Net Worth Ranker
What Is Ben Mankiewicz’s Net Worth?
As of 2023, Ben Mankiewicz, the American television journalist and host for Turner Classic Movies (TCM), has an estimated net worth of $1 million. This figure reflects his earnings from his extensive career in television and related ventures.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Benjamin Frederick Mankiewicz was born on March 25, 1967, in Washington, D.C. He hails from a family deeply rooted in Hollywood. His father was Frank Mankiewicz, who served as press secretary to Senator Robert F. Kennedy and later became the president of National Public Radio (NPR). Ben’s grandfather was Herman J. Mankiewicz, the co-writer of the legendary film “Citizen Kane,” and his great-uncle was Joseph L. Mankiewicz, a renowned writer and director known for “All About Eve.” Ben attended Georgetown Day School for his primary and secondary education. He then pursued higher education at Tufts University and later earned a Master of Science degree from Columbia University’s Graduate School of Journalism in 1992.
Mankiewicz started his career in mainstream media, accumulating nearly 25 years of experience. His initial foray into television began at WCSC-TV, a CBS affiliate in Charleston, South Carolina, where he worked as a reporter and anchor. In 1998, he joined WAMI in Miami, Florida, anchoring “The Times,” a daily news magazine show.
Turner Classic Movies and Other Ventures
Ben Mankiewicz joined Turner Classic Movies (TCM) in 2003, making his debut on September 6. He was initially hired as a weekend afternoon host, serving as the second host in the network’s history, after Robert Osborne. In 2013, Osborne began delegating weekday primetime hosting appearances to Mankiewicz due to health reasons. Following Osborne’s death in 2017, Mankiewicz became the primary primetime host for TCM, hosting the primetime lineup from Wednesdays to Sundays. Dave Karger and Alicia Malone host the primetime lineup on Mondays and Tuesdays, respectively.
His role at TCM involves introducing classic films, providing insightful commentary, and conducting interviews with prominent figures in the film industry. He travels to TCM studios in Atlanta once a month to record two-minute introductions for upcoming movies. In these segments, he often wears a suit and tie, presenting a neatly pressed handkerchief, and shares backstories of classic films such as “Double Indemnity,” “Singin’ in the Rain,” and “Casablanca”.
In addition to his hosting duties, Mankiewicz has also contributed to other projects. From 2008 to 2009, he co-hosted the television series “Siskel & Ebert”. He also hosted the online film review program “What the Flick?!” on The Young Turks Network from 2010 to 2012. He has made cameo appearances in films such as “White House Down” (2013) and the Lifetime television movie “The Bling Ring” (2011).
Mankiewicz launched the TCM-produced podcast series “The Plot Thickens” in 2020. The first season chronicled the career of director Peter Bogdanovich, receiving a Webby Honoree for Television & Film Podcasts in 2021, 2022, and 2023. It also won the Best Branded Podcast at the 2021 Adweek Podcast Awards. In 2023, he started hosting a second podcast series, “Talking Pictures,” interviewing personalities like Mel Brooks, Nancy Meyers, and Patty Jenkins. A second season of “Talking Pictures” began streaming in November 2024.
Salary and Estimated Income
Ben Mankiewicz’s average salary is estimated to be around $98,738 annually. This income is primarily derived from his work as a television host, film critic, and political analyst. His long tenure at Turner Classic Movies, along with his involvement in other media ventures, has contributed to his estimated $1 million net worth as of 2023.
Personal Life
Ben Mankiewicz was previously married to Contessa Lynn Kellogg. Since December 12, 2013, he has been married to Michelle (Lee) Larkin Russo, and they have one child. He currently resides in Santa Monica, California, with his wife, daughter, and three dogs.
