Geraldo Rivera Biography: Age, Wife, Children, Net Worth, Parents, Height, Career, Wiki

Geraldo Michael Rivera also known as Geraldo Rivera is a prominent American journalist, attorney, author, television personality, and political commentator known for his sensational investigative reporting, long-running talk show Geraldo, and decades as a Fox News correspondent.

Through his Peabody Award-winning exposés, courtroom-style interviews, bestselling books, and bold on-air presence, he has informed and provoked millions, particularly from middle-class and immigrant backgrounds, to engage with pressing social issues, demand accountability, and embrace the power of storytelling in journalism.

Quick Facts

• Full Name: Geraldo Michael Rivera
• Stage Name: Geraldo Rivera
• Born: July 4, 1943
• Age: 82 years old
• Birthplace: New York City, New York, United States
• Nationality: American
• Ethnicity: Puerto Rican-Jewish (mixed)
• Occupation: Journalist, Attorney, Author, Television Personality, Political Commentator
• Height: 5 ft 9.5 in (177 cm)
• Religion: Christianity
• Parents: Cruz “Allen” Rivera and Lillian Friedman Rivera
• Siblings: Craig Rivera, Sharon Rivera, Wilfredo Rivera, Irene Rivera
• Spouse: Erica Michelle Levy
• Children: Gabriel Miguel Rivera, Isabella Rivera, Simone Rivera, Cruz Grant Rivera
• Relationship: Married
• Net Worth: $20 million USD

Early Life and Education

Gerald Michael Rivera was born on July 4, 1943, in New York City, United States. He was brought up by his parents, Cruz “Allen” Rivera, a restaurant worker and taxicab driver of Puerto Rican descent, and Lillian Friedman Rivera, a restaurant worker of Ashkenazi Jewish (Russian Jewish) heritage, in a modest middle-class household blending diverse cultural influences.

He has siblings including brother Craig Rivera and others such as Irene, Wilfredo, and Sharon. Geraldo attended local schools in West Babylon, New York, earned a B.S. from the University of Arizona (where he played lacrosse), and received a J.D. from Brooklyn Law School.

He also did postgraduate work at the University of Pennsylvania and attended Columbia University’s School of Journalism.

His ethnicity is Puerto Rican-Jewish (mixed). His religion is Christianity, shaped by family values of resilience, storytelling, and moral courage that propelled him from humble roots to national prominence.

Career

Geraldo Rivera began his professional path as a poverty law attorney for Puerto Rican activists in New York, which led to his first television interviews and a reporting job at WABC-TV in 1970. Bootstrapped through bold investigative work, he won a Peabody Award for exposing abuse at Willowbrook State School and gained fame for sensational stories, including airing the Zapruder film on Good Night America.

He hosted 20/20 at ABC, launched the syndicated talk show Geraldo (1987–1998), and joined Fox News in 2001 as a war correspondent and commentator, covering conflicts in Afghanistan and Iraq while contributing to The Five.

He has authored seven books, including bestsellers Exposing Myself and His Panic, and remains an independent voice known for blending journalism with personal flair. His career inspires aspiring reporters from immigrant and middle-class backgrounds to combine legal insight, courage, and showmanship in pursuit of truth and public awareness.

Social Media

Geraldo Rivera does not have a social media account.

Personal Life

Geraldo Rivera, 82 years old, with height listed as 5 ft 9.5 in (177 cm), has led a colorful personal life marked by five marriages and a large family.

He was previously married to Linda Coblentz (1965–1969), Edith Vonnegut (1971–1975), Sherryl Raymond (1976–1984), and C.C. Dyer (1987–2000).

In 2003, he married Erica Michelle Levy (a former producer), and the couple remains together while raising their daughter. He has five children overall, including Gabriel Miguel, Isabella, Simone, and others from prior relationships.

Rivera prioritizes family time, sailing (having circumnavigated the globe), and philanthropy supporting education and autism causes. He draws strength from his mixed heritage, faith, and the lessons of his working-class upbringing while maintaining an active yet grounded life in Ohio and New York.

Net Worth

Geraldo Rivera’s net worth is estimated at $20 million USD. His income primarily comes from decades in television journalism at ABC, NBC, and Fox News (including high-profile correspondent and hosting roles), book royalties from multiple titles, speaking engagements, and production work.

Additional revenue streams include residuals from his talk show Geraldo, media appearances, and long-term influence in broadcasting that reflect a successful career blending investigative grit with entertainment value.