Like a warm cup of coffee on a chilly Toronto morning, Dina Pugliese has been waking up Canada for nearly two decades. Pugliese was born on May 22, 1974 (52 years old) in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
She is a Canadian television personality and broadcaster, best known as the heart and soul of Citytv’s Breakfast Television.
Her career also shines beyond the breakfast table. She has hosted MuchMusic VJ Search, Canada’s Got Talent in 2012, Canadian Family’s Got Talent in 2020, and Bake Master Battle on Food Network in 2025.
She earned a Gemini Award nomination for Best Host in a Lifestyle/Practical Information or Performing Arts Program or Series for MuchMusic VJ Search.
Quick Facts of Dina Pugliese
| Full Name | Dina Pugliese |
| Profession | Television personality, broadcaster, morning show co-host |
| Age | 52 years old |
| Date of Birth | May 22, 1974 |
| Nationality | Canadian |
| Zodiac/Sun Sign | Gemini |
| Birthplace | Toronto, Ontario, Canada |
| Current Address | Toronto, Ontario, Canada |
| Gender | Female |
Dina Pugliese Early Life and Education
Dina Pugliese was born in Toronto, Ontario, and raised in Woodbridge, Ontario.
She is of Italian descent and has spoken often about how her close-knit family shaped her values.
Education
Details about Dina’s school are yet to be updated.
She is a graduate of York University, where she studied Sociology and Mass Communications and earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in broadcasting.
Later, she attended Humber College in Toronto, where she completed her journalism studies.
| Alma Mater | York University |
| Highest Qualification | Degree in Sociology and Mass Communications |
Dina Pugliese Personal Life
Dina Pugliese is married and is known for keeping her personal life relatively low-key.
Husband
Dina Pugliese is married to Alek Mirkovich, founder of campayn.com. They were married in July 2005 at St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Church in Mississauga, and chose Greece as their honeymoon destination.
Alek is a Canadian entrepreneur known for his work in the technology and email marketing space.
The couple first met at a nightclub when Dina was 29 years old. After six months of dating, Alek proposed to her in Niagara on the Lake.
Children
Dina Pugliese and Alek Mirkovich do not have children. The couple has chosen to focus on their personal and professional lives together.
Parents
Details about Dina Pugliese’s parents are yet to be updated.
Siblings
Dina is the middle of three sisters. Her elder and younger sisters are Antoinette and Linda. Further details about them are yet to be updated.
| Relationship Status | Married |
| Husband | Alek Mirkovich |
| Parents | Father: Yet to be updated Mother: Yet to be updated |
| Siblings | Sisters: Antoinette and Linda |
Dina Pugliese Career
Dina Pugliese has worked in Canadian television for more than 20 years. She started her career behind the camera before becoming a well-known TV host.
Early Career: Producer at Global TV and Toronto 1
Dina began her career in television production. She first worked as an associate producer for The Bynon Show on Global Television.
Later, she worked as a segment producer for Toronto Today on Toronto 1.
These jobs helped her learn how television shows are planned, written, and produced. They also gave her early experience in news and lifestyle programming.
2004: Entertainment Reporting on The A List and Star! Daily
In 2004, Dina moved from production work to on-camera hosting. She became an entertainment reporter and host for The A-List and Star! Daily.
These shows helped her build her on-screen style. She covered entertainment news, celebrity events, red carpet stories, and lifestyle features.
2006: MuchMusic VJ Search and Gemini Nomination
In 2006, Dina hosted MuchMusic VJ Search. The show was a national reality competition that looked for the next on-air video jockey.
2006 to 2018: Co-host of Breakfast Television with Kevin Frankish
Dina first joined Breakfast Television in 2006, alongside co-host Kevin Frankish, when she replaced Liza Fromer.
She quickly became one of the most recognised morning television personalities in Canada.
She also hosted segments such as Dina’s Dish, Dina’s Closet, and Dina’s Date Night during this period.
2012: Host of Canada’s Got Talent
On October 17, 2011, Dina Pugliese was announced as the host of Canada’s Got Talent. The first season aired in 2012.
The show was the Canadian version of the popular Got Talent format. This role gave Dina a larger national platform. At the same time, she continued her work on morning television.
2018 to 2021: Co-host
After Kevin Frankish left the network in 2018, Dina was paired with Roger Petersen on Breakfast Television.
They worked together until Sid Seixeiro joined the show in early 2021. During this time, Dina remained one of the familiar faces of morning TV in the Greater Toronto Area.
2020: Canadian Family’s Got Talent
In 2020, Dina hosted Canadian Family’s Got Talent.
The show was a spin-off of Canada’s Got Talent. It was produced virtually by Citytv during the COVID-19 pandemic in Canada.
The format allowed families to perform from home while viewers watched online and on television.
2023: Co-host
On February 15, 2023, Pugliese announced on air that she would be leaving the show after 16 years. Her last day on the program was February 24.
2023 to 2025: Two-Year Break
After leaving Breakfast Television, Dina stepped away from daily broadcasting to rest and recover from burnout.
She has spoken openly about the toll that the very early morning hours had on her health.
During this period, she focused on personal projects, public appearances, and mental health advocacy.
March 2025: Return to Breakfast Television
On March 17, 2025, in a surprise on-air announcement, Pugliese returned to Breakfast Television as its co-host alongside new arrival Tim Bolen.
Her return was kept a secret from her colleagues, whom she surprised on-air by emerging from a moose costume.
Dina also returned as co-executive producer of the show. She kickstarts BT mornings alongside Tim Bolen and the rest of the BT family, including Devo Brown, Melanie Ng, Frank Ferragine, Caryn Ceolin, and Tammie Sutherland, broadcasting from a brand new, state-of-the-art studio.
June 2025: Host of Bake Master Battle on Food Network
In June 2025, Dina was announced as the host of Bake Master Battle on Food Network.
This role added another national hosting project to her career. It also showed her ability to host lifestyle and competition shows, not just morning television.
2026: Joined by Steve Paikin
In February 2026, journalist and anchor Steve Paikin joined Breakfast Television as a news anchor.
He became part of the daily morning show team with Dina Pugliese, Tim Bolen, and other BT members.
This brought a new news-focused voice to the program while Dina continued her role as one of the main hosts.
Community Work and Advocacy
Outside of television, Dina is also known for her charity work. She has supported causes such as the Children’s Aid Foundation and the Jovelyn Foundation.
She has also spoken publicly about mental health awareness in Canada. Through this work, she has used her public platform to support families, children, and people facing mental health challenges.
Dina Pugliese Awards and Achievements
Dina Pugliese has been recognised for her contribution to Canadian television and her community work in Vaughan.
Major Nominations
- 2006 Gemini Award Nomination: Gemini Award nomination for Best Host in a Lifestyle/Practical Information or Performing Arts Program or Series for MuchMusic VJ Search – The Series.
Major Wins and Honours
- 2023 Key to the City of Vaughan: On February 24, 2023, she was presented a Key to the City of Vaughan by Mayor Steven Del Duca for her “outstanding contribution” to the entertainment industry.
Dina Pugliese Net Worth
The estimated net worth of Dina Pugliese is around $4 million, while her salary is yet to be updated.
| Net Worth (Approx.) | $4 million |
| Salary (Approx.) | Yet to be updated |
Dina Pugliese Height, Weight & Physical Stats
Below are the physical stats of Dina Pugliese:
| Height | In centimetres: 178 cm In meters: 1.78 m In feet & inches: 5 feet 10 inches |
| Weight | In kg: 60 kg In lbs: 132 lbs |
| Body Measurements | Yet to be updated |
| Hair Color | Brown |
| Eye Color | Brown |
Dina Pugliese Social Media
 @dina.pugliese | |
| X |  @DinaPugliese |
| Personal Brand |  @thecareprinciple.com |
Interesting Facts About Dina Pugliese
- Dina Pugliese is a past member of the Girl Guides of Canada.
- Alek proposed to her in Niagara on the Lake after flying to New York to pick up the diamond ring, and the couple honeymooned in Greece.
- Dina is fluent in Italian and often celebrates her Italian Canadian heritage through food, family gatherings, and cultural traditions.
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FAQs
Who is Dina Pugliese?
Dina Pugliese is a Canadian television personality and the co-host of Citytv’s Breakfast Television. She is also a former host of Canada’s Got Talent and MuchMusic VJ Search.
How old is Dina Pugliese?
Dina Pugliese is 52 years old. She was born on May 22, 1974, in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
Is Dina Pugliese married?
Yes, Dina Pugliese is married to Canadian entrepreneur Alek Mirkovich. They married in 2005.
Why did Dina Pugliese leave Breakfast Television in 2023?
Dina Pugliese left the show in February 2023, citing burnout from the demanding early morning hours and family health pressures.
What show does Dina Pugliese host on Food Network?
Dina Pugliese hosts Bake Master Battle, a Canadian baking competition series produced by Rogers that premiered on Food Network in 2025.
What is Dina Pugliese’s educational background?
Dina Pugliese studied Sociology and Mass Communications at York University and later completed her Journalism studies at Humber College.
