Cy Kass is the 8-year-old son of MSNBC journalist Alex Wagner and former White House chef Sam Kass, born on July 22, 2017. He lives in Washington D.C. with his parents and younger brother Rafael in a private, grounded environment away from media attention.
You won’t find Cy Kass on Instagram. His parents don’t parade him on red carpets. There are no paparazzi shots of him leaving school. And that’s exactly how Alex Wagner and Sam Kass want it.
Their son lives one of the most interesting childhoods in America—raised by a prime-time MSNBC host and a man who cooked for President Obama. But unlike most celebrity kids, Cy’s life stays refreshingly normal.
Who Is Cy Kass?
Cy Kass is the first child of journalist Alex Wagner and former White House chef Sam Kass. Born in 2017, he’s grown up in a household where dinner conversations include politics, nutrition policy, and current events—but his parents protect his childhood fiercely.
His full name is Cyrus Kass, though everyone calls him Cy. He was born weighing 7 pounds, a detail his proud father shared shortly after his arrival. Now at 8 years old, he attends school in Washington D.C. and splits time between his mother’s world of journalism and his father’s passion for food and health.
What makes Cy’s story interesting isn’t fame—it’s the deliberate choice his parents made to give him a regular childhood despite their public careers. No social media accounts. No magazine covers. Just a kid being a kid.
Quick Facts About Cy Kass
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Cyrus Kass |
| Nickname | Cy |
| Date of Birth | July 22, 2017 |
| Age | 8 years (as of 2025) |
| Birthplace | United States |
| Current Residence | Washington, D.C. |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | Mixed (Burmese, German, Irish, Jewish) |
| Birth Weight | 7 pounds |
| Parents | Alex Wagner (Mother), Sam Kass (Father) |
| Siblings | Rafael Kass (Younger Brother, born 2019) |
| Mother’s Profession | Journalist, MSNBC Host |
| Father’s Profession | Chef, Former White House Nutrition Advisor |
| Social Media | None (Privacy Protected) |
| Education | Private School in Washington, D.C. |
Early Life and Birth
Cy Kass entered the world on July 22, 2017, in a moment his parents had been eagerly anticipating. Alex Wagner was 39 years old when she gave birth to her first child. Sam Kass announced the arrival proudly, sharing that their son weighed 7 pounds.
The couple kept most details about Cy’s birth private. No hospital photos flooded Instagram. No exclusive magazine deals documented the first moments. They celebrated privately, protecting those precious early days from public consumption.
Cy’s arrival came three years after his parents married in 2014. Alex and Sam had built their careers, established their relationship, and were ready for parenthood. The timing worked perfectly for two people who had already achieved significant professional success.
His early years were spent in Washington, D.C., where both parents worked. Alex continued her journalism career while Sam transitioned from the White House to entrepreneurial ventures in food policy and sustainable agriculture.
Meet His Mother: Alex Wagner
Alex Wagner is one of America’s most respected political journalists. She hosts “Alex Wagner Tonight” on MSNBC, where millions tune in for her sharp analysis of current events and political issues.
Born on November 27, 1977, in Washington, D.C., Alex grew up in a multicultural household. Her mother, Tin Swe Thant, immigrated from Myanmar (Burma) and became a naturalized U.S. citizen. Her father, Carl Wagner, was a prominent Democratic political consultant of German, Irish, and Luxembourgish descent.
Alex graduated from Brown University in 1999 with a degree in Art History and Literature. Her journalism career started as a cultural correspondent for the Center for American Progress. She became editor-in-chief of The Fader magazine (2003-2007), covering music and cultural movements worldwide.
Her television breakthrough came at MSNBC. She hosted “Now with Alex Wagner” from 2011-2015, becoming known for thoughtful political commentary. After stints at CBS News and The Atlantic, she returned to MSNBC in 2022 to host her prime-time show.
Alex balances her demanding career with motherhood. She’s spoken openly about how having Cy changed her perspective. Issues like education, healthcare, and the future of democracy took on deeper meaning once she became a parent.
Her estimated net worth sits between $3-5 million, earned through her television work, writing, and journalism. She’s also the author of “FutureFace: A Family Mystery, an Epic Quest, and the Secret to Belonging.”
Meet His Father: Sam Kass
Sam Kass brings a completely different but equally impressive background to Cy’s upbringing. He’s a trained chef who cooked for one of America’s most famous families—the Obamas.
Born in Chicago in 1980, Sam studied history at the University of Chicago. He discovered his passion for cooking and pursued culinary training. His big break came when he became the personal chef for Barack Obama’s family while they lived in Chicago.
When Obama became president, Sam moved to the White House. He served as Assistant White House Chef from 2009-2014. But his role expanded far beyond cooking. He became Senior Policy Advisor for Nutrition Policy, working alongside Michelle Obama on her “Let’s Move!” campaign to combat childhood obesity.
Sam’s work focused on improving school lunches, promoting local farming, and raising awareness about healthy eating. He bridged food, health, and politics in ways few chefs ever have. His influence shaped national nutrition policy and public health initiatives.
After leaving the White House in 2014, Sam launched several ventures. He became a senior food analyst for NBC News. He co-founded Acre Venture Partners, an investment fund supporting companies creating healthier, more sustainable food systems. He also started TROVE, a food technology venture fund.
His estimated net worth ranges between $3-10 million, reflecting his diverse career in the White House, media, entrepreneurship, and consulting.
Sam’s approach to parenting includes his passion for nutrition. He involves Cy in cooking, teaches him about where food comes from, and emphasizes the importance of healthy eating—all while making it fun.
How Alex Wagner and Sam Kass Met
Their love story started at a White House Correspondents’ Dinner around 2012. Sam spotted Alex across the room. He knew she worked at MSNBC and wanted to meet her.
Sam asked MSNBC commentator Richard Wolffe to introduce them. Wolffe initially dismissed the idea, thinking Sam—a chef—had no shot with a prominent journalist. But Sam persisted. Eventually, Wolffe agreed to make the introduction.
The connection was immediate. They discovered shared values around public service, intellectual curiosity, and making a positive impact. Their relationship grew quickly from that initial meeting.
They got engaged in 2013, just a year after meeting. On August 30, 2014, they married at Blue Hill at Stone Barns, a farm-to-table restaurant in Pocantico Hills, New York. The location perfectly reflected Sam’s commitment to sustainable food and local farming.
The wedding was intimate but high-profile. President Barack Obama and his family attended, reflecting Sam’s close relationship with the Obamas. Michelle Obama had worked closely with Sam on nutrition initiatives, and the families had formed genuine friendships.
Their marriage works because they respect each other’s careers. Alex travels for journalism assignments. Sam runs multiple business ventures. They support each other without competing, creating a partnership based on mutual admiration.
Siblings and Family Life
Cy isn’t an only child. He has a younger brother named Rafael Thiha Kass, born in April 2019. The brothers are just two years apart, creating a close bond.
Rafael’s middle name, Thiha, honors Alex’s Burmese heritage through her mother’s side. This naming choice reflects the family’s commitment to maintaining their multicultural identity across generations.
The brothers grow up in Washington, D.C., in a home that prioritizes education, cultural awareness, and social responsibility. Their parents create an environment where questions are encouraged, diverse perspectives are valued, and learning extends beyond school.
Sam occasionally shares photos of the boys on Instagram, though always carefully. You might see them cooking together or enjoying outdoor activities, but never in ways that compromise their privacy or safety.
The family dynamics reflect both parents’ values. Alex brings her journalistic curiosity and analytical thinking. Sam brings his culinary expertise and health consciousness. Together, they create a household where both mind and body receive attention.
Family meals are important. Sam cooks regularly, involving the boys in meal preparation. These moments teach Cy about nutrition, cooking techniques, and the importance of sitting down together—no screens, just conversation.
People Also Love to Read This: Ka Ho Cho: The Untold Story of Resilience, Love, and Legal Battles After Redd Foxx’s Death
Cultural Heritage and Identity
Cy Kass grows up with an incredibly diverse cultural background. His heritage includes Burmese, German, Irish, Luxembourgish, and Jewish ancestry—a blend that gives him multiple lenses for viewing the world.
From his maternal grandmother, he inherits Burmese heritage. Tin Swe Thant’s journey from Myanmar to America adds richness to family stories and traditions. Alex has written about exploring her mother’s homeland, understanding that history, and processing what it means to be half-Asian in America.
His maternal grandfather’s German, Irish, and Luxembourgish roots connect him to European heritage. Carl Wagner’s career as a Democratic political consultant also exposed the family to American political culture at its highest levels.
From his father’s side, Cy inherits Jewish heritage. This religious and cultural identity adds another dimension to his upbringing, with different traditions, holidays, and historical perspectives.
This multicultural background isn’t just theoretical for Cy—it’s lived daily. His parents actively teach him about different cultures, encourage him to ask questions about identity, and help him appreciate the complexity of his heritage.
Alex has been particularly thoughtful about this. Her book “FutureFace” explores mixed-race identity and what it means to belong. These are conversations she’s having with Cy as he grows up, helping him understand his place in a diverse America.
Privacy and Growing Up Normal
The most remarkable thing about Cy Kass isn’t what we know—it’s what we don’t. His parents have successfully shielded him from excessive media attention.
You won’t find Cy’s face plastered across tabloids. There are no reality shows following the family. Alex and Sam made a conscious choice: their careers can be public, but their children’s lives won’t be.
This approach protects Cy from several risks. Excessive media attention affects child development. Growing up in the spotlight creates pressure, unrealistic expectations, and potential safety concerns. By keeping Cy private, his parents give him the freedom to develop his own identity.
Alex rarely discusses her children in interviews. When she does, she speaks generally about parenting or how motherhood changed her perspective—not about specific details of Cy’s life, personality, or activities.
Sam takes a similar approach on social media. He might share a photo of cooking with the boys from behind, or a family activity where faces aren’t visible. These glimpses show family life without exploiting it.
This privacy allows Cy to make mistakes, develop interests, and change his mind without public scrutiny. He can be goofy, try activities and quit them, have bad days—all the normal parts of childhood that shouldn’t become public fodder.
His school friends probably know him as Cy, not as “the MSNBC host’s son” or “the former White House chef’s kid.” That normalcy is precious and increasingly rare for children of public figures.
Education and Values
Education sits at the center of Cy’s upbringing. Both parents value learning, critical thinking, and intellectual curiosity.
He attends a private school in Washington, D.C., though the specific institution remains private. His education likely includes traditional academics plus exposure to arts, athletics, and community service.
Beyond formal schooling, his home provides constant educational opportunities. Conversations about current events, politics, health policy, and cultural issues happen naturally. Alex brings her journalist’s perspective—questioning sources, seeking truth, understanding multiple viewpoints.
Sam adds hands-on learning through cooking. Cy learns math through measuring ingredients. He understands science through watching chemical reactions in food preparation. He grasps geography by learning where different ingredients originate.
The values his parents emphasize include:
- Curiosity: Asking questions, seeking answers, never stopping learning
- Empathy: Understanding different perspectives, caring about others
- Service: Using skills and privileges to help others
- Health: Taking care of body and mind through nutrition and exercise
- Diversity: Appreciating different cultures, backgrounds, and experiences
His parents don’t just talk about these values—they model them. Alex’s journalism serves the public by providing information. Sam’s work improves public health through better food policy. Cy sees his parents living their values daily.
What’s Life Like for Cy Kass?
Cy’s daily life probably looks more normal than you’d expect. He wakes up, gets ready for school, eats breakfast (likely something nutritious Sam prepared), and heads to class.
School includes typical subjects—reading, math, science, social studies. He probably participates in activities like sports, music, or art. He has friends, playdates, and birthday parties like any other kid.
Home life includes homework, family dinners, and downtime. His parents limit screen time, encouraging outdoor play, reading, and creative activities instead.
Weekends might include trips to museums, parks, or farmers markets. Sam likely takes the boys to see where food comes from—visiting farms, meeting producers, understanding the journey from field to table.
Family vacations remain private, but probably include educational elements. Alex’s journalistic background means travel becomes learning—experiencing different cultures, trying new foods, understanding history.
His mother’s career means some unusual moments. Alex occasionally works evenings for her prime-time show. She might prepare for interviews with major political figures or travel for breaking news. Cy learns flexibility and resilience.
His father’s entrepreneurial schedule offers different exposure. Sam meets with food startups, advises on nutrition policy, and works on sustainable agriculture projects. Cy sees entrepreneurship in action—problem-solving, taking risks, building something meaningful.
Family Wealth and Financial Stability
Discussing Cy’s net worth makes no sense—he’s 8 years old and hasn’t started a career. But his family’s financial stability matters for understanding his opportunities and upbringing.
Sam Kass’s estimated net worth ranges between $3-10 million. His income comes from multiple sources:
- Consulting fees for nutrition policy work
- Returns from venture capital investments in food companies
- Media appearances and commentary
- Speaking engagements about food policy and health
Alex Wagner’s estimated net worth sits between $3-5 million. Her income includes:
- MSNBC salary for hosting her prime-time show
- Book royalties from “FutureFace”
- Previous earnings from CBS News and other journalism work
- Contributing editor fees from The Atlantic
Combined, the family lives comfortably in one of America’s most expensive cities. They can afford excellent schools, healthcare, travel, and opportunities for their children.
But wealth doesn’t define their values. Both parents came from middle-class backgrounds and built their success through education and hard work. They’re teaching Cy similar values—money provides security and opportunity, but character matters more.
Their financial success allows them to focus on meaningful work rather than just earning money. Alex can pursue important stories. Sam can invest in food companies that improve public health. This freedom to follow their values provides powerful lessons for Cy.
Public Appearances and Media Mentions
Cy Kass has made very few public appearances. His parents occasionally bring him to family-friendly events, but these remain rare.
When media mentions Cy, it’s usually in context of his parents’ careers. Articles about Alex often note she’s “a mother of two.” Profiles of Sam mention his sons but rarely provide details.
The most public moment came when Sam announced Cy’s birth on social media in 2017. Even then, details remained minimal—just the arrival announcement and birth weight.
Alex has discussed motherhood in general terms during interviews. She’s talked about how having children changed her priorities, made political issues more personal, and required better work-life balance. But she doesn’t share specific stories about Cy.
This careful approach to public life teaches Cy important lessons about boundaries. He learns that you can have public careers while maintaining private personal lives. You can share some things while protecting others. Public service doesn’t require sacrificing your family’s privacy.
The Impact of His Parents’ Careers
Growing up as Cy Kass comes with unique advantages and challenges. His parents’ careers shape his worldview in ways most kids never experience.
From Alex’s journalism, he learns:
- The importance of asking questions and seeking truth
- How media shapes public opinion and democracy
- The responsibility that comes with a platform
- Critical thinking about sources and information
- Understanding complex political and social issues
From Sam’s food work, he learns:
- Where food comes from and how it affects health
- The connection between policy and everyday life
- How individuals can influence large systems
- The importance of sustainability and environmental care
- Entrepreneurship and creating positive change
But there are challenges too. His mother works evenings for her prime-time show, meaning less traditional family dinner time. Breaking news doesn’t respect schedules—Alex might need to work weekends or travel suddenly.
Sam’s entrepreneurial life brings different challenges. Starting companies means financial risk, uncertainty, and demanding schedules. But it also shows Cy how to build something meaningful from an idea.
The biggest advantage? Cy grows up seeing that work can be purposeful. His parents don’t just have jobs—they have callings. Alex informs democracy. Sam improves public health. This demonstrates that careers can make positive impacts beyond paychecks.
People Also Love to Read This: Abraham Quiros Villalba: The $50M Solar Empire That Started With A $2,000 Investment
What the Future Might Hold?
Predicting Cy’s future is impossible—he’s only 8 years old. But his foundation is strong.
He might follow his mother into journalism or media. Growing up around political conversations and news analysis could spark interest in storytelling, investigation, or political commentary.
He could pursue his father’s passions—culinary arts, nutrition policy, or sustainable agriculture. Learning to cook from a White House chef provides skills most people never develop. Understanding food systems from childhood could inspire entrepreneurship.
Or he might choose something completely different. Maybe he’ll become a teacher, doctor, engineer, artist, or athlete. His parents’ success in their chosen fields shows him that passion plus dedication leads to fulfillment—regardless of the specific career.
What’s certain is this: Cy is being prepared to think critically, act ethically, and contribute meaningfully. His multicultural heritage gives him multiple perspectives. His parents’ values emphasize service over self. His education prioritizes learning over grades.
The world needs more people raised like Cy Kass—with privilege, yes, but also with responsibility. With opportunities, but also with empathy. With excellent education, but also with humility.
Lesser-Known Facts About Cy Kass
- Presidential Wedding Guest: Barack and Michelle Obama attended his parents’ wedding in 2014, three years before Cy was born.
- Name Meaning: His full name “Cyrus” has Persian origins meaning “sun” or “throne”—a powerful name for a powerful heritage.
- Multicultural Identity: He’s one-quarter Burmese through his maternal grandmother, making him part of a small but growing mixed-race population in America.
- Chef’s Son: He’s learning to cook from someone who literally cooked for the President of the United States—that’s better than any cooking class.
- Political Connections: Through his parents, he’s been around some of America’s most influential political figures, though his parents keep these interactions private.
- Media Exposure: Despite his mother being on television five nights a week, Cy himself has never given an interview or appeared on camera deliberately.
- Farm-to-Table Kid: He probably knows more about sustainable agriculture and where food comes from than most adults, thanks to his father’s work.
- Brother’s Name: His brother Rafael’s middle name “Thiha” is Burmese, meaning “genuine” or “real.”
Final Thoughts
Cy Kass represents something increasingly rare—a celebrity child living a remarkably normal life. His parents have chosen privacy over publicity, childhood over content, and values over vanity.
He’s growing up with incredible advantages—brilliant parents, financial security, access to education, exposure to diverse cultures and ideas. But his parents are ensuring these advantages don’t become entitlements.
Alex Wagner and Sam Kass are raising their son to understand that privilege comes with responsibility. That platforms should serve purposes beyond self-promotion. That success means contributing, not just consuming.
Cy’s story matters because it shows an alternative to the typical celebrity kid narrative. You don’t have to post every moment. You don’t need to brand your children. You can have public careers while protecting private lives.
In 10 or 20 years, we might hear Cy’s name again. Maybe he’ll choose public life like his mother. Maybe he’ll work behind the scenes like his father increasingly does. Or maybe he’ll forge a completely different path.
Whatever he chooses, he’ll do it with a foundation most people would envy—not just wealth or connections, but values, education, cultural awareness, and parents who prioritize his wellbeing over their publicity.
That’s the real story of Cy Kass—not who he is now, but who he’s being prepared to become.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cy Kass
1. Who are Cy Kass’s parents and what do they do?
Cy Kass is the son of Alex Wagner and Sam Kass. Alex Wagner is a prominent MSNBC journalist who hosts “Alex Wagner Tonight,” a prime-time political commentary show. She previously worked for CBS News and The Atlantic. Sam Kass is a trained chef who served as the personal chef to the Obama family and later became Senior Policy Advisor for Nutrition Policy in the White House. He now works as a food entrepreneur and venture capitalist focused on sustainable food systems.
2. When was Cy Kass born and how old is he now?
Cy Kass was born on July 22, 2017, making him 8 years old as of 2025. He was born weighing 7 pounds, a detail his father Sam Kass shared shortly after his birth. He is the first child of Alex Wagner and Sam Kass, and his younger brother Rafael was born in April 2019.
3. Does Cy Kass have social media or make public appearances?
No, Cy Kass does not have any social media accounts. His parents have made a conscious decision to protect his privacy and keep him out of the public spotlight despite their own high-profile careers. While Sam Kass occasionally shares family photos on his Instagram account, he’s careful never to compromise his children’s privacy or safety. Cy has made virtually no public appearances and his parents rarely discuss specific details about him in interviews.
4. What is Cy Kass’s cultural and ethnic background?
Cy Kass has a remarkably diverse heritage. From his mother’s side, he is part Burmese (through his maternal grandmother who immigrated from Myanmar), German, Irish, and Luxembourgish. From his father’s side, he has Jewish ancestry. This multicultural background gives Cy multiple cultural perspectives and connections. His parents actively teach him about his various heritages and the importance of understanding diverse cultures and identities.
5. Where does Cy Kass live and what’s his family’s financial situation?
Cy Kass lives in Washington, D.C. with his parents and younger brother Rafael. While Cy himself has no net worth as a child, his family is financially secure. His father Sam Kass has an estimated net worth of $3-10 million from his White House work, entrepreneurial ventures, and investments in sustainable food companies. His mother Alex Wagner has an estimated net worth of $3-5 million from her journalism career and book royalties. The family’s financial stability allows them to provide excellent education and opportunities while instilling values of service and responsibility.
