Lester Don Holt Jr., born on March 8, 1959, in Marin County, California, is a prominent American broadcast journalist renowned for his role as the anchor of NBC Nightly News and Dateline NBC. He has made significant contributions to journalism, becoming the first Black male solo anchor of a major network nightly newscast. Holt’s career spans over four decades, during which he has reported from numerous global hotspots, covering pivotal events that have shaped world history.
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Who is Lester Holt
- TV Show: NBC Nightly News
- Wife: Carol Hagen
- Age: 65 years
- Parents: Lester Don Holt Sr (father) and June DeRozario (mother)
- Height: 6′ 2″ (1.88 m)
- Sons: Stefan Holt and Cameron Holt
- Grand Children: Henry, Samuel, and James
- Net Worth: $35 million – $48 million
- Salary: $10 million
Lester Holt Young Life, Parents, and Education
Holt’s diverse heritage includes an African American father and a mother of Jamaican descent, which has influenced his perspective throughout his career. Lester’s mother worked as a regional planner and had previously been married, which resulted in a son, Mike “Swani” Swanigan, who is eight years older than Lester. Holt’s father served in the U.S. Air Force, where he was stationed in various locations, including Da Nang during the Vietnam War. After his military service, he returned to civilian life and continued his education.
Lester attended California State University, but left in 1979 to pursue a career in journalism, starting at a San Francisco radio station. This hands-on experience laid the groundwork for his future success in television news.
Career Beginnings
Holt’s professional journey began with CBS News, where he spent nearly two decades. He started as a reporter for WCBS-TV in New York City and later worked at KNXT (now KCBS-TV) in Los Angeles. In 1986, he became the evening anchor for WBBM-TV in Chicago. At WBBM-TV, he gained recognition for his reporting on international conflicts and domestic issues alike.
His tenure at CBS culminated in 2000 when he transitioned to MSNBC. At MSNBC, Holt hosted Lester Holt Live, covering breaking news and significant events. His reporting during the Iraq War and natural disasters like Hurricane Katrina showcased his ability to handle high-pressure situations with poise.
In 2003, he was recognized with a Robert F. Kennedy Journalism Award for his work on 48 Hours: No Place Like Home.
Rise to Prominence at NBC
In 2000, Holt joined NBC News and quickly became a trusted figure in American journalism. He anchored the weekend editions of NBC Nightly News from 2007 until 2015, when he was appointed as the permanent anchor of the weekday edition following Brian Williams’ suspension. Under his leadership, NBC Nightly News has maintained its status as one of the top-rated evening news programs in America.
Holt is also known for moderating significant political events, including the first presidential debate in 2016. His performance was widely praised for its fairness and effectiveness in fact-checking candidates’ statements.
In recent years, Holt has focused on critical issues such as criminal justice reform through series like “Justice for All,” where he highlighted systemic issues within the penal system. His reporting during the COVID-19 pandemic included special broadcasts that provided essential updates to viewers. Holt’s commitment to journalism extends beyond traditional news; he engages with younger audiences through initiatives like NBC Nightly News: Kids Edition, aiming to educate and inform children about current events.
Major Reporting Achievements
Coverage of Global Events: He reported on major crises such as the earthquake and nuclear disaster in Japan, the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico, and various conflicts including those in Iraq and Haiti.
Presidential Debates: In 2016, he moderated the first presidential debate between Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton, which became one of the most-watched debates in U.S. history.
Interviews with Leaders: Holt has conducted notable interviews with political figures, including President Trump and former President Obama, addressing critical issues during their administrations.
Notable Achievements and Honors
Throughout his illustrious career, Holt has received numerous accolades:
- Walter Cronkite Award for Excellence in Journalism (2019)
- Emmy Awards for outstanding journalism
- Featured on TIME’s “100 Most Influential People” list (2016)
- Named “Journalist of the Year” by the National Association of Black Journalists
Lester Holt Wife
Lester Holt and Carol Hagen met in the early 1980s when Carol was a flight attendant and Lester was a budding radio reporter in California. Their first significant outing involved Carol accompanying Lester to cover a forest fire in Napa Valley, showcasing her support for his career from the start.
The couple married on May 8, 1982, at the Mark Hopkins Hotel in San Francisco. At the time of their wedding, both were 23 years old and had been dating for about two years. Their first son, Stefan Holt, was born in 1987 while they were living in Chicago.
Stefan has followed in his father’s footsteps and is now an anchor at NBC 5 News in Chicago. Their second son, Cameron Holt, was born in 1990. Cameron pursued higher education at Stanford University and currently works as an executive director at Morgan Stanley.
Lester and Carol became grandparents for the first time in 2017 when Stefan and his wife Morgan welcomed their son, Henry. They welcomed their second grandson, Samuel, on June 5, 2019. As of now, they have three grandsons: Henry, Samuel, and James (born in 2021).
The Holts currently reside in Manhattan with their labradoodle named Lucy. They have moved several times due to Lester’s career but have settled in New York City as their children have grown up and left home.
Lester Holt Net Worth
Lester Holt’s net worth is estimated to be between $35 million and $48 million. His annual salary is reported to be around $10 million, which he earns from multiple positions at NBC, including anchoring NBC Nightly News and hosting Dateline NBC. Holt’s real estate dealings highlight his financial savvy.
In 2017, he sold a luxurious condo in Manhattan for $6.4 million, which he had purchased in 2007 for $3.22 million. The property was located in the Grand Madison building and featured high-end amenities such as 11-foot ceilings, large windows, and a private balcony overlooking Madison Square Park
This sale reflects not only a significant profit but also an astute investment in New York’s competitive real estate market.
how old is Lester Holt?
65 years.
is Lester Holt sick?
is Lester Holt married?
The couple married on May 8, 1982, at the Mark Hopkins Hotel in San Francisco.
how much does Lester Holt make?
Lester’s annual salary is reported to be around $10 million, which he earns from multiple positions at NBC, including anchoring NBC Nightly News and hosting Dateline NBC.
how old is Lester Holt wife?
Carol Hagen, the wife of NBC news anchor Lester Holt, was born on October 8, 1958, making her 66 years old as of now.