Jim Cramer Bio
Jim Cramer is a high-energy American television personality, author, and former hedge fund manager currently serving as the host of CNBC’s “Mad Money” and a co-anchor of “Squawk on the Street”. Based in the New York metropolitan area, he has been a fixture on the network since 2005, famously guiding do-it-yourself investors through the “jungle” of Wall Street with his signature sound effects and “Booyah” catchphrase. As of March 2026, he continues to manage his Charitable Trust and the CNBC Investing Club, providing real-time transparency into his investment strategies.
Before his legendary television career, Jim was a successful, albeit intense, hedge fund manager at Cramer Berkowitz, where he reported a 24% average annual return over 14 years before retiring in 2001. His professional journey began in journalism as a reporter for the Tallahassee Democrat—where he was among the first to cover the Ted Bundy murders—and later the Los Angeles Herald-Examiner. He also co-founded the financial news website TheStreet in 1996.
Throughout his career, Jim has been a prolific author, recently releasing his latest book, “How to Make Money in Any Market” (2025). He is known for his relentless work ethic, starting his day at 3:15 a.m. to prep for the opening bell. As of early 2026, he has been vocal about the aerospace sector, naming Boeing as one of the stocks he “wanted to own most” for the year.
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Jim was born in Wyndmoor, Pennsylvania, and remains a passionate fan of Philadelphia sports, specifically the Eagles and Phillies. He is a graduate of Harvard College, where he was the editor-in-chief of The Harvard Crimson, and earned his Juris Doctor from Harvard Law School, paying his tuition through stock trading.
In his spare time, Jim enjoys gardening and spending time at his 65-acre estate in New Jersey or his summer home in Quogue, New York. He is also an entrepreneur in the hospitality industry, co-owning the DeBary Inn in Summit and Bar San Miguel in Brooklyn.
He currently resides in Summit, New Jersey.
Jim Cramer Age
How old is Jim Cramer? Cramer was born on February 10, 1955, in Wyndmoor, Pennsylvania. He is 71 years old as of early 2026. In addition, he celebrates his birthday on the 10th of February every year.
Jim Cramer Family
Jim is the son of N. Ken Cramer, who owned a packaging products company, and Louise A. Cramer, an artist. Jim has one sibling, an older sister named Nan Cramer.
Jim Cramer’s Wife
Karen Backfisch-Olufsen (m. 1988–2009)
Jim’s first wife was Karen Backfisch, a trader who worked at his hedge fund, Cramer Berkowitz. Karen was often referred to by Jim as the “Trading Goddess” due to her exceptional skills in the market. The couple was married for 21 years and were prominent figures in the New York financial scene during the 1990s.
Lisa Cadette Detwiler (m. 2015–Present)
After his divorce, Jim met Lisa Cadette Detwiler, a real estate broker and the general manager of their Brooklyn restaurant, Bar San Miguel. They were set up on a blind date by a mutual friend in 2006. The couple married on April 18, 2015, in a ceremony officiated by an architect friend. Lisa is credited with bringing a sense of calm to Jim’s high-intensity lifestyle.
Jim Cramer’s Kids
Jim has two daughters from his first marriage to Karen Backfisch:
Emma Rose Cramer: Born in 1991, Emma has largely stayed out of the public eye but is known to be close to her father.
Cece (Cecelia) Cramer: Born in 1993, Cece is also private but occasionally appears in social media posts alongside Jim during family holidays and Philadelphia Eagles games.
Jim Cramer’s Height
Cramer stands at an approximate height of 5 feet 6 inches (1.68 m).
Jim Cramer Net Worth
Cramer has an estimated net worth of approximately $150 million as of 2026. His wealth is primarily attributed to his successful career as a hedge fund manager, his multi-decade tenure at CNBC, and his numerous best-selling books.
Jim Cramer’s Salary
Cramer receives an estimated annual salary of $5 million as the host of “Mad Money” on CNBC.
