Bald, mustachioed and incessantly upbeat, this human-behavior expert has been imploring viewers to "get real" ever since he became a regular on
The Oprah Winfrey Show in the late '90s. By 2002, his down-home demeanor and straightforward counsel was so popular that he earned his own eponymous talk show, in which he helped ordinary people deal with everything from addictions to money troubles to domestic abuse. Because of his touchy-feely persona, Dr. Phil, as he is affectionately known, is often lampooned. But his astronomical success — prime-time specials, best-selling books — means he's laughing louder than his detractors — all the way to the bank..
Phil McGraw Fast Facts:
- Went to the University of Tulsa on a football scholarship; transferred after an injury.
- Spent 10 years in a private psychology practice with his father.
- First of many books, Life Strategies: Doing What Works, Doing What Matters, was published in 1999.
- Had a Sesame Street puppet, Dr. Feel, modeled after him.
- His Dr. Phil Foundation helps families and children in need.
- Phil McGraw Relationships:
- Debbie Higgins McCall - Ex-wife
- Jay McGraw - Son
- Jerry McGraw - Mother
- Joe McGraw - Father
- Jordan McGraw - Son
- Robin McGraw - Wife
- College:
- Attended University of Tulsa, Tulsa, OK; Midwestern State University, Wichita Falls, TX (BA in Psychology, 1975); University of North Texas, Denton, TX (MA and PhD in Psychology, 1979)
