- Net Worth: $25 Million
- Annual Salary: $8.5 Million (at CNN)
- Category: Richest Media Personalities › Journalists
- Birthdate: October 12, 1947
- Birthplace: Chicago, Illinois
- Gender: Male
- Profession: Journalist, News Anchor, Political Commentator
- Nationality: United States
What is Chris Wallace’s Net Worth and Salary?
Chris Wallace, a renowned television anchor, journalist, and political commentator, has an estimated net worth of $25 million. His wealth comes from decades in broadcasting, high-profile interviews, book sales, and lucrative contracts with major networks like NBC, ABC, Fox News, and CNN.
Wallace is best known for:
✔ Hosting Fox News Sunday (2003-2021)
✔ Serving as a moderator for U.S. presidential debates
✔ Conducting high-profile interviews with world leaders, including Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump
✔ Winning multiple journalism awards, including an Emmy for Outstanding Live Interview
His journalistic integrity and ability to challenge both political sides made him a respected and sometimes controversial media figure.
Early Life and Education
Chris Wallace was born on October 12, 1947, in Chicago, Illinois.
Family Background
✔ Son of legendary “60 Minutes” journalist Mike Wallace
✔ Raised by his mother, Norma, and stepfather, Bill Leonard (former CBS News President)
Education
✔ Harvard University – Bachelor’s Degree
✔ Worked as a broadcaster at Harvard’s campus radio station
Wallace initially planned to attend Yale Law School but chose journalism instead.
Early Career: NBC and ABC News (1975-2003)
NBC News (1975-1989)
✔ Started as a political correspondent
✔ Worked as Washington co-anchor for Today
✔ Reported for WNBC-TV in New York
ABC News (1989-2003)
✔ Served as a senior correspondent
✔ Anchored multiple ABC programs, including Primetime Live
His 14-year tenure at ABC solidified his reputation as a hard-hitting political journalist.
Fox News Career (2003-2021)
Host of Fox News Sunday
✔ Joined Fox News in 2003 as the host of Fox News Sunday
✔ Conducted Fox’s first-ever interview with President Barack Obama (2009)
✔ Moderated the 2016 and 2020 Republican primary debates
Notable Interviews
✔ Vladimir Putin (2018) – Asked, “Why do so many of your political opponents end up dead?”
✔ Donald Trump (2020) – Fact-checked Trump live on air, causing tensions
✔ Nancy Pelosi, Barack Obama, and George W. Bush – Frequently interviewed top political figures
Wallace was respected for challenging both conservatives and liberals, setting him apart at Fox News.
Resignation from Fox News (2021) & CNN Move
✔ Announced departure from Fox News on December 12, 2021
✔ Joined CNN for $8.5 million per year, hosting Who’s Talking to Chris Wallace?
✔ Left CNN in November 2024 after disagreements with network direction
His CNN tenure was short-lived, marking a dramatic shift from his Fox News career.
Chris Wallace’s Financial Growth
Fox News Salary & CNN Contract
✔ Fox News Salary: $7 million per year at his peak
✔ CNN Salary: $8.5 million per year after leaving Fox
Real Estate Holdings
✔ Washington D.C. Mansion – Bought for $1.1 million in 1997, listed for $6.4 million in 2024
✔ Annapolis, Maryland Waterfront Home – Primary residence
✔ Previously considered buying in Martha’s Vineyard but opted for Maryland due to travel issues
Wallace’s real estate portfolio reflects his financial success in media.
Personal Life
✔ Married twice
✔ Four children from first marriage
✔ Married to Lorraine Martin Smothers since 1997 (ex-wife of comedian Dick Smothers)
Wallace keeps a relatively private personal life despite his public career.
Chris Wallace’s Legacy in Journalism
Wallace’s career bridged mainstream and conservative media, making him one of America’s most respected political interviewers.
Key Takeaways
✔ Media Achievements: Hosted Fox News Sunday and Who’s Talking to Chris Wallace?
✔ Wealth Growth: $25 million from broadcasting, book sales, and investments
✔ Policy Influence: Moderated key presidential debates and challenged world leaders
Even after leaving CNN, Wallace remains a significant figure in American journalism.
