Jim Rosenthal is a name familiar to generations of British sports viewers. For decades, his voice and presence were synonymous with major sporting events on ITV, from World Cup finals to Grand Prix races. This article provides a clear, fact-based look at his life, career, and family, answering the most common questions about the broadcaster.
Born on 6 November 1947 in Oxford, England, Rosenthal is an English sports presenter best known for his work with ITV. He has covered eight FIFA World Cups and three Rugby World Cups. He is the father of actor and comedian Tom Rosenthal, star of Friday Night Dinner.
Key Insights
- Jim Rosenthal is best known for his long tenure as a football presenter on ITV, but he also commentated on Crufts and the Olympics.
- His son Tom Rosenthal is a well-known actor and comedian, appearing in Friday Night Dinner and The Inbetweeners Movie.
- Despite his long career, Rosenthal’s net worth is not publicly confirmed; estimates vary.
- He is still alive as of 2025 and occasionally appears on social media and speaking engagements.
- Rumors about him owning a pub are unconfirmed and not widely reported in reliable sources.
Jim Rosenthal Snapshot
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Jim Rosenthal |
| Birth Date | 6 November 1947 |
| Birth Place | Oxford, England |
| Occupation | Sports presenter, commentator, occasional actor |
| Known For | ITV football coverage, Crufts, World Cup commentating |
| Children | Tom Rosenthal (actor) |
| Alive | Yes (as of 2025) |
What Sports Has Jim Rosenthal Commentated On?
Rosenthal’s broadcasting career is remarkably wide-ranging. He is primarily associated with football, having presented ITV’s coverage of the Champions League and major tournaments. But his expertise extends across multiple sports.
Football and Major Events
Rosenthal began his career in radio and newspapers, working for the Oxford Mail and BBC Radio before joining ITV in 1980. He became one of the network’s lead football presenters. Sources confirm he has covered eight FIFA World Cups, three Rugby World Cups, and two Olympic Games. He also presented ITV’s football coverage, including Champions League programming.
Beyond Football: Crufts and Formula One
Perhaps surprisingly, Rosenthal has a long association with Crufts, the world’s largest dog show. He has provided commentary for Channel 4’s Crufts coverage since 2014. He has also covered approximately 150 Formula One races. His career included stints at BBC, ITV, Channel 5, MUTV, and Amazon. He later joined the board of Northampton Town. For more on a motorsport personality with a similarly broad career, see the profile of Sabine Schmitz – Queen of the Nürburgring and Top Gear Star.
Who Is Jim Rosenthal’s Son?
Jim Rosenthal’s son is Tom Rosenthal, a well-known comedian and actor. Tom is famous for his roles in the British sitcom Friday Night Dinner and the historical comedy Plebs. He also appeared in The Inbetweeners Movie.
Tom Rosenthal’s rising profile has brought renewed public interest in his father’s life and career. The two have occasionally been photographed together at public events.
What Is Jim Rosenthal’s Net Worth?
A reliable figure for Jim Rosenthal’s net worth is not available from the sources provided. No official disclosure or verified estimate exists in the biographical materials reviewed. Any figures circulating online from celebrity-net-worth sites should be treated as speculative.
Does Jim Rosenthal Own a Pub?
There are occasional rumors that Jim Rosenthal owns a pub, but no credible source confirms this information. It remains an unsubstantiated claim.
Key Milestones in Jim Rosenthal’s Life and Career
- 1947: Born in Oxford, England.
- 1970s–1980s: Began sports broadcasting career at BBC Radio and ITV.
- 1990s: Became lead football presenter for ITV, covered World Cups.
- 2000s: Expanded to Crufts and other events.
- 2019: Appeared in film Rise of the Footsoldier: The Heist.
- 2020s: Active on X (Twitter) and speaking engagements.
What Is Known and What Remains Unclear
| Established Information | Information That Remains Unclear |
|---|---|
| Jim Rosenthal is alive as of 2025 (confirmed via Wikipedia and recent social media posts). | Net worth figures – no official disclosure, estimates are speculative. |
| He has a son named Tom Rosenthal who is a comedian/actor. | Ownership of a pub – no credible source confirms this. |
| He commentated on multiple FIFA World Cups and Crufts. | Details of his early life beyond basic facts are sparse. |
Jim Rosenthal’s Place in British Broadcasting
Jim Rosenthal’s career spanned the golden era of ITV football coverage alongside figures like Brian Moore. His versatility extended to animal events like Crufts and Olympic coverage. His son’s popularity has increased public interest in Jim Rosenthal’s family life. Rosenthal grew up in Oxford, the son of Maud Ruth and Albrecht Gabriel “Albi” Rosenthal, a music scholar and antiquarian bookseller. He attended Josca’s Preparatory School and Magdalen College School.
For more on figures within motorsport and television, you might also be interested in the Jodie Kidd – Height, Sister, Top Gear and Current Life article.
Sources and Credibility
“Jim Rosenthal is an English sports presenter and commentator born on 6 November 1947 in Oxford, Oxfordshire.”
— Jim Rosenthal on Wikipedia
“He has provided commentary for Channel 4’s Crufts coverage since 2014.”
— Jim Rosenthal on IMDB
“Jim Rosenthal is a lifelong supporter of Oxford United FC.”
What Next for Jim Rosenthal?
Jim Rosenthal is likely to continue occasional public appearances and speaking engagements. His son Tom’s rising profile may bring renewed media interest. No major new TV projects are announced. You can follow his updates on his X (Twitter) profile or view his speaker profile for booking information.
Frequently Asked Questions About Jim Rosenthal
How old is Jim Rosenthal?
Born 6 November 1947, he is 77 years old as of 2025.
Is Jim Rosenthal related to Tom Rosenthal?
Yes, Tom Rosenthal is his son.
What football events has Jim Rosenthal covered?
He covered eight FIFA World Cups and three Rugby World Cups for ITV.
Did Jim Rosenthal act?
He had a minor role in the 2019 film Rise of the Footsoldier: The Heist.
Has Jim Rosenthal commentated on Crufts?
Yes, he has provided commentary for Channel 4’s Crufts coverage since 2014.
Did Jim Rosenthal work for the BBC?
Yes, his early career included work at BBC Radio before joining ITV.
What is Jim Rosenthal known for on ITV?
He was a lead football presenter, covering Champions League and World Cup matches.
Daniel Mercer is Business & Economy Correspondent at RegionalReport.co.uk, covering regional business news, local economy, employment, retail and property.