Jonathan Ross is an English television and radio presenter, with a net worth of $35 million. He is best known for hosting the popular BBC chat show Friday Night with Jonathan Ross, which earned him widespread recognition and multiple awards, including three BAFTA Awards.
Early Life and Career
Born on November 15, 1960, in Camden Town, London, Jonathan Stephen Ross was the son of a lorry driver and a mother who worked as a film extra.
After completing high school, he pursued a degree in Modern European History at the University of London.
Upon graduation, Ross began his career in television, starting as a researcher before moving on to presenting.
Rise to Fame
In the early stages of his career, Ross worked for Channel 4 and hosted The Last Resort with Jonathan Ross, a show that gained him early attention.
Throughout the next decade, he hosted numerous radio and television programs, many of which were produced by his company, Channel X.
In 1987, he sold his stake in Channel X and moved to the BBC, where he initially worked as a radio show host and film program presenter.
Ross’s big breakthrough came when he started Friday Night with Jonathan Ross on the BBC. The show became a massive success, thanks to its blend of celebrity interviews, musical performances, and comedic segments.
This success not only earned Ross several prestigious awards but also led to his being invited to receive the OBE (Order of the British Empire) for his contributions to broadcasting.
Personal Life and Interests
Ross is married to Jane Goldman, a successful screenwriter, since 1988. Together, they have three children and also co-own a TV production company called Hotsauce TV.
In addition to his television career, Ross is an avid comic book collector and has even written his own comic books, including America’s Got Powers and Turf. His passion for comics is well-known, and he has made several public appearances related to his collection.
Controversies and Legacy
Throughout his career, Ross has found himself at the center of various controversies, particularly regarding some of his more provocative jokes and comments.
In 2008, he published his semi-autobiography, Why Do I Say These Things?, where he explored his life and the public persona he had cultivated over the years.
Despite the controversies, Jonathan Ross remains a beloved figure in British entertainment.
His legacy is marked not only by his success in front of the camera but also by his influence on the media industry as a whole.
