Eric Shawn grew up around show business, as the son of a soap opera actress, before building his own decades-long career on the other side of the camera as a news anchor. This article covers his background, current status, and the career and family details readers ask about most.
Background
Eric Shawn is an American television journalist who serves as an anchor and senior correspondent for Fox News Channel, based in New York. He has been with the network since its 1996 launch and hosts the Fox Nation series “Riddle: The Search for James R. Hoffa.” People search for him because of his long tenure at Fox News, his investigative work on the Hoffa disappearance, and his family background connected to classic American television.
His reporting has covered major national and international stories for nearly three decades, including the Gulf War, multiple presidential campaigns, and extensive coverage from the United Nations.
Latest Update
As of August 21, 2026, here is what’s currently known. Eric Shawn continues to serve as an anchor and senior correspondent for Fox News, including hosting “America’s News Headquarters” on weekends. No new confirmed controversy or major career change has been independently verified as of this date beyond his continued anchoring and reporting duties.
📅 Key date: 1996 — the year Eric Shawn joined Fox News Channel, near the network’s launch.
Full Profile
Family and Early Life
Eric Shawn was born on March 12, 1957, in New York City. He is the son of the late actress Melba Rae, known for her long-running role as Marge Bergman on the soap opera “Search for Tomorrow,” and the late Lieutenant Colonel Gilbert Shawn. He has a sister, Lisa Shawn. He graduated from Trinity School in New York City in 1975.
Career Path
Shawn worked as a reporter for WNYC-TV covering New York City Hall during the Koch mayoral years, and later for WNYW (Fox) and WPIX in New York. He joined Fox News’ affiliate news service, Fox News Edge, before joining Fox News Channel at its 1996 launch. Over his career, he has covered the Gulf War, the 1992 Clinton presidential campaign, multiple Democratic and Republican national conventions, the O.J. Simpson case, the TWA Flight 800 crash, and the Unabomber arrest. He also served as a war correspondent in the Persian Gulf and Somalia. He is the author of the book “U.N. Exposed” and has reported extensively from the United Nations. He hosts the Fox Nation series “Riddle: The Search for James R. Hoffa” and anchors “America’s News Headquarters” on weekends. He also had a cameo role as a reporter in the 1990 film “Gremlins 2: The New Batch.”
Age
Eric Shawn is 69 years old as of his most recent birthday in March 2026, based on a March 12, 1957 birth date.
Religion
Eric Shawn’s specific religious affiliation has not been publicly confirmed. This detail is unconfirmed.
Spouse/Partner
Eric Shawn is married. Sources differ on his wife’s name, with some listing her as Camilla and others as Lisa Shear, so this detail should be treated as inconsistently reported rather than fully confirmed. He has one son.
Net Worth
Eric Shawn’s net worth is widely estimated at between $1 million and $5 million, based on figures repeated across several biography sites tied to his decades-long broadcast journalism career. This figure is not independently verified.
Parents
Eric Shawn’s parents were the late actress Melba Rae, known for her role on “Search for Tomorrow,” and the late Lieutenant Colonel Gilbert Shawn.
Height
Eric Shawn’s height is reported inconsistently across sources, ranging from approximately 5 feet 6 inches to 5 feet 9 inches. This detail should be treated as widely estimated rather than confirmed.
Education
Eric Shawn graduated from Trinity School in New York City in 1975 and from Georgetown University in 1979 with a degree in urban studies.
Hometown/State of Origin
Eric Shawn was born and raised in New York City and remains based there for his Fox News role.
Official Social Media
You can follow Eric Shawn on X (formerly Twitter) at @EricShawnTV.
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Eric Shawn |
| Born | March 12, 1957, New York City |
| Known For | Fox News anchor and senior correspondent since 1996 |
| Education | Georgetown University, Urban Studies |
| Notable Book | U.N. Exposed |
| Fox Nation Show | Riddle: The Search for James R. Hoffa |
💡 Good to know: Eric Shawn’s mother, Melba Rae, was a well-known soap opera actress on “Search for Tomorrow,” giving him an early connection to television before he ever became a journalist himself.
Reader Questions (FAQ)
How old is Eric Shawn?
Eric Shawn was born on March 12, 1957, making him 69 years old as of his 2026 birthday.
What is Eric Shawn’s net worth?
Eric Shawn’s net worth is widely estimated at between $1 million and $5 million, based on figures repeated across multiple sources. This is not independently confirmed.
Is Eric Shawn married?
Yes, Eric Shawn is married, though sources give differing names for his wife. He has one son.
What show does Eric Shawn host on Fox Nation?
Eric Shawn hosts “Riddle: The Search for James R. Hoffa” on Fox Nation, investigating the disappearance of Teamsters leader Jimmy Hoffa.
Who was Eric Shawn’s mother?
Eric Shawn’s mother was actress Melba Rae, known for her long-running role as Marge Bergman on the soap opera “Search for Tomorrow.”
What college did Eric Shawn attend?
Eric Shawn attended Georgetown University, graduating in 1979 with a degree in urban studies.
How long has Eric Shawn worked at Fox News?
Eric Shawn has worked at Fox News since the network’s launch in 1996, making his tenure nearly three decades long.
Wrap-Up
Eric Shawn’s nearly three-decade run at Fox News, dating back to the network’s earliest days, makes him one of the longest-serving anchors in the network’s history. His coverage has spanned major wars, presidential campaigns, and years of reporting from the United Nations.
His unusual family background, growing up as the son of a well-known soap opera actress, adds a distinctive personal note to a career otherwise built on hard news reporting.
As with most public figures, some details about Eric Shawn — his wife’s name and his exact height — are reported inconsistently and remain unconfirmed. This article will be updated if verified information becomes available.
John Wood is the founder and lead editor of Biography Region. He researches and writes accurate, engaging biographies of celebrities, entrepreneurs, influencers, and public figures, delivering well-sourced, reader-focused content that informs and inspires.