Andrew Breitbart was a conservative publisher, commentator for The Washington Times, author, an editor for the Drudge Report website, and a media entrepreneur who founded Breitbart and Big Government. He was married to Susannah Bean Breitbart.
Andrew Breitbart married Susannah Bean in 1997. Susannah, who also goes by Susie, kept a relatively low profile during their marriage compared to her outspoken husband. However, she was an important part of Breitbart’s life and supported him in his conservative media career until his untimely death at age 43 in 2012.
Susannah’s Background
Not much is publicly known about Susannah Bean’s background prior to marrying Breitbart. Based on limited available information, a basic profile is:
- Her nickname is Susie
- She is from a Jewish family
- Susie grew up in Memphis, Tennessee
- She moved to Los Angeles at some point as a young adult
- Susie worked in the restaurant industry in LA
Andrew and Susie met in Los Angeles in the 1990s when he was not yet a major figure in the conservative media world. Susannah maintained a low public profile even as Breitbart took on high-profile roles later in his career.
Marriage and Family Life
Andrew Breitbart and Susannah Bean were married in 1997. They went on to raise four children together:
- Samson (born in 1998)
- Mia (born in 1999)
- Will (born in 2001)
- Charlie (born in 2004)
The family lived in LA where Breitbart headquartered his growing media operations. By all accounts, Susie was a loving, supportive wife as Breitbart spent long hours building up his websites and brand.
She was often seen quietly standing by his side at public appearances and rallies where he gave fiery speeches. Susie also maintained a low profile on social media and did not give interviews about her husband’s career. She seemed happy staying behind the scenes to raise their family.
Life after Breitbart’s Death
Andrew Breitbart collapsed and died unexpectedly on March 1, 2012 at the age of 43. The Los Angeles County Coroner identified heart failure as the cause of death. Toxicology tests showed no prescription or illicit drugs in his system.
Breitbart’s untimely passing left Susie a widow at a relatively young age. She had the couple’s four children, who ranged from ages 8 to 13 at the time, to raise as a single mother. The family remained in LA where Breitbart’s media empire was headquartered.
His company Andrew Breitbart LLC retained ownership of his popular conservative websites Breitbart News and Big Government. Susie and the children were the inheritors of Breitbart’s estate and ownership stake in the company.
While Susie maintained a low profile after Andrew’s passing, his legacy and vision have lived on through Breitbart News. The site continued to push its founder’s brand of fiery right-wing journalism and commentary under the leadership of Breitbart protégé Steve Bannon.
Financial Situation
The full details of Andrew Breitbart’s net worth and financial assets at the time of his death were not publicly disclosed. However, his media properties were successful and profitable.
In addition to his Breitbart websites, he had published several books including “Righteous Indignation: Excuse Me While I Save the World” in 2011 which was a New York Times bestseller. Breitbart also had speaking engagements and made numerous national television appearances.
These assets and income streams likely left Susie and the children financially comfortable after Andrew’s passing. The family did not face serious financial challenges, at least in the short term.
Additionally, Susie inherited full or partial ownership stake in Breitbart’s media company. This gave her control over the direction of Breitbart News and other properties, even if she chose not to be publicly involved in operations.
Life Today
Today, over a decade after Andrew Breitbart’s untimely death, Susannah maintains an intentionally low public profile. She remains focused on raising her and Andrew’s four children, who are now young adults.
There is no evidence Susie plays an active role in the operations of Breitbart News or its parent company. However, she surely maintains control over her inherited equity in the valuable media property.
While Susie avoids the limelight, she no doubt works to keep Andrew’s legacy alive and pass on his values to their children. She continues to live in Southern California. Her mother Carol Bean, Andrew’s mother-in-law, is also nearby.
Susannah Bean Breitbart prefers to stay out of the public eye as she raises her family. But she played an important supporting role during Andrew’s meteoric conservative media career. Susie maintains his legacy through their children and her ownership stake in Breitbart’s media empire.
Summary of Key Facts
- Susannah “Susie” Bean grew up in Memphis, TN and worked in LA restaurants
- She married Andrew Breitbart in 1997
- They raised four children – Samson, Mia, Will and Charlie
- Susie maintained a low profile during Breitbart’s career
- She became a widow at a young age when Andrew died in 2012
- Susie inherited the Breitbart business and assets
- Today she stays out of the public eye and raises her children
Conclusion
Susannah Bean Breitbart was the wife of controversial conservative media pioneer Andrew Breitbart. She maintained a low profile and focused on raising their four children during his high-flying career.
When Andrew passed away unexpectedly in 2012, Susie inherited control of his media company Breitbart News. However, she has not taken an active public role in the business.
Susannah continues to live quietly with a focus on raising her children and protecting Andrew’s legacy. She shuns fame or attention but was an important stabilizing figure in Breitbart’s life.