Who Is Morton Downey Jr.? Age, Biography and Wiki
Morton Downey Jr. was born on December 9, 1932, and passed away on March 12, 2001. As of 2025, he would have been 92 years old. Known for his controversial and confrontational style, Downey gained fame in the late 1980s with his eponymous talk show, which often featured heated debates and sensational topics. His legacy continues to influence talk show formats worldwide, marking him as a pioneer in the genre.
| Occupation | Radio Host |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | December 9, 1932 |
| Age | 68 Years |
| Birth Place | Los Angeles, California, U.S. |
| Horoscope | Sagittarius |
| Country | U.S |
| Date of death | 12 March, 2001 |
| Died Place | Los Angeles, California, U.S. |
Popularity
Morton Downey Jr.'s Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Morton Downey Jr. stood at approximately 6 feet tall (183 cm) and weighed around 200 pounds (90 kg) during his prime. His charismatic presence on screen contributed to his success as a talk show host, as he commanded attention with his stature and bold personality.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
In terms of family, Morton Downey Jr. had a complicated personal life. He was married three times, with his most notable marriage to actress and singer, Janet E. Downey, with whom he had three children. At the time of his passing, he was not publicly known to be in a serious relationship. Although there are rumors and speculation about past relationships, information remains limited.
Downey's roots were in show business; his father, Morton Downey, was a popular singer, and his mother, Barbara Bennett, was a stage and film actress and singer and dancer. His aunts included Hollywood film stars Constance and Joan Bennett, and his maternal grandfather was matinée idol Richard Bennett.
His wealthy family spent their summers next door to the Kennedy compound in Hyannis Port, Massachusetts. Downey attended New York University.
Net Worth and Salary
Although Morton Downey Jr. has been deceased since 2001, his influence persists in various media discussions and retrospectives. On social media platforms, fans and historians frequently share clips and anecdotes from his shows, contributing to his enduring legacy. Hashtags related to his name and discussions of his impact on pop culture often emerge, especially during anniversaries of his show's airing.
Career, Business and Investments
In addition to his TV career, Downey was involved in various business ventures and even attempted a brief career in music. His investments reflected his strong personality and love for entertainment, often veering into the unconventional.
In the 1980s, Downey became a talk show host at KFBK-AM in Sacramento, California, where he employed an abrasive style. He was fired in 1984, and was subsequently replaced by Rush Limbaugh. He also had a stint on WMAQ-AM in Chicago where he unsuccessfully tried to get other on air radio personalities to submit to drug testing.
Downey's largest effect on American culture came from his popular, yet short-lived, syndicated late 1980s television talk show, The Morton Downey Jr. Show.
Education
On January 22, 1980, Downey, a devoted anti-abortionist, hosted the California State Rally for Life at the invitation of the California ProLife Council and United Students for Life. At that time, he was also running for President of the United States, as a Democrat.
The United Students for Life, at California State University, Sacramento helped organize his California presidential rallies. Downey worked to help promote anti-abortion candidates in California and around the country.
