History of Chris Wallace in Timeline
Christopher Wallace is a distinguished American broadcast journalist renowned for his incisive interviews, mirroring the style of his father, Mike Wallace of 60 Minutes fame. Wallace's career spans over 60 years, during which he has worked with major broadcasting networks such as CBS, ABC, NBC, Fox News, and CNN. His reputation for tough and comprehensive interviews has earned him significant acclaim, and in 2018, he was recognized as one of America's most trusted television news anchors. Wallace's journalistic excellence is underscored by numerous prestigious accolades, including three Emmy Awards, a Peabody Award, a George Polk Award, and the duPont-Columbia University Silver Baton Award, marking him as a significant figure in the field of journalism.
1942: Birth of Peter Wallace
Peter Wallace, the elder brother of Chris Wallace, was born in 1942. He tragically passed away in 1962 at the age of 19 in a mountain climbing accident.
October 12, 1947: Birth of Christopher Wallace
Christopher Wallace was born on October 12, 1947, in Chicago, Illinois. He is the son of Norma Kaphan and Mike Wallace, a renowned 60 Minutes journalist. His birth date coincides with Columbus Day, which is why he was named Christopher. His upbringing was influenced by his mother and stepfather, Bill Leonard, President of CBS News.
1962: Death of Peter Wallace
In 1962, Peter Wallace, the elder brother of Chris Wallace, died at the age of 19 due to a mountain climbing accident, a significant family tragedy.
1962: Impact of Bill Leonard on Chris Wallace
In 1962, after the death of his older brother Peter, Chris Wallace developed a relationship with his biological father, Mike Wallace. However, he credits his stepfather, Bill Leonard, as having the most significant impact on his life.
1964: Assistant to Walter Cronkite at Republican National Convention
In 1964, Chris Wallace gained early exposure to political journalism by working as an assistant to Walter Cronkite at the Republican National Convention, a foundational experience in his career.
1964: Assistant to Walter Cronkite at Republican National Convention
In 1964, as a teenager, Chris Wallace began his journalism journey by serving as an assistant to Walter Cronkite during the Republican National Convention. This role provided him with early exposure to political journalism, which would shape his future career.
1969: Reporting for WHRB at Harvard
In 1969, while at Harvard, Chris Wallace reported for WHRB, the student radio station, where he covered the student occupation of University Hall. He notably signed off a report from jail, showcasing his early commitment to journalism.
1972: Coverage of 1972 Political Conventions
In 1972, Chris Wallace observed the impact of television on news reporting during the political conventions. This experience influenced his decision to pursue a career in broadcast news, which he later joined in a more focused capacity.
1972: Coverage of 1972 Political Conventions
In 1972, Chris Wallace witnessed the influence of television at the political conventions, prompting his interest in broadcast news. This experience led to his eventual transition to a career in broadcast journalism.
1973: Chris Wallace's first marriage
In 1973, Chris Wallace married Elizabeth Farrell, with whom he has four children. This marked the beginning of his family life.
1975: Beginning at NBC
Chris Wallace began his career at NBC in 1975, marking the start of his long tenure in network journalism, where he served in various significant roles.
1975: Start of Career at NBC News
In 1975, Chris Wallace transitioned to broadcast news, joining NBC. He started as a correspondent at WNBC-TV in New York City and later became a prominent political correspondent in NBC's Washington bureau, marking the beginning of his significant impact in broadcast journalism.
1982: Role as NBC News White House Correspondent
In 1982, Chris Wallace was appointed as the chief White House correspondent for NBC News, a role he held until 1989. During this period, he covered significant political events and developed a reputation for his incisive reporting.
1982: Role as NBC News White House Correspondent
In 1982, Chris Wallace was appointed chief White House correspondent for NBC News, a significant role that he held until 1989, covering major political events.
1984: Anchor of NBC Nightly News Sunday Edition
From 1982 to 1984, Chris Wallace served as the anchor for the Sunday edition of NBC Nightly News, establishing his role in network news.
1984: Anchor of NBC Nightly News Sunday Edition
Between 1982 and 1984, and again from 1986 to 1987, Chris Wallace served as the anchor for the Sunday edition of NBC Nightly News. This role further cemented his status as a proficient news anchor.
May 18, 1985: Interview with Ronald and Nancy Reagan at Camp David
On May 18, 1985, Chris Wallace conducted a joint interview with Ronald and Nancy Reagan at Camp David as part of an NBC News special, showcasing his confrontational interview style.
1986: Anchor of NBC Nightly News Sunday Edition
Chris Wallace resumed anchoring the Sunday edition of NBC Nightly News from 1986 to 1987, reinforcing his career in journalism.
1986: Anchor of NBC Nightly News Sunday Edition
Chris Wallace resumed his role as the anchor for the Sunday edition of NBC Nightly News from 1986 to 1987. His tenure in this position contributed to his growing reputation in broadcast journalism.
March 1987: Questioning President Reagan on Arms for Hostages
In March 1987, during a news conference, Chris Wallace questioned President Reagan about the Iran arms sales, exemplifying his tough journalistic approach.
1987: Moderator of Meet the Press
In 1987, Chris Wallace became the moderator of Meet the Press, a prestigious role in American journalism that highlighted his expertise.
1987: Moderator of Meet the Press
In 1987, Chris Wallace became the moderator of Meet the Press, succeeding in one of the most prestigious roles in American broadcast journalism, highlighting his journalistic prowess.
1988: End of Tenure at NBC
By 1988, Chris Wallace concluded his role at NBC, transitioning to ABC, where he continued his notable career in journalism.
1988: Coverage of 1988 Republican National Convention
In 1988, Chris Wallace covered the Republican National Convention for NBC News, where he interviewed prominent political figures, including Donald Trump.
1988: End of Tenure at NBC, Transition to ABC
In 1988, Chris Wallace left NBC after a 14-year tenure, during which he served in various roles, including White House correspondent and moderator of Meet the Press. He transitioned to ABC, marking a new phase in his broadcast career.
1988: Transition from NBC to ABC
In 1988, Chris Wallace moved from NBC to ABC, where he became a senior correspondent for Primetime Live and hosted Nightline, continuing his career in broadcast journalism.
1989: Anchor for Primetime Thursday and Nightline at ABC
In 1989, Chris Wallace became an anchor for Primetime Thursday and Nightline at ABC, expanding his influence in television journalism.
1989: Anchor for Primetime Thursday and Nightline at ABC
In 1989, after joining ABC, Chris Wallace became an anchor for Primetime Thursday and Nightline, expanding his influence and visibility in the field of television journalism.
1991: Reporting on Iraqi Scud Attacks during Persian Gulf War
In 1991, Chris Wallace reported from Tel Aviv during the Persian Gulf War, covering the Iraqi Scud missile attacks. During a Nightline episode, he was instructed to provide general rather than specific locations, illustrating the complexities of wartime reporting.
1997: Chris Wallace's second marriage
In 1997, Chris Wallace married Lorraine Smothers, the former wife of Dick Smothers. This marked a new chapter in his personal life, blending their families.
2003: Joining Fox News as Host of Fox News Sunday
In 2003, Chris Wallace joined Fox News, becoming the host of 'Fox News Sunday.' He replaced Tony Snow, marking a new chapter in his career and establishing his reputation at Fox.
2003: End of Tenure at ABC
In 2003, Chris Wallace concluded his 14-year tenure at ABC. During this period, he held various roles, including senior correspondent for Primetime Live, before moving on to Fox News.
2003: Hosting Fox News Sunday
Chris Wallace began hosting Fox News Sunday in 2003, following his departure from ABC. His tenure at Fox News saw him conducting high-profile interviews and moderating significant political debates.
2006: Chris Wallace's political registration
In 2006, it was reported that Chris Wallace was registered as a Democrat in Washington, D.C. He explained that his registration was pragmatic due to the dominance of Democrats in the city, although he voted for candidates from both major parties.
February 2009: Interview with President Barack Obama
In February 2009, Chris Wallace conducted Fox's first interview with President Barack Obama, expanding his repertoire of high-profile interviews.
2012: Chris Wallace wins on Jeopardy!
In 2012, Chris Wallace appeared on Jeopardy! during its Power Players Week, competing against Katty Kay and Dr. Oz. He won the game with $22,400, outperforming his fellow contestants.
March 3, 2016: Moderation of 2016 Republican Party Presidential Debate
On March 3, 2016, Chris Wallace moderated the Republican Party Presidential debate on Fox News, alongside Bret Baier and Megyn Kelly, demonstrating his expertise in handling political debates.
October 19, 2016: Chris Wallace moderates 2016 Presidential Debate
On October 19, 2016, Chris Wallace moderated the third and final 2016 Presidential debate between Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. This marked the first occasion a Fox News anchor moderated a general election presidential debate. Wallace emphasized that his role was not to fact-check candidates, but to facilitate civil discourse as part of the democratic process.
2016: Moderation of 2016 Presidential Debate
In 2016, Chris Wallace made history as the first Fox News journalist to moderate a United States Presidential debate, overseeing the debate between Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton.
2016: Praise for moderating 2016 Presidential Debate
In 2016, Chris Wallace received widespread praise for his performance as the moderator of the final presidential debate. His questioning of candidates Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton was recognized for its toughness and fairness. Notable figures and publications, including The Washington Post and The New York Times, acknowledged his exceptional skills in guiding the debate, marking him as one of the best in the business.
2016: Chris Wallace portrayed on SNL
In 2016, Chris Wallace was portrayed by Tom Hanks on Saturday Night Live during the Third Presidential Debate Cold Open, highlighting his prominence in the media.
2017: Interview with President Donald Trump
In 2017, Chris Wallace interviewed President Donald Trump, marking his first interview with the President since being elected, highlighting Wallace's continued influence in political journalism.
July 2018: Interview with Vladimir Putin
In July 2018, Chris Wallace conducted a notable interview with Russian leader Vladimir Putin. The interview, which addressed sensitive topics such as the death of political opponents and Russian interference in the 2016 U.S. election, was widely praised and earned Wallace a News and Documentary Emmy Award for Outstanding Live Interview. This marked a significant achievement as it was the first such award for Fox News.
September 2018: Coverage of Brett Kavanaugh Hearings
In September 2018, Chris Wallace covered the Supreme Court hearings for Brett Kavanaugh, who faced sexual assault allegations. Wallace described Christine Blasey Ford's testimony as highly emotional and credible, highlighting the impact of such events on victims. He also critiqued the cross-examination format used during the hearings, calling it a 'disaster for the Republicans.' Wallace's handling of the coverage underscored the importance of acknowledging victims' experiences.
2018: Recognition as Trusted News Anchor
In 2018, Christopher Wallace was ranked as one of America's most trusted television news anchors, highlighting his esteemed reputation in the journalism industry. Throughout his career, he has been known for conducting tough and wide-ranging interviews, earning him multiple awards, including three Emmy Awards, a Peabody Award, and others.
July 2019: Chris Wallace on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert
In July 2019, Chris Wallace appeared on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert to promote a documentary about his father, titled Mike Wallace is Here.
December 2019: Chris Wallace comments on press freedom
In December 2019, Chris Wallace made remarks at the Washington Media Museum condemning what he described as Trump's assault on press freedom. He also reflected on key moments in his journalism career, including interviews with Mother Teresa and Vladimir Putin.
2019: Chris Wallace portrayed in Bombshell
In 2019, Chris Wallace was portrayed by Marc Evan Jackson in the film Bombshell, which depicted events surrounding Fox News.
January 27, 2020: Debate on 2020 Impeachment Trial
On January 27, 2020, Chris Wallace engaged in a heated exchange with conservative pundit Katie Pavlich on Fox News Sunday about the 2020 Impeachment trial of Donald Trump. The discussion centered on whether additional witnesses should be allowed to testify, with Wallace advocating for the inclusion of testimonies like that of John Bolton. This exchange highlighted Wallace's commitment to comprehensive reporting and fact-checking.
June 2020: Publication of Countdown 1945
In June 2020, Chris Wallace published Countdown 1945, a book co-authored with Mitch Weiss about the atomic bomb's history. It received positive reviews and appeared on The New York Times Best Seller list.
July 19, 2020: Interview with President Donald Trump
On July 19, 2020, Chris Wallace conducted an extensive interview with President Donald Trump at The White House. The interview was noted for Wallace's direct questioning and real-time fact-checking, particularly regarding the Black Lives Matter protests and COVID-19 pandemic claims. Wallace's approach was compared to his father, Mike Wallace, for its incisiveness, and it showcased his interviewing prowess.
September 29, 2020: Moderation of First 2020 Presidential Debate
On September 29, 2020, Chris Wallace moderated the first presidential debate between Donald Trump and Joe Biden, held at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio. The debate was criticized for its lack of decorum, with Wallace attempting to manage interruptions, particularly from Trump. Despite challenges, Wallace sought to maintain order and ensure both candidates had the opportunity to speak.
2020: Moderation of 2020 Presidential Debate
Chris Wallace moderated the 2020 Presidential debate between Donald Trump and Joe Biden, showcasing his skills as a seasoned journalist and moderator.
2020: Coverage of 2020 U.S. Presidential Election
During the 2020 U.S. presidential election coverage, Chris Wallace played a key role in Fox News' team. He notably defended the network's early call of Arizona for Joe Biden and criticized President Trump's premature victory declaration. Wallace emphasized the importance of counting all votes and condemned attempts to halt vote counting as 'extremely irresponsible.' His comments underscored the gravity of the situation and the need for accurate election reporting.
December 12, 2021: Chris Wallace announces departure from Fox News Sunday
On December 12, 2021, Chris Wallace announced that it would be his final day hosting Fox News Sunday. Following his departure, he was hired by CNN to host a new program on CNN+, inspired by Larry King, Charlie Rose, and his father, Mike Wallace. Wallace expressed dissatisfaction with Fox News, citing concerns over their opinion hosts and the network's direction post-2020 election.
2021: Transition from Fox News to CNN
In 2021, Chris Wallace left Fox News after hosting 'Fox News Sunday' for 18 years. He joined CNN, where he continued to host interview-based programs, expanding his career in broadcast journalism.
April 21, 2022: CNN+ shutdown announcement
On April 21, 2022, Warner Bros. Discovery announced the shutdown of CNN+, which was completed on April 28, 2022. Despite this, Chris Wallace's show, Who's Talking, resumed production and continued on CNN and HBO Max, featuring interviews with various prominent figures.
2022: Launch of 'Who's Talking to Chris Wallace?'
In 2022, Chris Wallace began hosting 'Who's Talking to Chris Wallace?' on CNN, continuing his legacy of engaging interviews with prominent figures.
August 2023: Chris Wallace to host new CNN program
In August 2023, CNN announced that Chris Wallace would host a new Saturday morning program called The Chris Wallace Show, airing from 10 to 11 a.m. ET. Wallace also continued to host Who's Talking to Chris Wallace?, featuring regular panelists such as Lulu Garcia-Navarro and Kara Swisher.
2023: Anchoring 'The Chris Wallace Show'
In 2023, Chris Wallace expanded his role at CNN by anchoring 'The Chris Wallace Show,' further contributing to his extensive career in broadcast journalism.
2023: Release of Jennifer Breheny Wallace's book
In 2023, Chris Wallace's daughter-in-law, Jennifer Breheny Wallace, released her book Never Enough, becoming a bestselling author. This added to the family's literary contributions.
November 2024: Departure from CNN
In November 2024, Chris Wallace announced his decision to leave CNN, marking the end of his tenure with the network where he hosted the interview series 'Who's Talking to Chris Wallace?' and anchored 'The Chris Wallace Show.'