Chris Hansen's net worth is estimated at around $2 million, down from earlier estimates that ran as high as $12-15 million, built from more than four decades in journalism, most prominently as the host of NBC's "To Catch a Predator" and, more recently, as producer and host of "Takedown with Chris Hansen."
Quick Facts
| Full Name | Christopher Edward Hansen |
| Born | September 13, 1959, Chicago, Illinois |
| Education | Michigan State University, B.A. Telecommunication (1981) |
| Known For | Host, "To Catch a Predator" segment on Dateline NBC (2004-2007) |
| Current Show | "Takedown with Chris Hansen" (2022-present) |
| Marriages | Mary Joan Hansen (1989-2020); Gabrielle Gagnon (married November 2021) |
| Estimated Net Worth | Around $16 million |
Early Career
Hansen was born in Chicago, Illinois, on September 13, 1959, and earned a bachelor's degree in telecommunication from Michigan State University in 1981. He began his career as a reporter at NBC affiliate WILX in Lansing, Michigan, then moved to WDIV in Detroit in 1988 as an investigative reporter and anchor. In 1993, he joined NBC News as a correspondent for "Now with Tom Brokaw and Katie Couric."
To Catch a Predator
From 2004 to 2007, Hansen hosted "To Catch a Predator," a recurring Dateline NBC segment that used decoys and hidden cameras in sting operations to confront adults seeking to meet minors for sex, working with the watchdog group Perverted-Justice. The series became one of Dateline's highest-rated recurring segments and made Hansen a well-known figure in television journalism. NBC did not renew his contract in 2013 after 20 years with the network.
Later Career
After leaving NBC, Hansen hosted "Killer Instinct" on Investigation Discovery and later "Crime Watch Daily." Since 2022, he has produced and starred in "Takedown with Chris Hansen," a continuation of his predator-sting format distributed through streaming platforms. In January 2019, Hansen was charged with larceny over roughly $13,000 in bounced checks for promotional materials; the charges were later dropped. In July 2021, a warrant was issued after he failed to appear in court related to a 2020 sting operation; the matter was resolved after he turned himself in.
Personal Life
Hansen was married to Mary Joan Hansen from 1989 until their divorce in 2020. He married Gabrielle Gagnon in November 2021.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Chris Hansen's net worth?
Estimated at around $2 million, built from his decades-long journalism career and current show "Takedown with Chris Hansen."
What is Chris Hansen known for?
Hosting "To Catch a Predator," a Dateline NBC segment that aired from 2004 to 2007.
Why did Chris Hansen leave NBC?
NBC did not renew his contract in 2013 after 20 years with the network.
Is Chris Hansen married?
Yes, to Gabrielle Gagnon since November 2021. He was previously married to Mary Joan Hansen from 1989 to 2020.