Rupert Murdoch, the legendary media mogul, has built one of the most powerful empires in modern history — and inspired the hit HBO drama Succession. Now, Netflix’s docuseries Dynasty: The Murdochs is shining a spotlight on the family behind the headlines.
Rupert Murdoch’s Rise
Born in Australia in 1931, Rupert inherited his father’s newspaper The News at just 22. Over the next decades, he expanded into the UK and US, acquiring titles like The Sun and New York Post. His company, News Corp., grew into a global powerhouse, owning HarperCollins, Twentieth Century Fox, and The Wall Street Journal.
Despite his success, Murdoch’s career has been marked by controversy, including the 2011 phone-hacking scandal and sexual harassment claims at Fox News in 2016.
Murdoch’s Marriages
Rupert has been married five times. His children span across marriages:
- Prudence MacLeod (with Patricia Booker)
- Elisabeth, Lachlan, James (with Anna Torv)
- Grace and Chloe (with Wendi Deng)
He later married Jerry Hall in 2016, divorcing in 2022, before wedding Elena Zhukova in 2024.
Elisabeth Murdoch
Born in 1968, Elisabeth carved her own path in media. She founded Shine, the company behind MasterChef and The Biggest Loser.
Lachlan Murdoch
Rupert’s chosen successor, Lachlan, born in 1971, now serves as chairman and CEO of Fox. He has balanced family loyalty with independent ventures, including his firm Illyria.
James Murdoch
Born in 1972, James took a different route. After launching hip-hop label Rawkus Records, he worked at News Corp. but resigned in 2020 over editorial disagreements. Today, he runs the Quadrivium foundation with his wife Kathryn, focusing on democracy and climate change.
Grace and Chloe Murdoch
Rupert’s youngest daughters with Wendi Deng are pursuing academic and professional careers. Grace graduated from Yale in 2025 and now works at Goldman Sachs. Chloe studies at Stanford, focusing on symbolic systems.
Legacy and Influence
The Murdoch family’s story — filled with ambition, rivalry, and power struggles — has captivated audiences worldwide. Their influence continues through media, politics, and culture, making them one of the most scrutinized dynasties of our time.
