Meet Chris Jansing’s Parents: Tilly Kapostasy and Joseph Kapostasy

Chris Jansing, a distinguished American television journalist and anchor of Chris Jansing Reports on MSNBC, has built a remarkable career in broadcast journalism.

Born Christine Ann Kapostasy-Jansing on January 30, 1957, in Fairport Harbor, Ohio, she grew up in a small town along Lake Erie known for its diverse immigrant community.

Of Slovak and Hungarian descent, her parents, Tilly and Joseph Kapostasy, raised her in a Roman Catholic household, which instilled in her strong values of faith, perseverance, and community.

As the youngest of 12 siblings, Chris experienced a lively and competitive family dynamic. Her father, Joseph Kapostasy, was a precinct committeeman with a passion for politics, while her mother, Tilly Kapostasy, managed their large household with resilience and dedication.

Chris pursued her education at Otterbein College (now Otterbein University) in Westerville, Ohio. Initially majoring in political science—an interest influenced by her father’s political engagement—she later transitioned to broadcast journalism.

She graduated in 1978 with a Bachelor of Arts degree, laying the foundation for her distinguished career in television news.

Tilly Kapostasy

Tilly Kapostasy, Chris Jansing’s mother, was a woman of resilience and cultural richness. Born to parents of Slovak descent, Tilly brought her heritage into the Kapostasy household, contributing to the family’s strong sense of identity.

As the matriarch of a large family, Tilly raised 12 children, with Chris being the youngest. Managing such a sizable household in the small town of Fairport Harbor, Ohio, required immense dedication and strength, qualities that undoubtedly left an impression on her daughter.

Growing up in a town with a significant immigrant population—many of whom were of Finnish or Hungarian descent—Tilly likely navigated the challenges of raising a family in a culturally diverse environment. Her Slovak background added a unique layer to the Kapostasy family’s identity, which Chris has proudly acknowledged in interviews.

Joseph Kapostasy

Joseph Kapostasy, Chris Jansing’s father, was a man deeply engaged in politics and civic affairs, traits that later influenced his daughter’s career. Like his wife, he came from an immigrant background with Hungarian roots.

Together, he and Tilly raised their family in Fairport Harbor, a small, close-knit community on the shores of Lake Erie, where many residents, including the Kapostasy family, had immigrant backgrounds.

Joseph’s passion for politics was a defining characteristic. Chris has shared memories of watching Cleveland City Council meetings with him, even though their family lived outside the city. His political engagement extended beyond personal interest—he served as a precinct committeeman in Fairport Harbor, demonstrating his commitment to local governance and community service.

One notable family story highlights Joseph’s dedication to political engagement. Though Chris was too young to remember it herself, she has recounted how her father took her to see President John F. Kennedy speak in Lake County, carrying her on his shoulders so she could witness the momentous event. This experience, while distant, symbolizes Joseph’s efforts to instill political awareness in his children.