Lou Canellis Biography 2026: Age, Height, Net Worth and Family

Lou Canellis: Hello Readers, Ever tuned into a Bears game and heard that passionate voice breaking down every play? That’s Lou Canellis, Chicago’s own sports broadcasting legend who’s been lighting up screens for decades. Born on February 18, 1964, in Oak Lawn, Illinois, this South Side hero turned 62 years old in 2026, anchoring FOX 32 News at 5 p.m. and 9 p.m. while owning Bears coverage like no one else. With his sharp insights, real estate smarts from hosting Making Money in Real Estate, and six Emmy wins, Lou blends sports passion with community heart.

A proud Loyola University grad standing about 5 feet 10 inches tall with a solid, approachable build, Lou reps Chicago teams fiercely—Bulls championships, Bears pregames, even Olympics. Married to Monica Canellis since 2005, they welcomed daughter Gia via surrogacy, sharing that joyful story publicly. His net worth around $1 million comes from anchoring, radio gigs, and his Greek restaurant Avli Taverna. Lou’s not just a voice; he’s family to fans. Let’s unpack his incredible journey!

Lou Canellis Wiki / Bio 

Lou Canellis is his full, real name—no stage tricks needed for this authentic Chicago voice. From high school baseball fields to FOX studios, he’s always been Lou, building trust with fans who know exactly who’s calling the game. Simple, strong, and South Side stamped.

Everyone calls him Lou Canellis, whether cheering Bulls dynasties or Bears comebacks. It’s on Emmy plaques, restaurant signs, and family photos alike. No aliases; just a name that echoes through Chicago living rooms nightly. This straightforward identity mirrors his no-nonsense reporting style perfectly.

Lou Canellis Early Life and Education

Lou Canellis grew up in Oak Lawn, Illinois, swinging bats on local diamonds and dreaming of sports glory. South Side energy fueled his love for Chicago teams, turning Little League games into broadcast rehearsals with friends. Oak Lawn’s tight-knit vibe shaped his community-first mindset early.

He starred at Oak Lawn High School, graduating in 1982 with baseball skills and broadcast hunger. Loyola University Chicago called next, earning his degree in 1987 while jumping into radio at WLUW. Reporting Loyola hoops honed his voice, blending sports passion with journalism chops right out the gate.

Lou Canellis Parents and Siblings

Lou Canellis honors his parents quietly, crediting their South Side roots for his grit. No spotlights on them—they preferred cheering from stands over cameras. Oak Lawn upbringing taught loyalty and hard work that define his career today.

Siblings share those family barbecues and Bears watch parties, staying off public radar. Lou mentions sibling rivalries over Cubs vs. Sox debates fondly. This private family core keeps him grounded amid studio lights. Their support turned boyhood dreams into Emmy gold.

Lou Canellis Husband and Boyfriend

Lou Canellis enjoys a happy marriage with wife Monica Canellis, tying the knot in 2005 at Chicago’s Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral. No husband or boyfriend talk here—just solid partnership after meeting when she managed bands like Collective Soul in Atlanta. Their story inspires with real love.

Monica brought music world flair to Lou’s sports life, blending worlds beautifully. They navigated surrogacy for daughter Gia, sharing openly to help others. No drama, just decades of teamwork. Romance keeps private but shines through family posts.

Lou Canellis Age, Weight, Height, and Physical Appearance

At 62 years young in 2026, Lou Canellis stands 5 feet 10 inches (1.78 m) with a sturdy 180 pounds (82 kg) build from years of staying active. Salt-and-pepper hair, warm smile, and sharp eyes scream trusted anchor. Suits fit perfectly for studio polish.

He maintains fitness through golf rounds and Chicago walks, radiating energy on air. Classic South Sider look—approachable, authoritative, always ready with a stat or story. Appearance reflects decades of dedication, comfortable in anchor desk or sidelines.

Lou Canellis Before Fame

Pre-fame Lou Canellis hustled as Oak Lawn baseball star, eyeing college ball away from home. Broadcasting bug bit at Loyola, reporting sports on college radio while studying. No big breaks yet—just passion plays calling local games.

He edited radio at Public Interest Affiliates post-grad, cutting Bulls highlights. Chicago kept him rooted, turning side gigs into steady climbs. Hard work without shortcuts built skills fans trust today. Those early mics prepared him for Jordan interviews perfectly.

Lou Canellis Career

Lou Canellis launched at radio desks, rising to FOX 32 sports anchor for 18 years strong. Covers Bears pre/postgame on FOX, Comcast SportsNet—Bears Recap, Blitz daily. Six Emmy Awards honor Bulls 90s dynasty coverage, interviewing Michael Jordan post-championships.

Expanded to Olympics, Super Bowls, World Series via ESPN Radio, ABC 7’s 190 North. Hosts Making Money in Real Estate, blending sports with savvy. Owns Avli Taverna, upscale Greek spot in Lincoln Park. Career pinnacle: Chicago teams’ voice through eras.

Lou Canellis Social Media Presence

Lou Canellis connects via Instagram, sharing family moments, Bears hot takes, restaurant peeks. FOX 32 amplifies his reach to millions nightly. Posts mix professional clips with personal joys like Gia’s milestones.

Engagement thrives on game reactions, charity shouts. No massive TikTok push—focus stays quality over quantity. Followers love authentic glimpses behind the desk. Social keeps Chicago pulse strong, bridging studio to streets seamlessly.

Lou Canellis Net Worth and Achievements

Net worth around $1 million USD flows from FOX 32 anchoring ($81K+ salary), radio spots, real estate show, Avli Taverna success. Smart investments grow steadily without flash.

Achievements shine: 6 Emmy Awards, Bulls championship coverage, Bears TV dominance, Olympics broadcasts. Board service at Ronald McDonald House, Cancer Society ambassadorship. Philanthropy emceeing fundraisers cements legacy beyond scores.

Lou Canellis Legacy and Impact

Lou Canellis cements as Chicago sports voice, guiding fans through Bulls glory, Bears hopes. Never left hometown—loyalty inspires young broadcasters. Emmys and charity work show full impact.

He mentors via airwaves, hyping local talent. Greek heritage via restaurant revives culture tasty. Legacy: trusted guide for generations of Windy City fans. Influence endures in every touchdown call.

Lou Canellis Nationality and Religion

American born, Oak Lawn, Illinois roots make Lou Canellis pure Chicagoan of Greek descent. Greek Orthodox faith ties to 2005 wedding at Annunciation Cathedral. Family values shine through.

Nationality fuels local team passion—Bears, Bulls forever. Religion stays personal, guiding charity heart. Heritage blends in Avli’s menu, celebrating roots proudly without preaching.

Lou Canellis Future Plan and Goals

Lou Canellis eyes more Bears coverage, expanding Avli Taverna locations. Mentoring young journalists tops lists, perhaps teaching gigs at Loyola. Family adventures with Monica and Gia come first.

Goals include deeper philanthropy, writing sports memoirs. Restaurant empire grows with fresh twists. Staying Chicago-based forever, evolving with teams. Drive keeps him anchored and ambitious.

Hobbies

• Golfing Chicago courses with buddies

• Cooking Greek dishes family recipes

• Watching MLB Sox and Cubs alike

• Fishing Lake Michigan trips

• Charity events emcee fundraisers

• Traveling Greece heritage roots

• Home projects with Monica

• Basketball analysis Bulls nostalgia

• Wine tasting pairing Avli meals

• Family hikes parks with Gia

• Reading sports bios legends’ tales

Favorite Things

• Clothing brands: Comfortable suits, casual polos

• Food: Greek classics like lamb souvlaki

• Activities: Bears tailgates, golf outings

• Books: Chicago sports histories

• Colors: Bears navy blue, Bulls red

• Movies: Hoosiers, Remember the Titans

• Music: Classic rock, Greek folk

• Teams: Bears, Bulls, White Sox

• Drinks: Greek coffee strong

Interesting Facts

• Interviewed Michael Jordan after every Bulls championship

• Owns Avli Taverna—Lincoln Park Greek hit

• Six Emmy Awards for broadcasting excellence

• Met wife Monica via Atlanta music scene

• Daughter Gia born via surrogacy journey

• Loyola radio days called college hoops

• Covered Super Bowls, Olympics, World Series

• Oak Lawn High baseball standout

• Cancer Society Real Men Wear Pink Ambassador

• Ronald McDonald House board member

• Never left Chicago for career

• Hosts real estate show expert

FAQs

How old is Lou Canellis?
62 years old, born February 18, 1964.

Where is Lou Canellis from?
Oak Lawn, Illinois, South Side Chicago area.

What does Lou Canellis do?
Sports anchor at FOX 32, Bears host, real estate show.

Lou Canellis wife?
Monica Canellis, married 2005.

Lou Canellis height?
About 5 feet 10 inches (1.78 m).

Lou Canellis net worth?
Around $1 million USD.

Does Lou Canellis have kids?
Yes, daughter Gia via surrogacy.

Emmy Awards for Lou Canellis?
Six for sports broadcasting.

Lou Canellis education?
Oak Lawn High School, Loyola University 1987.

What restaurant owns Lou Canellis?
Avli Taverna in Lincoln Park.

Lou Canellis salary?
Around $81,000 annually at FOX.

Bears coverage by Lou Canellis?
Pregame, halftime, postgame on FOX.

Greek heritage Lou Canellis?
Yes, owns Greek restaurant, Orthodox wedding.

Conclusion

Lou Canellis stands tall as Chicago’s sports heartbeat, delivering Bears passion and Bulls memories from Oak Lawn roots to FOX 32 stardom at 62. Six Emmys, Avli Taverna success, and family joys with Monica and Gia paint a life of grit, heart, and community. Never fleeing hometown, he covered Jordan’s dynasty, Olympics thrills, turning mics into magic for generations. Philanthropy via Ronald McDonald, Cancer Society shows depth beyond scores. Hobbies like golf and Greek cooking recharge him for nightly anchors. Legacy? Trusted voice guiding Windy City fans through triumphs, heartbreaks. Future holds restaurant growth, mentorship, more family tales. South Side pride personified—Lou’s story reminds us local legends shine brightest. Thanks for reading this tribute to Chicago’s own!