Dina Pugliese net worth, wiki-bio, marriage, husband, and kids.

If you’ve watched morning TV in Canada over the past decade, chances are you’ve seen Dina Pugliese in action. As the longtime co-host of Breakfast Television on Citytv Toronto, she helped kick-start the day for countless viewers—covering everything from headlines to pop culture. But Dina’s work goes beyond the breakfast table. She’s also hosted national shows like Canada’s Got Talent, Canada’s Next Top Model, and the MuchMusic VJ Search.

Born and raised in Ontario in a big Italian family, Dina’s always embraced her roots. She met her husband, Alek Mirkovich—a tech entrepreneur—at a bachelorette party, and they later got engaged in the scenic town of Niagara-on-the-Lake. Off camera, Dina is deeply involved in charitable work, lending her voice to causes like the Children’s Aid Foundation and the Jovelyn Foundation. Her impact in the industry hasn’t gone unnoticed—she was even awarded the Key to the City of Vaughan for her contributions to entertainment.

How rich is Dina Pugliese

As of 2025, Dina Pugliese is estimated to have a net worth of around $4 million. Most of her income comes from her long career as a television presenter, particularly her years on Breakfast Television. She has also ventured into entrepreneurship with her wellness brand, The Care Principle. While her exact salary during her time on BT hasn’t been made public, it’s known that TV hosts in Canada typically earn an average of $63,974 annually. Given her high-profile role and additional business ventures, Dina’s annual earnings have been reported to exceed $400,000.

Early Life and Background

Dina Pugliese was born on May 22, 1974, in Toronto, Canada, to Italian parents. She was raised in Woodbridge, Ontario, in a close-knit household where Italian was spoken regularly and family traditions were central to daily life. As the middle of three sisters—Antoinette, Dina, and Linda—she grew up surrounded by a strong sense of support and connection.

Her older sister Antoinette took on a consistently supportive role throughout Dina’s upbringing. Their connection was strengthened through routine activities like running errands, sharing car rides, and spending quiet time together. These day-to-day interactions helped shape Dina’s early understanding of reliability, presence, and mutual care within family life.

Linda, the youngest of the three, brought warmth, humor, and a sense of adventure to the family dynamic. As children, Dina and Linda were often mistaken for twins, thanks to their matching bowl haircuts and constant companionship. From shared laughs to unspoken conversations, their connection ran deep. When Linda moved away to attend Western University, Dina would regularly make the drive to visit her, often with their parents’ homemade lasagna and meatballs in tow—a small gesture that symbolized just how close they remained, no matter the distance. Linda’s fearless and joyful nature continues to inspire Dina, who credits her younger sister as one of her greatest teachers.

Yet even in such a loving environment, Dina has shared that she experienced bullying during her younger years—long before the age of social media. These early experiences of isolation left a lasting mark. She now speaks candidly about the importance of asking for help and letting others in during hard times. Her message to young people is clear: difficult moments don’t last forever, and there is always someone willing to listen.

In school, Dina was an active and engaged student who balanced academics with a growing interest in storytelling and communication. These early passions ultimately paved the way for her future career in broadcasting. She went on to earn a degree in Sociology and Mass Communications from York University, followed by a diploma in Journalism from Humber College.

Career and Achievements

Dina Pugliese is a Canadian television personality best known for her 16-year run as co-host of Breakfast Television. With her engaging presence and down-to-earth communication style, she became a household name in Canadian media.

She began her broadcasting career behind the scenes as an associate producer for Global Television’s The Bynon Show and Toronto 1’s Toronto Today. Her transition to on-camera work began with hosting roles on The A-List and Star! Daily, and she later gained national exposure through MuchMusic VJ Search. Her work on the latter earned her a Gemini Award nomination in 2006 for Best Host in a Lifestyle/Practical Information or Performing Arts Program or Series.

In the same year, she joined Breakfast Television, stepping in as co-host to replace Liza Fromer. Over the years, Dina became one of the most recognizable faces in Canadian morning television. She interviewed high-profile guests such as Justin Bieber, Lady Gaga, Oprah Winfrey, Barack Obama, and Taylor Swift, and became a trusted figure in covering lifestyle trends, entertainment stories, and major cultural events.

Dina also hosted Citytv’s annual New Year’s Eve celebrations at Nathan Phillips Square and co-hosted national franchises such as Canada’s Got Talent in 2012 and Canadian Family’s Got Talent in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Across her 16-year tenure on Breakfast Television, Pugliese contributed to a wide range of programming that blended current affairs, light-hearted features, and unscripted moments. She regularly participated in comedic skits, celebrity interviews, viral challenges, and community-driven segments. Her adaptability to both serious and humorous content made her a consistent presence in Canadian morning broadcasting. Highlights included live on-location reporting, participation in themed costume days, and involvement in special broadcasts such as the Grammys and TIFF coverage.

Pugliese’s interactions with both guests and colleagues frequently leaned into a format that valued spontaneity, often resulting in memorable on-air exchanges. Her familiarity with the viewing audience was built through daily engagement and content that emphasized relatability and routine, while still incorporating national entertainment.

On February 24, 2023, Dina delivered an emotional farewell during her final BT broadcast. She reflected on her 16-year journey with gratitude, acknowledging her upbringing in Woodbridge and thanking her family and loyal viewers.

Dina cited burnout and the need to prioritize her health and family as reasons for stepping away from daily television. That same day, she received the Key to the City of Vaughan from Mayor Steven Del Duca and was honored with an outpouring of messages under the hashtag #WeLoveYouDina.

Timeline

Here is a brief career timeline of Dina Pugliese:

• She started her career as an associate producer for Global Television’s The Bynon Show and Toronto 1’s Toronto Today.
• She became an entertainment reporter and host of The A-List in 2004.
• She worked for Star! Daily from 2005 until 2007 Star! where she was an entertainment reporter and host of the show, which was a daily half-hour program that covered celebrity news and gossip.
• She joined Breakfast Television as a co-host in 2006, replacing Liza Fromer.
• She was featured in several segments on BT, such as Dina’s Dish, Dina’s Closet, and Dina’s Date Night[.
• She hosted MuchMusic VJ Search and Citytv’s New Year’s Eve special from Nathan Phillips Square.
• She hosted Canada’s Got Talent in 2012 and a spin-off version called Canadian Family’s Got Talent in 2020.
• She left Breakfast Television after 16 years on February 24, 2023.

Returns to Media with Breakfast Television Comeback

After a two-year hiatus from the spotlight, Dina Pugliese made a celebrated return to media as co-host and co-executive producer of Citytv’s Breakfast Television (BT). Her surprise reappearance on March 17, 2025—disguised in a moose costume—marked her first live broadcast since stepping down in February 2023.

In a candid interview on The Big Story Podcast (March 21, 2025), Dina revealed that burnout was the primary reason behind her departure. The break gave her time to rest, care for her husband Alex following brain surgery, and focus on family and personal projects. Still, she missed the connection with viewers and the energy of live television.

Her path back to media was set in motion after an emotional meeting with BT’s new executive producer Claire Adams, who encouraged her return. Motivated by the desire to bring joy and connection to audiences again, Dina accepted the offer and rejoined BT in a creative leadership role.

Now sharing the screen with co-host Tim Bolen, Dina helps shape a refreshed version of Breakfast Television, signaling not just her comeback—but a new chapter in Canadian morning media.

Breakfast Television airs weekdays from 6–10 a.m. ET in Ontario and nationally at 8:30 a.m. ET on Citytv and Citytv+.

Business: The Care Principle

In addition to her media career, Dina Pugliese is the founder of The Care Principle, a clean beauty and lifestyle brand rooted in wellness and intentional living. The brand officially launched in October 2019, following significant lifestyle changes Dina made to her diet, skincare, and self-care practices. Motivated by the desire to eliminate harmful ingredients from her daily routine, she began developing a line of plant-based skincare products that were safe, effective, and transparent.

Dina personally shared her inspiration in a blog post, emphasizing her commitment to health-conscious beauty. The Care Principle’s original skincare line was later expanded in 2020 to include lip care and hair care, with a continued focus on vegan, cruelty-free, and eco-conscious standards.

In addition to product development, Dina embedded a charitable aspect into the brand’s mission—donating a portion of proceeds to nonprofit organizations. Through The Care Principle, she blends her public platform with her passion for wellness, encouraging others to make mindful, values-driven choices in both beauty and life.

Personal Life: Marriage to Alek & Children

Dina Pugliese met Alek Mirkovich on a lively night out in 2004, while throwing a stagette for a colleague. She’d made her friend a handmade “Buck-A-Suck” shirt, with Life Savers stitched on for fun. When she spotted Alek—tall, handsome, and unfamiliar—she approached him with a candy pitch. Alek looked puzzled, but that first awkward moment led to hours of conversation the next morning.

Their connection moved quickly. Just a day after meeting, they went out for drinks and shared their first kiss. Within two months, Alek had flown to New York City to pick out an engagement ring. Four months later, he proposed during a quiet getaway to Niagara-on-the-Lake. Dina, caught completely off guard, said yes.

They married on July 31, 2005, at St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Church in Mississauga. The ceremony was steeped in tradition, with the couple holding candles as part of the Orthodox rite. Dina wore a strapless white ballgown with a voluminous skirt that flowed beautifully as she walked. The bodice was structured and elegant, highlighting her waist, while a long tulle veil cascaded over her shoulders and back. Her curled brunette hair was worn down, tucked behind a delicate pair of chandelier earrings. A soft, natural makeup look completed her timeless bridal ensemble. Alek, in a sharp black suit and white boutonnière, stood beside her as they exchanged vows in front of family and friends.

The summer day was sweltering, but it didn’t deter the celebrations. Guests gathered later at Copper Creek Golf Club in Kleinburg, where the evening was filled with dancing, laughter, and shared memories. Their honeymoon took them to Greece, where they spent days exploring historic sites and relaxing by the sea.

As their life together unfolded, Dina and Alek chose to build a meaningful family experience in their own way. Though they don’t have children of their own, they are devoted godparents to a close friend’s son, showering him with love and time. Their marriage has seen its share of highs and lows over the years, including moments they’ve kept private and others they’ve chosen to share publicly.

By July 2024, as they celebrated 19 years of marriage, Dina shared a wedding photo from their big day. “Today, I love him more than ever,” she wrote, expressing gratitude for his steadfast love. She called him her “why” and said his love felt like something heaven-sent. Their bond, tested by time and trials, had only deepened.

Just a few months later, in December 2024, Dina marked Alek’s birthday with a deeply personal message, calling him her soulmate, her rock, and her best friend. She reflected on the challenges they’d faced in recent years—curveballs, uncertainties, and what she called small miracles. What mattered most, she shared, was that they had faced them together.

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In the midst of life’s transitions, Dina and Alek have continued to draw strength from their shared faith. As of late 2024, they had been attending regular Sunday church services for more than a year and a half—a consistent practice that has contributed to their sense of stability and focus. These routines, along with quiet shared activities like walking, dining together, and beginning each day side by side, have become central aspects of their life together.

Name	Dina Pugliese
Full name	Dina Pugliese-Mirkovich
Birth date	May 22, 1974
Birthplace	Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Age	51 years old
Zodiac sign	Taurus
Nationality	Canadian
Ethnicity	Italian
Education	York University (Sociology and Mass Communications), Humber College (Journalism)
Occupation	Television personality, host, entrepreneur
Net Worth	$4 Million
Years active	2004-present
Known for	Co-hosting Breakfast Television on City Toronto
Spouse	Alek Mirkovich (m. 2005)
Children	None (godparents to a son)
Pets	A dog named Tommy
Height	5 feet 10 inches (178 cm)
Weight	60 kg (132 lbs)
Hair Color	Brown
Eye color	Brown
Awards	Gemini Award nomination for Best Host in a Lifestyle/Practical Information or Performing Arts Program or Series for MuchMusic VJ Search – The Series (2006), Key to the City of Vaughan for her outstanding contribution to the entertainment industry (2023)
Other works	Hosted MuchMusic VJ Search, Canada’s Next Top Model, Ford Models Supermodel of the World Canada, Canada’s Got Talent, Canadian Family’s Got Talent; producer of The Bynon Show and Toronto Today; entertainment reporter and host of The A-List and Star! Daily; founder and owner of The Care Principle (a clean beauty line)
Charities supported	Children’s Aid Foundation, Jovelyn Foundation, Wear White for Windfall, Nanny Angel Network