Brit Hume Biography: Age, Height, Wife, Salary, Net Worth, and Fox News Legacy (2026 Update)
Brit Hume is one of the most recognizable faces in American political journalism. With a career spanning over five decades, he has shaped how millions of viewers understand Washington. From his early days in print to anchoring his own primetime show on Fox News, Hume’s calm, analytical style has made him a trusted source for political news. As of 2026, he continues to offer sharp commentary on the ever-changing political landscape.
Quick Facts
| Full Name | Alexander Britton Hume |
| Nickname | Brit |
| Profession | Television Journalist, Political Commentator |
| Birth Date | June 22, 1943 |
| Age | 83 years 2 months old |
| Birth Place | Washington, D.C., USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Known For | Anchor of Special Report with Brit Hume, Fox News Senior Political Analyst |
| Ethnicity | White (English, Scottish, Irish descent) |
| Zodiac Sign | Cancer |
| Height | 5 ft 10 in (178 cm) |
| Weight | Approx. 170 lbs (77 kg) |
| Hair Color | Gray (formerly brown) |
| Eye Color | Blue |
| Education | University of Virginia (B.A. in English, 1965) |
| Religion | Christian (Episcopalian) |
| Marital Status | Married |
| Spouse | Kim Schiller Hume (m. 1993), Clare Jacobs (m. ?–div.) |
| Children | Sandy Hume (deceased), Virginia Hume, Louis Hume |
| Parents | George Graham Hume (father), Virginia Powell Hume (mother) |
| Siblings | One sister |
| Hobbies | Golf, reading, history |
| Current Work | Fox News Senior Political Analyst (as of 2026) |
| Years Active | 1965–present |
| Net Worth | $20 million (estimated, 2026) |
Early Life & Education
Alexander Britton Hume was born on June 22, 1943, in Washington, D.C. His father, George Graham Hume, worked as a lawyer, and his mother, Virginia Powell Hume, was a homemaker. Growing up in the nation’s capital, Brit was surrounded by politics from an early age. He attended St. Albans School, a prestigious private school in D.C., where he developed an interest in writing and current events.
After graduating high school, Hume enrolled at the University of Virginia. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in English in 1965. During college, he wrote for the student newspaper and honed the reporting skills that would later define his career. His early exposure to the political scene in Washington and his education laid a solid foundation for a life in journalism.
Career Journey
Early Career in Print and Radio
Brit Hume began his professional career in print journalism. He worked for several newspapers, including the Hartford Times and the Baltimore Evening Sun. In the early 1970s, he moved to Washington, D.C., and joined the newsletter Jack Anderson’s Washington Merry-Go-Round. There he covered political scandals and government waste, building a reputation as a tenacious investigative reporter. Hume later transitioned to television, working as a correspondent for the local ABC affiliate in Washington, WJLA-TV.
ABC News Years
In 1976, Hume joined ABC News as a Capitol Hill correspondent. He covered major political stories, including presidential elections, Supreme Court nominations, and the Iran-Contra affair. His calm delivery and deep understanding of policy made him a standout. In 1989, he became ABC’s chief White House correspondent, reporting on the George H.W. Bush administration. Hume’s work at ABC earned him widespread respect and several journalism awards.
Fox News and Special Report
In 1996, Brit Hume made a career-defining move to the newly launched Fox News Channel. He became the anchor of Special Report with Brit Hume, a nightly political news program. The show quickly became a ratings hit, known for its balanced panel discussions and Hume’s straightforward interviewing style. He anchored the program for over a decade, covering the Clinton impeachment, the 2000 election recount, 9/11, and the Iraq War. Hume’s leadership helped establish Fox News as a dominant force in cable news.
Retirement and Senior Analyst Role
In 2008, Hume stepped down as anchor of Special Report, handing the reins to Bret Baier. However, he did not leave Fox News. He transitioned to the role of senior political analyst, appearing regularly on Fox News Sunday, The O’Reilly Factor (later The Ingraham Angle), and other programs. His commentary during election nights and major political events remained a staple for viewers.
Recent Activity and 2026 Outlook
As of 2026, Brit Hume continues to serve as a senior political analyst for Fox News. At 83 years old, he provides seasoned insights on the 2026 midterm elections, offering analysis on congressional races and the shifting political climate. Hume also makes guest appearances on podcasts and writes occasional opinion pieces for FoxNews.com. His ability to break down complex issues in plain language keeps him relevant in an era of rapid media change.
Personal Life
Marriage and Family
Brit Hume has been married twice. His first marriage to Clare Jacobs produced three children: Sandy, Virginia, and Louis. The couple later divorced. In 1993, Hume married Kim Schiller, a former Fox News executive who played a key role in the network’s Washington bureau. The two have been together ever since, often seen at Washington social events.
Tragedy struck the family in 1998 when Hume’s son, Sandy Hume, a respected journalist for The Hill, died by suicide at age 28. Brit Hume has spoken publicly about the profound loss and how his faith helped him cope. His daughter, Virginia Hume, is a communications professional, and his son Louis keeps a lower profile.
Dating History and Relationships
There is no public record of high-profile relationships outside his two marriages. Hume has always kept his personal life relatively private, focusing public attention on his work.
Hobbies and Interests
Outside the newsroom, Brit Hume is an avid golfer and a voracious reader of history and biography. He also enjoys following baseball and has been spotted at Washington Nationals games. His community involvement includes supporting veterans’ causes and journalism scholarships.
Awards & Achievements
- Emmy Award for coverage of the 1997 death of Princess Diana
- Sol Taishoff Award for Excellence in Broadcast Journalism (2003)
- National Press Foundation’s Broadcaster of the Year (1999)
- Inducted into the Cable Hall of Fame (2011)
- Multiple Merriman Smith Memorial Awards for presidential coverage
Physical Statistics
- Height: 5 ft 10 in (178 cm)
- Weight: Approximately 170 lbs (77 kg)
- Hair Color: Gray (naturally brown in youth)
- Eye Color: Blue
- Build: Average
Quotes
“Fairness is not an attitude. It’s a professional skill that must be developed and exercised.”
“The news is what it is. It’s not what we want it to be.”
“I think the country is more conservative than the media gives it credit for.”
Controversies
Over the years, Brit Hume has sparked debate with some of his on-air remarks. In 2010, he suggested on Fox News Sunday that Tiger Woods should turn to Christianity for forgiveness, which drew criticism from interfaith groups. Hume later clarified he was speaking from personal conviction. He has also been accused of bias by media watchdogs, though he maintains a commitment to factual reporting. These incidents, while notable, have not significantly tarnished his reputation.
Favorites
- Book: The Federalist Papers
- Movie: Casablanca
- Sport: Golf
- Historical Figure: Winston Churchill
- Music: Classical and jazz
Salary & Net Worth
Brit Hume’s salary at Fox News is estimated to be around $5 million per year, though exact figures are not publicly disclosed. His net worth in 2026 is approximately $20 million, accumulated through his long television career, speaking engagements, and investments. This places him among the highest-paid political analysts in cable news. His financial success reflects his enduring value to the network and his audience.
Interesting Facts
- Brit Hume’s first name, Alexander, is rarely used; he has gone by “Brit” since childhood, a nod to his British ancestry.
- He once worked as a researcher for the famous muckraking journalist Jack Anderson.
- Hume is a licensed pilot and enjoys flying small planes in his spare time.
- He was offered the job of White House press secretary under President Gerald Ford but turned it down.
- His son Sandy’s investigative reporting broke the story of the attempted coup against House Speaker Newt Gingrich in 1997.
Did You Know Already?
Brit Hume was one of the original hires when Fox News launched in 1996, and his show Special Report was the network’s first regularly scheduled evening newscast. He helped set the tone for what would become a cable news powerhouse.
Social Media Links
Brit Hume is active on X (formerly Twitter) where he shares political commentary and interacts with followers.
- X (Twitter): @brithume
- Fox News Profile: FoxNews.com
Frequently Asked Questions
How old is Brit Hume in 2026?
Brit Hume was born on June 22, 1943, making him 83 years old in 2026.
What is Brit Hume’s net worth?
As of 2026, Brit Hume’s net worth is estimated at $20 million, primarily from his Fox News salary and investments.
Who is Brit Hume’s wife?
Brit Hume has been married to Kim Schiller Hume since 1993. She is a former Fox News executive.
What happened to Brit Hume’s son?
His son, Sandy Hume, was a journalist who died by suicide in 1998 at the age of 28. Brit has spoken about the tragedy and his faith.
Is Brit Hume still on Fox News?
Yes, as of 2026, Brit Hume remains a senior political analyst for Fox News, appearing regularly on various programs.
What awards has Brit Hume won?
He has won an Emmy Award, the Sol Taishoff Award, and was inducted into the Cable Hall of Fame, among other honors.
Brit Hume’s career stands as a testament to the power of steady, informed journalism. From print to the pinnacle of cable news, he has remained a trusted voice in American politics. If you found this biography helpful, please share it with others who appreciate in-depth profiles of media legends.
