Rupert Murdoch, the Australian-American media magnate, has built one of the most influential and controversial news empires in modern history. From inheriting a single newspaper in Adelaide to controlling Fox News, The Wall Street Journal, and The Times of London, his net worth, family battles, and political sway remain subjects of global interest. This article compiles verified facts on his wealth, children, marriages, political views, succession plan, and early career.
Keith Rupert Murdoch was born on March 11, 1931, in Melbourne, Australia. He became a U.S. citizen in 1985 and, as of August 2025, his net worth is estimated at $24.1 billion, though his personal stake often sits between $7.35 billion and $9 billion after dividing assets among his family, according to Business Insider and Biography.
At 95, Murdoch has stepped back from day-to-day operations but remains chairman emeritus. His empire – built on aggressive acquisitions and a conservative editorial stance – continues to shape media landscapes across three continents.
What Is Rupert Murdoch’s Net Worth and How Did He Build His Wealth?
- Murdoch’s net worth has fluctuated with media industry shifts; Forbes ranks him #112 globally as of 2026.
- His fortune derives from assets including Fox News, The Wall Street Journal, The New York Post, and The Times of London.
- Succession remains a key topic: Lachlan Murdoch is currently at the helm of News Corp and Fox Corp after a legal battle over trust changes.
- Murdoch’s political influence is strongly tied to his media properties, often described as conservative-leaning.
- Religion is one of the least confirmed aspects of his personal life – he has Jewish ancestry on his mother’s side but has not publicly identified with a faith.
- In 2025, he granted his four eldest children an extra $100 million each to ensure his younger children, Grace and Chloe, received an equal financial stake, per NPR.
| Fact | Detail | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Full Name | Keith Rupert Murdoch | Wikipedia |
| Born | March 11, 1931, Melbourne, Australia | Britannica |
| Citizenship | Australian-born, U.S. citizen since 1985 | Wikipedia |
| Net Worth | $21.8 billion (2026) | Forbes |
| Number of Children | 6 | Wikipedia |
| Current Spouse | Elena Zhukova (married 2023) | BBC |
| Successor (de facto) | Lachlan Murdoch (CEO of Fox Corp, Chair of News Corp) | NPR |
| Key Companies | News Corp, Fox Corp (formerly 21st Century Fox) | Forbes |
Who Are Rupert Murdoch’s Children and Wives?
Children
Murdoch has six children from three of his marriages. Prudence (born 1958) is from his first marriage to Patricia Booker. From his second wife, Anna Torv, he has Elisabeth (1968), Lachlan (1971), and James (1972). His third wife, Wendi Deng, gave birth to Grace (2001) and Chloe (2003).
Lachlan Murdoch, 52, is the sole chairman of both News Corp and Fox, and is considered the heir apparent, according to NPR. James resigned as a News Corp director in 2020 due to editorial disagreements, as reported by BBC.
Wives & Marriages
Murdoch has been married five times, though some sources count four, noting a 2023 engagement that ended. His wives:
- Patricia Booker (1956–1967): shop assistant/flight attendant; daughter Prudence.
- Anna Torv (1967–1999): journalist/novelist; three children (Elisabeth, Lachlan, James).
- Wendi Deng (1999–2013): Chinese-born secretary; two children (Grace, Chloe).
- Jerry Hall (2016–2022): former model; no children together.
- Elena Zhukova (2023–present): Russian biologist, 67; married at age 93.
A 2023 engagement to radio host Ann Lesley Smith ended abruptly, per BBC.
In 2025, Murdoch granted his four eldest children an extra $100 million each to equalize the financial stake for his younger daughters, Grace and Chloe, according to NPR. This move was part of an effort to avoid future family disputes over inheritance.
What Are Rupert Murdoch’s Political Views and Religion?
Political Alignment
Murdoch is a staunch conservative who has used his media holdings to influence elections in Australia, the UK, and the US, as detailed by Business Insider. He has been a registered Republican in the U.S. and supported conservative candidates, while his UK papers have backed both Conservatives and Labour at different times.
Religion
Religion remains one of the least confirmed aspects of Murdoch’s life. He has Jewish ancestry on his mother’s side but has not publicly identified with a specific faith. In 1998, Pope John Paul II made him a Knight Commander of the Order of Saint Gregory the Great (KSG), a papal honor, but Murdoch never converted to Catholicism despite attending Mass with his second wife, according to Wikipedia.
Rumors that Murdoch is related to the Rothschild family have circulated widely online. There is no credible evidence of a direct familial or business relationship. The claim is commonly cited in conspiracy theories and is not supported by any reliable source.
How Old Is Rupert Murdoch and What Is His Succession Plan?
Age
Rupert Murdoch is 95 years old, born on March 11, 1931. Some sources cite him as 94 in 2025, depending on the month of publication, according to BBC and Biography.
Succession Plan
Murdoch stepped down as chairman of News Corp and Fox Corp in September 2023 and assumed the role of chairman emeritus. His sons James and Lachlan fought a decade-long battle over succession, which was resolved in 2025 when Lachlan bought out his siblings’ shares to assume control, as reported by NPR. Lachlan is now the sole chairman and CEO of Fox Corp and chair of News Corp.
The succession plan was tested in 2024 when Murdoch lost a court case to change an irrevocable trust, effectively cementing Lachlan’s position. Learn more about News Corp’s corporate structure.
What Was Rupert Murdoch Like When He Was Young?
Born in Melbourne, Australia, Murdoch grew up in a well-to-do family. His father, Sir Keith Murdoch, was a prominent war correspondent and newspaper executive. After his father’s death in 1954, a 22-year-old Rupert inherited the regional newspaper The Adelaide News (later part of The Sunday Mail).
From that modest start, he expanded aggressively. By 1969 he had purchased The Sun in the UK, and by 1985 he became a U.S. citizen and launched Fox Broadcasting. His early career was marked by a willingness to take on debt, acquire struggling titles, and transform them into profitable, often sensationalist, publications. According to CNN’s interactive feature, “Rupert Murdoch is a self-made billionaire with impressive holdings and investments worldwide.”
Timeline of Major Life and Career Events
- : Born in Melbourne, Australia.
- : Inherits The Adelaide News.
- : Purchases The Sun (UK).
- : Becomes US citizen; launches Fox Broadcasting.
- : Acquires Dow Jones (Wall Street Journal).
- : Splits News Corp into two companies.
- : Retires as chair of News Corp and Fox Corp.
- : Lost court case to change irrevocable trust; succession settled on Lachlan.
What Is Confirmed and What Remains Uncertain About Rupert Murdoch?
| Established Information | Information That Remains Unclear |
|---|---|
| Net worth from Forbes, family assets exceed $22.6 billion. | Personal religious beliefs – no public statement; Jewish ancestry but no identified practice. |
| Names of children and ex-wives are well-documented. | Exact nature of relationships with certain politicians – often debated but not proven. |
| Successor: Lachlan Murdoch, confirmed after 2024 court ruling. | Role in specific political events (e.g., Brexit, US elections) – subject to ongoing analysis and dispute. |
| Political alignment: conservative/right-leaning through his outlets. | Whether he ever formally practiced Catholicism – papal honor did not imply conversion. |
Economic and Media Influence, Succession, and Global Reach
Economic and Media Influence
Murdoch’s empire shapes global news consumption through Fox News, The Wall Street Journal, The Sun, and The Times. The shift from print to digital has forced News Corp to adapt, but the political polarization associated with Fox News remains a defining feature of U.S. media.
Succession and Corporate Governance
The 2024 legal dispute over the irrevocable trust highlighted how family dynamics affect business. Lachlan’s consolidation of control ensures continuity, but future generational shifts – to his own children or other heirs – remain speculative. See the full timeline of media consolidation for broader context.
Global Reach and Controversies
Murdoch’s companies have faced numerous controversies, including the phone hacking scandal in the UK, political lobbying, and accusations of media manipulation. Organizations such as The Guardian and CNN have extensively covered these issues.
Sources and Key Quotes
“Rupert Murdoch is a self-made billionaire with impressive holdings and investments worldwide.”
— CNN (2011 interactive feature)
“Through his company News Corp, he is the owner of …”
— Wikipedia
“Australian-born American newspaper publisher and media entrepreneur who founded (1979) the global media holding company the News Corporation Ltd.”
— Britannica (3 June 2026 update)
“Rupert Murdoch & family is #112 on Forbes’ 2026 Billionaires list.”
— Forbes
Summary: The Murdoch Legacy
Rupert Murdoch’s life and career span nearly a century of media transformation. From inheriting a single newspaper to controlling a multibillion-dollar empire, his influence on politics, journalism, and corporate governance is unparalleled. With Lachlan Murdoch now firmly in charge, the next chapter will test whether the dynasty can adapt to digital disruption and regulatory pressures while preserving its founder’s conservative vision.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Rupert Murdoch’s religion?
Rupert Murdoch has Jewish ancestry on his mother’s side but has not publicly identified with a specific religion. Some sources label him as agnostic or non-practicing.
How many times has Rupert Murdoch been married?
Four times: Patricia Booker (1956–1967), Anna Torv (1967–1999), Wendi Deng (1999–2013), Jerry Hall (2016–2022). He married Elena Zhukova in 2023, making five marriages total.
Is Rupert Murdoch related to the Rothschilds?
There is no credible evidence of a direct familial or business relationship. The rumor is often cited in conspiracy theories.
How did Rupert Murdoch get his start?
He inherited a small Adelaide newspaper from his father in 1954 and expanded aggressively, eventually building a global media empire.
What is Rupert Murdoch’s political affiliation?
He has been a registered Republican in the U.S. and supported conservative candidates, but his UK papers have backed both Conservatives and Labour depending on the era.
Freddie Harry Cooper Bennett is a staff writer for DailyPressUK.co.uk, covering UK news, politics, business and culture. He works under Editor-in-Chief Jonathan Whitmore and UK Managing Editor Eleanor Grant, following the newsroom standards for sourcing, verification and fact-checking set out in our editorial policies.