Australia’s most well-known TV personality Karl Stefanovic, was born on August 12, 1974, (Age: 51 years old) in Darlinghurst, New South Wales.
Karl is best known for hosting the “Today” show on Channel 9, where his quick wit and fearless reporting have made him a fan favorite.
Over the years, Stefanovic has earned a good net worth by working on some popular news shows like 60 Minutes, A Current Affair, and various major news events, covering everything from natural disasters to political scandals.
With a career spanning over 30 years, Karl Stefanovic has cemented his place as one of Australia’s most influential and entertaining journalists.
Let’s keep on reading Karl Stefanovic’s biography with details of his wife, children, family, education, career, achievements, net worth, height, facts, and more.
Karl Stefanovic Wiki & Early Life
| Full Name | Karl Stefanovic |
| Profession | Television Presenter and Journalist |
| Age | 51 years old |
| Date of Birth | August 12, 1974 |
| Nationality | Australian |
| Zodiac/Sun Sign | Leo |
| Birthplace | Darlinghurst, New South Wales, Australia |
| Current Address | Brisbane, Australia |
| Email ID | Yet to be updated |
Karl Stefanovic Wife, Children
Karl Stefanovic is happily married to Jasmine Yarbrough [1], a fashion designer.
The couple exchanged vows on December 8, 2018, in a lavish wedding ceremony in Mexico. Their destination wedding was attended by close friends, family, and well-known Australian celebrities.
Before marrying Jasmine, Karl was in a long-term marriage with Cassandra Thorburn, [2] a journalist and author. The two were together for over 21 years before separating in 2016 and finalizing their divorce in 2017.
Karl is a proud father of four children [3]. From his first marriage with Cassandra Thorburn, he has three children: Jackson Stefanovic (born in 1999), Ava Stefanovic (born in 2005, now known as Willow), and River Stefanovic (born in 2006).
After marrying Jasmine, the couple welcomed their first child together, Harper May Stefanovic, born on May 1, 2020.
| Relationship Status | Married |
| Wife | Ex-wife: Cassandra Thorburn Current wife: Jasmine Yarbrough |
| Children | Son: Jackson Stefanovic, River Stefanovic Daughter: Ava Stefanovic, Harper May Stefanovic |
Karl Stefanovic Family
Karl Stefanovic was born to Alex Stefanovic and Jenny Stefanovic, who raised him with strong values and a deep sense of ambition.
His father, Alex, has Serbian heritage, while his mother, Jenny, is of German descent. Their diverse background played a big role in shaping Karl’s personality and worldview.
Stefanovic often credits his parents for his hard work, resilience, and ability to handle the pressures of live television. His relationship with his siblings remains strong, and they continue to support each other.
Stefanovic was raised with his three younger siblings: Peter, Tom, and Elisa.
Peter Stefanovic, born on November 19, 1981, has established himself as a respected journalist and television presenter. He has worked with major networks, including the Nine Network and Sky News Australia.
Karl’s brother Peter is married to fellow journalist Sylvia Jeffreys, and together they have two sons, Oscar and Henry.
Karl’s younger brother Tom Stefanovic, [4] has chosen a different path. He transitioned from working as a cameraman to embracing a quieter life as an almond farmer.
Tom and his wife, former fashion publicist Jenna Dinicola, manage their farming business, focusing on sustainable agriculture.
Karl’s one and only sister Elisa Stefanovic, [5] the only sister among the siblings, maintains a low public profile. Despite her privacy preference, it’s known that she shares a close bond with her brothers.
However, Elisa played a significant role in Karl’s personal life by officiating his wedding to Jasmine Yarbrough in 2018, highlighting the family’s strong connections.
| Parent’s Name | Father: Alex Stefanovic Mother: Jenny Stefanovic |
| Siblings | Brother: Peter Stefanovic, Tom Stefanovic Sister: Elisa Stefanovic |
Karl Stefanovic Education
Karl Stefanovic received his early education at St Augustine’s College in Cairns, where he developed an interest in storytelling and public speaking.
Later, he attended Anglican Church Grammar School, a prestigious institution known for its focus on academics and leadership. His school years played a crucial role in shaping his confidence and communication skills, which later became his biggest strength as a television presenter.
After finishing school, Karl pursued higher education at the Queensland University of Technology (QUT). He graduated in 1994 with a degree in Journalism, equipping himself with the knowledge and skills needed for a successful media career.
| School | St Augustine’s College, Cairns; Anglican Church Grammar School |
| Alma Mater | Queensland University of Technology |
| Highest Qualification | Bachelor’s degree in Journalism |
Karl Stefanovic Career
Karl Stefanovic’s career is a classic success story—starting from small-town reporting to becoming one of Australia’s most recognized TV presenters. With over 30 years in the media industry, he has built a reputation for bold journalism, engaging interviews, and a charismatic on-screen presence.
Early Career: The First Steps in Journalism (1994 – 2000)
Karl began his career as a cadet reporter at WIN Television in Rockhampton and Cairns. During this time, he covered local news, politics, and crime stories, sharpening his skills as a reporter.
In 1996, Karl auditioned for a position at the prestigious National Institute of Dramatic Art (NIDA) but was advised to pursue broadcasting instead. This decision led him to TVNZ (Television New Zealand), where he worked as a reporter for One Network News.
The Big Break: Joining Nine Network (2000 – 2005)
Karl returned to Australia in 2000 and joined the Nine Network, working as a reporter and backup presenter for Nine News in Brisbane. His coverage of major events, including the Childers backpacker hostel fire (2000) and the 2003 Canberra bushfires, gained widespread recognition.
Becoming the Face of Morning TV: The “Today” Show (2005 – Present)
In February 2005, Karl’s career took a major leap when he was appointed as the co-host of the “Today” show, replacing Steve Liebmann. This was the role that made him a household name.
As a host, Karl became known for his quick wit, relaxed style, and fearless interviewing skills. His ability to mix serious journalism with humor made him a favorite among Australian viewers.
Over the years, he interviewed global leaders, Hollywood stars, and sports legends, including Donald Trump, Hugh Jackman, and Roger Federer.
A Brief Exit and Return to “Today” (2018 – 2020)
After more than 13 years as the host of “Today,” Karl was controversially removed from the show in December 2018. This decision came after months of negative media attention regarding his personal life, particularly his divorce and remarriage.
In November 2019, Nine Network confirmed that Karl would be returning as the co-host of “Today” in 2020, alongside Allison Langdon. His comeback was welcomed by viewers, and he quickly regained his position as a leading morning TV presenter.
Other TV Roles: Expanding His Career
Aside from the “Today” show, Karl has worked on various major news programs and documentaries, including:
- “60 Minutes” – As a reporter, covering major investigative stories.
- “A Current Affair” – Guest-hosting on various occasions.
- “This Time Next Year” – A reality show following people’s life-changing journeys.
- Live event coverage – Reporting on the Olympics, political debates, and national disasters.
Karl Stefanovic Today: Still a TV Powerhouse
As of 2025, Karl Stefanovic remains a dominant figure in Australian media. His ability to adapt, entertain, and report with genuine passion has kept him at the top of his game. With over three decades of experience, he continues to connect with audiences, break major news stories, and entertain millions every morning.
| Year | Role | Organization |
| 1994 | Cadet Reporter | WIN Television |
| 1996 | Reporter | TVNZ |
| 2000 | Reporter & Backup Presenter | Nine News |
| 2000 | Foreign Correspondent | Nine Network |
| 2003 | Reporter (Canberra Bushfires) | Nine News |
| 2005 | Co-Host, “Today” Show | Nine Network |
| 2011-2018 | Reporter & Guest Host | 60 Minutes, A Current Affair |
| 2017 | Host, “This Time Next Year” | Nine Network |
| 2018 | Removed from “Today” Show | Nine Network |
| 2019 | Announced Return to “Today” | Nine Network |
| 2020-Present | Co-Host, “Today” Show | Nine Network |
Awards & Achievements
Karl Stefanovic has won several prestigious awards for his work in Australian television. His biggest achievement came in 2011 when he won both the Gold Logie for Most Popular Personality and the Silver Logie for Best Presenter.
| Year | Award | Category |
| 2011 | Gold Logie Award | Most Popular Personality |
| 2011 | Silver Logie Award | Best Presenter |
| Yet to be updated | Recognition for Journalism & TV Hosting | Major News Coverage & Interviews |
Controversies
Karl Stefanovic has been at the center of several controversies throughout his career, often making headlines for his bold personality, unfiltered remarks, and personal life drama.
From on-air experiments and leaked conversations to high-profile relationships and viral moments, he has faced intense media scrutiny.
| Year | Controversy | Description |
| July 2016 | Transphobic Remarks [6] | Used the term “tranny” and made jokes deemed offensive during a segment on Today. Apologized the following day, acknowledging his ignorance. |
| 2016-2017 | Public Divorce [7] | Ended a 21-year marriage with Cassandra Thorburn, leading to extensive media coverage and public scrutiny. |
| March 2018 | “Ubergate” Scandal [8] | A private conversation with his brother Peter was recorded, revealing criticisms of colleagues and network executives. |
| December 2018 | Departure from “Today” Show [9] | Amid declining ratings and personal controversies, Karl was removed from his co-hosting role on the Today show. |
| January 2023 | Public Altercation [10] | Involved in a public dispute with former Australian cricket captain Michael Clarke in Noosa, leading to media attention and reports of a strained friendship. |
Karl Stefanovic Net Worth, Salary
Karl Stefanovic’s estimated net worth is around $7.5 million, thanks to his long-standing career as a journalist and TV presenter.
His annual income is estimated to be between $45k – $55k per month, adding up to a significant yearly paycheck. With his experience, popularity, and strong presence on television, Karl continues to be one of the top-earning figures in Australian media.
| Net Worth in Dollars (Approx.) | $7.5 million |
| Salary (Approx.) | $45k – $55k |
Karl Stefanovic Height, Weight & Physical Stats
Karl Stefanovic stands at 5 feet 10 inches (178 cm) tall, giving him a commanding presence on television. His weight is around 81 kg (178 lbs), maintaining a fit and professional appearance.
Karl’s salt-and-pepper hair adds to his mature and confident personality, while his striking blue eyes enhance his expressive and engaging on-screen demeanor. Though his body measurements are yet to be updated.
| Height | In centimeters: 178 cm In meters: 1.78 m In feet & inches: 5 feet 10 inches |
| Weight | In kg: 81 kg In lbs: 178 lbs |
| Body Measurements | Yet to be updated |
| Hair Color | Salt & Pepper |
| Eye Color | Blue |
Karl Stefanovic Instagram, X, YouTube
 karlstefanovic_ | |
| X |  @karlstefanovic |
 wakingupwithkarl |
Interesting Facts About Karl Stefanovic
- Karl Stefanovic auditioned for NIDA (National Institute of Dramatic Art) but was advised to pursue journalism instead.
- In 2014, he wore the same suit for a year to highlight sexism in the media.
- He once hosted the “Today” show hungover after winning the 2011 Gold Logie, which became a viral moment.
- Karl is fluent in Spanish, a skill he picked up during his journalism career.
- He covered major news events, including the 2003 Canberra bushfires and the Childers backpacker hostel fire in 2000.
- Karl loves surfing and fishing and often spends his free time outdoors.
More News Anchor From Australia
FAQs
Does Karl Stefanovic have children?
Yes, Karl Stefanovic has four children, three from his first marriage to Cassandra Thorburn and one with his current wife, Jasmine Yarbrough.
Did Karl leave his wife?
Karl and Cassandra Thorburn divorced in 2017 after 21 years of marriage. He later married Jasmine Yarbrough in December 2018.
Did they find Karl Stefanovic’s daughter?
There are no reports of Karl Stefanovic’s daughter being lost. His children remain out of the public eye for privacy reasons.
Does Karl Stefanovic have any siblings?
Yes, Karl has three siblings namely, Peter Stefanovic (a journalist), Tom Stefanovic (a farmer), and Elisa Stefanovic.
Who is Karl Stefanovic’s sister-in-law?
Karl’s sister-in-law is Sylvia Jeffreys, a journalist and news presenter, who is married to his brother Peter Stefanovic.
Who is Karl Stefanovic’s new wife?
Karl’s wife is Jasmine Yarbrough, a fashion designer. They got married in December 2018 in Mexico.
