Who Is Ira Glass? Age, Biography and Wiki
Ira Glass, born on March 3, 1959, is a renowned American radio personality best known for hosting the popular public radio show This American Life. As of 2025, he is 66 years old. Glass’s unique storytelling approach has made him a significant figure in broadcasting, transforming the way narratives are shared in radio.
With a rich background in journalism, Ira began his career while still in college, paving the way for a lasting legacy in audio journalism. His ability to capture human experiences through engaging narratives has earned him numerous accolades throughout his career, including Peabody Awards.
| Occupation | Radio Host |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | March 3, 1959 |
| Age | 66 Years |
| Birth Place | Baltimore, Maryland, U.S. |
| Horoscope | Pisces |
| Country | U.S |
Popularity
Ira Glass's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Ira Glass stands at a height of approximately 6 feet tall and weighs around 160 pounds. His body type is generally slim, characteristic of his active lifestyle. While specific body measurements are not frequently disclosed, Glass maintains an approachable appearance that resonates with his audience.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status (Boyfriend/Girlfriend/Husband/Wife)
In terms of his personal life, Ira Glass has been relatively private. As of 2025, he is reported to be in a relationship, although his partner's name is not widely publicized. Previously, he was married to Tanya Gold, a writer and producer, but they divorced in 2018. Glass tends to keep his romantic endeavors away from the public eye, focusing instead on his work and creative projects.
As a child, Glass wanted to be an astronaut, while his parents hoped he would become a doctor. From a young age, he loved comedy and his family frequented the theater. By the time he was 11, he and his sister put on shows in their house's basement and invited neighborhood children to watch. As a teen, he moonlighted as a magician.
Net Worth and Salary
Ira Glass boasts an estimated net worth of around $10 million as of 2025. His income is primarily generated from his successful career in radio and various other media projects. While exact salary figures are often undisclosed, it is believed that he earns a substantial amount through his role at This American Life, speaking engagements, and his involvement in various collaborations.
In 1995, the MacArthur Foundation approached Torey Malatia, the general manager of Chicago Public Radio, with an offer of US$150,000 to produce a show featuring local Chicago writers and performance artists.
Malatia approached Glass with the idea, who countered that he wanted to do a weekly program, but with a different premise, a budget of US$300,000, and a desire to make it a national show. He then took two months off without pay to work on the pilot.
Glass, however, didn't include his co-host in his plans, assuring him that the deal was unlikely to happen. When the show went on without him, Covino says he felt "betrayed". He continued to produce The Wild Room alone until February 1996.
Career, Business and Investments
Ira Glass began his career in radio as an intern at NPR, and he quickly rose through the ranks. His innovative storytelling techniques have revolutionized public radio, attracting a wide listenership. In addition to hosting This American Life, Glass has produced various podcast series that align with his passion for narrative forms.
Beyond his radio work, Glass has ventured into television and film, contributing his narrative expertise to several projects. He focuses on creative endeavors that allow him to continue exploring the power of storytelling across multiple platforms.
Glass attended Milford Mill High School in Baltimore County where he held editorial roles as a member of the school's yearbook staff and as co-editor of the student literary magazine. His involvement in yearbook started in tenth grade and continued until his graduation in 1977.
As a member of the Milford drama club, Glass was cast in several stage productions: his roles include Captain George Brackett in Milford's 1975 production of South Pacific, Lowe in the school's 1976 production of Damn Yankees, and Bud Frump in its 1977 production of How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying.
Glass was also a member of the International Thespian Society. Glass has remarked that his style of journalism is heavily influenced by the musicals he enjoyed when he was younger, especially Fiddler on the Roof.
He was involved in student government during his junior and senior years as a member of the executive board, made Milford's morning announcements, and was a member of the Milford Mill Honor Society in 1977. While in high school, he wrote jokes for Baltimore radio personality Johnny Walker.
Social Network
Ira Glass maintains an active presence on social media, using platforms like Twitter and Instagram to connect with his audience. He often shares insights into his life and work, as well as behind-the-scenes looks at his projects. His engagement with fans has solidified his status as not only a media personality but also a relatable figure in the industry.
Originally from Baltimore, Glass began working in radio as a teenager. While attending Brown University, he worked alongside Keith Talbot at NPR during his summer breaks. He worked as a story editor and interviewer for years before he began to cover his own stories in his late twenties.
After he moved to Chicago, he continued to work on the public radio programs All Things Considered and The Wild Room, the latter of which he co-hosted.
After Glass received a grant from the MacArthur Foundation, he and Torey Malatia developed This American Life, which won a Peabody Award within its first six months and became nationally syndicated a year later. The show was formulated into a television program of the same name on Showtime that ran for two seasons.
Glass also performs a live show, and has contributed to or written articles, books, and a comic book related to the radio show.
Education
Ira Glass attended Oberlin College, where he studied philosophy. It was during this time that his interest in journalism blossomed, leading him to explore various avenues within the media world. This educational background, combined with practical experience, has provided Glass with a solid foundation for his successful career.
After Glass graduated from high school, he was accepted into Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois, and was initially a pre-medical student. He attended with fellow alums Mary Zimmerman and David Sedaris, though he did not know them at the time. He spent a lot of time at the university's radio station making its promos.
He transferred to Brown University, where he concentrated in semiotics. There, he was introduced to S/Z by Roland Barthes, an analysis that, in hindsight, "made [him] understand what [he] could do in radio". He graduated in 1982.
