Net Worth Ranker
What Is Chris Matthews’ Net Worth?
Chris Matthews, a prominent figure in American political commentary and television hosting, has accumulated a net worth of $20 million. This figure primarily reflects his decades-long career in media, marked by his tenure as the host of “Hardball with Chris Matthews” and his work as an author.
Career and Earnings
Matthews’ career began with a strong foundation in public service and political engagement. Born on December 17, 1945, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, he attended La Salle College High School and later graduated from the College of the Holy Cross in 1967. His early experiences included serving in the United States Peace Corps in Swaziland from 1968 to 1970, followed by a stint with the United States Capitol Police. He further honed his political acumen by working on the staffs of four Democratic Members of Congress and serving as a presidential speechwriter under Jimmy Carter.
His transition to media saw him working as the Washington, D.C., bureau chief for the “San Francisco Examiner” from 1987 to 2000, and as a nationally syndicated columnist for the “San Francisco Chronicle” for two years. These roles provided him with a platform to cover significant events, including the fall of the Berlin Wall and presidential election campaigns from 1988 to 2000.
The launch of “Politics with Chris Matthews” in 1994 on America’s Talking marked his entry into television. The show later moved to CNBC and then MSNBC, evolving into “Hardball with Chris Matthews.” His annual salary for hosting “Hardball” was reported to be $5 million, a substantial contribution to his net worth. This figure underscores his significance in the cable news landscape.
In addition to “Hardball,” Matthews hosted “The Chris Matthews Show” from 2002 to 2013, a half-hour weekend political news roundtable. His career also includes several bestselling books, such as “Hardball: How Politics is Played, Told by One Who Knows the Game,” “Kennedy & Nixon: The Rivalry That Shaped Postwar America,” and “Jack Kennedy: Elusive Hero.” The latter, published in 2011, achieved significant success, spending 12 weeks on the “New York Times” bestseller list.
Despite his success, Matthews’ career was not without controversy. His tenure on “Hardball” was marked by heated confrontations and remarks, leading to his retirement in March 2020 after accusations of inappropriate behavior. While his departure from MSNBC ended his on-air presence, his accumulated earnings and intellectual property continue to contribute to his financial standing.
Personal Life and Assets
Matthews’ personal life also provides context to his financial status. Married to Kathleen Matthews since 1980, his wife is a former news anchor and executive vice president of Marriott International. The couple has three children: Thomas, Caroline, and Michael.
While specific details about Matthews’ real estate holdings, investments, and other assets are not publicly available, his long and successful career in media suggests a diversified portfolio. His earnings from “Hardball,” book sales, and other media ventures have likely been invested in various assets, contributing to his overall net worth. He has earned over 30 honorary degrees across his career, including doctorates from Fordham University, Temple University, Washington University in St. Louis, Merrimack College, and Peirce College. He has also won a number of awards, such as the Pennsylvania Society’s Gold Medal for Distinguished Achievement, the John F. Kennedy Memorial Award, the David Brinkley Award for Excellence in Broadcast Journalism, and the Union League of Philadelphia’s Abraham Lincoln Award.
The $20 million net worth reflects Chris Matthews’ multifaceted career and his impact on American political discourse. His contributions as a journalist, talk show host, and author have solidified his place in media and politics.
