He’s a well-known news anchor and journalist who made a significant impact during his time at NBC. From 2003 to 2015, he served as co-anchor on Weekend Today, becoming a familiar face in households across the country. Around 2011, he took on a new role as an anchor for Dateline NBC, further solidifying his presence in broadcast journalism. Then, in 2015, he achieved a historic milestone by becoming the first African-American host of NBC Nightly News—a moment that marked both personal success and a broader shift in the industry.
Before all the spotlight, though, his journey began in a much quieter way. He actually started out as a disc jockey at a local radio station, where he first discovered his passion for on-air storytelling. That early experience laid the foundation for what would become a remarkable career.
On a personal note, he shares his life with his wife, Carol, and together they have two children. Interestingly, one of their kids followed in his footsteps and became a morning news anchor in Chicago—talk about carrying on the legacy. Throughout it all, he’s remained a respected figure in journalism, admired not just for his professionalism but also for breaking barriers and setting new standards. His story continues to inspire many who see him as a trailblazer in the field.
He worked as a correspondent for NBC News and MSNBC from 2000 to 2003. In addition, he took on the role of moderator for the first presidential debate in 2016, which featured Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton.