Tom Brokaw, the former NBC News anchor, was born on February 6, 1940, in Webster, South Dakota. As of 2023, he is 83 years old.
Tom Brokaw’s Battle with Cancer
In an interview with “CBS Sunday Morning,” Tom Brokaw opened up about his battle with multiple myeloma, a type of blood cancer. He was diagnosed with the disease in 2013 and continued working while undergoing treatment. Brokaw announced that his cancer was in remission in 2014.
However, his illness had a significant impact on his life and career. In January 2021, after a 55-year career with NBC, Brokaw announced his retirement. He shared that he had to give up his daily activities with NBC and walk away from the network, as he was no longer the same person due to his health condition.
Tom Brokaw’s Career
Tom Brokaw is known for his legendary career in journalism. He held the distinction of being the only person to anchor all three of NBC News’ signature shows: “Today,” “NBC Nightly News,” and “Meet the Press.”
During his career, Brokaw covered significant events such as Robert F. Kennedy’s assassination in 1968 and the Watergate scandal as NBC’s chief White House correspondent. He began hosting “Today” in 1976 and became the anchor of “Nightly News” in 1983. After the death of Tim Russert in 2008, Brokaw served as an interim host of “Meet the Press.”
Brokaw’s first book, “The Greatest Generation,” was a huge success and coined the term for the generation of Americans who lived through the Great Depression and fought in World War II.
Tom Brokaw’s Retirement and Legacy
After a long and illustrious career, Tom Brokaw officially retired from NBC News in 2021. Throughout his career, he received numerous prestigious journalism awards, including Peabodys, Duponts, Emmys, and the Edward R. Murrow Award for Lifetime Achievement in Broadcasting.
Brokaw’s contributions to journalism and his ability to connect with viewers made him a respected and trusted figure in the industry. His retirement marked the end of an era in broadcast news.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. When was Tom Brokaw diagnosed with multiple myeloma?
Tom Brokaw was diagnosed with multiple myeloma, a type of blood cancer, in 2013.
2. Is Tom Brokaw’s cancer in remission?
Yes, Tom Brokaw announced in 2014 that his cancer was in remission.
3. When did Tom Brokaw retire from NBC News?
Tom Brokaw retired from NBC News in January 2021 after a 55-year career with the network.
4. What are some of Tom Brokaw’s notable achievements in journalism?
Tom Brokaw is known for being the only person to anchor all three of NBC News’ signature shows: “Today,” “NBC Nightly News,” and “Meet the Press.” He covered significant events such as Robert F. Kennedy’s assassination and the Watergate scandal.
5. What is Tom Brokaw’s most famous book?
Tom Brokaw’s most famous book is “The Greatest Generation,” which profiles Americans who lived through the Great Depression and fought in World War II.