Fifth Time Lucky? Rupert Murdoch, 92, hopes marriage to fiancee Ann Lesley Smith 'would be my last'
NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK: Media mogul Rupert Murdoch has announced his engagement to his girlfriend, Ann Lesley Smith, 66. The couple has been spotted at various events and parties over the years. In January, they were snapped enjoying some beach time together in Barbados.
The news of the engagement was confirmed by a spokesperson for Murdoch, who said in a statement, "Rupert Murdoch and Ann Lesley Smith are delighted to announce their engagement. They have been together for more than 10 years and are thrilled to be taking this next step in their relationship."
Speaking of his new love, Murdoch told the New York Post’s Cindy Adams, “I dreaded falling in love — but I knew this would be my last. It better be. I’m happy.”
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Who is Ann Lesley Smith?
Ann Lesley Smith is believed to have grown up in England. She started her career as a model in the 1970s, appearing in fashion shows and photo shoots for various magazines. She later transitioned to acting, appearing in several films and TV shows over the years. Her acting credits include appearances on British TV shows such as 'The Bill' and 'EastEnders', as well as roles in several films. She also appeared in several stage productions, including a production of 'The Vagina Monologues' in London's West End.
Despite her success in the entertainment industry, Smith has largely stayed out of the public eye in recent years. She has been photographed with Murdoch's family at several events over the years, but little else is known about her personal life.
Rupert Murdoch has been married FOUR times
Murdoch, who is the founder of News Corp and the owner of several major media outlets, has been married four times before. His first marriage was to Patricia Booker, and the couple had one child, a son named Prudence. Murdoch's second marriage was to Anna Maria Torv, and the couple had three children together: Elisabeth, Lachlan, and James. His third marriage was to Wendi Deng, and they have two daughters, Grace and Chloe. In 2016 he got married to actor Jerry Hall but the couple filed for divorce last year after the billionaire broke up with the actress over a text message.
Rupert Murdoch has a net worth of $20 billion
As of 2023, Murdoch's net worth is estimated to be over $20 billion, making him one of the wealthiest people in the world. Murdoch's businesses include News Corp, which owns several major media outlets including The Wall Street Journal, Fox News, and HarperCollins Publishers.
He has a significant stake in 21st Century Fox, which includes several cable networks and film studios. Throughout his career, Murdoch has made several major acquisitions that have helped to grow his media empire. In 1985, he purchased 20th Century Fox for $250 million, and he went on to acquire several other media companies over the years.