The Surprising Truth: Is Robert Reich Married? A Deep Dive Into The Former Labor Secretary's Private Life And Two Wives
One of the most recognizable voices in American political and economic commentary, Robert Reich, maintains a highly public professional life while keeping his personal affairs relatively private, leading many to ask: Is he currently married? As of December 2025, the answer is a definitive yes, though the details of his personal life involve a significant change that took place over a decade ago. The former U.S. Secretary of Labor, renowned for his sharp analysis of economic inequality and the "rigged system," has a family history rooted in long-term commitment, first with his academic ex-wife and now with his current partner, a creative professional.
The public interest in Reich’s personal life stems from his prominent role in three presidential administrations—both Republican and Democrat—and his prolific career as an author and professor. He continues to be a major force in public discourse, making his current personal status a topic of ongoing curiosity for his millions of followers and readers.
Robert Reich: A Comprehensive Biography and Profile
Robert Bernard Reich is an American economist, professor, author, lawyer, and political commentator whose career has spanned academia, government, and media. He is best known for his tenure as the 22nd U.S. Secretary of Labor under President Bill Clinton. His distinct stature is due to a rare genetic disorder, multiple epiphyseal dysplasia (Fairbank's disease), which he has often addressed in the context of his life and work.
- Full Name: Robert Bernard Reich
- Date of Birth: June 24, 1946
- Place of Birth: Scranton, Pennsylvania, U.S.
- Current Age (as of Dec 2025): 79 years old
- Education:
- Dartmouth College (B.A., 1968)
- Oxford University (Rhodes Scholar, 1970)
- Yale Law School (J.D., 1973)
- Career Highlights:
- U.S. Secretary of Labor (1993–1997)
- Served in the administrations of Presidents Gerald Ford, Jimmy Carter, and Bill Clinton.
- Emeritus Carmel P. Friesen Professor of Public Policy at the Goldman School of Public Policy, UC Berkeley.
- Former Lecturer at the Harvard University John F. Kennedy School of Government.
- Author of 18 books, including bestsellers like The Work of Nations, Aftershock, and The System: Who Rigged It, How We Fix It.
- Co-founder and national editor of The American Prospect.
- Children: Two sons, Adam Reich and Sam Reich (from his first marriage).
- Physical Condition: Multiple epiphyseal dysplasia (Fairbank's disease).
The First Chapter: Marriage to Academic Clare Dalton
Robert Reich’s first marriage was a long-standing union with British-born lawyer and academic Clare Dalton. The two met and married early in their careers.
A Union of Law and Policy
The couple married in Cambridge, England, in 1973. Clare Dalton is an accomplished legal scholar in her own right, with a focus on issues of social justice, including racial equality and economic justice. She taught at Harvard Law School from 1981 to 1988 and is known for her work on domestic violence and feminist legal theory.
During their nearly four-decade-long marriage, they raised two sons, Sam and Adam. Sam Reich has gone on to become a notable figure in the comedy world, serving as the CEO of the popular comedy channel CollegeHumor.
The marriage lasted for 39 years, a period that covered Reich's most high-profile government service during the Clinton administration and his transition back into academia and authorship. However, the couple ultimately divorced in 2012.
The Current Marital Status: Robert Reich and Perian Flaherty
Following his divorce, Robert Reich found a new life partner. The most up-to-date information confirms that Robert Reich is currently married to, or in a long-term committed partnership with, Perian Flaherty.
Who is Perian Flaherty?
Perian Flaherty is a professional photographer. While she is less prominent in the political spotlight than Reich, her work has been featured in connection with his academic and public activities for years. For example, her photographic credits have appeared in UC Berkeley publications that feature Reich's work as far back as 2004.
The relationship is publicly acknowledged in biographical notes, which state that Reich "subsequently married photographer Perian Flaherty" after his divorce from Clare Dalton. The precise date of their wedding remains a private matter, but they live together in California, maintaining residences in both Berkeley and Port Reyes.
Why Robert Reich’s Private Life Matters to His Public Work
Reich’s personal life, particularly his family and relationships, is often viewed through the lens of his professional focus: economic justice and the future of the American middle class. His two marriages connect him to different worlds—the rigorous academic and legal sphere through Clare Dalton, and the creative arts and photography world through Perian Flaherty.
A Life of Public Service and Personal Reflection
Reich’s books, such as Locked in the Cabinet, offer candid insights into the challenges of balancing a high-pressure government career with family life. His memoir, set to be released in August 2025, titled Coming Up Short: A Memoir of My America, is expected to offer further personal reflections on his life journey and relationships.
His work as a political commentator consistently addresses the impact of policies on American families, making his own family structure a subtle, yet relevant, backdrop to his advocacy. The stability of his personal life allows him to continue his prolific output, which includes his ongoing analysis of the "rigged system" and wealth concentration in the United States.
Topical Entities and LSI Keywords in Reich's Work
The depth of Robert Reich's career provides a wide range of relevant entities that contribute to his topical authority. These themes are central to his public identity and are often discussed in conjunction with his life story:
- Economic Inequality: The core theme of his work, explored in his documentary Inequality for All.
- The Work of Nations: His influential 1991 book on globalization and economic change.
- Corporate Power: His critique of how wealthy elites and corporations influence democracy.
- UC Berkeley: His long-time academic home where he holds an Emeritus Professorship.
- Secretary of Labor: His cabinet position during the Clinton administration.
- Fairbank's Disease: The rare genetic disorder that has shaped his personal perspective.
- The System: Who Rigged It, How We Fix It: His recent book detailing the concentration of power and wealth.
- Political Polarization: His frequent commentary on the divisions within American politics.
In conclusion, the answer to "Is Robert Reich married?" is clear: Yes, he is married to Perian Flaherty. While his first marriage to Clare Dalton was a foundational part of his life for nearly four decades and produced his two sons, his current relationship marks a new, less public chapter in the life of this influential public intellectual. This stability allows him to continue his vital work advocating for the common good and economic justice for all Americans.
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