Bill Wixey, a celebrated Emmy Award-winning journalist, has been a trusted voice in Seattle’s media landscape as a news anchor for FOX 13 Seattle since 1998. At 58 years old in 2025, Wixey’s career spans over three decades, covering major global events and earning him a loyal audience. His net worth is estimated between $1 million and $7 million, with an annual salary likely ranging from $70,000 to $125,000. Married to Catherine Wixey since 1996, they have two children, Will and Gigi. This article explores Wixey’s age, career, net worth, salary, married life, and dating history, offering fresh insights into his journey.
Early Life and Education: Shaping a Seattle Native
Born on August 22, 1967, in Seattle, Washington, Bill Wixey grew up in Kirkland, where his love for storytelling took root. Raised by his parents, Karen Lee and Elza Wixey, he faced challenges early on when his parents divorced at age 11. His mother later married Larry Hawkes, who became a significant figure in his life until his passing from cancer in 2009. Wixey attended Lake Washington High School in Kirkland and later graduated from Washington State University’s Edward R. Murrow College of Communication, a prestigious program that honed his journalistic skills. His Seattle roots fuel his commitment to community-focused reporting.
Career Journey: From Montana to FOX 13 Seattle
Wixey’s broadcasting career began in 1991 in Great Falls, Montana, where he cut his teeth in local news. By 1998, he returned to Seattle, working as a sports anchor and reporter for KIRO-TV. His sports coverage included two Super Bowls with the Green Bay Packers and two Final Fours with the Arkansas Razorbacks while in Fort Smith, Arkansas. In 2000, he joined Fox Sports Net, anchoring coverage of the Seattle Mariners’ historic 116-win season in 2001.
Since joining FOX 13 Seattle in 2003, Wixey has co-anchored Good Day Seattle (6-10 a.m.), delivering news with authenticity and warmth. His global reporting includes the 2005 South Asia tsunami, the 2010 Haiti earthquake, and the Olympic Games in Beijing, Vancouver, and London. Wixey’s Emmy Awards in 2003 for anchoring and 2010 for his documentary Bill’s Journey, which chronicled his battle with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, highlight his storytelling prowess. In 2025, he remains a fixture at FOX 13, embracing digital platforms like Twitter (@BillWixey) to engage viewers.
Net Worth and Salary: Financial Success in Journalism
Bill Wixey’s net worth is estimated between $1 million and $7 million as of 2025, reflecting his long-standing career and investments. His salary as a lead anchor in a major market like Seattle likely falls between $70,000 and $125,000 annually, though some sources suggest top anchors can earn up to $500,000 in similar markets. Wixey’s financial success stems from his multifaceted roles as an anchor, reporter, producer, and writer, supplemented by community engagements and media appearances. Unlike many peers, he maintains a modest lifestyle, prioritizing family over extravagance.
Married Life and Family: A Pillar of Strength
Bill Wixey’s married life with Catherine Wixey, whom he wed in 1996, is a cornerstone of his personal story. The couple, together for nearly three decades, shares two children: Will Wixey (born 2000), a University of Washington graduate and former basketball player, and Gigi Wixey (born 2002), pursuing her college degree. Living in Kirkland, Washington, the family weathered Wixey’s Hodgkin’s Lymphoma diagnosis in 2009, with Catherine and their children providing unwavering support. “My family was my rock during my cancer battle,” Wixey shared on Facebook in 2014, celebrating five years cancer-free.
Dating history details are scarce, as Wixey keeps his pre-marriage life private. His focus remains on his enduring partnership with Catherine, a professional whose support has been vital to his success. Their bond exemplifies resilience, especially through personal tragedies like the loss of Wixey’s mother to cancer in 2018.
Overcoming Hodgkin’s Lymphoma: A Personal Triumph
In 2009, Wixey faced a life-altering diagnosis of Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. Under the care of Dr. Steven Petersdorf, he completed treatment and was declared cancer-free later that year. His documentary, Bill’s Journey, earned a 2010 Emmy for its raw, inspiring portrayal of his recovery. “Cancer really sucks,” Wixey posted on Facebook in 2016, reflecting on his journey. His experience fuels his advocacy for organizations like the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society and American Cancer Society, where he volunteers regularly.
Community Engagement and Personal Interests
Beyond the newsroom, Wixey is a community champion, supporting causes like the Ronald McDonald House and St. Jude’s Hospital. His involvement earned him the Western Washington Man of the Year title in 2009. In his free time, Wixey enjoys playing hockey, running, golfing, reading, and watching movies with his family. His active presence on Instagram (@billwixey) showcases his love for Seattle’s culture and outdoor lifestyle.
Bill Wixey Biography Table
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Bill Wixey |
| Age | 58 (born August 22, 1967) |
| Birthplace | Seattle, Washington, USA |
| Education | Lake Washington High School; Edward R. Murrow College, Washington State University |
| Career Start | 1991, Great Falls, Montana |
| Current Role | Co-anchor, Good Day Seattle, FOX 13 Seattle (since 2003) |
| Previous Roles | KIRO-TV (1998-2000), Fox Sports Net (2000-2003) |
| Major Coverage | 2005 South Asia tsunami, 2010 Haiti earthquake, Olympic Games (Beijing, Vancouver, London) |
| Awards | Emmy Awards (2003, 2010), Western Washington Man of the Year (2009) |
| Net Worth | $1 million – $7 million (estimated, 2025) |
| Salary | $70,000 – $125,000 annually (estimated) |
| Marital Status | Married to Catherine Wixey (since 1996) |
| Children | Will Wixey (born 2000), Gigi Wixey (born 2002) |
| Health | Survived Hodgkin’s Lymphoma (2009) |
| Community Involvement | Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, Ronald McDonald House, American Cancer Society |
| Hobbies | Hockey, running, golfing, reading, watching movies |
| Social Media | Twitter (@BillWixey), Instagram (@billwixey) |
Unique Insights: Wixey’s Impact on Seattle Journalism
Wixey’s ability to connect with viewers goes beyond traditional broadcasting. His embrace of digital storytelling—through social media and interactive segments—sets him apart in an evolving media landscape. Unlike many anchors, Wixey’s cancer survival story resonates deeply, inspiring viewers and colleagues alike. A 2023 industry report noted that anchors with personal narratives, like Wixey’s, retain higher audience trust, with FOX 13 Seattle seeing a 15% increase in morning show viewership since 2020, partly attributed to his authentic delivery.
Conclusion: A Legacy of Resilience and Connection
Bill Wixey remains a cornerstone of Seattle’s media, blending professional excellence with personal resilience. At 58, his net worth, salary, and married life reflect a balanced, fulfilling journey. His story—marked by Emmy Awards, global reporting, and a triumphant battle against cancer—offers inspiration. Follow his updates on FOX 13 Seattle or Wikipedia for more on his impactful career.
