Rick Leventhal has spent over two decades reporting from some of the most intense places on Earth. Known for his fearless approach to journalism and on-the-ground reporting, he became a staple of Fox News during major global events. As of 2025, Rick Leventhal has an estimated net worth of $3 million, built through years of television work, smart real estate moves, and recent ventures in independent media.
Early Life and Career Foundation
Rick Leventhal was born and raised with a strong interest in storytelling and media. He earned his bachelor’s degree in broadcast journalism from American University in Washington, D.C. Before reaching the national stage, Leventhal sharpened his skills as a reporter and anchor in several local markets including Columbia, Spartanburg, Miami, and Chicago.
His career took a major turn in 1997 when he joined Fox News as a senior correspondent. From there, he quickly rose to national prominence with a series of gripping live reports, many from war zones and disaster sites across the globe.
Career Highlights at Fox News
Leventhal’s 24-year run at Fox News included some of the most iconic moments in modern journalism. On September 11, 2001, he was among the first reporters to broadcast live from the scene as the World Trade Center towers collapsed. His raw, real-time coverage helped millions of Americans grasp the scale of the tragedy.
He later embedded with U.S. troops during the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, offering viewers rare and risky insight from the front lines. His work also included reports from dangerous hotspots like Gaza, Libya, and Israel, where he covered everything from civil unrest to military conflict.
Leventhal wasn’t just a war correspondent. He covered natural disasters like Hurricanes Katrina and Sandy, the Haiti earthquake in 2010, and various political events. His ability to report under pressure and deliver accurate, emotional storytelling earned him wide respect in broadcast journalism.
Transition From Fox to Independent Media
In 2021, Rick Leventhal stepped away from Fox News. The decision marked the end of a long chapter, but it wasn’t a retirement. Instead, Leventhal took time to focus on his personal life and began planning independent projects.
By 2024, he returned to national television as the host of The Leventhal Report on Newsmax. The show blends breaking news with thoughtful analysis, allowing him to maintain his journalistic roots while exploring new media formats.
Rick Leventhal’s Net Worth and Salary Details
Rick Leventhal’s net worth in 2025 is estimated at $3 million. While specific salary figures during his time at Fox News were never publicly disclosed, senior correspondents with his level of experience likely earned high six-figure annual salaries.
His recent role at Newsmax and income from real estate flips also contribute to his financial profile. Leventhal is not known to have any major endorsement deals, but his consistent media presence keeps him relevant and financially stable.
Real Estate Investments
Rick Leventhal has made smart real estate moves over the years. In 2004, he purchased a home in Westhampton, New York, for $500,000. That property became more than a vacation home—it was also the place where he met his future wife Kelly Dodd at a Fourth of July party in 2019. He sold the house in 2024 for $1.16 million, more than doubling the original investment.
After moving to California with Kelly, the couple bought a 2.3-acre parcel in La Quinta in 2021. They planned to build a large custom mansion, but the project was later scrapped. Instead, they flipped the land for a profit. In early 2022, they purchased a new home in Palm Desert for $715,000, where they now reside.
Personal Life and Marriage to Kelly Dodd
Rick Leventhal’s personal life has been as dynamic as his career. He’s been married three times. His first marriage was to Penny Daniels, a fellow journalist, and they had two daughters—Veronica and Shoshana.
His second marriage was brief. He wed professional poker player Beth Shak in 2016, but the relationship ended in divorce just a year later.
In 2019, Rick met Real Housewives of Orange County star Kelly Dodd. The two hit it off quickly, got engaged that same year, and married in October 2020 in Napa Valley. The couple now lives in Newport Beach with Kelly’s daughter from her previous marriage.
Their relationship has kept Leventhal in the public eye even after leaving Fox. Their joint appearances and social media updates continue to attract media attention and a growing fan base.
Rick Leventhal in 2025
Now in his early 60s, Rick Leventhal is enjoying a balance of media work and personal life. The Leventhal Report allows him to stay active in journalism while avoiding the relentless travel schedule of his Fox News days.
His past experience in crisis reporting gives him unique authority on global issues, and his calm delivery and direct reporting style remain in demand. With his wife Kelly continuing to appear in reality TV circles, the couple manages to blend serious journalism and entertainment with ease.
Final Thoughts
Rick Leventhal’s career is a testament to the power of storytelling, grit, and adaptability. From war zones to hurricanes to breaking political news, he’s earned his place in journalism history. His $3 million net worth reflects not just years of hard work but also smart personal and professional choices.
As he steps into the future with new media ventures and a stable personal life, Leventhal shows that even after 25 years in the fast lane, there’s always room for reinvention and purpose-driven work.
