Billy Bush is a well-known American radio and television host, recognized for his tenure as the host of “Access Hollywood,” a prominent syndicated entertainment news show. However, his career is marred by controversy, most notably due to the infamous 2005 tape involving crude comments between Bush and Donald Trump, which surfaced during the 2016 U.S. presidential campaign. Despite the setback, Bush has remained a fixture in the world of entertainment.
Early Life and Background
William Hall Bush, more commonly known as Billy Bush, was born on October 13, 1971, in Manhattan, New York City. He is a member of the prominent Bush family, known for its deep ties to American politics. His father, Jonathan Bush, is the brother of former U.S. President George H.W. Bush, making Billy Bush a cousin of President George W. Bush and Governor Jeb Bush.
Raised in a privileged environment, Billy attended the prestigious St. Bernard’s School in Manhattan before moving on to St. George’s School in Middletown, Rhode Island, for high school. He later attended Colby College in Maine, graduating in 1994 with a Bachelor of Arts in International Studies and Government. During his college years, Bush was an active athlete, playing on the school’s men’s lacrosse team as a co-captain.
Billy Bush’s Career Beginnings
Billy Bush initially considered following his famous relatives into politics but ultimately decided to pursue a career in entertainment. His early career began in radio, where he hosted an afternoon radio show on WLKZ-FM in Wolfeboro, New Hampshire. He soon moved to Washington, D.C., where he hosted a midday show on WARW-FM. Bush’s outgoing personality and smooth rapport with audiences allowed him to rise quickly through the ranks of broadcasting.
In 1997, he hosted “Billy Bush and the Bush League,” a morning show on the Washington, D.C., radio station WWZZ-FM, which further bolstered his media presence. His big break came in 2001 when he transitioned to television as a correspondent on the entertainment news show Extra. It was here that his career in entertainment journalism began to take off.
Breakthrough with “Access Hollywood”
Bush joined Access Hollywood in 2003, a major move that would shape his career. Initially a correspondent, he quickly became the face of the show, working his way up to a full-fledged co-anchor. As the host of Access Hollywood, Bush made a name for himself by engaging with celebrities in a casual, often playful manner, sometimes asking questions that bordered on irreverent. For instance, he famously served pizza to Victoria’s Secret models and asked Penélope Cruz if she could spell her then-boyfriend Matthew McConaughey’s last name. These interactions earned him a reputation for being bold and spontaneous, which suited the format of celebrity news.
During his time at Access Hollywood, Bush covered major events such as the 2004 Summer Olympics in Athens, Greece, and the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing, China. His popularity grew as he became a staple of daytime television.
Expanding Horizons: Radio and Television Appearances
In 2008, Billy Bush returned to his radio roots by launching “The Billy Bush Show,” a syndicated talk radio show that focused on entertainment news, celebrity interviews, and listener interactions. The show was produced by Westwood One and quickly gained traction among listeners, becoming a successful extension of his television career.
Bush’s television career continued to flourish, leading to him co-hosting Access Hollywood Live alongside Kit Hoover in 2010. This spinoff of Access Hollywood featured a more conversational, talk-show format, where Bush and Hoover would discuss the day’s entertainment news and conduct live celebrity interviews. One of the highlights of Bush’s time on the show was his coverage of Prince William’s wedding to Kate Middleton in 2011, where he and Hoover traveled to the UK for the royal event.
Controversy: The Donald Trump Tape Scandal
In October 2016, Billy Bush’s career was dramatically derailed by the release of the infamous 2005 recording involving Donald Trump. The video, which surfaced just weeks before the 2016 presidential election, featured Bush and Trump engaging in lewd conversations about women, with Trump making inappropriate comments about groping women without their consent. Bush was heard laughing and encouraging Trump’s behavior during the conversation.
The fallout from the release of the tape was swift and severe. Billy Bush, who had recently started co-hosting the third hour of NBC’s Today Show, was suspended indefinitely from the program on October 9, 2016. Despite attempts to apologize and save his position, Bush was fired from NBC by October 17. At the time, he was reportedly earning a $3 million salary for his work on Today.
In the years that followed, Bush expressed regret for his role in the scandal and distanced himself from the controversy. In a 2017 op-ed for The New York Times, Bush confirmed that the voice on the tape was indeed Trump’s, after reports suggested that Trump had privately denied his involvement in the conversation.
Return to Television
Despite the damage to his career, Billy Bush made a comeback in 2019 when he was hired as the host of Extra, replacing Mario Lopez. This marked the beginning of Bush’s resurgence in the entertainment world. He began hosting the show’s 26th season in September 2019, and he has continued to work in television since.
Billy Bush’s Net Worth and Real Estate Ventures
As of 2023, Billy Bush’s net worth is estimated at $13 million. His fortune comes from his years working as a radio and television host, most notably with Access Hollywood, The Billy Bush Show, and Extra. His lucrative salary from NBC during his time on Today and various endorsement deals also contributed to his wealth.
Bush is known for his investments in real estate. In April 2019, he listed his longtime home in Encino, California, for sale at $5.395 million. He had purchased the property in 2004 for $3.05 million, and the house, with its 5,400-square-foot size, served as his primary residence for over 15 years. Though the listing was removed in July 2020, Bush remains active in the real estate market.
Personal Life
Billy Bush married Sydney Davis in April 1998, and the couple has three daughters together. However, in September 2016, the couple announced their separation, which coincided with the fallout from the Trump tape scandal. Their divorce was finalized in 2018 due to irreconcilable differences.
Bush continues to live in Los Angeles, where he focuses on his career and rebuilding his public image following the controversy that nearly ended his career.
Conclusion
Billy Bush’s career has been one of highs and lows. From his early days in radio to becoming a fixture in entertainment journalism, Bush’s dynamic personality has always shone through. Although his involvement in the Trump scandal temporarily tarnished his reputation, his ability to bounce back with his hosting gig on Extra demonstrates his resilience. With a solid net worth of $13 million, Bush remains a key player in the entertainment industry, even as he navigates the complexities of public life and media scrutiny.
