Chris Russo Biography
Chris Russo also known as “Mad Dog” is a well-known American sports radio personality as the former co-host of the Mike and the Mad Dog sports radio show with Mike Francesa, which was broadcast on WFAN in New York City and simulcast on the YES Network.
In August 2008, Russo joined Sirius XM Radio and is in charge of his own channel, Mad Dog Radio. He also hosts an afternoon radio show, Mad Dog Unleashed, SiriusXM Ch. 82 Mad Dog Sports Radio.
10 Facts About Chris Russo
- Name: Chris Russo
- Age: 62 years
- Birthday: October 18th
- Height: Under review
- Weight: Under review
- Nationality: American
- Occupation: sports radio personality
- Marital Status: Married to Jeanne Lavelle
- Salary: $3 Million
- Net Worth: $1 to $ 5 Million
Chris Russo Age
Russo is 62 years old as of 2021. He was born on October 18, 1959, in Syosset, New York, United States. He celebrates his birthday every 18th of October. His zodiac sign is Libra.
Chris Russo Height
Russo stands at an average height. He appears to be quite tall in stature in his photos, relative to his surroundings, and anything to go by. However, details regarding his actual height and other body measurements are currently not publicly available. We will update this section when the information is available.
Chris Russo Education
Russo attended Darrow School in New Lebanon, New York, and Rollins College near Orlando, Florida graduating with a degree in history. Russo also spent one spring at the Cranleigh School south of London, England and also attended Sydney University in Australia studying Australian history and literature.
Chris Russo Parents
Russo is the only child of Vera “Molly” Russo, mother, and Anthony Michael “Tony” (1931–2013), father, from Flushing, Queens, and England, respectively.
Chris Russo Wife
Russo is married to his wife Jeanne Lavelle since May 6, 1995, and they have four children, Timmy, Kiera, Colin, and Patrick. He resides in New Canaan, Connecticut.
Chris Russo Salary
Chris Russo Measurements and Facts
Here are some interesting facts and body measurements you should know about Russo.
Chris Russo Wiki
- Full Names: Chris Russo
- Popular As: Mad Dog
- Gender: Male
- Occupation / Profession: sports radio personality
- Nationality: American
- Race / Ethnicity: White
- Religion: Not Known
- Sexual Orientation: Straight
Chris Russo Birthday
- Age / How Old?: 61 years old
- Zodiac Sign: Libra
- Date of Birth: October 18, 1959
- Place of Birth: Syosset, New York
- Birthday: 18th of October
Chris Russo Body Measurements
- Height: Not Available.
- Weight: Not Available.
- Shoe Size: Not Available.
- Body Shape: Not Available.
- Hair Colour: Black.
Russo Family and Relationship
- Father (Dad): Anthony Michael “Tony”
- Mother: Vera “Molly” Russo
- Siblings (Brothers and Sisters): Not Known
- Marital Status: Married
- Wife/Spouse: Married to Jeanne Lavelle
- Children: Timmy, Kiera, Colin, and Patrick.
Russo Net Worth and Salary
- Net Worth: $20 Million (2021)
- Salary: $3 Million
- Source of Income: sports radio personality
Russo House and Cars
- Place of living: New Canaan, Connecticut
- Cars: Car Brand to be Updated
Chris Russo’s Net Worth
Russo has an estimated net worth of $20 Million as of 2022. This includes his assets, money, and income. His primary source of income is his career as a sports radio personality. Through his various sources of income, Chris has been able to accumulate good fortune but prefers to lead a modest lifestyle.
Chris Russo WKIS
Before joining WFAN, he worked for WKIS in Orlando, Florida between 1984 and 1987 and WMCA in New York City between 1987 and 1988. During his career at WKIS, it became clear that the people of Central Florida were having trouble understanding Russo’s accent which leads to the station sending him to see a speech therapist twice a week.
New York Daily News Sports TV, Radio critic Bob Raissman nicknamed him “Mad Dog” from who said his approach to radio reminded him of Maurice Vachon, a former professional wrestler who was also referred to as “Mad Dog.”
Russo is known for his whistles, his quick manner of speaking, and his trademark greeting of “Good afternoon everybody!” at the start of the Mike and the Mad Dog show. George Vecsey of The New York Times described Russo’s voice as “a bizarre mixture of Jerry Lewis, Archie Bunker, and Daffy Duck.” His voice was also described as “Donald Duck on steroids” by Don Imus.
Chris Russo Mike and The Mad Dog
In December 1988, Russo joined WFAN, as an overnight, weekend, and fill-in host. Russo was brought by a former WFAN Morning Show Host Don Imus on board the Imus in the Morning show as the sports reporter. Russo’s nickname was also later promoted by Imus and by early 1989, his work on Imus led to Russo getting his own regular weekend show on Saturday Mornings.
After WFAN station management refused to renew Pete Franklin’s drive time Show from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m., Russo with Mike Francesa was pared up by WFAN who at the time was a co-host on the mid-morning show. The show was dubbed Mike and the Mad Dog and it was launched on September 5, 1989, at 3 p.m Eastern Time.
Russo reached a mutual agreement with WFAN on August 14, 2008, to let him out of the remainder of his contract. Russo insisted it was solely a personal decision and stated, that his decision had nothing to do with hate between him and Mike. It was for him to do something different. The 48 years old said that there were not going to be too many more opportunities to break away and it was his time to try something else although it was a tough decision to make. Russo phoned Francesa on August 15, 2008, on the show to say an emotional goodbye.
On October 16, 2009, Russo joined Francesa on his show for a one-hour reunion show at Yankee Stadium, where both were scheduled to be broadcasting in adjacent booths. Russo joined Francesa for a Mike and the Mad Dog reunion on March 30, 2016, at Radio City Music Hall.
Chris Russo Mad Dog Unleashed
Russo signed a five-year contract on August 19, 2008, with Sirius XM Radio to headline a new sports talk channel known as Mad Dog Radio on both Sirius and XM satellite radio. Chris Russo hosts the channel’s anchor program, Mad Dog Unleashed, live from Sirius’s New York studios every weekday afternoon. He brought aboard long-time WINS anchor Steve Torre as the new program director of “Mad Dog Radio” and hired an executive producer of his show, known as Billy Z aka Bill Zimmerman. The show started airing daily on September 15, 2008, on Sirius Channel 123 and XM Channel 144.
Russo said there was nothing WFAN could have done to keep him, after Sirius XM provided him his own channel, hosting American sports talk personalities. His 5-year deal was worth about $3 million per year and Russo runs the channel himself and hires the on-air staff.
Russo reacted to his station on July 9, 2009, being ranked outside the Top 100 stations on satellite radio, berated his entire staff, which included bringing on Andy Gresh as a nighttime host for an in-person dress-down. Russo ended up firing his program director, Steve Torre. Later Torre was rehired and it is unknown if the incident was legitimate or a radio skit.
Russo announced on August 28, 2013, that he had been signed by Sirius XM for three more years, commencing in September 2013. His deal also included daily hosting of a baseball show, High Heat, which started on March 31, 2014, on MLB Network, simulcast on MLB Network Radio. Russo signed a new three-year contract in September 2016.
Frequently Asked Questions About Chris Russo
Who is Chris Russo?
Russo also known as “Mad Dog” is a well-known sports radio personality as the former co-host of the Mike and the Mad Dog sports radio show with Mike Francesa, which was broadcast on WFAN in New York City and simulcast on the YES Network.
How old is Chris Russo?
Russo is 61 years old as of 2020. He was born on October 18, 1959, in Syosset, New York, United States. He celebrates his birthday every 18th of October.
How tall is Chris Russo?
Russo stands at an average height. He appears to be quite tall in stature in his photos, relative to his surroundings, and anything to go by. However, details regarding his actual height and other body measurements are currently not publicly available.
Is Russo married?
Russo is married to his wife Jeanne Lavelle since May 6, 1995, and they have four children, Timmy, Kiera, Colin, and Patrick. He resides in New Canaan, Connecticut.
How much is Russo worth?
Russo has an estimated net worth of $20 Million as of 2021. This includes his assets, money, and income. His primary source of income is his career as a sports radio personality.
How much does Russo make?
Russo earns an annual salary of $3 Million. Credits to his career as a radio host.
Where does Russo live?
He resides in New Canaan, Connecticut.
Is Russo dead or alive?
Russo is still alive and in good health.
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