Richard Engel Biography
Richard Engel is a well-known American journalist and author, currently serving as the chief foreign correspondent for NBC News. He stepped into this role on April 18, 2008, after gaining valuable experience as the network’s Middle East correspondent and Beirut bureau chief. Engel first joined NBC News in May 2003, having previously reported from Baghdad as a freelance journalist for ABC News during the early days of the 2003 Iraq War.
Over the years, Engel has reported on some of the most pivotal conflicts and political changes in the Middle East, including the Iraq War, the Arab Spring, and the Syrian Civil War. His deep experience in conflict zones has established him as one of NBC News’ leading international correspondents.
Fluent in Arabic—both spoken and written—Engel also speaks Italian and Spanish. His work has earned him several prestigious journalism awards, including the Medill Medal for Courage in Journalism for his compelling piece, War Zone Diary.
Beyond his television work, Engel is also a talented author. He released his first book, A Fist in the Hornet’s Nest, in 2004, which shares his experiences covering the Iraq War from Baghdad. In 2016, he published And Then All Hell Broke Loose, a memoir that reflects on his two decades of reporting throughout the Middle East as a freelance journalist.
Age and Birthday
Richard Engel was born on September 16, 1973, in the bustling city of New York. As of 2026, he’s 53 years old and looks forward to celebrating his birthday every year on that date.
Growing up on Manhattan’s Upper East Side, Engel developed a passion for international affairs and journalism from a young age.
Richard Engel Education
Engel attended Riverdale Country School, a prestigious college-preparatory institution in New York City. He faced some academic challenges during his school years, partly due to dyslexia, a learning difference he has openly discussed.
At just 13, Engel participated in a wilderness survival program that played a significant role in shaping his independence, leadership abilities, and self-confidence.
He later went on to Stanford University, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in International Relations. It was during his time at Stanford that his fascination with the Middle East and journalism truly blossomed.
Richard Engel Nationality | Ethnicity
Richard Engel is proudly American. Born and raised in New York City, he has dedicated much of his career to reporting on international affairs from various regions, including the Middle East, Africa, Europe, and Asia.
While public biographies typically categorize Engel as white, his ethnicity isn’t a central theme in his professional narrative.
Richard Engel Family
Richard Engel grew up in the vibrant neighborhood of Manhattan, New York City. He’s the son of Peter Engel, who made his mark as a financier at Goldman Sachs, and Nina Engel, who dabbled in the antiques business.
Alongside his brother, David Engel, who pursued a career as a cardiologist at New York-Presbyterian Hospital, Richard’s upbringing in New York and his adventures abroad sparked his passion for international affairs and foreign reporting.
Engel Married | Wife | Wedding
Yes, Richard Engel is happily married to Mary Forrest. The couple tied the knot in 2015 and has since created a beautiful family together.
They are proud parents to two sons, Henry Thomas and Theodore. Henry Thomas entered the world in August 2019.
Engel has been open about the challenges his family has faced since Henry was diagnosed with Rett syndrome, a rare neurological disorder. They’ve shared their journey to raise awareness and support research for this condition.
Before his marriage to Mary Forrest, Engel was married to a fellow Stanford student, but that union ended in divorce in 2005.
Richard Engel Children
Richard Engel and Mary Forrest are the loving parents of two boys: Henry Thomas Engel and Theodore Engel.
Henry’s diagnosis with Rett syndrome has significantly influenced Engel’s personal life and his advocacy work. Together with his wife, they are dedicated to raising awareness and funding for research into this condition.
Richard Engel Height and Measurements
NBC News hasn’t officially disclosed Richard Engel’s exact height, but various online sources suggest he stands around 5 feet 7 inches (1.70 meters) tall.
Unfortunately, other specific body measurements haven’t been reliably shared in public sources.
Richard Engel Family | Parents
Richard Engel grew up in the vibrant neighborhood of Manhattan, New York City. He’s the son of Peter Engel, who made his mark as a financier at Goldman Sachs, and Nina Engel, who dabbled in the antiques business.
Alongside his brother, David Engel, who pursued a career as a cardiologist at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, Richard’s upbringing in New York and his adventures abroad sparked his passion for international affairs and foreign reporting.
Wife | Wedding
Yes, Richard Engel is happily married to Mary Forrest. The couple tied the knot in 2015 and has since created a beautiful family together.
They are proud parents to two sons, Henry Thomas and Theodore. Henry Thomas entered the world in August 2019.
Engel has been open about the challenges his family has faced since Henry was diagnosed with Rett syndrome, a rare neurological disorder. They’ve shared their journey to raise awareness and support research for this condition.
Before his marriage to Mary Forrest, Engel was married to a fellow Stanford student, but that union ended in divorce in 2005.
Richard Engel Children
Richard Engel and Mary Forrest are the loving parents of two boys: Henry Thomas Engel and Theodore Engel.
Henry’s diagnosis with Rett syndrome has significantly influenced Engel’s personal life and his advocacy work. Together with his wife, they are dedicated to raising awareness and funding for research into this condition.
Richard Engel NBC News
Richard Engel is a seasoned journalist with NBC News, where he holds the title of chief foreign correspondent. He’s well-known for his in-depth international reporting, especially from conflict zones and regions facing political turmoil.
Engel made his way to NBC News in May 2003, after gaining experience as a freelance correspondent in Baghdad for ABC News. During the early days of the Iraq War, he reported live from the heart of the Iraqi capital, quickly establishing himself as a leading voice in television journalism focused on the Middle East.
In April 2008, Engel was promoted to chief foreign correspondent at NBC News, having previously served as the network’s Middle East correspondent and Beirut bureau chief. In this capacity, he has reported from a variety of countries and covered significant global events, including the Iraq War, the Arab Spring, and the Syrian Civil War.
His work has garnered him numerous accolades in journalism, including the prestigious Medill Medal for Courage in Journalism, awarded for his compelling War Zone Diary reporting. Engel has also penned several books detailing his experiences as a foreign correspondent, such as A Fist in the Hornet’s Nest and And Then All Hell Broke Loose.
Throughout his extensive career at NBC News, Richard Engel has become synonymous with on-the-ground reporting from some of the most challenging and perilous areas around the globe.
Salary
With over two decades of experience in international journalism, Richard Engel has established himself as a prominent foreign correspondent for NBC News.
While his exact salary at NBC News hasn’t been made public, some sources estimate that he earns around $100,000 or more annually. However, it’s important to take these figures with a grain of salt, as they are just estimates and not confirmed details.
Richard Engel Net Worth
While NBC News and other reliable financial sources haven’t officially confirmed Richard Engel’s net worth, it’s generally estimated to be around $1 million.
