Who is David Brooks? Biography, Age, New Wife, Net Worth, Book

David Brooks Biography

David Brooks, born August 11, 1961, is a Canadian-born American author and political commentator. He calls himself a “moderate Republican,” though others describe him as centrist or conservative. Brooks contributes to PBS NewsHour and writes opinion columns for The New York Times.

He has authored seven non-fiction books since 2000, blending insight with cultural reflection. Two books were published by Simon & Schuster, five by Random House. Notable works include The Social Animal (2011) and The Road to Character (2015).

He began as a police reporter in Chicago and interned at William F. Buckley’s National Review. Brooks’s career expanded through roles as film critic, reporter, editor, and contributing editor. He worked at The Washington Times, The Wall Street Journal, The Weekly Standard, Newsweek, and The Atlantic Monthly. Step by step, he rose to prominence in journalism and cultural commentary. READ ALSO: Steve Coll Biography, Journalism, Net Worth, Books and Updates

Age

Brooks is currently 64 years old and was born on August 11, 1961. It’s clear that he commemorates his birthday on 11th August every year.

David Brooks Birthplace

David Brooks was born in Toronto, Ontario, while his father pursued a PhD at the University of Toronto. He grew up with his brother Daniel in Stuyvesant Town, New York City. Their father taught English literature at NYU, and their mother studied 19th-century British history at Columbia.

Education

Brooks was raised Jewish but rarely attended synagogue as an adult. As a child, he attended Grace Church School, an Episcopal primary school in the East Village. At age twelve, his family moved to Philadelphia’s affluent Main Line suburbs. He graduated from Radnor High School in 1979.

In 1983, Brooks earned a history degree from the University of Chicago, writing his thesis on Robert Ardrey. As an undergraduate, he contributed reviews and satirical pieces to campus publications. In his senior year, he parodied William F. Buckley Jr.’s lifestyle and wit. He humorously asked Buckley for a job, appending a cheeky note about sparing a dime. When Buckley arrived, he noticed Brooks and offered him employment, sparking the start of his career.

Police Reporter

After graduation, Brooks became a police reporter for the City News Bureau of Chicago, covering the city’s crime beat. He later said this experience had a conservatizing effect on his views. In 1984, remembering Buckley’s offer, Brooks applied for an internship at National Review. The internship immersed him in the affluent lifestyle he had once satirized.

He attended yachting trips, Bach concerts, elegant dinners, and met writers, politicians, and celebrities. Brooks was also an outsider: National Review was a Catholic magazine, and he was not Catholic. Sam Tanenhaus later suggested Buckley might have named Brooks his successor if not for his Jewish faith.

Brooks called this claim upsetting but acknowledged its possibility. After the internship, he spent time at Stanford’s Hoover Institution and wrote movie reviews for The Washington Times.

David Brooks Sidney Awards creator

In 2004, Brooks established an award celebrating the year’s best political and cultural journalism. Originally called “The Hookies,” it was renamed The Sidney Awards in 2005, in honor of philosopher Sidney Hook. The awards are presented each December, recognizing outstanding journalistic achievement.

David Brooks Wife | New Wife

David Brooks met his first wife, Jane Hughes, at the University of Chicago. She converted to Judaism and adopted the name Sarah. The couple divorced in November 2013.

Their eldest son volunteered for the Israel Defense Forces in 2014 at age 23. In 2017, Brooks married Anne Snyder, whom he met while she was his research assistant. Their connection began as he worked on The Road to Character.

Epstein Files

On November 21, 2025, Brooks wrote a New York Times column dismissing the Epstein files as linked to QAnon conspiracies. On December 18, the House Oversight Committee released photos showing Brooks at a 2011 dinner also attended by Epstein, which he had not disclosed.

A spokesperson clarified that Brooks routinely attends events to speak with business leaders for reporting purposes and had no contact with Epstein before or after that dinner.

Height and Weight

David Brooks, born in 1961, has no widely published height or weight. He is generally described as having an average adult build.

David Brooks Net Worth

As of 2026, David Brooks has an estimated net worth of $17 million. His wealth stems from a long career as a journalist, author, and political commentator. Brooks has written multiple best-selling books, including The Road to Character and The Second Mountain.

He earns additional income through his regular television appearances and media contributions. His financial success reflects his influence, credibility, and readership in the journalism and literary world.

How David Brooks Makes Money

David Brooks earns through multiple streams, each contributing to his steadily growing net worth. As a columnist for The New York Times since 2003, his salary forms a major part of his income. His columns, exploring politics, philosophy, and culture, are widely read and highly regarded.

Brooks also writes opinion pieces and special features, expanding his journalistic reach. On television, he appears regularly on PBS NewsHour, offering measured, thoughtful political commentary. Guest appearances on other programs further increase his visibility and earnings.

Brooks is an accomplished author, with books exploring morality, personal growth, and society. Notable works include The Social Animal, The Road to Character, and The Second Mountain. Royalties and advance payments from these books provide substantial income. He is a sought-after public speaker, lecturing at universities, conferences, and forums. His speeches often mirror his writing, focusing on ethics, character, and modern society.

Brooks has taught courses at prestigious institutions, including Yale University, enriching both students and his own expertise. Fellowships and collaborations with academic institutions further enhance his credibility and network. Early career milestones include reporting for The Washington Times and The Wall Street Journal, and editing at The Weekly Standard.

In 2003, joining The New York Times marked a major turning point in his career. Television commentary expanded alongside his columns, making him a familiar, trusted media figure.

His books achieved best-seller status, reinforcing his financial and intellectual profile. Brooks maintains real estate in Washington, D.C., and New York City, reflecting a comfortable lifestyle. Frequent travels support his professional engagements and personal intellectual pursuits.

Over the years, Brooks’ net worth has grown steadily:

2010 – $4 million
2015 – $6 million
2020 – $7 million
2023 – $10 million
2026 – $17 million

The growth reflects his enduring influence, diverse income streams, and sustained presence in media and publishing.

Who is David Brooks?

David Brooks is an American political commentator and author, best known as a columnist for The New York Times. His writing explores politics, morality, and society, blending personal experience with broader social insights.

Born in Toronto, Canada, and raised in New York City, Brooks brings a diverse cultural perspective to his work. His commentary resonates widely, reflecting a nuanced understanding of American values and human behavior.

Is David Brooks Alive?

As of 2026, David Brooks is alive and actively contributing to journalism and public discourse. He remains a prominent media figure, offering insights and analysis on politics, culture, and society