Roop Raj Bio, Wiki, Age, Wife, Political Party, Net Worth & Fox 2

Roop Raj: Fox 2 Detroit Anchor & TV Host Biography

Roop Raj is an Emmy Award-winning journalist and evening anchor at FOX 2 News Detroit, known for his dynamic reporting and deep-rooted commitment to storytelling. Raj’s journey reflects the classic American dream—fueled by grit, curiosity, and a passion for truth.

🎙️ Early Spark

Born to Indian immigrant parents in the Midwest. At just 14 years old, Raj launched his media career by creating and hosting a public affairs talk show on a government access station in Troy, Michigan. His precocious talent earned him a spot on The Phil Donahue Show, where he was celebrated as one of the nation’s youngest TV personalities.

🎓 Education & Career Rise

Raj earned his journalism degree from Michigan State University, gaining early experience at CBS and ABC affiliates in Lansing. He later reported in Flint before joining NBC in New Orleans, where he covered 24 hurricanes, including the catastrophic Hurricane Katrina—a defining chapter in his career.

📺 Detroit Legacy

In 2009, Raj joined FOX 2 Detroit as a weekend morning anchor. By 2017, he was anchoring the 5:30 p.m. newscast, and today, he co-anchors the station’s flagship evening shows alongside Taryn Asher, succeeding legendary anchors Huel Perkins and Monica Gayle.

🏆 Honors & Impact

Raj’s coverage has earned him an Emmy Award for Best Continuing Coverage and an Associated Press award for Breaking Weather Coverage. He’s also conducted exclusive interviews with past and current U.S. Presidents, showcasing his journalistic reach.

He is also a public speaking coach, keynote speaker (including a TEDxDetroit talk on the “gifts of rejection”), and host of political discussions, emphasizing civility and diverse viewpoints.

Summary Table:

Roop Raj Age:

Roop Raj is currently 48 years old (born on October 20, 1976). His zodiac sign is Libra. He is of Indian ethnicity, descending from parents who immigrated from India in 1973, and holds American nationality, having been born and raised in the United States (specifically in Indiana and the Midwest).

Roop Raj Parents and Siblings:

Roop Raj was born and raised in the Midwest of the United States, primarily in Indiana, within a traditional Indian-American household that emphasized respect, humility, and education.

His parents emigrated from India in 1973, just three years before his birth, and instilled strong cultural values while supporting his early interest in media—despite initial confusion from family and community about his career choice, as being a TV personality was unconventional in their circle.

Raj has described a childhood where he balanced Indian traditions at home (like weekend dinner parties and pujas) with American school life, where he was outgoing and creative, recording skits and imitating public figures from a young age.

He has one older brother who works as a marketing consultant in Columbus, Ohio; no other siblings are publicly known. Details about his parents’ names remain private, but Raj has expressed gratitude for their encouragement, noting they now live nearby and watch him on TV nightly.

Roop Raj High School:

Roop Raj attended and graduated from Troy High School in Troy, Michigan, where he honed his early media skills.

It was during his time in this area that, at age 14, he launched his first TV venture on a local government access station, marking the start of his professional journey.

This high school period was pivotal, blending his suburban upbringing with hands-on broadcasting experience that led to national recognition by age 15 on The Phil Donahue Show, where he was hailed as one of the nation’s youngest TV personalities.

Roop Raj Wife:

Roop Raj is married to Julie Booksh (also known as Julie Raj), a licensed marriage and family therapist, counselor, and teacher whom he met while working in New Orleans.

The couple wed on November 21, 2009, in a ceremony blending elements of their faiths (Raj’s Indian heritage and Julie’s Catholic background).

They celebrated their 10th anniversary in 2019 and continue to share a strong partnership, often highlighting themes of balance and support in interviews.

Julie has been described by Raj as a grounding influence, and they reside together in the Detroit area with their boxer puppy, Louise.

The couple enjoys cooking, traveling, and outdoor activities, though Raj humorously admits to disliking winter hats but loving casual baseball caps for park outings.

Roop Raj Height:

Roop Raj stands at a height of 5 feet 11 inches (1.81 meters) and weighs approximately 174 pounds (80 kilograms). His physique is described as slim and athletic, with body measurements of 40-36-42 inches for chest, waist, and hips respectively.

Roop Raj Fox 2 Career Timeline:

Roop Raj’s career at Fox 2 (WJBK-TV) in Detroit, Michigan, began in May 2009 and has seen steady progression over 16 years (as of 2025). Here’s a chronological overview:

• 1990 (Age 14): Started TV career in Troy, MI, producing/hosting a public-affairs show on government access.

• Early 1990s (Michigan State University years): On-air at CBS and ABC affiliates in Lansing, MI; anchored news/weather in Flint, MI, for four years.

• 2002–2009: Morning anchor at WDSU (NBC) in New Orleans, LA, for seven years; covered 24 hurricanes, including Emmy-winning Katrina coverage and an Associated Press award for breaking weather.

• 2009: Joined Fox 2 as weekend morning anchor and weekday live reporter.

• 2012: Shifted to 4:30 a.m. anchor and morning live reporter.

• 2017: Began anchoring the 5:30 p.m. newscast; filled in for mentors like Huel Perkins.

• 2020: Named 5 p.m. co-anchor alongside Taryn Asher during the pandemic; secured.

• exclusive interviews with Joe Biden (three one-on-ones) and Donald Trump (three, including a 15-minute White House Rose Garden session).

• 2022–Present: Promoted to evening anchor (5, 6, 10, and 11 p.m. newscasts); hosts Let It Rip (now The Pulse), a nightly political talk show focusing on civility and community issues. In 2025, he continues as a key figure in Detroit’s 11th-largest TV market, earning accolades for community journalism.

🎤 On-Air Team

Roop Raj works alongside a talented team at FOX 2 News Detroit, where collaboration and personality drive the newsroom’s energy. Here are some of his notable colleagues:

• Taryn Asher – Co-anchor with Roop Raj for the evening newscasts. Known for her sharp reporting and strong presence, she succeeded Monica Gayle.

• Huel Perkins – Former anchor and Detroit legend. Roop stepped into his role after Perkins retired, continuing the legacy with grace.

• Monica Gayle – Longtime anchor who retired alongside Huel Perkins. Her departure marked a major transition in the station’s lineup.

• Amy Andrews – Morning anchor with a strong following, known for her engaging delivery and community involvement.

• Charlie Langton – Legal analyst and reporter, often featured on Let It Rip, the debate segment Roop hosts.

• Ryan Ermanni – Co-host of The Nine, known for his lively personality and sports coverage.

🎬 Behind the Scenes

Roop also collaborates with producers, editors, and field reporters who help shape FOX 2’s distinctive voice. His role as host of The Pulse and Let It Rip puts him at the center of political and social discourse in Detroit.

Roop Raj Political Party, Political Affiliation:

As a journalist, Roop Raj maintains a neutral, non-partisan stance in line with ethical broadcasting standards, with no publicly declared political party affiliation or endorsement.

He hosts The Pulse (formerly Let It Rip), a Fox 2 political talk show that features balanced discussions across the spectrum, emphasizing civility amid differing views—such as maintaining family/workplace harmony despite political divides.

Raj has conducted exclusive interviews with figures from both major U.S. parties, including multiple one-on-ones with Joe Biden (Democrat) and Donald Trump (Republican), as well as Kamala Harris and Mike Pence, without showing bias. His role focuses on facilitating dialogue rather than personal advocacy.

Roop Raj Net Worth and Salary:

Roop Raj’s estimated net worth ranges from $1 million to $5 million as of 2025, accumulated through his long journalism career, including awards, public speaking engagements, and media roles.

His primary income comes from his position at Fox 2, where he earns an annual salary between $45,000 and $110,500 (with some estimates around $60,000–$72,000 base, plus bonuses for seniority and high-profile coverage).

Additional earnings stem from keynote speaking (e.g., TEDxDetroit) and coaching, though exact figures are not publicly detailed.

Is Roop Raj Married?

Yes, Roop Raj is married to Julie Booksh, a psychotherapist and counselor. They tied the knot on November 21, 2009, after meeting in New Orleans, and have enjoyed a stable, supportive relationship for over 15 years, sharing their home with their dog, Louise.

How Old Is Roop Raj?

Roop Raj is 48 years old, having been born on October 20, 1976.

Where is Roop Raj working?

Roop Raj is currently working at Fox 2 News (WJBK-TV) in Detroit, Michigan, as the evening news anchor (covering 5, 6, 10, and 11 p.m. newscasts) and host of the nightly political talk show The Pulse.

He has been with the station since 2009, contributing to its reputation for exclusive political coverage and community-focused reporting.

Sources:

• LinkedIn – Career timeline, early start in Troy, MI, public speaking.
  linkedin.com/in/roop-raj-0357ab14a

• Fox 2 Detroit – Current role, The Pulse show, exclusive interviews.
  fox2detroit.com/person/r/roop-raj

• Famous Birthdays – Basic biographical details.
  famousbirthdays.com/people/roop-raj.html

• Detroit Free Press / Local News – Upbringing, high school, personal life.
  freep.com article

• Social Media – Lifestyle updates, neutral political stance (The Pulse).
  X: @rooprajfox2