Nicolle Wallace stands as one of America's most recognized television personalities and authors, known for her sharp political commentary and engaging hosting style on MSNBC's popular program Deadline: White House. Her journey from White House communications director to prominent media figure represents a remarkable career transformation that continues to inspire many aspiring journalists.
Early Life and Family Background
Born on February 4, 1972, in Orange County, California, Nicolle Wallace celebrates her 53rd birthday in 2025. She grew up in the Bay Area suburb of Orinda in Northern California as the eldest of four children in the Devenish family. Her siblings include Zachary, Courtney, and Ashley, creating a bustling household during her formative years.
Wallace's family background reflects America's diverse heritage. Her mother, Veronica Devenish, worked as a third-grade assistant teacher, while her father, Clive Devenish, continued the family tradition in the antique business. The family's roots extend to England, where her grandfather originated before immigrating to the United States in 1947.
Educational Foundation and Career Beginnings
Wallace's academic journey began at Miramonte High School, where she graduated in 1990. She then pursued higher education at the University of California, Berkeley, earning a Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communications in 1994. Her educational advancement continued at Northwestern University's prestigious Medill School of Journalism, where she completed her master's degree in 1996.
Her professional career started conventionally enough with work as an on-air reporter in California. However, her path took a significant turn when she entered politics, relocating to Florida to serve as press secretary for Jeb Bush. This move marked the beginning of her extensive political career that would eventually lead to the highest levels of government.
White House Years and Political Career
Wallace's political ascent accelerated when she joined the George Bush administration, serving as special assistant to the president and director of media affairs during his first term. Her political expertise and communication skills proved invaluable during Bush's 2004 presidential campaign, where she served as communications director.
In early 2005, President Bush appointed her as White House Communications Director, positioning her at the center of American political power. She left this prestigious role in July 2006 to join her then-husband Mark Wallace in New York City, where he represented the Bush Administration at the United Nations. Her political involvement continued through the 2008 election cycle when she served as a senior advisor to John McCain's presidential campaign.
Transition to Media and Television Success
Wallace's transition from politics to media began in earnest when ABC announced in September 2014 that she would join The View as a co-host alongside Rosie Perez. She made her television debut during the show's 18th season, though she departed at the end of that same season.
Her career trajectory shifted significantly when she joined NBC News and its cable network MSNBC as a political analyst. Wallace quickly became a familiar face across NBC programming, making regular appearances on the Today Show and The 11th Hour. Her live coverage of the 2016 election results demonstrated her analytical depth and cemented her position as a leading political commentator.
Authorship and Literary Achievements
Beyond television, Wallace has established herself as a successful author with three published novels to her credit. Her literary career began with Eighteen Acres in 2010, a fictional work exploring the lives of three elite women at the peak of their careers. She followed this success with a sequel titled It's Classified in 2011, which delved into a presidential campaign complicated by a mentally ill vice presidential candidate.
Her third novel, Madam President, published in 2015, further demonstrated her ability to translate political insider knowledge into compelling fiction. These literary accomplishments complement her television work and contribute significantly to her professional portfolio.
Personal Life and Family Updates
Wallace's personal life has evolved significantly in recent years. After her marriage to Mark Wallace from 2005 to 2019 ended in divorce, she found love again with Michael S. Schmidt, an accomplished journalist and correspondent for The New York Times. The couple began dating in 2019 and married in April 2022 in a private ceremony that reflected their preference for keeping personal matters away from public scrutiny.
Wallace became a mother for the second time in late 2023 when she and Schmidt welcomed a daughter, Isabella Sloane Schmidt, via surrogate. She announced this happy development to her viewers in November 2023, explaining that she had been able to keep the pregnancy secret because she wasn't physically pregnant. Her son Liam, born in 2012 during her previous marriage, has embraced his role as big brother with enthusiasm.
Current Professional Status and Net Worth
As of 2025, Wallace continues to host Deadline: White House on MSNBC, having returned from maternity leave in February 2024. Her program remains among the network's top-rated offerings, demonstrating her enduring appeal and journalistic competence.
Her successful careers in both politics and media have contributed to an estimated net worth of $3 million. While her exact salary at MSNBC remains undisclosed, her financial standing reflects her status as one of America's prominent television hosts and authors.
Standing at 5 feet 6 inches (168 cm) and weighing approximately 143 pounds (65 kg), Wallace maintains the professional appearance expected of television personalities. Her light brown hair and brown eyes have become familiar features to viewers across the United States.
Recent Developments and Future Prospects
Wallace made headlines in March 2025 for comments she made about DJ Daniel, a 13-year-old brain cancer survivor honored by Donald Trump. Her remarks, which connected the boy's situation to the January 6 Capitol events, drew criticism from Trump, who called for her resignation. This incident highlighted the ongoing political tensions that characterize her commentary.
Despite such controversies, Wallace remains a respected figure in political journalism. Her self-description as a self-loathing former Republican in March 2021 illustrates her complex relationship with her political past and her evolution into an independent political voice.
Beyond her professional accomplishments, Wallace is known as an animal lover with pet dogs and has been portrayed by Sarah Paulson in the 2012 film Game Change. Her career continues to evolve, with recent work including serving as an executive producer on MSNBC's primetime special Ukraine: Answering the Call.
As she balances her roles as journalist, author, wife, and mother of two, Nicolle Wallace represents the modern professional woman navigating multiple responsibilities while maintaining a significant presence in American media. Her journey from White House insider to media personality offers a compelling narrative of adaptation and success in the rapidly changing landscape of political journalism.
