Alex Wagner Biography: Journalist, Television Host, and Author
Alexandra “Alex” Swe Wagner is a prominent American journalist, television host, and author known for her insightful political commentary and diverse career in media.
Early Life and Education:
Born and raised in Washington, D.C., Wagner is the daughter of Tin Swe Thant, a Burmese immigrant, and Carl Wagner, a notable Democratic Party political consultant who co-chaired Bill Clinton’s 1992 presidential campaign.
She attended Woodrow Wilson High School and went on to graduate from Brown University in 1999, where she studied art history and literature.
Journalism and Television Career:
Wagner’s career in journalism began as a cultural correspondent for the Center for American Progress.
From 2003 to 2007, she served as editor-in-chief of The Fader magazine, focusing on music and cultural movements worldwide.
She also held the position of executive director for Not On Our Watch Project, an advocacy group dedicated to mass atrocities and human rights.
She then became the White House correspondent for AOL’s “Politics Daily” and later moved to The Huffington Post after its acquisition by AOL.
Wagner gained significant recognition as an analyst on MSNBC, appearing on shows like “Countdown with Keith Olbermann” and “The Last Word with Lawrence O’Donnell.”
In 2011, she launched her own MSNBC show, “Now with Alex Wagner,” a weekday program that featured political panels, breaking news, and pop culture segments.
The show concluded in 2015 as MSNBC shifted its focus towards breaking news and away from opinion-based programming.
Following her departure from MSNBC, Wagner became a senior editor at The Atlantic in 2016.
She also joined “CBS This Morning Saturday” as a co-anchor and later became a co-host of Showtime’s political series “The Circus,” replacing Mark Halperin.
In August 2022, Wagner returned to MSNBC to host “Alex Wagner Tonight,” taking over the 9 PM ET slot on Tuesdays through Fridays.
However, in February 2025, MSNBC announced the cancellation of “Alex Wagner Tonight.”
Beyond news and politics, she also hosted the first season of Netflix’s “The Mole” reboot in 2022.
Author:
In April 2018, Alex Wagner published her critically acclaimed book, FutureFace: A Family Mystery, an Epic Quest, and the Secret to Belonging.
The book explores her Burmese American ancestry and delves into themes of identity, immigration, and belonging.
Age:
Born on November 27, 1977, Alex Wagner is 47 years old. Her zodiac sign is Sagittarius.
Wagner is of mixed ethnicity, with Burmese (Myanmar) and Irish descent. She holds American nationality.
Parents and Siblings:
Alex Wagner was born to Carl Wagner, a prominent political consultant of Irish descent, and Tin Swe Thant, an immigrant from Yangon (Rangoon), Myanmar, who became a naturalized U.S. citizen.
Her parents instilled in her a strong sense of social justice and activism. Information about her siblings is not publicly disclosed.
Husband:
Alex Wagner is married to Sam Kass, a former White House chef and senior policy advisor on nutrition during the Obama administration.
Kass played a key role in Michelle Obama’s Let’s Move campaign, which aimed to combat childhood obesity.
After leaving the White House in 2014, he transitioned into the food industry, working with meal-delivery services and food technology companies.
The couple tied the knot on August 30, 2014, at Blue Hill at Stone Barns, an acclaimed restaurant in Pocantico Hills, New York.
Their wedding was a high-profile event attended by Barack Obama, Michelle Obama, and their daughters, highlighting Kass’s close connection with the Obama family.
Wagner and Kass had been dating for about a year before getting engaged in 2013.
Together, they have two sons:
- Cy Kass – Born in 2017.
- Rafael Kass – Born on April 16, 2019.
Wagner often shares glimpses of her family life on social media, showing her deep connection with her children.
Alex Wagner Husband Religion
Alex Wagner’s husband, Sam Kass, grew up in a Jewish family in Chicago’s Hyde Park neighborhood.
His father, Robert Kass, was a teacher at the University of Chicago Laboratory Schools, where he taught Malia Obama in the fifth grade.
His mother, Valentine Hertz Kass, is a science educator at the National Science Foundation.
Kass’s maternal great-grandmother, Helen Valentine, was the founder of Seventeen magazine.
Height, Weight:
Alex Wagner stands approximately 5 feet 9 inches (175 cm) tall and weighs around 62 kg (136 lbs).
Career and Background:
Alex Wagner’s career spans various facets of journalism and media. She started as a cultural correspondent for the Center for American Progress before moving on to become the editor-in-chief of The Fader magazine, where she focused on music and culture.
Wagner then transitioned to television, becoming a White House correspondent for Politics Daily.
Her career took a significant leap when she joined MSNBC as the host of “Now with Alex Wagner.” Afterward, she joined CBS News, co-hosting “This Morning Saturday” and later served as a senior editor at The Atlantic.
She returned to MSNBC in 2022 to host “Alex Wagner Tonight,” a prime-time program that has further solidified her place in political journalism.
Here are some key highlights:
Early Career
- The Fader (2003–2007) – Wagner served as editor-in-chief of The Fader, a magazine focused on music and global cultural movements. During her tenure, she expanded the publication’s reach, covering emerging artists and international trends.
- Not On Our Watch Project – As executive director, Wagner led advocacy efforts against mass atrocities and human rights violations. The organization, founded by Hollywood figures like George Clooney and Matt Damon, focused on crises in Darfur and Myanmar.
Political Journalism
- Politics Daily (AOL News) – Wagner became the White House correspondent, covering political affairs during the Obama administration. She provided in-depth analysis on policy decisions and national events.
- The Huffington Post – After AOL acquired The Huffington Post, Wagner transitioned to political reporting, contributing to coverage of major political developments.
MSNBC
- Countdown with Keith Olbermann & The Last Word with Lawrence O’Donnell – Wagner appeared as a political analyst, offering commentary on national and global issues.
- Now with Alex Wagner (2011–2015) – She hosted this daytime program, which featured panel discussions on politics, culture, and current events. The show was eventually canceled as MSNBC shifted its focus to breaking news.
- Alex Wagner Tonight (2022–2023) – Wagner hosted this primetime show, replacing The Rachel Maddow Show on select nights. The program focused on investigative journalism and political analysis.
CBS News
- CBS This Morning Saturday (2016–2018) – Wagner co-anchored the weekend edition, covering a mix of political, cultural, and human-interest stories.
Showtime
- The Circus (2018–2022) – Wagner co-hosted this political documentary series, providing behind-the-scenes coverage of U.S. elections and government affairs.
Other Roles
- The Atlantic (2016–Present) – Wagner serves as a senior editor and contributing writer, focusing on political and social issues.
- Netflix (2022) – She hosted the first season of The Mole reboot, a reality competition series centered on deception and strategy.
Book
Wagner is also the author of the book “FutureFace: A Family Mystery, an Epic Quest, and the Secret to Belonging”, which explores her mixed-race heritage and identity.
This memoir by Alex Wagner, published on April 17, 2018. In this book, Wagner embarks on a journey to uncover her ancestry and explore her mixed-race heritage.
Key Themes and Content
- Personal Ancestry: Wagner delves into her family’s history, tracing her roots from Burma (Myanmar) to Luxembourg. She uses various methods, including DNA testing and historical records, to piece together her lineage.
- Identity and Belonging: The book examines broader themes of race, immigration, and identity in America. Wagner reflects on what it means to belong in a multicultural society and how our understanding of identity evolves over time.
- Cultural Exploration: Wagner’s narrative takes readers through different cultures and historical contexts, providing a rich tapestry of her family’s past and the larger human experience.
Reception
“FutureFace” has been praised for its thoughtful and insightful exploration of complex issues.
Former President Barack Obama described it as “a thoughtful, beautiful meditation on what makes us who we are… and the values and ideals that bind us together as Americans.”
Notable Quotes
- The New York Times: “A rich and revealing memoir… FutureFace raises urgent questions having to do with history and complicity.”
- Library Journal: “Sincere and instructive… This timely reflection on American identity, with a bonus exposé of DNA ancestry testing, deserves a wide audience.”
Net Worth and Salary:
As of 2025, Alex Wagner, the host of “Alex Wagner Tonight” on MSNBC, has an estimated net worth of around $3 million.
Her wealth comes from her extensive career in journalism, including roles at MSNBC, CBS News, and The Atlantic, as well as her work on the Showtime docuseries “The Circus.”
Her salary is believed to be in the range of $600,000 to $700,000 annually, reflecting her prominent role in the media industry.
What happened to Alex Wagner?
Alex Wagner was removed from her 9 PM weeknight slot on MSNBC as part of a programming shake-up.
She had previously hosted Alex Wagner Tonight after filling in for The Rachel Maddow Show and All In with Chris Hayes. Despite the change, she is expected to remain with the network as a contributor.
What is Alex Wagner’s racial makeup?
Alex Wagner has a mixed ethnic background. Her mother, Tin Swe Thant, is an immigrant from Yangon, Myanmar, while her father, Carl Wagner, is of Luxembourgish, German, and Irish descent.
She has spoken about how her diverse heritage gives her a unique perspective on America.
Is Alex Wagner a lawyer?
No, Alex Wagner is not a lawyer. She studied art history and literature at Brown University and pursued a career in journalism. There is no record of her attending law school or practicing law professionally.
Who is Alex Wagner’s husband?
Alex Wagner is married to Sam Kass, a former White House chef and senior policy advisor on nutrition during the Obama administration.
The couple got married in 2014 and have two sons, Cy and Rafael. Kass played a key role in Michelle Obama’s Let’s Move campaign and has since worked in the food industry.
Is Alex Wagner Married?
Yes, Alex Wagner is married to Sam Kass, a former White House chef, and senior food policy advisor. They have been married since 2014 and share two sons.
How Old Is Alex Wagner?
Alex Wagner is 47 years old, having been born on November 27, 1977.
Where Is Alex Wagner Working?
Alex Wagner is currently a senior political analyst and the host of Alex Wagner Tonight on MSNBC.
She has also been a contributing editor at The Atlantic and previously worked as a CBS News contributor.
Her career has spanned various roles in journalism, including hosting The Circus on Showtime and co-anchoring CBS This Morning Saturday.
MSNBC has a lineup of notable hosts who cover a wide range of topics from politics to current events.
Here are some of the prominent ones:
- Rachel Maddow: Host of “The Rachel Maddow Show,” known for her in-depth analysis and commentary.
- Joy Reid: Host of “The ReidOut,” focusing on political and social issues.
- Nicolle Wallace: Host of “Deadline: White House,” providing political analysis and interviews.
- Chris Hayes: Host of “All In with Chris Hayes,” covering political and social issues.
- Lawrence O’Donnell: Host of “The Last Word with Lawrence O’Donnell,” known for his political commentary.
- Andrea Mitchell: Chief foreign affairs correspondent and host of “Andrea Mitchell Reports.”
- Stephanie Ruhle: Host of “The 11th Hour with Stephanie Ruhle,” focusing on the day’s biggest stories.
- Mika Brzezinski: Co-host of “Morning Joe,” a morning news and talk show.
These hosts bring a wealth of experience and expertise to their programs, making MSNBC a key player in news broadcasting.
Alex Wagner is quite active on social media. She often shares updates about her show, political commentary, and personal insights on these platforms. Here are her main accounts:
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