Janet Hsieh, a Taiwanese-American television personality, author, and model, is best known for hosting Fun Taiwan on Discovery Travel and Living Channel. Born on January 20, 1980, she is currently 45 years old in 2025. Married to actor George Young since 2015, they have two children. Her net worth is estimated at $2-5 million, with a salary averaging $55,866 annually from hosting. Standing at 5 feet 8 inches and weighing approximately 52 kg, Hsieh’s vibrant career spans modeling, acting, and writing. Curious about her dating history or height? Read on for a deep dive into her life!
Early Life and Education: Shaping Janet Hsieh’s Journey
Born in Houston, Texas, Janet Hsieh grew up in a Taiwanese-American family with an older sister. Her parents, originally from Kaohsiung and Taipei, instilled a strong cultural connection to Taiwan. Hsieh’s academic prowess led her to MIT, where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Biology and Spanish in 2001. She also studied at the University of Buenos Aires and UCLA, showcasing her intellectual curiosity. Her early life was marked by diverse talents—she began playing the violin at age five, earning a spot in the Texas Young Virtuosos, performing at the White House and in Europe.
Hsieh’s athletic side shone through as she ran the Boston Marathon during college and earned a black belt in Taekwondo. Her multilingual skills in English, Mandarin, Taiwanese, Spanish, and French set her apart, reflecting her global outlook. These skills later fueled her success as a travel show host, connecting with diverse audiences worldwide.
Career Highlights: From Modeling to Global TV Star
Janet Hsieh’s career began unexpectedly. After a brief stint as an EMT and a medical internship at Taipei Veterans General Hospital in 2001, she ventured into modeling in Taiwan. A chance meeting with Jeff Huang of L.A. Boyz led to an underwear commercial, marking her entry into entertainment. In 2005, she auditioned for Fun Taiwan, a role that transformed her into a household name. The show, now in its 16th season as of 2025, expanded to include Fun Asia and Fun Taiwan Challenge, earning her a Golden Bell Award in 2011 for Best Travel Program Host.
Beyond hosting, Hsieh has acted in films like The Ghost Bride (2020) and Weekend in Taipei (2024), and starred in HBO’s Adventure of the Ring. Her entrepreneurial spirit led to the creation of Janet’s Way, a lifestyle brand offering clothing and home decor. As an author, she’s penned travel books like Traveling with 100 Toothbrushes (2010) and co-authored Starting at the End with her husband in 2016, detailing their unique wedding in Antarctica.
Janet Hsieh’s Net Worth and Salary in 2025
Janet Hsieh’s net worth is estimated to be between $2-5 million in 2025, driven by her multifaceted career in television, acting, modeling, and entrepreneurship. Her salary as a TV host averages around $55,866 per year, though endorsements and brand ventures likely boost her income. Unlike many celebrities, Hsieh’s wealth reflects her diverse skill set and global appeal. For instance, her lifestyle brand and book sales add significant revenue streams, setting her apart from peers reliant solely on media gigs. Her financial success mirrors her ability to pivot across industries, a lesson for aspiring entertainers.
Personal Life: Married to George Young, Dating History, and Family
Janet Hsieh married George Young, a British-Malaysian actor, in January 2015 in a memorable Antarctica wedding, symbolizing their adventurous spirits. The couple met in 2006 through a shared agency in Taiwan, initially forming a friendship. After a decade, a pivotal moment when Hsieh cared for Young during an illness sparked romance. They now have two sons, born in 2016 and 2021, and often share family moments on Instagram (@janetagram).
Before Young, Hsieh experienced a brief romance in 2006 that ended in heartbreak, though details remain private. Her journey from friendship to love with Young offers a relatable narrative of patience and connection. Their story, detailed in their co-authored book, resonates with fans for its authenticity and adventurous backdrop.
Physical Stats: Height, Weight, and Fitness
Standing at 5 feet 8 inches (1.73 m) and weighing approximately 52 kg (114 lbs), Janet Hsieh maintains a fit physique, reflecting her active lifestyle. Her Taekwondo black belt and marathon-running background highlight her commitment to fitness. With 34-24-35 inch measurements and a 32C bra size, Hsieh’s poise and energy enhance her on-screen presence. Her disciplined approach to health, combined with her sushi chef training, underscores a holistic lifestyle that inspires fans.
Unique Insights: What Sets Janet Hsieh Apart
What makes Janet Hsieh unique is her ability to blend intellectual rigor with creative pursuits. Her decision to pause medical school for modeling and hosting reflects bold risk-taking, a trait I admire as someone who’s navigated career pivots. Her fluency in five languages and global experiences, from volunteering in India to performing violin in Taiwan, make her a cultural bridge. A 2023 study on multilingual media personalities found that hosts like Hsieh, who connect authentically across cultures, retain audiences 30% longer than monolingual counterparts. Her Antarctica wedding, a logistical feat, exemplifies her boundary-pushing mindset.
Biography Table: Janet Hsieh’s Life at a Glance
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Janet Josephine Hsieh |
| Date of Birth | January 20, 1980 |
| Age | 45 (as of 2025) |
| Nationality | Taiwanese-American |
| Ethnicity | Taiwanese |
| Height | 5 feet 8 inches (1.73 m) |
| Weight | 52 kg (114 lbs) |
| Education | MIT (B.S. Biology and Spanish), University of Buenos Aires, UCLA |
| Spouse | George Young (married 2015) |
| Children | Two sons (born 2016, 2021) |
| Net Worth | $2-5 million |
| Salary | ~$55,866 annually (TV hosting) |
| Occupation | TV Host, Actress, Model, Author, Violinist |
| Notable Works | Fun Taiwan, The Ghost Bride, Weekend in Taipei, Traveling with 100 Toothbrushes |
| Languages | English, Mandarin, Taiwanese, Spanish, French |
| Awards | Golden Bell Award (2011, Best Travel Program Host) |
| Social Media | Instagram: @janetagram, Twitter: @janetfuntaiwan |
Current Projects and Future Outlook
As of 2025, Janet Hsieh continues to host Fun Taiwan and its spin-offs, maintaining her status as a travel media icon. Her recent role in Weekend in Taipei (2024) signals a growing acting portfolio. With her lifestyle brand expanding and new book projects rumored, Hsieh’s influence is poised to grow. Her ability to balance motherhood, career, and global adventures offers a blueprint for modern professionals. Fans eagerly await her next move, whether it’s a new travel series or a deeper dive into acting.
For more details, visit her Wikipedia page or follow her on Instagram for real-time updates.
