Faith Salie
54 years old
Who is Faith Salie?
Faith Salie is an accomplished American journalist, television and radio host, actress, comedian, and writer. Known for her sharp wit and thoughtful commentary, she is a three-time Emmy Award-winning contributor to CBS News Sunday Morning and a beloved panelist on NPR’s Wait Wait… Don’t Tell Me!.
Salie is also a Rhodes Scholar and the author of the best-selling book Approval Junkie: Adventures in Caring Too Much, which blends humor and vulnerability to explore her journey through relationships, career, and self-discovery.
Early Life and Education
Born on April 14, 1971, in South Weymouth, Massachusetts, Faith Salie was raised in Dunwoody, Georgia. She is the youngest of three siblings, born to Robert Salie and Gail Coley Salie. Her brothers are Doug Salie and David Salie.
From a young age, Salie had a passion for performing. Her first acting experience was in a fourth-grade school play, and that spark stayed with her into adulthood. Her love for performance led her to pursue theater and acting throughout her school years.
Academic Excellence
Faith’s educational background is just as impressive as her media career:
- High School: North Springs High School (Graduated 1989)
- College: Started at Northwestern University, then transferred to Harvard University
- Graduated: Magna cum laude and Phi Beta Kappa from Harvard with a degree in History and Literature of Modern France and England
- Postgraduate: Earned an M.Phil. in Modern English Literature from Oxford University as a Rhodes Scholar
Career and Professional Achievements
Early Acting Career
Salie began her professional acting journey with small roles in film and TV, including:
- The Oldest Living Confederate Widow Tells All (alongside Diane Lane)
- Sweet Valley High
- Married… with Children
- Star Trek: Deep Space Nine (as Sarina Douglas)
She also had guest appearances on:
- Sex and the City
- Unhappily Ever After
- Bravo’s Significant Others
Transition to Hosting and Journalism
Faith soon expanded her talents into journalism and hosting:
- Hosted PRI’s Fair Game with Faith Salie in 2006
- Presented Treehugger TV for Planet Green
- Served as a panelist on BBC America’s Would You… Rather?
- Hosted Sundance Channel’s Sundance Film Festival coverage (2008–2010)
CBS and NPR Appearances
Salie became a contributor to CBS News Sunday Morning in 2009, where her commentary earned her three Daytime Emmy Awards. She is also a fan favorite on NPR’s Wait Wait… Don’t Tell Me! for her clever humor and intellect.
Author and Stage Performer
In 2016, Faith published her memoir Approval Junkie: Adventures in Caring Too Much. The book was later adapted into a one-woman stage show, which premiered at the Alliance Theatre and was well-received for its candid and comedic take on self-worth and approval-seeking.
Faith Salie’s Relationship History
Marriage and Divorce from Nick Holly
Faith Salie was first married to Nick Holly, a writer and talent manager. The couple tied the knot in 2005, but their marriage ended in divorce in 2009.
Current Husband – John Semel
In 2011, Salie married John Semel, an executive in the publishing industry. The couple shares a strong bond and is happily married.
Together, they have two children:
- A son, born in 2012
- A daughter, born in 2014
Salie often speaks about motherhood in her essays and performances, blending humor with heartfelt insights.
Awards and Recognition
- Three Daytime Emmy Awards as a CBS News Sunday Morning Contributor (2013, 2015, and another win during the show’s Outstanding Morning Program run)
- Praised for blending intellectual depth with relatable humor
- Recognized for her work in media, literature, and feminist commentary
FAQs About Faith Salie
1. Who is Faith Salie’s current husband?
She has been married to John Semel since 2011.
2. Was Faith Salie married before?
Yes, she was previously married to Nick Holly from 2005 to 2009.
3. How many children does Faith Salie have?
Faith and her husband John have two children — a son (b. 2012) and a daughter (b. 2014).
4. What is Faith Salie best known for?
She is best known for her Emmy-winning work on CBS News Sunday Morning and as a witty panelist on NPR’s Wait Wait… Don’t Tell Me!.
5. What is Faith Salie’s educational background?
She is a Harvard graduate and Rhodes Scholar, holding an M.Phil. from Oxford University.
6. What books has Faith Salie written?
Her memoir is titled Approval Junkie: Adventures in Caring Too Much.
