Phil McGraw - wikipedia Phil McGraw `` Dr. Phil '' redirects here. For his television show, see Dr. Phil ( talk show ). For the British comedian, see Phil Hammond. For the academic degree, see Doctor of Philosophy. This article 's lead section does not adequately summarize key points of its contents. Please consider expanding the lead to provide an accessible overview of all important aspects of the article. Please discuss this issue on the article 's talk page. ( September 2014 ) Phil McGraw Phil McGraw photographed by Jerry Avenaim for the cover of Newsweek magazine, 2001 Phillip Calvin McGraw ( 1950 - 09 - 01 ) September 1, 1950 ( age 67 ) Vinita, Oklahoma, U.S. Residence Beverly Hills, California, U.S. Alma mater Midwestern State University ( BA ) University of North Texas ( MA, PhD ) Occupation Television host Salary $79 million ( 2017 ) Spouse ( s ) Debbie Higgins McCall ( m. 1970 ; annulled 1973 ) Robin Jameson ( m. 1976 ) Children Jay ( born 1979 ) Jordan ( born 1986 ) Website drphil.com Phillip Calvin McGraw ( born September 1, 1950 ), known as Dr. Phil, is an American television personality, author, psychologist, and the host of the television show Dr. Phil, which debuted in 2002. McGraw first gained celebrity status with appearances on The Oprah Winfrey Show in the late 1990s. In 2017, Forbes listed his earnings at $79 million for the previous 12 months, and ranked him the 15th highest earning celebrity in the world. Contents 1 Early life 2 Education and early career 2.1 Texas State Board of Examiners of Psychologists 2.2 Courtroom Sciences, Inc 3 Television career 3.1 Oprah Winfrey and the Dr. Phil show 3.2 Weight loss products 3.3 The Making of Dr. Phil unauthorized biography ( 2003 ) 3.4 Spin - off shows 3.5 Kalpoe lawsuit ( 2006 ) 3.6 Britney Spears `` intervention '' ( 2008 ) 3.7 Polk County, Florida, controversy ( 2008 ) 3.8 Riccio lawsuit ( 2008 ) 4 Approach to psychology 5 Charitable foundation 6 Personal life 7 Selected works by Phil McGraw 8 Filmography 9 References 10 External links Early Life McGraw was born in Vinita, Oklahoma, the son of Anne Geraldine `` Jerry '' ( née Stevens ) and Joseph J. `` Joe '' McGraw, Jr. He grew up with two older sisters, Deana and Donna, and younger sister Brenda in the oilfields of North Texas where his father was an equipment supplier. During McGraw 's childhood, his family moved so his father could pursue a lifelong goal of becoming a psychologist. McGraw attended Shawnee Mission North High School in Overland Park, Kansas. In 1968, he was awarded a football scholarship to the University of Tulsa, where he played middle linebacker under Coach Glenn Dobbs. On November 23 of that year, McGraw 's team lost to the University of Houston 100 -- 6, which is one of the most lopsided games in college football history. Coach Dobbs retired after that season and McGraw transferred to Midwestern State University in Wichita Falls, Texas. Education and early career McGraw graduated in 1975 from Midwestern State University with a B.A. in psychology. He went on to earn an M.A. in experimental psychology in 1976, and a Ph. D. degree in clinical psychology in 1979 at the University of North Texas, where his dissertation was titled `` Rheumatoid Arthritis : A Psychological Intervention ''. McGraw was guided through the doctoral program by Frank Lawlis, who later became the primary contributing psychologist for the Dr. Phil television show. After obtaining his doctorate, McGraw joined his father, Joe McGraw, in Wichita Falls, Texas, where the elder McGraw had established his private psychology practice. In 1983, McGraw and his father joined Thelma Box, a successful Texas businesswoman, in presenting `` Pathways '' seminars, `` experience - based training which allows individuals to achieve and create their own results. '' Critics claim that many of the `` phrases and the terminology and the quaint sayings '' used by McGraw on the Oprah and Dr. Phil shows were coined by Box and presented by McGraw in this seminar. McGraw admits that some of the material from Life Strategies, his first best - seller, is taken directly from the Pathways seminar. However, he has never mentioned Box or her contributions to his success in any of his books or TV shows. Eight years after joining Box, McGraw signed an agreement for the sale of his Pathways seminar stock for $325,000 without notifying either his father or Box of the impending sale. Box founded her own seminars entitled `` Choices. '' Texas State Board of Examiners of Psychologists On October 21, 1988, the Texas State Board of Examiners of Psychologists determined that McGraw had hired a former patient for `` part - time temporary employment ''. Specifically, the board cited `` a possible failure to provide proper separation between termination of therapy and the initiation of employment, '' issued a letter of reprimand and imposed administrative penalties. The board also investigated claims made by the patient of inappropriate contact initiated by McGraw, but the `` Findings of Fact '' document issued by the board on October 21, 1988, at the end of its investigation includes no reference to any physical contact of any kind. It specifically identified `` the therapeutic and business relationships '' as constituting McGraw 's sole issue with the board. McGraw fulfilled all terms of the board 's requirements, and the board closed its complaint file in June 1990. Courtroom Sciences, Inc In 1990, McGraw joined lawyer Gary Dobbs in co-founding Courtroom Sciences, Inc. ( CSI ), a trial consulting firm through which McGraw later came into contact with Oprah Winfrey. Eventually, CSI became a profitable enterprise, advising Fortune 500 companies and injured plaintiffs in achieving settlements. McGraw is no longer an officer or director of the company. After starting CSI, McGraw ceased the practice of psychology. He kept his license current and in good standing until he elected to retire it 15 years later in 2006. Appearing on the Today Show in January 2008, McGraw said that he has made it `` very clear '' that his current work does not involve the practice of psychology. He also said that he had `` retired from psychology ''. According to the Today Show, the California Board of Psychology determined in 2002 that he did not require a license because his show involves `` entertainment '' rather than psychology. The TV show Bull is based on his experience as a trial consultant, and he is credited as one of the creators of the series. Television career Oprah Winfrey and the Dr. Phil show In 1995, Oprah Winfrey hired McGraw 's legal consulting firm CSI to prepare her for the Amarillo Texas beef trial. Winfrey was so impressed with McGraw that she thanked him for her victory in that case, which ended in 1998. Soon after, she invited him to appear on her show. His appearance proved so successful that he began appearing weekly as a relationship and life strategy expert on Tuesdays starting in April 1998. The next year, McGraw published his first best - selling book, Life Strategies. In the next four years, McGraw published three additional best - selling relationship books, along with workbooks to complement them. As of September 2002, McGraw formed Peteski Productions and launched his own syndicated daily television show, Dr. Phil, produced by Winfrey 's Harpo Studios. The format is an advice show, where he tackles a different topic on each show, offering advice for his guests ' troubles. Weight loss products In 2003, McGraw entered the weight loss business, selling shakes, energy bars, and supplements. These products were promoted on his show with his sisters Deana and Brenda and nephew Tony among the featured testimonials on the show. These products ' labels, which carried the brand name `` Shape It Up, Woo, Woo ! '', stated : `` These products contain scientifically researched levels of ingredients that can help you change your behavior to take control of your weight. '' This met with swift criticism from various sources, accusing McGraw ( a clinical psychologist, and not a physician ) of lacking the expertise to recommend weight loss products. Facing a Federal Trade Commission investigation into Shape Up 's claims, McGraw pulled his supplements off the market in March 2004, and the FTC dropped its probe. In October 2005, several people who used McGraw 's products declared an intent to file a class action lawsuit against him, claiming that although the supplements cost $120 per month they did not stimulate weight loss. McGraw settled the suit in September 2006 for $10.5 million. Some of the settlement ( $6 million ) may be paid to the plaintiffs in the form of Amway ( Quixtar ) brand Nutrilite vitamins. The Making of Dr. Phil unauthorized biography ( 2003 ) The Making of Dr. Phil is a biography by Sophia Dembling, a reporter from The Dallas Morning News, and Lisa Gutierrez, a reporter from The Kansas City Star. The book probes McGraw 's history, with interviews of his childhood friends and former classmates. The book reports that McGraw allegedly used unethical business practices in a gym business early in his career, that he was allegedly abusive to his first wife and to his staff, while noting that he overcame adversity through setting goals and was persistent in achieving success. The book received no promotional help from McGraw or his associates. In 2005, McGraw published another best - selling book, Family First, along with a workbook. He also signed a five - year extension of his syndication deal with his show 's distributors, King World Productions, Inc. The deal will pay McGraw $15 million a year and keep the show in production through the 2013 -- 2014 television season. Spin - off shows Also in 2005, McGraw 's son Jay 's television show Renovate My Family ( a clone of ABC 's Extreme Makeover : Home Edition ) was canceled at the start of its second season following a renovated family 's lawsuit. Jay McGraw and Phil McGraw then formed Stage 29 Productions. A week later, McGraw and son announced a new show called Moochers ( a clone of ABC 's Kicked Out ) ; however, the show was canceled before any episodes aired. McGraw also released another book, Love Smart, which did not achieve the success of his previous bestsellers. In 2006, the Dr. Phil House ( a clone of CBS 's Big Brother ) began airing as part of the Dr. Phil television show. Following a protest by neighbors, the house in Los Angeles was shut down, and production resumed on a sound stage on a studio back lot. McGraw reached the number 22 spot on the Forbes Celebrity 100 list, with income of $45 million. Another Stage 29 show, Decision House ( a remix of the Dr. Phil House ) aired from September through November 2007 but was canceled due to poor reviews and dismal ratings. Ratings for the Dr. Phil show in 2007 began to slide. In May, viewership was close to 7 million people. However, by year 's end, viewership was about 5.5 million people ( # 10 for syndicated TV shows, and just under Everybody Loves Raymond, Family Guy and CSI : Miami ). By August 2008, viewership slipped to just over 4 million people. Two weeks later, the show slipped beneath the Nielsen top 12 syndicated TV shows, and has since resurfaced. McGraw 's income fell by 1 / 3 to $30 million, and he dropped to the number 30 spot on the Forbes Celebrity 100 list. Late in 2007, McGraw began promoting his 2008 Dr. Phil Show extension, The Doctors. The show is hosted by television personality and ER physician Travis Stork ( The Bachelor ). Other experts scheduled to appear include various personalities who have appeared on the Dr. Phil show over the years, such as Lisa Masterson, an obstetrician / gynecologist ; Andrew Ordon, a plastic surgeon ; and Jim Sears, a pediatrician. Masterson, Ordon, and Sears appeared on the Dr. Phil show during the 2007 -- 08 season so that McGraw could instruct them on `` how to give articulate medical advice while being scrutinized by a studio audience in Los Angeles. '' McGraw 's eldest son, Jay McGraw, is executive producer of the show. The Doctors debuted on September 8, 2008, and, as of November 10, 2008, had a 2.0 rating. Kalpoe lawsuit ( 2006 ) McGraw was named a co-defendant, along with CBS Television, in a 2006 lawsuit filed in relation to the disappearance of Natalee Holloway. The lawsuit was filed by Deepak Kalpoe and his brother Satish Kalpoe, who claimed that an interview they did with McGraw, aired in September 2005, was `` manipulated and later broadcast as being accurate, and which portrays Deepak Kalpoe and Satish Kalpoe ' as engaging in criminal activity against Natalee Holloway and constitutes defamation. ' '' The Kalpoe brothers claimed invasion of privacy, fraud, deceit, defamation, emotional distress, and civil conspiracy in the suit, which was filed in the Los Angeles Superior Court. On March 17, 2015, the lawsuit against McGraw and CBS was dismissed. The court records disclosed the lawsuit by Deepak and Satish Kalpoe was rejected one week before the civil trial was set to begin. Britney Spears `` intervention '' ( 2008 ) In January 2008, McGraw visited pop star Britney Spears in her hospital room. The visit by McGraw drew criticism from the Spears family and from mental health professionals. The visit appeared to be part of an attempt at getting Spears and her parents to take part in an `` intervention '' on the Dr. Phil television show. Immediately after the visit, McGraw issued public statements about Spears 's situation that Spears 's family spokeswoman Lou Taylor said violated their family trust in McGraw. `` This is another example of a trust being betrayed '', Taylor told Today co-host Meredith Vieira. `` Rather than helping the family 's situation, the celebrity psychologist caused additional damage '', she said. Several mental health care professionals criticized McGraw for his actions, but fellow television psychologist Joyce Brothers defended McGraw. It was reported that a psychologist filed a complaint with the California Board of Psychology ( BOP ), alleging that McGraw had practiced psychology without a license and had violated doctor - patient privilege by discussing Spears 's case with the media. A copy of the complaint appeared in the media, but there is no way to verify whether or not it was actually submitted to the BOP. The BOP does not disclose that information unless an investigation is opened. Martin Greenberg, a former BOP President, said on the Today Show that this incident was not a matter that the law covers or would be concerned about. Polk County, Florida, controversy ( 2008 ) On April 13, 2008, a producer for the Dr. Phil show secured $30,000 bail for the ringleader of a group of eight teenage girls who viciously beat another girl and videotaped the attack. The teen had been booked at the Polk County, Florida, jail on charges that included kidnapping and assault. Producers of the Dr. Phil show had made plans to tape a one - hour show devoted to the incident and had sent a production assistant to Orlando to help book guests for the show, but when news broke that the Dr. Phil show producer had posted bail for the teen, the outcry caused the show to cancel their plans. `` In this case certain staffers went beyond our guidelines, '' said Theresa Corigliano, spokesperson for the Dr. Phil show. `` We have decided not to go forward with the story as our guidelines have been compromised. '' Riccio lawsuit ( 2008 ) McGraw was sued by Thomas Riccio, the memorabilia collector responsible for taping the Las Vegas robbery that led to O.J. Simpson 's being convicted. Riccio sued McGraw in Los Angeles Superior Court for defamation, fraud, intentional infliction of emotional distress and false light for what Riccio claims to have been deceitful editing of the Dr. Phil Show on which he appeared in early October 2008. The claims of defamation, intentional infliction of emotional distress and false light were dismissed, with the judge finding that it was protected speech under the First Amendment. Approach to psychology McGraw in May 2013 McGraw 's advice and methods have drawn criticism from some fellow psychotherapists as well as from some laymen. McGraw 's critics regard advice given by him to be at best simplistic, and at worst, ineffective. The National Alliance on Mental Illness called McGraw 's conduct in one episode of his television show `` unethical '' and `` incredibly irresponsible ''. McGraw said in a 2001 South Florida newspaper interview that he never liked traditional one - on - one counseling, and that `` I 'm not the Hush - Puppies, pipe and ' Let 's talk about your mother ' kind of psychologist. '' Charitable Foundation McGraw announced the formation of the Dr. Phil Foundation, which raises funds to fight childhood obesity, on October 22, 2003. The Foundation also supports charitable organizations that help address the emotional, spiritual, and monetary needs of children and families. Personal Life McGraw with wife Robin in May 2013 McGraw married his first wife, an ex-cheerleader and homecoming queen named Debbie Higgins McCall, in 1970, when he was 20 years old. According to her, McGraw was domineering and would not allow her to participate in the family business. She claimed that she was confined to domestic duties, which included lifting weights to improve her bustline. During the process of annulling the marriage in 1973, McGraw began dating Robin Jo Jameson ( born December 28, 1953 ), whom he married in 1976. The couple had two children, Jay, born in 1979, and Jordan, born 1986. McGraw 's son, Jay McGraw, has partially followed in his father 's footsteps, publishing books aimed at teenagers based on McGraw 's books and working for Stage 29. Jay McGraw became engaged to Erica Dahm, one of the famous Playboy Playmate triplets. The elder McGraw was best man at his son 's wedding, despite the fact that he is vocally against pornography, which was held at his home in Beverly Hills. McGraw is also a private pilot, with an instrument rating, flying single engine airplanes. McGraw has identified himself as a Christian. On 21 October 2017 he was threatened with lawsuit when he accidentally hit a skateboarder with his Mercedes - Benz. Selected Works by Phil McGraw McGraw, Phillip C. ( 1999 ). Life Strategies : Doing What Works, Doing What Matters. New York : Hyperion Books. ISBN 0 - 7868 - 8459 - 2. McGraw, Phillip C. ( 2000 ). The Relationship Rescue Workbook. New York : Hyperion. ISBN 0 - 7868 - 8604 - 8. McGraw, Phillip C. ( 2000 ). Relationship Rescue. New York : Hyperion. ISBN 0 - 7868 - 8598 - X. McGraw, Phillip C. ( 2001 ). The Life Strategies Self - Discovery Journal : Finding What Matters Most for You. New York : Hyperion. ISBN 0 - 7868 - 8743 - 5. McGraw, Phillip C. ( 2001 ). Self Matters : Creating Your Life from the Inside Out. New York : Simon & Schuster Source. ISBN 0 - 7432 - 2423 - X. McGraw, Phillip C. ( 2002 ). Getting Real : Lessons in Life, Marriage, and Family. Hay House Audio Books. ISBN 1 - 4019 - 0062 - 3. McGraw, Phillip C. ( 2003 ). The Self Matters Companion : Helping You Create Your Life from the Inside Out. New York : Free Press. ISBN 0 - 7432 - 2424 - 8. McGraw, Phillip C. ( 2003 ). The Ultimate Weight Solution : The 7 Keys to Weight Loss Freedom. New York : Free Press. ISBN 0 - 7432 - 3674 - 2. McGraw, Phillip C. ( 2003 ). The Ultimate Weight Solution Food Guide. Pocket Books. ISBN 0 - 7434 - 9039 - 8. McGraw, Phillip C. ( 2004 ). The Ultimate Weight Solution Cookbook : Recipes for Weight Loss Freedom. New York : Free Press. pp. 240 pages. ISBN 0 - 7432 - 6475 - 4. McGraw, Phillip C. ( 2005 ). Family First : Your Step - by - Step Plan for Creating a Phenomenal Family. New York : Free Press. ISBN 0 - 7432 - 7377 - X. McGraw, Phillip C. ( 2005 ). The Family First Workbook : Specific Tools, Strategies, and Skills for Creating a Phenomenal Family. New York : Free Press. ISBN 0 - 7432 - 8073 - 3. McGraw, Phillip C. ( 2006 ). Love Smart : Find the One You Want -- Fix the One You Got. New York : Free Press. ISBN 0 - 7432 - 9243 - X. Filmography This section of a biography of a living person does not include any references or sources. Please help by adding reliable sources. Contentious material about living people that is unsourced or poorly sourced must be removed immediately. Find sources : `` Phil McGraw '' -- news newspapers books scholar JSTOR ( January 2018 ) Year Title Role Notes 2003 Frasier Himself Episode : The Devil and Dr. Phil Sesame Street Himself 2 episodes 2006 Scary Movie 4 Himself Film ; Cameo appearance 2006 The Simpsons Himself ( voice over role ) Episode : Treehouse of Horror XVII 2009 Madea Goes to Jail Himself Film ; Cameo appearance 2009 Curb Your Enthusiasm Himself Episode : Vehicular Fellatio Hannah Montana Himself Episode : I 'll Always Remember You 2016 WWE Raw Himself Episode : April 11, 2016 References Jump up ^ `` The World 's Highest - Paid TV Hosts : Dr. Phil, Ellen DeGeneres And Ryan Seacrest Lead ''. Forbes. July 25, 2018. Jump up ^ `` Phil McGraw ''. TVGuide.com. Retrieved April 27, 2015. ^ Jump up to : Day, Sherri ( October 27, 2003 ). `` Dr. Phil, Medicine Man ''. The New York Times. Retrieved October 23, 2006. Jump up ^ `` The World 's Highest - Paid Celebrities ''. Forbes. 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Hearst Communications, Inc. Retrieved January 25, 2008. Jump up ^ Entertainment News Staff ( 2005 ). `` Dr. Phil 's Son Engaged to Triplet Playboy Playmate ''. Softpedia. Archived from the original on February 28, 2008. Retrieved January 17, 2008. Jump up ^ Anon ( 2006 ). `` Jay & Erica 's Wedding ''. Peteski Production, Inc. Retrieved January 17, 2008. Jump up ^ `` FAA Registry - Airmen - AirmenInquiry - Last Resort ''. Jump up ^ Interview with Dr. Phil McGraw. CNN. I believe that it 's each to his own. I mean, it 's Christmas in my house. You know, we 're a Christian home and raising a Christian family. For those who have n't been, do what works for you. I think you got to all get along Jump up ^ Heller, Corinne ( 22 October 2017 ). `` Dr. Phil Accidentally Hits Skateboarding Bodybuilder With Car ''. E ! Online. NBCUniversal. Retrieved 11 June 2018. Jump up ^ Sprunk, Cara ( 22 October 2017 ). `` Dr. Phil hit skateboarder with car, is now being threatened with lawsuit : report ''. MSN Entertainment. Retrieved 11 June 2018. External links Wikiquote has quotations related to : Dr. Phil Dr. Phil ( official site ) Official Biography Phil McGraw on IMDb 2003 interview with University of North Texas alumni magazine Dallas Observer article details much of Dr. Phil 's life, including many critical views. Scholarly article in which authors claim that the narrative arc of Dr. Phil 's show is comparable to the religious conversion story ( archive.org/web/20071120001803/http : / / www.tsbep.state.tx.us/documents/BOARD_DISCIPLINARY_ACTIONS.pdf Texas State Board of Examiners of Psychologists, Disciplinary Sanctions against McGraw, Philip C. detailed on page 25 / 41 ) BNF : cb137746287 ( data ) GND : 12247726X ISNI : 0000 0001 1476 5029 LCCN : n98091209 MusicBrainz : 6677fa6b - 75dc - 4fd0 - 9dfc - 45f667013e4e SELIBR : 223871 SUDOC : 067242499 VIAF : 85362141 Retrieved from `` https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Phil_McGraw&oldid=853558912 '' Categories : 1950 births 20th - century American writers 21st - century American male actors 21st - century American writers American family and parenting writers American health and wellness writers American male writers American psychologists American self - help writers American television personalities American television talk show hosts Celebrity doctors Living people Male actors from Oklahoma People from Wichita Falls, Texas People from Vinita, Oklahoma Popular psychology Tulsa Golden Hurricane football players University of North Texas alumni University of Tulsa alumni Writers from Oklahoma Midwestern State University alumni 20th - century male writers American Christians Hidden categories : CS1 maint : BOT : original - url status unknown All articles with dead external links Articles with dead external links from June 2016 Articles needing more detailed references Webarchive template wayback links Wikipedia indefinitely move - protected pages Wikipedia introduction cleanup from September 2014 All pages needing cleanup Articles covered by WikiProject Wikify from September 2014 All articles covered by WikiProject Wikify Use mdy dates from April 2013 Wikipedia indefinitely semi-protected biographies of living people Infobox person using alma mater Articles with hCards All articles with unsourced statements Articles with unsourced statements from June 2018 Articles with unsourced statements from April 2014 BLP articles lacking sources from January 2018 All BLP articles lacking sources Wikipedia articles with BNF identifiers Wikipedia articles with GND identifiers Wikipedia articles with ISNI identifiers Wikipedia articles with LCCN identifiers Wikipedia articles with MusicBrainz identifiers Wikipedia articles with SELIBR identifiers Wikipedia articles with SUDOC identifiers Wikipedia articles with VIAF identifiers Talk View source Contents About Wikipedia Wikiquote Acèh Arpetan تۆرکجه Čeština Corsu Dansk Deutsch Español فارسی Føroyskt Français 한국어 Bahasa Indonesia Interlingua Italiano Basa Jawa Latina Nederlands Norsk Português Русский Simple English Suomi Svenska Tagalog Українська Winaray Yorùbá 20 more Edit links This page was last edited on 5 August 2018, at 16 : 23 ( UTC ). 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Question: when did dr phil first appear on oprah
Answer: 1998