her ex-husband who loves the spotlight, Alison chose to live a quiet and private life. Today, she works as a therapist helping people and stays away from media attention. Let’s learn more about her interesting life story.
Personal Info
| Full Name | Alison Berns |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | May 26, 1954 |
| Age | 70 years old |
| Birthplace | Newton Centre, Massachusetts, USA |
| Education | Boston University (Liberal Arts), Columbia University (Social Work) |
| Profession | Former Actress, Psychotherapist |
| Famous For | Being Howard Stern’s first wife |
| Married to Howard Stern | 1978-2001 (23 years) |
| Children | Three daughters: Emily, Deborah, and Ashley |
| Current Husband | David Scott Simon (married 2001) |
| Net Worth | Around $50 million |
Early Life and School
Alison Berns was born in Newton Centre, Massachusetts. She grew up with her brother Lou and sister Betsy.
After high school in 1972, Alison went to Boston University. She studied Liberal Arts and finished in 1976 with good grades. Then she went to Columbia University in New York and got a higher degree in Social Work in 1978.
Meeting Howard Stern
Alison and Howard met at Boston University in the early 1970s. One rainy day, Howard went to a friend’s apartment to dry his hair. He saw Alison there for the first time.
Howard liked her but thought she wouldn’t like him back. He asked her to be in a student film he was making. She said no at first, but they kept talking and later started dating.
Marriage and Family
Howard and Alison got married on June 4, 1978. They were both 24 years old. The wedding was in Brookline, Massachusetts.
They had three daughters: Emily (born 1983), Deborah (born 1986), and Ashley (born 1993). Alison stayed home to take care of the children and help Howard with his work.
Alison was a private person and didn’t like to be on camera much. She appeared on Howard’s show sometimes and acted in a few movies, including “Private Parts” in 1997.
Hard Times in Marriage
Being married to Howard Stern was not easy. His job took a lot of time and he talked about private things on his radio show.
In 1995, they had a big fight on the radio. Alison called the show and was angry. She said Howard only cared about his work and not her feelings. Howard later said he worked too much and didn’t spend enough time with his family.

The Divorce
After more than 20 years of marriage, Alison and Howard separated in 1999. Their divorce was complete in 2001.
Howard felt very sad about the divorce. He felt like he failed his family. He started going to therapy four times every week.
The divorce details were kept private. News said Alison got around $40 to $50 million.
Life After Divorce
After the divorce, Alison wanted a quiet life. In 2001, she married David Scott Simon. He is a businessman in New York. They are still married today.
Alison became a therapist and now helps people in New York. She does not like being famous. She rarely talks to reporters or goes to public events.
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Her Three Daughters
Alison’s three daughters all have different jobs. Emily became an actress and singer. Deborah runs a business company. Ashley became a nurse who helps sick people.
All three daughters love both their parents. Even though the divorce was hard, Alison and Howard made sure their children felt loved.
Her Life Today
Today, Alison is 70 years old and lives a peaceful life. She still works as a therapist helping people with their problems.
She has about $50 million from her divorce and work. While Howard married model Beth Ostrosky in 2008 and still works on radio, Alison chose a different path. She likes privacy and helping others.
Final Thoughts
Alison Berns shows us that not everyone wants to be famous. She was married to a very famous man, but she chose a quiet life.
She went from being a student to a wife, then a mother, and now a therapist. Her story teaches us that wanting privacy is okay. Today, people remember her not just as Howard Stern’s ex-wife, but as a strong woman who made her own choices.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How old is Alison Berns? She is 70 years old, born on May 26, 1954.
2. How did Alison meet Howard Stern? They met at Boston University when Howard visited a friend’s apartment on a rainy day.
3. How long were they married? They were married for 23 years, from 1978 to 2001.
4. How many children do they have? They have three daughters: Emily, Deborah, and Ashley.
5. What does Alison do now? She works as a therapist in New York.
6. Is Alison married now? Yes, she married David Scott Simon in 2001.
7. What is her net worth? Around $50 million.
8. Why did they divorce? Howard was too focused on work and didn’t give enough time to his family.
9. Does Alison appear in public? No, she lives a very private life.
10. Did Alison act in movies? Yes, she appeared in “Private Parts” (1997) and on Howard’s show in the 1990s.
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