Chris Russo is a sports radio show host and writer from the United States. He is the co-host of Mike and Mad Dog, a popular top-rated sports radio talk show. The show was broadcast on WFAN in New York City, New York, USA.
The host was employed by Sirius XM Radio. He is one of the highest-paid sports radio personalities in the United States. The radio host’s net worth is enormous, and the annual salary is also very high. The singer also has control over his Mad Dog channel. Christopher Michael Russo is the host’s real name.
Quick Facts
| Celebrated Name: | Chris Russo |
| Real Name/Full Name: | Christopher Michael Russo |
| Gender: | Male |
| Age: | 64 years old |
| Birth Date: | October 18, 1959 |
| Birth Place: | Syosset, New York, United States |
| Nationality: | American |
| Height: | 6 ft 0 in |
| Weight: | 75kg |
| Sexual Orientation: | Straight |
| Marital Status: | Married |
| Wife/Spouse (Name): | Jeanne Lavelle |
| Children/Kids (Son and Daughter): | Yes (Timmy, Kiera, Colin, and Patrick ) |
| Dating/Girlfriend (Name): | N/A |
| Is Chris Russo Gay?: | No |
| Profession: | Radio Personality |
| Salary: | $3 million |
| Net Worth in 2024: | $25 million |
Chris Russo Biography
Christopher Michael Russo was born in Syosset, New York, on October 18, 1959. He attended Darrow School in New Lebanon, New York, USA. He received his bachelor’s degree from Rollins College in Orlando, Florida. One spring, the radio host attended Cranleigh School in London, England. He also spent a semester studying at Sydney University in Australia.
Between 1984 and 1987, Michale worked for WKIS in Orlando, Florida. Later, in 1987 and 1988, he worked for WMCA in New York City. People in Florida found Chris’s accent difficult to understand while working with WKIS. He was sent to a speech therapist twice a week by his employer. New York Daily News Sports TV and Radio critic Bob Raissman gave Russo the nickname Mad Dog because his voice reminded him of Maurice Vachon.
The host is known for his quick wit, trademark greeting of “Good Afternoon, Everyone,” and whistle. According to The New York Times’ George Vecsey, his voice is a strange mix of Jerry Lewis, Archie Bunker, and Daffy Duck. Don Imus referred to his voice as “Duck on steroids” at times.
Chris Russo Age, Height, Weight
Chris Russo was born on October 18, 1959, and is 64 years old as of 2024. His height is 6 feet 0 inches, and he weighs 75 kg.
Career
Chris began his career with WFAN in December 1988 as overnight, weekend, and fill-in host. Don Imus later hired him as a sports representative on his Morning Show. Don also assisted in publicizing the host’s nickname. Christopher began receiving the regular weekend show on Saturday Mornings in 1989. The WFAN station’s management did not conduct a review of Pete Franklin’s drive-time show between 3 and 7 p.m.
For the show, Chris was paired with Mike Francesa by the station’s management. The show Mike and Mad Dog premiered on September 5, 1989. The radio host agreed to be released by WFAN in 2008. Chris’ decision was based on personal preferences. In 2008, he also called Frances to say his final farewell. On October 16, 2009, he and Francesa reunited at Yankee Stadium for a one-hour reunion. In 2016, they reunited at Radio City Music Hall for a Mike and Mad Dog reunion.
He signed a five-year contract with Sirius XM Radio in 2008. Christoper hosts the Mad Dog Radio channel on Sirius and XM satellite radio. Every weekday afternoon, he hosts Mad Dog Unleashed from his New York studios. WFAN, according to the host, did nothing to keep him, whereas Sirius XM gives Chris his own channel. Chris’s five-year contract is worth $3 million per year.
He signed a three-year contract with Sirius XM in 2013. His contract includes daily hosting of a basketball shoe on MLB Network, which began on March 31, 2014. He signed a three-year contract with Sirius Sam in 2016, which he renewed for four years in 2019.
Chris Russo Achievements and Awards
Chris Russo did not receive any recognition.
Chris Russo’s Net Worth in 2024
Chris Russo’s net worth is $25 million as of February 2024. He was paid a handsome $3 million per year. Sirius XM Radio signed the host to a four-year contract. Mad Radio Dog is the name of his channel. Russo received the bonus from his networks as well.
Christopher went on to become an author, publishing two books titled The Mad Dog 100: The Greatest Sports Arguments of All Time and The Mad Dog Hall of Fame: The Ultimate Top-Ten Rankings.
Chris Russo Wife, Marriage
Christopher is Anthony Michael Tony and Vera Molly Russo’s only child. He married Jeanne Lavelle on May 6, 1995. Timmy, Kiera, Colin, and Patrick are the couple’s four children. He and his family live in New Canaan, Connecticut. The radio host is a huge San Francisco Giants fan.
