Ashleigh Banfield Bio, Age, Height, Husband, Career, NewsNation, Banfield show, Net Worth – Veteran Journalist & True Crime Host
Ashleigh Banfield is a veteran Canadian-American journalist renowned for her sharp legal analysis, in-depth coverage of high-profile trials, and fearless reporting on breaking news. With a career spanning over three decades across major networks like MSNBC, CNN, HLN, and NewsNation, she has become a trusted voice in true crime and justice journalism. In 2026, following the conclusion of her primetime show Banfield on NewsNation in January, she continues to lead the network’s digital true crime vertical, host her podcast Drop Dead Serious, and provide expert commentary on major cases.
Quick Facts
| Full Name | Ashleigh Dennistoun Banfield |
| Nick Name | Ashleigh |
| Profession | Journalist, Television Host, True Crime Podcaster |
| Birth Date | December 29, 1967 |
| Age | 58 years old (in 2026) |
| Birth Place | Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada |
| Nationality | Canadian-American (naturalized U.S. citizen in 2008) |
| Known For | Hosting Banfield on NewsNation, Legal View with Ashleigh Banfield on CNN, true crime coverage |
| Ethnicity | Caucasian (British-Irish descent) |
| Zodiac Sign | Capricorn |
| Height & Weight | Approximately 5 feet 10 inches (178 cm); around 58 kg (128 lbs) |
| Hair Color | Light brown / white (in recent years) |
| Eye Color | Dark brown |
| Qualification | BA in Political Studies and French from Queen’s University; additional studies at University of British Columbia |
| Religion | Not publicly specified |
| Marital Status / Spouses | Married to Chris Haynor (since 2017); previously married to Howard Gould (2004–2014, divorced) |
| Relationships (if notable) | No other notable public relationships |
| Children | Two sons: Jay Fischer Gould and Ridley Banfield Gould (from first marriage) |
| Family Tree | Parents: John Alexander Banfield (father), Suzanne Elizabeth Holland (mother); Cousin: Director Michelle MacLaren |
| Hobbies | Not widely detailed; known for her distinctive eyeglass style |
| Current Work | Contributor and true crime digital lead at NewsNation; Host of Drop Dead Serious podcast |
| Years Active | 1988–present |
| Net Worth | Estimated $3–5 million in 2026 |
Early Life & Education
Ashleigh Banfield was born on December 29, 1967, in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, to John Alexander Banfield and Suzanne Elizabeth Holland. Raised in a family that valued education, she attended Balmoral Hall School, a private institution. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in political science and French from Queen’s University in Kingston, Ontario, in 1988, and pursued further French studies at the University of British Columbia in Vancouver, graduating in 1992. These academic roots in international studies and languages helped shape her global reporting perspective.
Career Journey
Ashleigh Banfield’s career began in local Canadian television and evolved into prominent roles at major U.S. networks.
Early Career in Canada (1988–1990s)
She started as a reporter at CJBN-TV in Kenora and CKY-TV in Winnipeg in 1988. By 1989–1992, she anchored weekend news at CFRN-TV in Edmonton. From 1992–1995, she worked at CICT-TV in Calgary as a producer, evening news anchor, and business correspondent.
Rise at MSNBC and Global Reporting (2000–2004)
Banfield joined MSNBC in 2000, gaining fame for her on-the-ground coverage of the 9/11 attacks and the aftermath, including injuries from the World Trade Center collapse. She hosted A Region in Conflict and Ashleigh Banfield on Location, reporting from Afghanistan (interviewing Taliban prisoners) and Pakistan.
Court TV / TruTV Era (2005–2011)
She co-hosted Banfield & Ford: Courtside and later Open Court. She covered major trials like Casey Anthony.
CNN and HLN (2011–2020)
Joined CNN in 2011 to co-anchor Early Start. From 2012–2014, she hosted Legal View with Ashleigh Banfield. In 2014, she moved to HLN for Primetime Justice with Ashleigh Banfield. She also appeared as herself in House of Cards.
NewsNation Era (2021–2026)
Launched Banfield in 2021, focusing on true crime and interviews. The show ran until January 2026, when she chose to exit primetime to prioritize her podcast Drop Dead Serious and lead NewsNation’s true crime digital content. She continues as a legal analyst for trials and breaking news.
Career Stats: Notable Shows
- Banfield (NewsNation, 2021–2026)
- Primetime Justice with Ashleigh Banfield (HLN)
- Legal View with Ashleigh Banfield (CNN)
- Early Start (CNN)
- Open Court / Judgment with Ashleigh Banfield (Court TV / TruTV)
- Podcast: Drop Dead Serious with Ashleigh Banfield
Awards include Emmy, Gracie, Telly, Iris, and National Headliner honors.
Personal Life
Ashleigh Banfield resides in the U.S., balancing her career with family. She became a U.S. citizen in 2008.
Family, Husband, and Children
- Current Husband: Chris Haynor (married December 29, 2017, on her 50th birthday in a surprise ceremony at Hermitage Club, Vermont; met on Match.com in 2014)
- Ex-Husband: Howard Gould (real estate financier; married 2004, divorced 2014)
- Children: Sons Jay Fischer Gould and Ridley Banfield Gould (from first marriage)
- Parents: John Alexander Banfield and Suzanne Elizabeth Holland
- Other: Cousin to director Michelle MacLaren
Relationships and Dating History/Affairs
Banfield’s public relationships include her marriages to Gould and Haynor. She has maintained amicable ties post-divorce, even gifting her ex-husband on his remarriage in 2020.
She enjoys a private life focused on family and professional pursuits.
Controversies
Banfield faced criticism in 2003 for comments on media coverage of the Iraq War, leading to a temporary MSNBC hiatus. No major recent controversies; her reporting remains respected.
Awards & Achievements
- Emmy Award winner
- Gracie Award
- Telly Award
- Iris Award
- National Headliner Award
- Extensive coverage of global conflicts and major U.S. trials
Physical Statistics
- Height: ~5 feet 10 inches (178 cm)
- Weight: ~58 kg (128 lbs)
- Known for distinctive eyeglass style (featured on Oprah)
Quotes
- On her career shift: “This chapter closes, but her true crime storytelling continues.”
- On journalism: Emphasizes credibility, compassion, and in-depth reporting in true crime.
Salary & Net Worth
Banfield’s earnings stem from anchoring, podcasting, and analysis. Past MSNBC salary was ~$200,000 annually. Estimated net worth in 2026: $3–5 million.
Interesting Facts
- Survived minor injuries post-9/11 World Trade Center collapse.
- Once sang in a rock band.
- Her 2017 wedding was a surprise to guests attending what they thought was her birthday party.
- Recently commented on high-profile cases like the nancy guthrie disappearance.
Did You Know Already?
Banfield’s show Banfield was NewsNation’s first primetime program, evolving into the network’s flagship true crime hour before her 2026 transition to digital and podcast focus.
Social Media Links
- Instagram: @ashleighbanfield
- Facebook: Search Ashleigh Banfield on NewsNation
- Official: NewsNation contributor page
Frequently Asked Questions
How old is Ashleigh Banfield in 2026?
She is 58 years old, born December 29, 1967.
Who is Ashleigh Banfield married to?
She is married to Chris Haynor since 2017; previously to Howard Gould (2004–2014).
What happened to Ashleigh Banfield’s show on NewsNation?
Banfield ended in January 2026; she now leads true crime digital content and her podcast Drop Dead Serious.
Does Ashleigh Banfield have children?
Yes, two sons: Jay Fischer Gould and Ridley Banfield Gould.
What is Ashleigh Banfield’s net worth?
Estimated at $3–5 million in 2026, from her long journalism career.
What is Ashleigh Banfield known for?
True crime hosting, legal analysis, and coverage of major trials and global events.
Conclusion
Ashleigh Banfield’s enduring career reflects dedication to journalism, from war zones to courtroom dramas and true crime storytelling. Her move to digital content in 2026 highlights her passion for in-depth narratives. If this bio sparked interest in her work, share it with fellow news enthusiasts!
