Tom Griswold

Tom Griswold, born Thomas Bruce Griswold on April 22, 1953, in Indianapolis, Indiana, began his journey into entertainment with a passion for performance that emerged during his formative years. Raised in the heart of the Midwest, he attended North Central High School in Indianapolis, where he developed an early interest in comedy and radio. His first foray into broadcasting came while still in high school when he hosted a local talk show, laying the foundation for a career built on wit, timing, and a deep connection with listeners. Griswold’s professional ascent accelerated after college, where he studied at Ball State University—though he left before graduating to pursue opportunities in radio. He joined WIFE-AM in Indianapolis in the late 1970s, quickly gaining recognition for his sharp comedic delivery and improvisational skills. By the early 1980s, he was paired with Chick McGee, forming a dynamic duo that would become central to one of American radio’s most enduring comedy franchises. Their chemistry led to the creation of *The Bob & Tom Show*, which launched in 1983 on WFBQ (Q107) in Indianapolis. The program initially featured Bob Kevoian as co-host, but when Kevoian stepped back from daily hosting duties in 1994, Griswold and McGee solidified their partnership, eventually bringing on Kristi Lee and Josh Arnold to expand the ensemble cast. By 1995, *The Bob & Tom Show* achieved national syndication, becoming one of the top-rated morning programs across the United States. Its blend of absurd humor, pop culture commentary, and listener call-ins resonated deeply with audiences, particularly in the Midwest. The show’s success was further amplified by its consistent presence on WFBQ’s studios in Indianapolis, where it remains headquartered to this day. Over the decades, the program has won multiple Marconi Awards, including Major Market Personality of the Year honors for both Griswold and McGee, cementing their status as legends in broadcast comedy. The financial rewards of this longevity have been substantial. While exact figures for individual earnings are not publicly disclosed, industry estimates suggest that top-tier syndicated morning shows like *The Bob & Tom Show* generate hundreds of millions of dollars annually in combined revenue through advertising, sponsorships, and digital content. Griswold’s share, as a principal host and creative force, likely places him among the highest-paid radio personalities in the country, with annual income potentially exceeding $10 million at the peak of the show’s syndication era. His ability to sustain relevance over four decades—especially after Bob Kevoian’s retirement at the end of 2015—demonstrates both his adaptability and enduring appeal. Off the air, Tom Griswold maintains a private personal life. He is married to actress and comedian Susan Ruttan, whom he met in the mid-1980s; they tied the knot in 1990 and have two children. Despite his public persona, Griswold rarely discusses his family in interviews, preferring to keep that aspect of his life out of the spotlight. His commitment to his craft, combined with his grounded Midwestern roots, continues to define both his professional legacy and personal ethos.