Lonnie Quinn is one of America’s most recognized television meteorologists, celebrated for his dynamic presence on New York’s WCBS-TV and his national appearances on CBS programming. Quinn is widely renowned as the lead weather anchor for WCBS-TV in New York City. He also serves as the national weather anchor for CBS Saturday Morning. Over a career spanning decades, Quinn has transitioned from soap opera actor to trusted weather anchor, earning numerous Emmy Awards and the loyalty of millions of viewers.
Table of Contents
Who is Lonnie Quinn?
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Lonnie William Quinn |
| Age | 61 years |
| Family | To be updated |
| Siblings | Six |
| Wife | Sharon Quinn |
| Children | Lily Quinn, Savannah, and Nate |
| Net Worth | $970,000–$20 million |
| Salary | Approximately $96,000–$250,000 annually |
| Height | 5 feet 9 inches (1.75 meters) |
| Movies and TV Shows | All My Children, Santa Barbara, Moment of Passion (1993) and Dexter Dickie (2000) |
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Early Life and Education
Quinn was born on August 9, 1963, in Cheshire, Connecticut, into a large family with six siblings. His parents were involved in the foster care system starting in 1984, taking in a baby girl who became his adopted sister. Growing up in a supportive and active household, Quinn developed a passion for sports and communication early on.
He attended Boston College, where he majored in speech communications and graduated magna cum laude. During his college years, Quinn was a standout swimmer, competing for the Boston College swim team and setting records in the pool. His time at Boston College, both academically and athletically, laid the foundation for his future success in front of the camera and in high-pressure environments.
Quinn also holds a meteorology certification from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
Career Beginnings in Soap Opera
Before fully immersing himself in the world of weather broadcasting, Quinn pursued a career in acting. He began with the role of Will Cooney on ABC’s All My Children, which helped him develop on-camera confidence that would later prove invaluable in his broadcasting career. Additionally, Quinn starred as Rich Landers in the NBC soap opera Santa Barbara in his early thirties.
Quinn also appeared in films such as In a Moment of Passion (1993) and Dexter Dickie (2000).
Transition to Broadcasting and Meteorology
His first foray into news came at WVIR in Charlottesville, Virginia, where he served as an evening news anchor and weekend weather anchor. During this time, he covered significant local stories, including the Thomas Jefferson/Sally Hemings controversy, a baby switch at the University of Virginia hospital, and the early political career of Emily Couric.
Quinn also worked at several different radio stations in Charlottesville including WADA-LP, as an on-air personality at WQMZ-FM and as morning show co-host and news director at WVAO. This period was formative, allowing him to hone his journalistic instincts and storytelling abilities.
Quinn’s career took a pivotal turn when he moved to Miami, Florida, to join WTVJ (NBC6). There, he was promoted to a full-time weather anchor, which allowed him to refine his on-air style and develop an engaging approach to weather reporting. Quinn aimed to make the weather both informative and exciting, setting himself apart from other weathercasters.
In one of America’s most hurricane-prone regions, Quinn quickly became one of Miami’s most popular broadcasters, known for his engaging and energetic weather presentations. His work during the 2005 hurricane season, the most active in recorded history, was particularly notable. Quinn worked closely with Max Mayfield, then-director of the National Hurricane Center, to provide accurate and timely information to the public.
Quinn’s commitment to meteorology extended beyond the studio. As a private pilot, he obtained a meteorology certification from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). He even joined the “Hurricane Hunters,” flying into the eye of Hurricane Isabel in 2003 to collect critical data as the storm approached the North Carolina coast.
These experiences cemented his reputation as a dedicated and fearless weather professional.
Move to CBS New York and National Prominence
In April 2007, Lonnie Quinn joined WCBS-TV (CBS 2) in New York City, the nation’s largest television market, as the lead weather anchor. Quinn replaced John Bolaris as the station’s lead weather anchor. He quickly became a fixture on the station’s weekday broadcasts at 5pm, 6pm, and 11pm, delivering forecasts with a distinctive blend of authority and personality.
Quinn also appears on the CBS Evening News and frequently provides weather reports on WCBS-AM 880 radio. His national profile grew through his work as the weather anchor for CBS This Morning Saturday and The Early Show’s Saturday edition, bringing his expertise to viewers across the country. Quinn’s engaging on-air style and commitment to making weather coverage both informative and entertaining have set him apart in a crowded field.
Awards and Recognition
Lonnie Quinn’s excellence in broadcast meteorology has been recognized with an impressive 14 Emmy Awards, including multiple wins for “Best Weather Anchor” (2010, 2011, 2012, 2014, and 2015). He has also received Emmys for “Best On-Air Talent” and feature reporting, reflecting his versatility as a journalist. These honors underscore his impact on both local and national audiences.
Wife and Personal Life
Beyond his distinguished career, Quinn’s personal life—particularly his marriage, family, and home—offers a glimpse into the man behind the forecasts. Quinn is married to Sharon Quinn. The couple wed on January 13, 2007, marking the beginning of a partnership that has spanned nearly two decades.
Sharon has maintained a relatively private profile, but she occasionally appears in stories about Lonnie’s family life, especially during the pandemic when their home life intersected with his on-air duties. Quinn and Sharon Quinn are parents to two daughters Lily Quinn, and Savannah (“Savy”).
Additionally, Lonnie has a son, Nate Quinn, from a previous relationship. Nate is currently pursuing his education and is a source of pride for Lonnie. The Quinn family dynamics have occasionally become part of public moments, such as when Lily and Savannah charmingly interrupted Lonnie’s live weather forecast during the COVID-19 pandemic, resonating with viewers who were also managing work and family life at home and Nate.
The Quinn family resides in Westport, Connecticut since 2019.
Net Worth and Salary
Lonnie Quinn’s net worth in 2025 vary significantly depending on the source. Some sources place his net worth at approximately $970,000. This figure is consistent with earlier career-based calculations and may reflect only his direct earnings from broadcasting.
Other sources, which factor in investments and joint ventures with his wife Sharon Quinn, estimate his 2025 net worth at $20 million. This higher figure accounts for diversified income streams, including real estate, tech startup investments, and media production.
A review of available data reveals a sharp upward trajectory in Quinn’s reported net worth over the past several years:
| Year | Estimated Net Worth | Notes |
| 2022 | $10 million | Primarily from broadcasting and real estate |
| 2023 | $12 million | Added tech startup investments |
| 2024 | $15 million | Expanded into media production, luxury assets |
| 2025 | $20 million | Own production company, diversified portfolio |
The dramatic increase from under $1 million to $20 million in a few years is likely due to the inclusion of joint assets, business ventures, and successful investment strategies, rather than a sudden rise in salary alone.
Quinn’s annual salary as chief weathercaster for WCBS-TV and national weather anchor for CBS Saturday Morning is reported to be between $96,000 and $250,000. Additionally, the Quinn’s are involved in various charitable initiatives and organizations.
Illness
Quinn suffered a traumatic brain injury (TBI) in March 2025, initially believed to be a concussion after he “took a wallop” to the head. Early medical evaluation, including a CT scan, showed no brain bleeding, so he was discharged from the hospital. However, his symptoms worsened, including a temporary loss of vision in his left eye lasting about 15 minutes just before a newscast. Despite this, he completed the broadcast.
Following this episode, his CBS news director insisted he return to the hospital, where an MRI revealed the injury was more severe than a concussion—it was a traumatic brain injury. Doctors advised Quinn to take six to eight weeks off work for rest and rehabilitation, including physical and cognitive therapy, to allow his brain to heal properly. Quinn emphasized the importance of taking head injuries seriously and allowing the brain to recover during rest and sleep.
He returned to work on May 5, 2025, after nearly two months of recovery, receiving a warm and emotional welcome from colleagues and viewers. Quinn urged others to heed medical advice for head injuries and not rush back to normal activities prematurely.
FAQs About Lonnie Quinn
Who is Lonnie Quinn?
William Quinn is the lead weather anchor on WCBS-TV in New York City and appears on the CBS Evening News. He is also the national weather anchor for CBS Saturday Morning.
What is Lonnie Quinn’s career background?
Quinn started as an actor on ABC’s All My Children before transitioning to broadcasting. His first newsroom job was in Charlottesville, Virginia. He later worked in Miami, Florida, where he became a popular weather anchor and covered major hurricane seasons. He joined WCBS-TV in New York in 2007.
Has Lonnie Quinn won any awards?
Yes, he is a 14-time Emmy Award recipient, including multiple wins for “Best Weather Anchor” and “Best On-Air Talent”.
Did Lonnie Quinn suffer a brain injury?
Yes, in March 2025, he suffered a traumatic brain injury initially thought to be a concussion. He took nearly two months off to recover and returned to work in May 2025, receiving an emotional welcome from colleagues and viewers.
Does Lonnie Quinn wear a hairpiece or wig?
No, despite some public curiosity, Quinn does not wear a wig. Fans who have met him confirm he has natural hair.
What is Lonnie Quinn’s educational background?
He graduated magna cum laude from Boston College with a bachelor’s degree in communications and was a competitive swimmer in college.
Is Lonnie Quinn involved in any advocacy or personal causes?
He is an advocate for foster care, influenced by his family’s involvement in foster parenting and adoption.
What are some personal interests of Lonnie Quinn?
He is a private pilot, holds a meteorology certification from the FAA, and is a huge sports fan.