A pioneering TV news anchor and actor, known for his charismatic on-air personality and iconic mustache, who brought journalism to the forefront of American entertainment.
Roger Grimsby was a renowned American journalist, television news anchor, and actor, best known for being one of the pioneers of local television broadcast news. For eighteen years, he was a household name on ABC's flagship station WABC in New York City, leaving an indelible mark on the world of journalism.
Roger Grimsby was born on September 23, 1928, in Butte, Montana, and raised in Duluth, Minnesota, by a Lutheran minister. After graduating from Denfeld High School in 1946, he attended St. Olaf College in Northfield, Minnesota, before studying history at Columbia University in New York. Grimsby's military service in the U.S. Army, where he was stationed in Germany and served in the Korean War, sparked his interest in news broadcasting.
Grimsby's anchoring career began in 1954 as an announcer for WEBC radio in Duluth, Minnesota. He transitioned to television, working as a correspondent and news director at various stations around Minnesota and Wisconsin, including WEAU-TV Eau Claire, WISC-TV Madison, and WXIX-TV (now WVTV) Milwaukee. In 1959, he moved to KMOV in St. Louis, before becoming the anchor and news director at ABC-owned KGO-TV in San Francisco in 1961.
In 1968, Grimsby was brought to WABC-TV in New York City, where he started as anchor of WABC's 11:00 p.m. news broadcast, "Roger Grimsby and the Noisemakers." Just two days later, he was thrust into the national spotlight as anchor of ABC's coverage of the assassination of Robert F. Kennedy. In April 1969, WABC dropped John Schubeck from the anchor slot on their 6:00 p.m. broadcast, replacing him with Grimsby, who continued to anchor the 11:00 p.m. slot as well.
Grimsby's co-anchors included Tom Dunn, who was later replaced by Bill Beutel in September 1970. Beutel would become the man most closely identified with Grimsby, and together they formed a dynamic duo that dominated the New York City news scene for years. Grimsby's legacy as a pioneering journalist and TV news anchor continues to inspire future generations of journalists.
Grimsby received several awards and honors for his work, including multiple Emmy Awards and a prestigious Alfred I. duPont-Columbia University Award for excellence in broadcast journalism.
Roger Grimsby passed away on June 23, 1995, but his contributions to the world of journalism continue to be felt. His dedication to telling the stories that mattered, and his pioneering spirit in local television broadcast news, have left an indelible mark on the industry.
Roger Grimsby's legacy serves as a testament to the power of dedicated journalism and the impact it can have on local communities. His pioneering spirit and commitment to excellence continue to inspire journalists and news anchors around the world.
Born in 1916
Legendary news anchor and voice of authority, known for delivering trusted and unbiased reporting during pivotal moments in American history, including the Apollo 11 moon landing.
Born in 1908
Pioneering broadcast journalist who exposed Senator Joseph McCarthy's communist witch hunt, setting a high standard for fearless reporting.
99 Years Old
A renowned news anchor and journalist, known for his distinctive voice and reporting on significant events, including the assassination of JFK and the Watergate scandal.
86 Years Old
A renowned journalist and author, best known for anchoring NBC Nightly News and writing "The Greatest Generation", a bestselling book about Americans who grew up during the Great Depression and World War II.
94 Years Old
A renowned news anchor who reported on significant events, including the assassination of JFK and the Watergate scandal, known for his distinctive reporting style and journalistic integrity.
87 Years Old
A renowned television journalist and anchor who reported on major global events and hosted ABC's World News Tonight for over 20 years. He's most known for his in-depth reporting and distinctive broadcasting style.
86 Years Old
A renowned broadcast journalist and anchor, best known for his in-depth reporting and anchoring of ABC's Nightline, covering significant global events and news stories.
Born in 1918
A renowned television journalist who interviewed prominent figures and uncovered hidden truths through his in-depth reporting, earning him a reputation for fearlessness and integrity.
