Forrest Sawyer Biography
Forrest Sawyer, an American broadcast journalist, has had a successful career spanning various news networks. During his 11-year tenure at ABC News, Sawyer was a prominent figure, regularly anchoring ABC World News Tonight and Nightline, and providing reports for all ABC News broadcasts.
- Age
Forrest Sawyer was born on April 19, 1949, in Lakeland, Florida, U.S. Currently, he is 74 years old. Furthermore, he holds American nationality.
- Education
Forrest Sawyer studied at Kathleen High School. He then went to the University of Florida, where he earned a Bachelor’s degree in Eastern Philosophy and World Religions and a Master’s degree in Education.
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- Wife
Forrest Sawyer is happily married to Amy Atkins an American journalist and university professor.
Forrest Sawyer Career
After successfully hosting the acclaimed news magazines “Day One” and “Turning Point,” he ventured into recording captivating stories from various corners of the world. His exceptional work garnered numerous accolades, including multiple Emmy Awards in 1992, 1993, and 1994. He recognized his outstanding reports and documentaries. In 1999, he bid farewell to ABC News. He embarked on a new chapter as a news anchor for both NBC and its cable counterpart, MSNBC.
During his tenure, he frequently substituted for Brian Williams as the anchor of The News with Brian Williams. However, in 2005, he decided to leave NBC News behind and establish Freefall Productions, where he serves as the founder and president. In his current role, he continues to produce thought-provoking documentaries. He also offering his expertise as a media strategist and delivering engaging lectures as a guest speaker.
Sawyer’s foray into commercial television commenced at Atlanta’s WAGA-TV. There he played a pivotal role in creating the acclaimed documentary “Paradise Saved.” This remarkable piece focused on Cumberland Island earned him a shared Peabody Award in 1982. Alongside Don Smith and photographer George Gentry, Sawyer was recognized for presenting viewers with an exquisite visual experience rarely witnessed on television. The documentary not only captivated audiences with its beauty but also shed light on the urgent challenges of preserving our natural heritage, specifically the dwindling resources and unspoiled allure of the Atlantic Coast.
From August 1985 to August 1986, Sawyer, together with Maria Shriver, assumed the anchor positions for The CBS Morning News. Although he departed from CBS in 1987, Sawyer’s journey continued at ABC in 1988. He took on the role of anchorman for ABC World News This Morning while also hosting “World News Sunday” and “Day One.”
Additionally, Sawyer served as the host of Justice Files on The Discovery Channel during the early 1990s. Demonstrating his unwavering commitment to thorough journalism. He filed the first comprehensive network report on the tragic 1996 Mount Everest disaster.
Furthermore, Sawyer distinguished himself as the initial reporter to obtain access to the KGB’s files on Lee Harvey Oswald and delivered history’s inaugural live television report from a battlefield during the First Gulf War. Throughout his tenure, he became a regular substitute anchor for ABC News programs like ABC World News Tonight and Nightline.
Eventually, Sawyer bid adieu to ABC and transitioned to NBC, marking a new chapter in his career.
Forrest Sawyer Awards
In addition to being honored with a Peabody Award, Sawyer has amassed an impressive collection of accolades, including seven National Emmy Awards, two Sigma Delta Chi Awards, two Edward R. Murrow Awards, an Associated Press Award, an Ohio State Award, an Ark Award, and two American Psychological Association Awards.
Sawyer made a notable appearance on the television series “The West Wing” in an episode called “The Debate,” where he portrayed himself as the moderator. This particular episode, dedicated solely to a debate between two fictional presidential candidates, was broadcasted live.
In April 2006, Sawyer was invited as a guest speaker at the American Association of Community Colleges Conference held in Long Beach, CA. Furthermore, on May 11, 2007, he delivered a keynote speech at the University of California, Santa Barbara for a conference titled “The Future of Multi-Media Digital News and Cultural Networks.”
In a daring turn of events, while filming a documentary in Tanzania in late 2007, Sawyer experienced a helicopter crash. Despite sustaining a serious knee injury, he demonstrated resilience and hiked several miles with fellow survivors to reach safety.
Sawyer has continued to make notable appearances in the media, including anchoring the July 19, 2008 edition of the CBS Evening News.
- What is Forrest Sawyer doing now?
Sawyer is currently working as an advisor and board member of Edison Pharmaceuticals. Additionally, he is the world leader in the study of mitochondrial disease.
Forrest Sawyer Salary
Sawyer receives an annual salary ranging from $42,544 – $143,769. However, details about the exact amount of salary he earns are currently not available.
Forrest Sawyer’s Net Worth
Sawyer, an American broadcast journalist has an estimated net worth of $30 million.