Richard Lui is an accomplished American author, journalist, and filmmaker, currently making waves as a breaking news anchor for MSNOW, right from the bustling Times Square in New York City. His impressive resume includes stints at MSNBC and NBC News, where he co-hosted Early Today and anchored daytime news coverage. Notably, he made history at CNN as the first Asian American male to anchor a daily national cable news program, hosting the 10 a.m. hour on CNN Headline News from 2007 to 2010.
Richard Lui Education
Richard started his academic journey at the City College of San Francisco, where he focused on science and mathematics. He then moved on to the University of California, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in journalism. Additionally, he also pursued studies at Michigan University.
Richard Lui Age
As of 2026, he’s 53 years old. Richard was born in 1972 in California, USA. However, he hasn’t revealed the specific month or day of his birth to the public.
Richard Lui Nationality
Richard Lui holds American nationality and citizenship. He was born and raised in sunny California, USA, and proudly identifies with his white heritage.
Richard Lui Family
Growing up in California, Richard was nurtured by his loving parents, Rose and Stephen Lui. His father, a Presbyterian minister, has faced the challenges of Alzheimer’s disease. Interestingly, Richard’s grandfather was an undocumented immigrant who forged documents for his son. He also grew up with three siblings in the vibrant city of San Francisco.
Richard Lui Wife
Richard Lui is happily married to his wife, Ly Le. They tied the knot in 2026, although the specifics about their wedding location and date remain a bit of a mystery.
Richard Lui Height
Standing at about 5 feet 8 inches (around 1.72 m), Richard is considered to be of above-average height. However, he hasn’t shared any specifics about his other body measurements publicly.
Richard Lui MSNOW
Richard Lui is a American journalist currently anchors breaking news for MSNOW, right from the bustling Times Square in New York City. Throughout his impressive career, he has also made his mark at MSNBC and NBC News, where he co-hosted Early Today and anchored MSNBC’s daytime coverage. Before that, he was at CNN Worldwide, where he made history as the first Asian American male to host a daily national cable news program, leading the 10 a.m. hour on CNN Headline News from 2007 to 2010. His influence in the industry has even earned him recognition from Mediaite as one of the most impactful figures in TV news.
But Richard isn’t just about broadcasting; he’s also a prolific columnist, with his work featured in major publications like USA Today, Politico, The Seattle Times, the Detroit Free Press, and the San Francisco Chronicle. As a global public speaker, he has shared his insights at hundreds of events across six continents.
Lui’s journalism often shines a light on pressing humanitarian issues, such as gender equality, human trafficking, and affordable housing. His commitment goes beyond just reporting; he’s actively worked with Plan International USA as a global ambassador for the “Because I Am a Girl” campaign, teaming up with notable figures like Freida Pinto and Marcia Cross. He’s also involved with the Epilepsy Foundation and sits on the president’s council of the Food Bank For New York City. His dedication to journalism and advocacy has garnered him several civil rights honors.
Before diving into journalism, Lui spent 15 years in the business and technology sectors, collaborating with Fortune 500 companies. He’s even a patent holder and co-founded an early bank-centered payment system that was nurtured by Citibank. His diverse career trajectory has caught the attention of Business Insider, which has named him one to watch.
In the realm of filmmaking, Lui has directed two documentaries that qualified for Academy Award consideration: Sky Blossom (2020) and Unconditional (2023). The latter gained significant attention after being screened at the White House by Jill Biden.
Richard Lui Salary
As a reporter and news anchor for MSNOW News since 2010, Richard earns a respectable income. His annual salary averages around $165,000.