Who Is Rachel Maddow? Age, Biography and Wiki
Rachel Maddow, born on April 1, 1973, is a prominent American television host and political commentator known for her insightful analysis and engaging presentation style. As of 2025, Rachel is 51 years old. She gained national fame as the host of The Rachel Maddow Show on MSNBC, where her sharp wit and comprehensive understanding of political issues have earned her a dedicated following. Maddow graduated from Stanford University with a degree in History and later obtained a Doctorate in Politics from Oxford University, where she was a Rhodes Scholar.
| Occupation | Political Scientist |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | April 1, 1973 |
| Age | 52 Years |
| Birth Place | Castro Valley, California, U.S. |
| Horoscope | Aries |
| Country | U.S |
Popularity
Rachel Maddow's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Standing at approximately 6 feet 2 inches (188 cm), Rachel Maddow has a commanding presence on screen. Her weight is estimated to be around 160 pounds (73 kg). While she may not conform to traditional standards of celebrity body measurements, her important contributions to journalism and television make her a respected figure. Exact details of her body measurements are kept private, allowing her professional accomplishments to take the forefront.
Maddow's first job as a radio host was in 1999 at WRNX (100.9 FM) in Holyoke, Massachusetts, then home to "The Dave in the Morning Show". She entered and won a contest the station held to find a new second lead for the show's principal host, Dave Brinnel.
After the WRNX show, she hosted Big Breakfast on WRSI in Northampton, Massachusetts, for two years, leaving in 2004 to join the new Air America radio network. There she hosted Unfiltered along with Chuck D (of the hip hop group Public Enemy) and Lizz Winstead (co-creator of The Daily Show) until its cancellation in March 2005.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Rachel Maddow has been open about her personal life, particularly regarding her long-term partner, Susan Mikula. The couple has been together for over two decades, with Maddow often mentioning how significant Mikula’s support has been throughout her career. As of 2025, Rachel and Susan remain happily committed, and while they have created a life together, they have chosen to keep details about their relationship under wraps, prioritizing their privacy.
Her father, Robert B. Maddow, is a former United States Air Force captain who resigned his commission the year before her birth and then worked as a lawyer for the East Bay Municipal Utility District. Her mother, Elaine (née Gosse), was a school program administrator. She has one older brother, David.
Her paternal grandfather was from a Jewish family (the original family surname being Medvedof), who arrived in the United States from the Russian Empire. Her paternal grandmother was of Dutch descent. Maddow's Canadian mother, originally from Newfoundland and Labrador, has English and Irish ancestry.
Net Worth and Salary
As of 2025, Rachel Maddow's estimated net worth is around $25 million. Her earnings largely stem from her work on MSNBC, where she is one of the highest-paid television personalities. Rachel reportedly earns over $10 million annually from her show, along with additional income from book deals and speaking engagements. This impressive financial portfolio places her among the top earners in the television industry, reflecting her influence and success as a commentator.
Maddow has stated that her show's mission is to "[i]ncrease the amount of useful information in the world". She said her rule for covering the Trump administration is: "Don't pay attention to what they say, focus on what they do ... because it's easier to cover a fast-moving story when you're not distracted by whatever the White House denials are."
Career, Business and Investments
Rachel Maddow's career began in radio, but she quickly transitioned to television, where her unique approach to news reporting garnered attention. In addition to hosting her popular show, she has also authored several books that explore political themes and media analysis. Beyond her on-screen career, Maddow is known for her investments in various media projects and philanthropic efforts championing political awareness and education. Her savvy business acumen indicates her commitment to making a positive impact through journalism.
On May 22, 2020, the case was dismissed by Judge Cynthia Bashant, who found that "the contested statement is an opinion that cannot serve as the basis for a defamation". OAN parent company Herring Networks said they planned to appeal.
Social Network
Rachel Maddow is active on various social media platforms, where she engages with her audience and shares her perspectives on current events. You can find her on Twitter (@maddow), where she has a substantial following that appreciates her thoughtful commentary and insights. Maddow also occasionally posts on Instagram, sharing glimpses of her life outside of the studio, including moments with her partner Susan and snapshots from her travels.
Maddow often begins a broadcast with a lengthy story, sometimes longer than 20 minutes, which she has referred to on-air as the "A-block." This often begins with film clips and other media from events in past years or decades which she eventually connects with the news of the day.
About this process, she has said: "The thing that defines whether or not you're good at this work is whether you have something to say when it's time to say something. Because you're going to have to say something when that light goes on ...
I want to have something to say that people don't already know every single night, every single segment, and that makes it hard to get the process right because that's the only thing I care about."
Education
Rachel Maddow's educational journey has played a significant role in shaping her career. After earning her undergraduate degree from Stanford University, she pursued further studies at Oxford University, where she received her Doctorate in Philosophy. Her academic background in politics and history provides a strong foundation for her incisive commentary and analysis on The Rachel Maddow Show. Maddow's commitment to education is evident in her efforts to promote informed political discourse among her viewers.
In conclusion, Rachel Maddow continues to be a significant figure in media and politics in 2025. With her compelling presence, insightful commentary, and dedication to her craft, she remains an influential voice in the landscape of American news.
Maddow holds a bachelor's degree in public policy from Stanford University and a doctorate in political science from the University of Oxford and is the first openly lesbian anchor to host a major prime-time news program in the United States.
