Lesley Stahl Biography
Lesley Stahl is a prominent American television journalist who has dedicated most of her career to CBS News, starting out as a producer back in 1971. Since 1991, she has been a key correspondent for 60 Minutes, where she’s celebrated for her in-depth investigative reporting and award-winning coverage of both domestic and international stories. Her impressive career has brought her a wealth of journalism accolades, including a Lifetime Achievement News and Documentary Emmy Award in 2003, recognizing her overall excellence in reporting.
Before her time at 60 Minutes, Stahl made waves as CBS News’ first female White House correspondent, covering the administrations of Jimmy Carter, Ronald Reagan, and part of George H. W. Bush’s presidency. Her reports were a staple on the CBS Evening News with legends like Walter Cronkite and Dan Rather, along with other CBS programs.
From September 1983 to May 1991, she took on the role of moderator for Face the Nation, where she interviewed influential world leaders such as Margaret Thatcher, Boris Yeltsin, and Yasser Arafat. Additionally, Stahl co-hosted America Tonight with Charles Kuralt from 1990 to 1991, a late-night CBS News show that featured engaging interviews and thought-provoking essays.
Age
Lesley Stahl was born on December 16, 1941, in Lynn, Massachusetts, U.S. As of 2026, she is 84 years old and proudly holds American nationality.
Education
Lesley Stahl attended Wheaton College where she studied History and graduated cum laude in 1963.
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Height
Lesley Stahl stands at an approximate height of 5 ft 6 inches tall (1.67m). She weighs around 60 kg. Furthermore, she has blue eyes.
Husband
Lesley Stahl married Aaron Latham In 1977. Together, they were blessed with a daughter. Sadly, Latham passed in July 2022 due to complications from Parkinson’s disease. Currently, Stahl lives in New York City.
Lesley Stahl Career
Lesley Stahl stands as one of America’s most esteemed and seasoned broadcast journalists. Additionally, her illustrious career is punctuated by a series of political breakthroughs, extensive multiyear investigations, impactful interviews with influential newsmakers, groundbreaking explorations of uncharted territories, and an impressive collection of awards for her exceptional foreign reporting.
Among her numerous accolades, Stahl has earned an impressive 13 Emmys, including one for Lifetime Achievement. She has also been honored with the Edward R. Murrow Award, the Alfred I. duPont-Columbia University Silver Baton, the Founders Award for Journalistic Excellence from the International Center for Journalists, and the prestigious Paul White Award, the highest recognition from the Radio Television Digital News Association.
Throughout her illustrious career spanning over three decades as a correspondent on “60 Minutes,”. Stahl has delved into critical news stories and engaged with world leaders hailing from various corners of the globe. Her work has taken her to Tehran, where she conducted a groundbreaking interview with Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi in his presidential complex—a historic first for a Western reporter. Stahl fearlessly confronted President Donald Trump on multiple occasions, addressing the myriad challenges of his presidency, including the memorable interview when he abruptly left the conversation. Additionally, she had the privilege of interviewing the late Sen. John McCain at his ranch in Arizona mere weeks before his passing from cancer.
Stahl’s reporting has extended beyond borders, shedding light on issues such as the plight of Kurdish refugees in Iraq and the disturbing black market for babies in Romania. Her commitment to journalism and her dedication to bringing critical stories to the forefront have solidified her status as a respected and influential figure in the field.
Lesley Stahl 60 Minutes
Entering her 32nd season with “60 Minutes” for the 2023-24 broadcast, Lesley Stahl’s association with the iconic show dates back to 1991, marking an impressive tenure. Furthermore, her journey with CBS News began in 1971, establishing a long and impactful career.
Within the CBS network, Stahl held pivotal roles, notably serving as the CBS News White House correspondent from 1972 to 1991. Additionally, she assumed the position of host for “Face the Nation,” CBS News’ enduring Sunday public affairs program, from 1983 to 1991. Furthermore, her tenure in these roles was particularly significant, as she became the first woman at CBS to occupy each of these esteemed positions.
Stahl’s reporting spanned multiple presidencies, including the Carter, Reagan, and Bush administrations, and her reports were prominently featured on the “CBS Evening News,” initially alongside Walter Cronkite and later with Dan Rather. As the moderator of “Face the Nation,” she conducted insightful interviews with prominent figures, ranging from Margaret Thatcher to Boris Yeltsin and Yasser Arafat.
Her list of interviewees also included virtually every top U.S. official, among them George H. W. Bush and Vice President Dan Quayle. Throughout her distinguished career, Stahl consistently delivered invaluable insights and perspectives to the American public.
Lesley Stahl Books
Lesley Stahl has made her mark as an author with two remarkable bestselling books to her name. Her first work, “Reporting Live” (Simon & Schuster, 2000), provides a captivating glimpse into her experiences as a White House correspondent.
Additionally, her New York Times bestseller, “Becoming Grandma: The Joys and Science of the New Grandparenting” (Blue Rider Press, 2017), offers profound insights into the world of modern grandparenting, blending both the joys and the scientific aspects of this cherished role.
Lesley Stahl Salary
Stahl receives an annual salary ranging from $42,544 – $143,769. However, details about the exact amount of salary she earns are currently not available.
Lesley Stahl’s Net Worth
CBS’s 60 Minutes, Lesley Stahl has an estimated net worth of $40 million dollars.