Carolyn Clifford is a distinguished journalist renowned for her impactful contributions to the field of broadcast journalism. As a 22-time Emmy Award winner, she has earned recognition for her excellence in news anchoring and reporting, particularly at WXYZ-TV in Detroit, Michigan. This biography delves into her early life, education, career trajectory, community involvement, and personal life, illustrating how she has become a respected figure in journalism
Table of Contents
Who is Carolyn Clifford?
| Attribute | Details |
| Age | 54 years |
| Parents, Family | Thomas Clifford, Jr. (father) and Ellen (nee Gleason) Clifford (mother) |
| Education | Michigan State University (Broadcast Journalism) |
| Husband | Gregory F. Goss |
| First Husband | Michael Clifford |
| Kids | Airielle, James, and Brooke |
| Net Worth | $2 million and $5 million |
| Salary | $300,000 to $500,000 annually |
| Height | 5’4″ |
| Weight Loss | 60 pounds |
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Carolyn Clifford Age, Early Life and Education
Carolyn Clifford is 54 years old as of January 2025, having been born on April 18, 1970. Born and raised in Detroit, Michigan, Carolyn Clifford is the daughter of a large family, being one of ten children, which includes nearly 60 nieces and nephews. Carolyn Clifford’s father is Thomas Clifford, Jr., while her mother is Ellen (nee Gleason) Clifford.
Her upbringing in a vibrant city shaped her passion for storytelling and community engagement. Carolyn graduated from Benedictine High School before pursuing higher education at Michigan State University (MSU), where she earned a degree in Broadcast Journalism. While at MSU, she was actively involved in the Army ROTC program, which instilled in her a sense of discipline and mental toughness that would later benefit her career in journalism.
Career Beginnings
Carolyn’s journey into journalism began at a small radio station in Lansing, Michigan. She quickly transitioned to television broadcasting, taking on roles at various stations across the country. Before joining WXYZ-TV, she worked at WPGH-TV in Pittsburgh and WLFL-TV in Raleigh, North Carolina.
Her experience also includes stints at CBS affiliates in Orlando, Florida, and Lansing, Michigan. These experiences provided her with a solid foundation in news reporting and anchoring. In May 2002, Carolyn returned to her hometown to work as an anchor and health reporter at WXYZ-TV.
Her commitment to informing the public about health issues led her to create the Emmy-nominated half-hour health program “Healthy Living Sunday,” where she informed viewers about important medical developments and health issues affecting the community.
Notable Achievements
Over the years, Carolyn transitioned into anchoring prime-time newscasts at 4 PM, 6 PM, and 11 PM, where she has become a familiar face for Detroit viewers. She became the co-anchor of “7 Action News” at 11 PM, where she has continued to serve since then. Throughout her illustrious career, Carolyn has garnered numerous accolades for her reporting.
She has received 22 Emmy Awards—three of which are for Best News Anchor—along with honors from the Associated Press and the Michigan Association of Broadcasters for her excellence in journalism. In April 2024, she was inducted into the Michigan Journalism Hall of Fame, recognizing her significant contributions to the field. One of the highlights of Carolyn’s career was being selected as one of the few journalists nationwide to interview President Barack Obama about the Iran Nuclear Deal in 2015.
Carolyn has also interviewed other notable personalities such as Oprah Winfrey, Barbara Walters, Michael Jordan, and Magic Johnson. These interviews not only highlight her journalistic prowess but also reflect her ability to engage with diverse topics ranging from politics to sports. Her extensive coverage includes significant events like hurricanes in North Carolina and Nelson Mandela’s first visit to Michigan after his release from prison.
Community Engagement
Beyond her professional achievements, Carolyn is deeply committed to community service. She actively mentors aspiring journalists and participates in various initiatives aimed at improving literacy and education and supporting victims of domestic violence. Her work with organizations such as the Beyond Basics Literacy Program reflects her dedication to eradicating illiteracy throughout Michigan.
Carolyn’s advocacy extends to speaking out against domestic violence; she frequently addresses students at schools and community events about this critical issue. Her efforts have been recognized by various organizations; she was named “Woman of the Year” by the YWCA of Western Wayne County and received accolades from the Detroit City Council and Detroit Urban League for her volunteer work within the Metro Detroit area. Additionally, Carolyn serves on the board of Accelerate 4 Kids—a nonprofit organization focused on teaching children about computer science and STEM education—and has been involved with Sisters Home Visitors of Mary for over 25 years.
This group raises funds to support women and children in Abuja, Nigeria. As a mentor of young journalists, she strongly believes in nurturing the next generation of media professionals and often speaks at schools and community organizations. Inspired by Martin Luther King Jr.’s message about standing strong during challenges, she encourages youth to pursue their dreams despite obstacles.
Carolyn Personal Life
First Husband
Carolyn was previously married to Michael Clifford. Details about their marriage, including the date and duration, are not extensively documented in the available sources. From her first marriage, Carolyn has three children: Airielle, James, and Brooke.
Carolyn Clifford Husband Marriage
Carolyn is currently married to Gregory F. Goss. They have been married for several years; however, the exact date of their marriage is not specified in the search results. Carolyn is a stepmother to two children from Gregory’s previous relationship: Alyssa and Gregory Jr.
Carolyn Clifford resides in the Detroit area, where she continues her work as an anchor at WXYZ-TV. She has maintained strong ties to the community through her journalism and volunteer work.
Carolyn Clifford Net Worth and Salary 2025
Considering her long career, multiple awards, and prominent position, Carolyn Clifford’s net worth in 2025 could reasonably be estimated in the range of $2 million to $5 million. This estimate takes into account her salary, potential investments, and other income sources over the years.
As a lead anchor for multiple prime-time newscasts and a multi-Emmy award winner, Clifford’s salary is likely to be at the higher end of the spectrum for local news anchors. In major markets like Detroit, top anchors can earn annual salaries ranging from $300,000 to $500,000 or more.
Carolyn Clifford Weight Loss
Clifford’s weight loss journey was catalyzed by a significant health scare involving fibroid tumors. In 2018, she underwent surgery to remove a massive fibroid tumor, which was the size of a football, along with several smaller ones. These tumors caused severe symptoms, including pelvic pain, bloating, and difficulty with bladder function.
Carolyn has documented her weight loss journey through her personal blog and social media. She has successfully lost over 60 pounds since October of the previous year. Clifford cleaned up her diet by eliminating junk food, focused on home-cooked meals with healthy ingredients, and Started her days with nutritious breakfasts like eggs.
Her typical meal includes cooking green peppers, onions, potatoes, celery, and pre-cooked chicken breast together. Carolyn’s weight loss approach seems to emphasize smart lifestyle modifications rather than extreme dieting. She appears to now prepare her own meals, and whole, nutritious ingredients, maintain consistency in her eating habits, and track her progress through personal blogging.
FAQs About Carolyn Clifford
how old is Carolyn Clifford?
Clifford is 54 years old as of January 2025, having been born on April 18, 1970.
Is Carolyn Clifford still married?
Carolyn is currently married to Gregory F. Goss.
Who is Carolyn Clifford’s daughter on Broadway?
Clifford’s daughter, Brooke Taylor, performed on Broadway in the musical “Moulin Rouge”.
how did Carolyn Clifford lose weight?
Carolyn’s weight loss approach seems to emphasize smart lifestyle modifications rather than extreme dieting. She appears to now prepare her own meals, and whole, nutritious ingredients, maintain consistency in her eating habits, and track her progress through personal blogging.
Who was Carolyn Clifford’s first husband?
Carolyn was previously married to Michael Clifford. Details about their marriage, including the date and duration, are not extensively documented in the available sources.