What is Vin Di Bona's Net Worth and Salary?
Vin Di Bona is an American television super producer and director with a net worth of $300 million. He is most famous for producing popular shows like 'America's Funniest Home Videos,' 'Entertainment Tonight,' and 'MacGyver.' In addition to his production company, he founded FishBowl Worldwide Media in 2010.
Starting his career as a singer under the name Johnny Lindy, Vin eventually shifted to producing in 1976, a decision that proved highly successful. Some of his best-known productions include 'MacGyver' and 'Entertainment Tonight.'
He gained immense fame as the creator and co-owner of 'America's Funniest Home Videos' (AFV), which inspired platforms like YouTube and shows like Tosh.O. AFV, which premiered in 1989, has produced over 600 episodes and two spin-offs.
America's Funniest Home Videos Earnings
In 1987, Vin negotiated a groundbreaking deal with ABC, securing a 50% stake in 'Animal Crackups.' The same terms applied to 'America's Funniest Videos' in 1989, allowing him to own 50% of all revenue from AFV's vast library and syndication profits.
In January 2023, Vin sold his companies, Vin Di Bona Productions and FishBowl Worldwide Media, to Clarion Capital Partners, including his AFV library, securing a 'nine figure' payday.
At its peak, AFV generated over $100 million annually and currently earns about $30 million per year. Over its run, it has generated over $1.5 billion in revenue and has been syndicated in 193 countries. Vin personally earns around $20 million annually from the show through producing fees, syndication royalties, and clip licensing fees.
Early Life and Education
Vin Di Bona was born on April 10, 1944, in Cranston, Rhode Island. He attended Emerson College in Boston, where he managed the campus radio station, WECB. After graduating in 1966, he earned an MFA in film from UCLA.
Career Beginnings in Entertainment
Vin started his career as a singer named Johnny Lindy, enjoying some regional success. After graduating from UCLA, he worked at Boston's NBC affiliate WBZ-TV for nearly a decade. Moving to Los Angeles, he eventually found work at CBS, earning a Peabody Award and multiple Emmys for his documentaries. He also produced the pilot for the ABC action series 'MacGyver' and was involved in shows like 'Battle of the Network Stars,' and 'Entertainment Tonight.'
Animal Crack-Ups and America's Funniest Home Videos
Di Bona's early creations were inspired by Japanese television. 'Animal Crack-Ups,' based on the Japanese show 'Wakuwaku Dōbutsu Land,' ran from 1987 to 1990 and was hosted by 'Growing Pains' actor Alan Thicke.
'America's Funniest Home Videos,' which started as an ABC special in 1989, became a regular series in 1990. Based on the Japanese show 'Kato-chan Ken-chan Gokigen TV,' it features humorous homemade videos submitted by viewers. The show has been hosted by multiple celebrities, including 'Bob Saget,' 'John Fugelsang,' 'Daisy Fuentes,' 'Tom Bergeron, and 'Alfonso Ribeiro.' AFV is the longest-running primetime entertainment show on ABC, spawning spin-offs like 'America's Funniest People,' 'World's Funniest Videos,' and 'Videos After Dark.'
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Further Credits
Other notable productions by Di Bona include the Showtime series 'Sherman Oaks' and the ABC series 'The Heart Speaks.' He also served as an executive producer for 'Upload with Shaquille O'Neal,' a truTV series where the basketball star comments on viral online clips.
He has directed broadcasts of the American Music Awards and the Academy of Country Music Awards.
Board Positions
Di Bona has been the chair of the Caucus for Television Producers, Writers, and Directors for four years and has served on the board of trustees at Emerson College, later becoming its vice chairman.
(Photo by Michael Tran/FilmMagic)
Controversies
In 1992, Di Bona was sued by Arleen Sorkin, a co-host of 'America's Funniest People,' alleging wrongful termination based on racial bias. Despite pressures, he replaced her with another white host, 'Tawny Kitaen. '
In 2019, Di Bona and his production companies were sued by three former female employees on charges of sexual assault, involving another defendant.
Vin's Personal Life
Vin's first marriage to Gina resulted in a daughter, Cara. After their divorce, he married television executive Erica Gerard in 2006, who he met at CBS. Through this marriage, he has a step-daughter named Jamie.
