Lachlan Murdoch isn’t just a name—he’s a legacy. As the eldest son of media titan Rupert Murdoch, Lachlan sits at the helm of a sprawling empire that shapes headlines and influences millions. His net worth isn’t just a number; it’s a testament to decades of ambition, strategy, and a family dynasty that’s as fascinating as it is formidable. But this story isn’t Lachlan’s alone—his brother James, James’s wife and kids, and even the youngest Murdoch, Chloe, weave a tapestry of wealth, influence, and intrigue. From luxurious homes to unexpected ties with Elon Musk, let’s dive into the world of Lachlan Murdoch and the family that defines him.
Lachlan Murdoch’s Net Worth: Billions Built on Media Mastery
As of 2025, Lachlan Murdoch’s net worth is pegged at approximately $2.7 billion. This jaw-dropping figure stems from his pivotal roles in the Murdoch family businesses: he’s the executive chairman and CEO of Fox Corporation and chairman of News Corp. These companies oversee giants like Fox News, The Wall Street Journal, and a slew of global media assets.
But Lachlan’s fortune isn’t all inherited glory. In 2005, he took a bold step away from the family business to launch Illyria Pty, a private investment firm. Through Illyria, he snapped up a 50% stake in Australia’s DMG Radio and later orchestrated a $100 million deal to buy into Nova Entertainment. His return to the Murdoch fold in 2014—culminating in his 2023 anointment as Rupert’s successor—cemented his status as a billionaire with a vision. With Fox and News Corp raking in billions annually, Lachlan’s wealth is a mix of legacy and personal hustle.
James Murdoch’s Wife: Kathryn Hufschmid, the Force Behind the Man
While Lachlan steers the family ship, his younger brother James Murdoch has charted a different course, hand-in-hand with his wife, Kathryn Hufschmid. Married since 2000, Kathryn is no mere plus-one—she’s a former model turned powerhouse climate advocate. She’s worked with the Clinton Climate Initiative and co-founded the Quadrivium Foundation with James, channeling their wealth into causes like environmental sustainability and political reform.
Kathryn’s outspoken stance against conservative politics (a subtle jab at the Murdoch media machine?) pairs with James’s own pivot away from News Corp’s editorial line, which he left in 2020. Together, they’re a duo redefining what it means to be a Murdoch in the 21st century—less about tabloids, more about impact.
James Murdoch’s Children: A Quiet Next Generation
James and Kathryn are parents to three kids: Anneka, Walter, and Emerson. Unlike the headline-grabbing antics of their grandfather Rupert, these Murdoch heirs live a low-key life. Details are scarce—by design, it seems—as James and Kathryn shield them from the spotlight. What’s clear is that this family values education and purpose over public spectacle, raising their kids amid wealth but with a focus on global issues like climate change, thanks to Kathryn’s influence.
Where Does James Murdoch Live? A Life Across Continents
James Murdoch’s family calls multiple places home, each a testament to their global reach. Their crown jewel? A $30 million townhouse in New York City’s Greenwich Village, snatched up in 2015. This chic urban base is complemented by a Los Angeles estate—perfect for James’s West Coast business ventures—and a serene English countryside retreat, a nod to the Murdochs’ British roots.
These properties aren’t just homes; they’re strategic hubs. From New York’s tech scene to LA’s innovation corridor, James’s residences align with his post-Murdoch career, including his investment firm, Lupa Systems, and past ties to Tesla.
James Murdoch and Elon Musk: A Collision of Titans
Speaking of Tesla, James Murdoch’s link to Elon Musk is a plot twist worth exploring. In 2018, James joined Tesla’s board, stepping in after his exit from 21st Century Fox. At the time, Musk faced scrutiny over Tesla’s direction, and James was even floated as a potential chairman—a role Musk famously clung to. Their connection isn’t just corporate; it’s philosophical. Both men thrive on disruption—James through Lupa Systems’ tech investments, Musk through, well, being Musk.
Their dynamic isn’t all smooth sailing—Musk’s wild-card energy clashes with James’s measured style—but their shared interest in bold ideas makes this a partnership to watch.
Chloe Murdoch’s Net Worth: The Youngest Tycoon
Enter Chloe Murdoch, born in 2003 to Rupert and his ex-wife Wendi Deng. At just 22, Chloe’s net worth sits at an estimated $100 million, courtesy of her stake in the Murdoch family trust. She’s not a media mogul (yet)—Chloe’s busy studying art and design at Stanford University, living a life far quieter than her siblings’. Her wealth, while substantial, comes with no control over the family empire; only Rupert’s four eldest kids hold voting shares. Still, with A-listers like Nicole Kidman and Hugh Jackman as godparents, Chloe’s future looks as golden as her trust fund.
The Murdoch Family: A Saga of Riches and Rifts
Zoom out, and the Murdoch clan’s combined net worth tops $20 billion. Rupert, now in his 90s, built this empire from a single Australian newspaper into a global behemoth. His six kids—Prudence, Elisabeth, Lachlan, James, Grace, and Chloe—each play a role in this saga, though only the eldest four wield power via the family trust.
That trust is now a battleground. Rupert’s push to hand Lachlan the reins has sparked a legal showdown with James, Elisabeth, and Prudence, who argue for equal say. It’s a real-life Succession, with billions—and family ties—at stake.
FAQs About Lachlan and the Murdochs
Q: How much is Lachlan Murdoch worth?
A: Lachlan’s net worth is around $2.7 billion, driven by Fox, News Corp, and his own ventures.
Q: Who is James Murdoch married to?
A: James is married to Kathryn Hufschmid, a climate activist and philanthropist.
Q: How many kids does James Murdoch have?
A: Three—Anneka, Walter, and Emerson.
Q: Where does James Murdoch live?
A: He splits time between New York City, Los Angeles, and England.
Q: What’s Chloe Murdoch’s net worth?
A: About $100 million, from her share of the family trust.
Fun Facts to Wow You
- Lachlan’s Bel-Air mansion, bought for $150 million, was LA’s priciest home in 2019.
- James once cycled across Tasmania for fun—he’s that guy.
- Chloe’s godparents, Nicole Kidman and Hugh Jackman, make her Hollywood royalty by proxy.
- Rupert’s empire inspired Succession—and the real drama might outdo the show.
- Lachlan’s yacht, Sarissa, cost $20 million and sails the Sydney Harbour like a king.
The Murdoch Legacy: Wealth, Drama, and What’s Next
Lachlan Murdoch’s $2.7 billion fortune is more than a personal win—it’s the cornerstone of a family dynasty that’s shaped modern media. From James’s eco-warrior wife to Chloe’s quiet millions, the Murdochs are a blend of power and personality. As the trust dispute unfolds, one question lingers: will Lachlan’s reign unite or fracture this empire? Grab some popcorn—this story’s far from over.
Note: Net worth figures are estimates based on public data and may shift with markets or family moves.