Liz Hayes, born Elizabeth Ryan on May 23, 1956, is a celebrated Australian journalist and television presenter, best known for her work on 60 Minutes Australia. At 69 years old, her net worth is estimated at $3-10 million, amassed through a stellar career spanning over four decades. Her salary, reportedly around $500,000 annually, reflects her status as a leading media figure. Married to Ben Crane, Hayes has navigated a complex personal life with three marriages and no children. This article delves into her age, career, net worth, dating history, and more, offering fresh insights into her enduring legacy.
Early Life and Background: Age and Roots
Born in Taree, New South Wales, Liz Hayes, now 69 years old, grew up on a dairy farm in a close-knit rural community. Her upbringing instilled a strong work ethic and a passion for storytelling, which shaped her journalistic approach. Her parents, Bryan and Patricia Ryan, both deceased, raised her alongside four brothers, fostering resilience and curiosity. Hayes’ early ambition leaned toward law, driven by a desire for justice, but her knack for writing led her to journalism. This rural foundation gave her a grounded perspective, evident in her empathetic reporting style.
Career Journey: From Cadet to 60 Minutes Star
Liz Hayes’ career began as a cadet journalist at the Manning River Times, where she honed her skills before moving to Sydney. She briefly worked at New Idea and TV Week before joining Network Ten’s Eyewitness News. In 1981, she signed with the Nine Network, reporting for National Nine News and later presenting the National Nine Morning News. From 1986 to 1996, she co-hosted Today Australia with Steve Liebmann, becoming a household name. In 1996, she joined 60 Minutes, where her incisive interviews and storytelling earned her a Logie Award for her documentary The Greatest Gift on organ donation.
In 2021, Hayes celebrated 40 years with the Nine Network, and in February 2025, she announced her departure to pursue independent storytelling ventures. Her new show, Under Investigation with Liz Hayes, launched in 2022, showcases her ability to tackle complex issues with clarity. Her global reporting, from war zones to Hollywood, highlights her versatility. For instance, her exclusive interviews with figures like George Clooney and Barack Obama demonstrate her ability to connect with diverse personalities.
Net Worth and Salary: Financial Success
Liz Hayes’ net worth is estimated between $3 million and $10 million, reflecting her long-standing career and endorsements. Her salary at 60 Minutes was reported at $500,000 per year in 2020, a testament to her value in Australian media. Unlike many peers, Hayes negotiated her contracts directly, a bold move in a male-dominated industry. Her financial stability allows her to support charitable causes, particularly in health and social justice, where her documentaries have sparked public discourse.
Personal Life: Married, Dating, and Relationships
Liz Hayes’ married life has been a topic of public interest. She has been married three times. Her first marriage to Brian Hayes, a builder, occurred in her hometown of Taree in the late 1970s. Despite their divorce, she retained his surname professionally. In 1991, she briefly married advertising mogul John Singleton, his fourth wife, but they divorced in 1992. Since the early 2000s, Hayes has been married to Ben Crane, a former 60 Minutes soundman. Their relationship, spanning over two decades, is marked by mutual respect, though they have no children.
Hayes has addressed speculation about her childlessness, calling assumptions that she prioritized her career over motherhood “unkind.” In a 2014 interview, she shared, “It wasn’t about career; it was bad timing. Unkind things are said about women without children, and it’s deeply personal.” Her openness highlights the societal pressures women face, offering a relatable perspective for many.
Rumors of dating others, including celebrity hairdresser Stefan Ackerie, surfaced but were never confirmed. A traumatic experience with a stalker for over 25 years led Hayes to guard her privacy fiercely, shaping her low-profile public presence.
Height and Physical Attributes
Standing at approximately 5 feet 7 inches (1.72 meters), Liz Hayes maintains an average build, with blonde hair and light brown eyes. Her polished appearance complements her professional demeanor, though she dismisses superficial critiques, once humorously addressing a tweet comparing her to Barry Manilow: “You just laugh and let it go.”
Unique Insights: Resilience and Legacy
Hayes’ resilience shines through her ability to thrive in a competitive industry. Unlike many, she avoided building a personal brand, focusing instead on storytelling. Her departure from Nine Network in 2025 marks a bold pivot to independent projects, reflecting her desire to control her narrative. Her documentary work, like The Greatest Gift, not only won awards but also influenced policy discussions on organ donation in Australia, showcasing her impact beyond journalism.
Her experience with loss—her father’s death in 2020 due to hospital care failures—fueled her advocacy for healthcare reform. She shared, “I had to tell my dad’s story, or I’d let him down.” This personal drive adds depth to her reporting, making her a trusted voice.
Biography Table
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Elizabeth Ryan (professionally Liz Hayes) |
| Age | 69 (born May 23, 1956) |
| Birthplace | Taree, New South Wales, Australia |
| Parents | Bryan Ryan (deceased), Patricia Ryan (deceased) |
| Siblings | Four brothers |
| Education | University of Newcastle (Bachelor of Arts in English and History) |
| Career Start | Cadet journalist at Manning River Times |
| Major Roles | Reporter for 60 Minutes, co-host of Today Australia, host of Under Investigation |
| Net Worth | $3-10 million |
| Salary | Approximately $500,000 annually (2020 estimate) |
| Height | 5 feet 7 inches (1.72 meters) |
| Marital Status | Married to Ben Crane (since early 2000s) |
| Previous Marriages | Brian Hayes (late 1970s), John Singleton (1991-1992) |
| Children | None |
| Awards | Logie Award for The Greatest Gift documentary |
| Social Media | Twitter: @lizhayes, Instagram: @lizhayesofficial |
Conclusion: A Trailblazer in Journalism
Liz Hayes remains a trailblazer, blending resilience, empathy, and journalistic rigor. Her age of 69 belies her energy and commitment to storytelling. With a net worth reflecting her success and a salary underscoring her industry stature, she continues to inspire. Her married life with Ben Crane and reflections on dating and past relationships reveal a woman who balances personal challenges with professional triumphs. As she embarks on independent ventures, Hayes’ legacy as a storyteller who amplifies truth and humanity endures.
For more details, visit her Wikipedia page or follow her on Twitter and Instagram.
