Chris Russo Biography
The Syosset, New York native Chris 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.
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.
Chris Russo Age
Christopher Michael Russo was born on October 18, 1959 in Syosset, New York, U.S.
Chris Russo Parents
Russo is the only child of Vera “Molly” Russo and Anthony Michael “Tony” (1931–2013) 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 Body Measurements
- Height: Not Available.
- Weight: Not Available.
- Shoe Size: Not Available.
- Body Shape: Not Available.
- Hair Colour: Black.
Chris Russo Net Worth
Russo has a net worth of $20 Million. His career as a radio host is the primary source of his income.
Chris Russo Education
Born in Syosset, New York, 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 Early Work
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 lead 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 refusing to renew Pete Franklin’s drive time Show from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m., Russo with Mike Francesa, were 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 descision 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?
hris 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?
Mad dog is 60 years old as of 2019, born on October 18, 1959.
How tall is Chris Russo?
Not Known.
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 a net worth of $20 Million. His career as a radio host is the primary source of his income.
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?
Not Known.
Is Russo dead or alive?
Russo is still alive and in good health.