Martha Stewart Biography: Husband, Age, Daughter, Net Worth, Height, Parents, Books, TV Shows

Martha Helen Kostyra Stewart also known as Martha Stewart is an American businesswoman, television personality, author, and lifestyle guru, renowned for her media empire centered on home living, cooking, gardening, and entertaining.

Known as America’s homemaking icon, she founded Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia and has authored numerous books, hosted TV shows, and built a brand synonymous with elegance and domestic expertise, despite facing high-profile legal challenges.

Profile

• Full Name: Martha Helen Kostyra Stewart
• Stage Name: Martha Stewart
• Born: August 3, 1941
• Age: 84 years old
• Birthplace: Jersey City, New Jersey, USA
• Nationality: American
• Occupation: Businesswoman, Television Personality, Author, Publisher
• Height: 176 cm (5’9″)
• Parent: Edward Kostyra (father), Martha Ruszkowski Kostyra (mother)
• Siblings: Eric Scott, Kathryn Evans, Laura Plimpton, George Christiansen, Frank Kostyra
• Spouse: Andrew Stewart (m. 1961, div. 1990)
• Children: Alexis Stewart (daughter, b. 1965)
• Relationship: Single
• Net Worth: $400,000,000

Early Life and Education

Martha Helen Kostyra was born on August 3, 1941, in Jersey City, New Jersey, to Edward Kostyra, a pharmaceutical salesman, and Martha Ruszkowski Kostyra, a schoolteacher.

Her ethnicity is Polish-American, and her religious beliefs align with Catholicism, though not publicly emphasized.

The second of six children, she grew up in a middle-class family in Nutley, New Jersey, learning cooking, sewing, and gardening from her parents and grandparents.

She attended Nutley High School, where she excelled academically and was active in extracurriculars.

Martha graduated from Barnard College in 1962 with a double major in History and Architectural History, having started as a chemistry major.

During college, she modeled for brands like Chanel to support her education and began her career as a stockbroker in the late 1960s.

Career

Martha Stewart’s career began in 1967 as a stockbroker on Wall Street, but her passion for homemaking led her to start a catering business in 1976 from her Westport, Connecticut, basement.

Her first book, Entertaining (1982), became a bestseller, establishing her as a lifestyle authority.

She expanded into publishing with Martha Stewart Living magazine in 1990 and launched the TV show Martha Stewart Living in 1993, which ran until 2004.

She founded Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia in 1996, encompassing magazines, TV, books, and merchandise sold at retailers like Kmart and Macy’s.

Her empire grew with cookbooks like Martha Stewart’s Baking Handbook (2005) and a product line including home goods.

In 2004, she was convicted of insider trading, serving five months in prison, which temporarily impacted her brand.

She rebounded with projects like The Martha Stewart Show (2005–2012), Martha & Snoop’s Potluck Dinner Party (2016–2020), and Martha Knows Best (2020).

Awards and Nominations

Daytime Emmy Awards:

• 1995: Outstanding Service Show Host for Martha Stewart Living (Won)
• 1997: Outstanding Service Show for Martha Stewart Living (Won)
• 2002: Outstanding Service Show Host for Martha Stewart Living (Nominated)
• 2003: Outstanding Service Show for Martha Stewart Living (Won)
• 2004, 2005, 2010, 2011: Outstanding Lifestyle Program for The Martha Stewart Show (Nominated)

James Beard Foundation Award:

• 1995: Best Cookbook for Martha Stewart’s Menus for Entertaining (Nominated)

Other:

• 2010: Women’s Day Red Dress Award for heart health advocacy
• 2018: Forbes’ 50 Over 50 Visionary List
• Inducted into the Licensing Industry Merchandisers’ Association Hall of Fame (2017)

Social Media

• Instagram handle: @marthastewart
• Facebook handle: Martha Stewart
• Twitter handle: @MarthaStewart
• YouTube Channel: Martha Stewart
• TikTok Handle: @marthastewart

Personal Life

Martha Stewart, 84, resides in Bedford, New York, and Katonah, New York, with additional properties in Maine and Manhattan.

She stands at 176 cm (5’9″).

A Leo, she is known for her ambitious and charismatic personality.

She married Andrew Stewart in 1961, divorcing in 1990, and has one daughter, Alexis Stewart, born in 1965.

She has two grandchildren, Jude (b. 2011) and Truman (b. 2012), via Alexis.

Martha has been single since her divorce, with past relationships including Charles Simonyi and a rumored brief romance with Anthony Hopkins.

Her hobbies include gardening, cooking, and animal care (she has multiple pets).

She maintains a close friendship with Snoop Dogg, collaborating on TV projects.

With over 2 million Instagram followers, she shares lifestyle content, from recipes to home décor.

Filmography

• Martha Stewart Living (1993–2004, TV series) – Host
• The Martha Stewart Show (2005–2012, TV series) – Host
• Martha & Snoop’s Potluck Dinner Party (2016–2020, TV series) – Co-Host
• Martha Knows Best (2020, TV series) – Host
• Chopped (2021, TV series) – Judge
• Martha (2024, Netflix documentary) – Herself
• Bad Santa (2003, film) – Cameo
• Men in Black II (2002, film) – Cameo

Net Worth

Martha Stewart’s estimated net worth is approximately $400,000,000.

Her wealth stems from Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia, cookbook sales (over 100 books), TV shows, merchandise lines with retailers like Macy’s, and real estate holdings.

Her restaurant, endorsements, and social media partnerships further contribute to her financial success, despite setbacks from her 2004 legal issues.