Alex Wagner Biography: Journalist, Television Host, and Author
Alex Wagner is an American journalist and television host known for her insightful commentary and sharp interviewing skills. She is currently the host of “Alex Wagner Tonight” on MSNBC, where she delves into pressing political and social issues.
Wagner has a diverse background in journalism, having previously worked as a co-host on CBS’s “This Morning Saturday” and as a senior editor at The Atlantic. Her work reflects a deep commitment to covering stories that impact the national discourse.
Early Life and Education
Alex Wagner was raised in Washington, D.C. Her mother, Tin Swe Thant, is an immigrant from Yangon, Myanmar, and her father, Carl Wagner, was a political consultant who co-chaired Bill Clinton’s 1992 presidential campaign. Wagner attended Woodrow Wilson High School and later graduated from Brown University in 1999 with a degree in art history and literature.
Key Highlights of Her Career:
- Television Host: Currently, Wagner hosts the popular MSNBC show, Alex Wagner Tonight. She has previously hosted shows like Now with Alex Wagner on MSNBC and co-hosted The Circus on Showtime.
- Author: Wagner is also a successful author, with her book FutureFace: A Family Mystery, an Epic Quest, and the Secret to Belonging exploring her family history and identity.
- Journalist: Before her television career, Wagner worked as a White House correspondent for Politics Daily and a reporter for The Huffington Post. She has also served as the editor-in-chief of The Fader magazine.
Age:
Born on November 27, 1977, Alex Wagner is 46 years old. Her zodiac sign is Sagittarius. Wagner is of mixed ethnicity, with Burmese (Myanmar) and Irish descent. She holds American nationality.
Parents and Siblings:
Alex Wagner was born to Carl Wagner, a prominent political consultant of Irish descent, and Tin Swe Thant, an immigrant from Yangon (Rangoon), Myanmar, who became a naturalized U.S. citizen. Her parents instilled in her a strong sense of social justice and activism. Information about her siblings is not publicly disclosed.
Husband:
Alex Wagner is married to Sam Kass, a former White House chef who served under the Obama administration and is also a senior food policy advisor. The couple married on August 30, 2014, in a ceremony that was attended by President Barack Obama and his family. They have two sons together.
Height, Weight:
Alex Wagner stands approximately 5 feet 9 inches (175 cm) tall and weighs around 62 kg (136 lbs).
Career and Background:
Alex Wagner’s career spans various facets of journalism and media. She started as a cultural correspondent for the Center for American Progress before moving on to become the editor-in-chief of The Fader magazine, where she focused on music and culture. Wagner then transitioned to television, becoming a White House correspondent for Politics Daily.
Her career took a significant leap when she joined MSNBC as the host of “Now with Alex Wagner.” Afterward, she joined CBS News, co-hosting “This Morning Saturday” and later served as a senior editor at The Atlantic. She returned to MSNBC in 2022 to host “Alex Wagner Tonight,” a prime-time program that has further solidified her place in political journalism.
Here are some key highlights:
Early Career
- Cultural Correspondent: Wagner began her career as a cultural correspondent for the Center for American Progress.
- Editor-in-Chief: From 2003 to 2007, she served as the editor-in-chief of The Fader magazine, where she covered music and cultural movements.
Political Journalism
- Politics Daily and The Huffington Post: Wagner worked as the White House correspondent for Politics Daily and later moved to The Huffington Post.
- MSNBC: She started hosting “Now with Alex Wagner” on MSNBC in 2011, a role she held until 2015.
Television Hosting
- The Circus: Wagner co-hosted Showtime’s political documentary series “The Circus” from 2016 to 2022.
- CBS News: She was a co-anchor on “CBS This Morning Saturday” from 2016 to 2018.
- MSNBC Return: In 2022, Wagner returned to MSNBC to host “Alex Wagner Tonight.”
Book
Wagner is also the author of the book “FutureFace: A Family Mystery, an Epic Quest, and the Secret to Belonging”, which explores her mixed-race heritage and identity. This memoir by Alex Wagner, published on April 17, 2018. In this book, Wagner embarks on a journey to uncover her ancestry and explore her mixed-race heritage.
Key Themes and Content
- Personal Ancestry: Wagner delves into her family’s history, tracing her roots from Burma (Myanmar) to Luxembourg. She uses various methods, including DNA testing and historical records, to piece together her lineage.
- Identity and Belonging: The book examines broader themes of race, immigration, and identity in America. Wagner reflects on what it means to belong in a multicultural society and how our understanding of identity evolves over time.
- Cultural Exploration: Wagner’s narrative takes readers through different cultures and historical contexts, providing a rich tapestry of her family’s past and the larger human experience.
Reception
“FutureFace” has been praised for its thoughtful and insightful exploration of complex issues. Former President Barack Obama described it as “a thoughtful, beautiful meditation on what makes us who we are… and the values and ideals that bind us together as Americans.”
Notable Quotes
- The New York Times: “A rich and revealing memoir… FutureFace raises urgent questions having to do with history and complicity.”
- Library Journal: “Sincere and instructive… This timely reflection on American identity, with a bonus exposé of DNA ancestry testing, deserves a wide audience.”
Net Worth and Salary:
As of 2024, Alex Wagner, the host of “Alex Wagner Tonight” on MSNBC, has an estimated net worth of around $3 million. Her wealth comes from her extensive career in journalism, including roles at MSNBC, CBS News, and The Atlantic, as well as her work on the Showtime docuseries “The Circus.”
Her salary is believed to be in the range of $600,000 to $700,000 annually, reflecting her prominent role in the media industry.
Is Alex Wagner Married?
Yes, Alex Wagner is married to Sam Kass, a former White House chef, and senior food policy advisor. They have been married since 2014 and share two sons.
How Old Is Alex Wagner?
Alex Wagner is 46 years old, having been born on November 27, 1977.
Where Is Alex Wagner or Is she still working at Alex Wagner Tonight on MSNBC?
Alex Wagner currently hosts “Alex Wagner Tonight” on MSNBC, a position she has held since 2022. She continues to be an influential voice in American media, addressing key political and social issues on her show.
MSNBC has a lineup of notable hosts who cover a wide range of topics from politics to current events.
Here are some of the prominent ones:
- Rachel Maddow: Host of “The Rachel Maddow Show,” known for her in-depth analysis and commentary.
- Joy Reid: Host of “The ReidOut,” focusing on political and social issues.
- Nicolle Wallace: Host of “Deadline: White House,” providing political analysis and interviews.
- Chris Hayes: Host of “All In with Chris Hayes,” covering political and social issues.
- Lawrence O’Donnell: Host of “The Last Word with Lawrence O’Donnell,” known for his political commentary.
- Andrea Mitchell: Chief foreign affairs correspondent and host of “Andrea Mitchell Reports.”
- Stephanie Ruhle: Host of “The 11th Hour with Stephanie Ruhle,” focusing on the day’s biggest stories.
- Mika Brzezinski: Co-host of “Morning Joe,” a morning news and talk show.
These hosts bring a wealth of experience and expertise to their programs, making MSNBC a key player in news broadcasting.
Alex Wagner is quite active on social media. She often shares updates about her show, political commentary, and personal insights on these platforms. Here are her main accounts:
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