Thomas Edward Llamas, born July 2, 1979, in Miami, Florida, is a prominent American journalist renowned for his work with NBC News as the anchor of NBC Nightly News and host of Top Story with Tom Llamas. He holds the historic distinction of being the first Latino anchor of an American nightly news broadcast, a role he assumed in June 2025, succeeding Lester Holt. His career spans more than 25 years, during which he has earned multiple Emmy Awards and Edward R. Murrow awards, reflecting his excellence and dedication to journalism.
Table of Contents
Who is Tom Llamas?
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Age | 46 years |
| Parents/ Family | Luis Llamas and Lisette Llamas |
| Ethnicity | Cuban |
| Nationality | American |
| Wife | Jennifer Llamas |
| Children | Malena, Juliette, and Tomas |
| Net Worth | Approximately $2.5 million |
| Salary | Approximately $2 million |
| Height | 6 feet 2 inches (1.88 meters) |
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Age, Early Life and Education
Tom Llamas was born to Cuban immigrant parents who fled Cuba as political refugees, providing him with a profound connection to immigrant and Latino communities. He grew up in Miami and attended Belen Jesuit Preparatory School in the Tamiami area of Florida. Embracing his passion for storytelling early on, he pursued higher education at Loyola University New Orleans, where he graduated with bachelor’s degrees in broadcast journalism and drama and speech. At Loyola, he was a member of the Louisiana Gamma chapter of Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity, an experience that helped shape his communication skills and professional foundation in reporting.
Early Career Beginnings
Llamas started his broadcasting career remarkably young, interning at the news department of WSCV in Hialeah, Florida, at age 15. After college, he worked behind the scenes with NBC News before returning to Miami for an on-air role at NBC affiliate WTVJ. His career quickly advanced as he joined WNBC and NBC News in New York in 2009, serving as a general assignment reporter and anchor where he gained significant field and anchoring experience.
ABC News Tenure
In September 2014, Llamas transitioned to ABC News, based in New York, where he served as a correspondent and fill-in anchor for ABC World News Tonight. By 2015, he was the Sunday anchor for the program, and from 2017, the sole weekend anchor. This period was significant for him as he covered major national stories, particularly during the 2016 U.S. presidential campaign, where he reported extensively on the Republican candidates. Notably, Llamas challenged controversial phrases like “anchor baby” used by candidates such as Jeb Bush and Donald Trump. His tough but fair journalistic style prompted a public rebuke from Trump, who labeled him a “sleaze” following pointed questions about Trump’s charitable donations.
Return to NBC News and Rise to Prominence
In January 2021, Llamas departed ABC News and rejoined NBC News as senior national correspondent. Beginning May 3, 2021, he anchored a primetime newscast on NBC News Now, later named Top Story with Tom Llamas. The show was simulcast in overnight slots to widen its reach. Throughout this time, he quickly established himself as a recognizable face and trusted journalist for breaking news and in-depth reporting.
His work has consistently been recognized for quality and impact, including the National Association of Hispanic Journalists’ Presidential Award of Impact and the El Award from El Diario, indicative of his influence on Hispanic and mainstream media alike. In 2022, he and his team received the NAHJ’s Al Neuharth Award for Investigative Journalism. Earlier, in 2013, he won Emmy awards for Best Anchor and Best Hard News Story, while in 2012, he received two regional Edward R. Murrow awards for feature and hard news reporting. He was also part of the WNBC team awarded for their coverage of Hurricane Sandy in 2014, showcasing his range from investigative reporting to live event coverage.
Landmark Appointment as NBC Nightly News Anchor
On March 5, 2025, NBC News announced Llamas would succeed Lester Holt as the anchor and managing editor of NBC Nightly News, effective June 2, 2025. This milestone event marked him as the first Latino to anchor a major American nightly news program. His appointment is seen as a significant moment for diversity and representation in American media journalism. Beyond anchoring, Llamas continues to host Top Story, balancing nightly national news delivery with an in-depth breaking news program.
Journalism Style and Impact
Tom Llamas is known for his fearless reporting approach, tackling sensitive topics without bias or fear of critique. His Cuban heritage and upbringing in Miami underpin his commitment to covering stories that resonate with diverse communities, especially Hispanics and immigrants in the U.S. His dedication to journalistic integrity and impactful storytelling has positioned him as a respected voice in contemporary American media.
Personal Background
Raised by parents who fled political turmoil in Cuba, Llamas holds a personal connection to stories of immigration, freedom, and resilience—a perspective he brings to his reporting. He remains private about his personal life but is widely admired for his professionalism and ability to engage audiences empathetically across complex political and social landscapes.
Wife Jennifer Llamas
Tom Llamas has been married to his wife Jennifer Llamas since 2006. They met while both studying journalism at Loyola University New Orleans, graduating in 2001. Jennifer is a former journalist and executive producer who has worked behind the scenes in news production. The couple has three children: daughters Malena (born 2013) and Juliette (born 2015), and son Tomas (born 2017).
Tom and Jennifer have maintained a strong family focus despite Tom’s busy journalism career. They have been described as a close-knit family that enjoys spending time together, such as attending baseball games and family vacations. In December 2024, Tom shared a romantic getaway with Jennifer in Paris, indicating a continuing strong relationship.
The family lived in New York City for several years before moving to upstate New York in 2022. Throughout his career changes, including becoming the anchor of NBC Nightly News in June 2025, Tom has emphasized the support and cheerleading role of his wife and family.
Net Worth and Salary
Tom Llamas has an estimated net worth in 2025 of approximately $2.5 million. His wealth has largely been accumulated through his extensive career in broadcast journalism, particularly as a high-profile news anchor and correspondent.
Over the years, his prominence grew through various anchor and correspondent roles. By 2023, his net worth was estimated at around $1.4 million to $12 million according to different sources, with more reliable recent estimates converging near $2.5 million as of early 2025. His promotion to anchor of NBC Nightly News in 2025 is expected to further increase his wealth significantly.
While exact figures for his salary as the new anchor at NBC Nightly News in mid-2025 are not yet publicly disclosed, it is expected to be substantial. Previous reports estimated his salary at around $2 million per year during his time at ABC, but succeeding Lester Holt, who earned about $10 million annually, could mean a significant pay raise for Llamas, likely into the high six or seven figures annually.
Who is Tom Llamas wife?
Jennifer Llamas, has worked behind the scenes in broadcast journalism as a media producer and executive producer.
Is Tom Llamas married?
Llamas has been married to his wife Jennifer Llamas since 2006.
Where does Tom Llamas live?
Llamas currently lives in New York City. As the anchor and managing editor of NBC Nightly News and host of “Top Story with Tom Llamas” on NBC News NOW, he is based in New York, where NBC News has its main studios.
Where is Tom Llamas from?
Llamas hails from Miami, Florida, USA.
How much does Tom Llamas make?
Llamas’s salary as the anchor of NBC Nightly News is reportedly around $2.5 million annually. This figure is significantly lower than his predecessor Lester Holt’s estimated $10 million yearly salary.
What ethnicity is Tom Llamas?
Reporter Tom Llamas is of Cuban ethnicity. He is a Cuban American whose parents fled Cuba as political refugees during the communist regime.
What is Tom Llamas’s salary?
Llamas’s salary as the anchor of NBC Nightly News is reportedly around $2.5 million annually. This figure is significantly lower than his predecessor Lester Holt’s estimated $10 million yearly salary.
What is Tom Llamas’s religion?
Llamas is Catholic. He attributes much of his faith and personal development to his Catholic education at Belen Jesuit Preparatory School in Miami, which deepened his Catholic faith. He and his wife both practice Catholicism and actively attend church, making their faith an important part of their lives.