Sunny Hostin seemingly does it all. She’s an acclaimed lawyer, journalist, TV host, producer and bestselling author. As a 2007 graduate of Notre Dame Law School, her multifaceted career began as a federal prosecutor specializing in child sex crimes and domestic violence. Eventually, she transitioned into media, joining Court TV, CNN, and ABC News.
Since 2016, she’s brought her legal accolades and social commentary to “The View,” diversifying the show and giving representation for the women in their audience. With a commanding presence and sharp intellect, Hostin blends law, activism, media and literary achievement to build a lucrative public career. Here’s the journey that gave shape to who Hostin is today, and the net worth she’s earned thus far.
Sunny Hostin Before Fame
Born on Oct. 20, 1968 in The Bronx, New York, Hostin grew up as the daughter of a Puerto Rican mother and African American father. With a thirst for knowledge, she earned her first degree from Binghamton University, followed by her J.D. from Notre Dame Law School.
From there, she launched into law clerk work for the Maryland Court of Appeals before joining the Department of Justice’s Antitrust Division. Fielding cases from high-profile lawyers and social justice activists, she honed her legal voice and found a deep sense of identity in making the world a better place. For Hostin, this was just the beginning of the impact she would make.
How Did Sunny Hostin Become Famous?
Hostin earned national acclaim when she joined Court TV as a legal commentator. Her articulate, no-nonsense aura caught much public attention, leading to a role at CNN as a legal analyst from 2007 to 2016. From there, she went on to join ABC News as Senior Legal Correspondent, which was a major stepping stone.
Later that year, she ascended to new heights when she became a permanent co-host on “The View.” Suddenly, she was a household name, cementing her mainstream status. Making a high-profile name for herself while curating her own fan base, she leads candid discussions on culture, justice and politics.
Journalism
Since offering her voice on “The View,” Hostin has become a trusted journalistic voice on legal and social issues. She frequently contributes to courtroom reporting, civil rights discourse and legislation analysis. In fact, in 2019, she hosted and executive-produced “Truth About Murder with Sunny Hostin,” a six-part series that showcased her investigative journalism skills and deep sense of civic duty. She also hosts the podcast “Have You Seen This Man?,” covering runaway crime cases. With every endeavor, she solidifies her reign in journalistic storytelling.
Business Endeavors
Hostin has built a powerful brand by combining her legal rigor with media savvy. Hostin’s reach leaves no stone unturned, going from prosecuting federal crimes to dissecting them on national TV. In 2020, she published the memoir “I Am These Truths,” followed by “Summer on the Bluffs” a year later. The latter soon became a series, which she’s reportedly adapting into a show alongside actress Octavia Spencer.
With a hunger for conquering the media sphere, Hostin launched her own production company focused on socially relevant content while developing her scripted project. Beyond that, the specificity of her expertise has landed her lucrative speaking engagements and collaborations that expand both her reach and her revenue.
What Is Sunny Hostin’s Net Worth?
Hostin’s net worth is estimated at around $6 million. Reports note that she earns about $2 million per year as a co-host on “The View.” Beyond that, she’s earned several other revenues of income, including TV, legal commentary, books, production and public speaking. Each endeavor solidifies her status among the highest earning broadcast journalists.
Who Is the Highest Paid Person on ‘The View’?
With her long tenure and prominence in the entertainment industry, Whoopi Goldberg reportedly stands as the highest paid person on “The View.” She is said to earn an estimated $8 million per year. Hostin doesn’t trail too far behind, earning around $2 million annually, similar to Joy Behar. Hostin remains among the top paid broadcast journalists, due to her legal credentials and high-profile segments.
Who Is Sunny Hostin’s Husband?
Hosin has been married since 1998 to Dr. Emmanuel Hostin, an orthopedic surgeon who trained at Johns Hopkins and now runs orthopedic practices in New York City. Together, they live in a 12,000-square-foot home in New York and share both a son and a daughter.
What Is the Lawsuit Against Sunny Hostin?
While the lawsuit doesn’t name Hostin directly as a defendant, her husband is actually the one who faces looming litigation. In December 2024, American Transit Insurance Co. filed a massive RICO lawsuit accusing Dr. Hostin, along with 185 others, of racketeering for allegedly billing fraudulent orthopedic procedures and receiving kickbacks. They seek over $450 million in damages.
Hostin and her husband have vigorously denied wrongdoing. She publicly criticized the lawsuit’s timing, claiming the insurer is using her celebrity for publicity and has threatened a $5 million defamation counter-suit.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much weight has Sunny Hostin lost? Hostin has proudly spoken to her recent weight loss, shedding over 40 lbs with the help of Mounjaro. She is now confident in her body and proud to share her weight loss.
Is Sunny Hostin biracial? Yes. Sunny Hostin identifies as biracial, as she is a half Puerto Rican and half African-American woman.
Does Sunny Hostin have a degree? Yes. Sunny Hostin received her undergraduate degree in communications from Binghamton University. After Hostin earned her law degree from Notre Dame Law School.
Does Sunny Hostin wear a wig? Similar to every woman, Hostin likes to experiment with her style. After debuting a new shoulder length bob look to her “View” co-hosts, Behar asked if it was her real hair. In response, Hostin replied, “No, it’s not.”