Lester Holt is an acclaimed American journalist and news anchor, best known as the face of NBC Nightly News and Dateline NBC. With a career spanning over four decades, he has earned a reputation for his integrity, in-depth reporting, and calm, authoritative presence. As the first African American to solo anchor a weekday network nightly newscast, Holt has made history while covering some of the most significant global events. His dedication to journalism has solidified him as one of the most trusted voices in news today.
Early Life and Education
Lester Don Holt Jr. was born on March 8, 1959, at Hamilton Air Force Base in Marin County, California. He is the youngest of four children born to June (née DeRozario) and Lester Don Holt Sr. His heritage is richly diverse: his maternal grandparents hailed from Jamaica, with his grandfather, Canute DeRozario, being of Anglo-Indian descent, and his grandmother, May, being of Afro-Jamaican descent. Holt’s father, an African American from Michigan, served as an Air Force technician, which influenced the family’s frequent relocations during Holt’s early years.
Growing up, Holt developed an interest in broadcasting, inspired by his older brother, Mike Swanigan, who worked as a disc jockey at a local radio station in Anchorage, Alaska. This early exposure ignited Holt’s passion for journalism. He attended Cordova High School in Rancho Cordova, California, graduating in 1977. Holt then pursued higher education at California State University, Sacramento, majoring in government. However, his burgeoning interest in news led him to leave college in 1979 to work at a local radio station in San Francisco, marking the beginning of his illustrious career in journalism.
Personal Life and Family
In 1982, Holt married Carol Hagen, a real estate agent and entrepreneur. The couple has two sons, Stefan and Cameron. Stefan followed in his father’s footsteps, building a career in journalism. A 2009 graduate of Pepperdine University, Stefan has worked as a news anchor in Chicago and New York City. In 2020, he returned to WMAQ-TV in Chicago, anchoring evening newscasts. Stefan is married to Morgan, and they have three sons, making Holt a proud grandfather.
Cameron, the younger son, pursued a different path, establishing himself in the financial sector. He holds degrees from Stanford University and works as an equity derivatives trader for a prominent financial firm.
Holt and his wife reside in Manhattan, New York. Beyond his professional commitments, Holt is an accomplished musician, playing the bass guitar. He has performed with the band “The Rough Cuts,” showcasing his musical talents. The family maintains a close-knit relationship, often sharing moments of their personal and professional lives.
Detailed Biography Table
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Lester Don Holt Jr. |
| Date of Birth | March 8, 1959 |
| Place of Birth | Marin County, California, USA |
| Parents | Lester Don Holt Sr. (Father), June DeRozario (Mother) |
| Education | Attended California State University, Sacramento (Did not graduate) |
| Career | Journalist, News Anchor |
| Notable Roles | Anchor of “NBC Nightly News” (2015–2025), Principal Anchor of “Dateline NBC” (2011–present) |
| Height | 6 feet 2 inches (1.88 meters) |
| Net Worth | Estimated at $35 million as of 2025 |
Career
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Early Career
Holt’s foray into journalism began in radio. His first on-air job was as a disc jockey at a country and western station. In 1981, he transitioned to television, joining WCBS-TV in New York City as a reporter. The following year, he moved to Los Angeles to work as a reporter and weekend anchor for KNXT (now KCBS-TV). In 1983, Holt returned to WCBS-TV, resuming his role as a reporter and weekend anchor.
In 1986, Holt relocated to Chicago, where he joined WBBM-TV as the evening news anchor. During his 14-year tenure, he reported from various global hotspots, including Iraq, Northern Ireland, Somalia, El Salvador, and Haiti, covering significant international events and honing his skills as a field reporter.
Transition to NBC
In 2000, Holt joined MSNBC, the cable news channel of NBC News, serving as an anchor and correspondent. His versatility and dedication led to increased responsibilities within the network. By 2003, he was a substitute anchor for “NBC Nightly News” and the morning show “Today.” Following the untimely death of “Weekend Today” co-anchor David Bloom, Holt was named the full-time co-anchor of the program.
Holt’s role continued to expand as he took on anchoring duties for the weekend editions of “NBC Nightly News” starting in 2007. His steady presence and journalistic integrity made him a trusted figure among viewers.
Ascension to “NBC Nightly News” Anchor
In 2015, a significant shift occurred when Brian Williams, the then-anchor of “NBC Nightly News,” was suspended for inaccuracies in his reporting. Holt was appointed as the interim anchor and, by June 2015, was named the permanent anchor of the weekday edition. This appointment was historic, as Holt became the first African American to solo anchor a weekday network nightly newscast.
Under his leadership, “NBC Nightly News” covered numerous pivotal events, including the 2016 U.S. presidential election, the COVID-19 pandemic, and various international crises. Holt’s commitment to delivering accurate and comprehensive news solidified his reputation as a leading journalist.
Other Notable Work
Beyond “NBC Nightly News,” Holt has been the principal anchor of “Dateline NBC” since 2011, where he has covered a wide range of investigative stories and human-interest pieces. His role extends to moderating significant political events, such as the first presidential debate in 2016 between Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton. Holt’s performance was lauded for his poised moderation and fact-checking.
In addition to his journalism career, Holt has made cameo appearances in films like “The Fugitive” (1993) and “Primal Fear” (1996), as well as television series including “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit” and “30 Rock,” often portraying himself.
Recent Developments
As of February 2025, after a decade at the helm of “NBC Nightly News,” Holt announced his decision to step down from the anchor position. He will continue his association with NBC, transitioning to a full-time role at “Dateline NBC,” where he has been a mainstay for nearly 15 years. This move allows Holt to focus on in-depth reporting and special projects, areas he has always been passionate about.
NBC News has yet to announce a successor for “NBC Nightly News.” Reflecting on his career, Holt expressed gratitude, stating, “As a 20-year-old radio reporter on the police beat chasing breaking news around San Francisco, I could never have imagined my career path would unfold in the way it has. What an amazing ride.”
Awards and Recognitions
Throughout his career, Holt has received numerous accolades, including multiple Emmy Awards and the Robert F. Kennedy Journalism Award for his work on CBS’s “48 Hours: No Place Like Home.” In 2019, he was honored with the prestigious Walter Cronkite Award for Excellence in Journalism. Additionally, Holt has received honorary doctorates from institutions such as Pepperdine University, California State University, Sacramento, Rutgers University, and Villanova University.
His peers and audiences alike recognize Holt for his unwavering commitment to journalistic integrity, his calm demeanor during breaking news, and his ability to connect with viewers, making him one of the most trusted figures in American journalism.
Recent News
As of February 24, 2025, Lester Holt announced his decision to step down from his role as the anchor of “NBC Nightly News,” effective at the start of summer 2025. He will transition to a full-time position as the anchor of “Dateline NBC.” Holt expressed gratitude for his decade-long tenure at “NBC Nightly News” and looks forward to continuing his journalistic endeavors with “Dateline.”
Physical Appearance
Standing at 6 feet 2 inches (1.88 meters), Lester Holt possesses a commanding presence, complemented by his deep voice and professional demeanor. His distinctive salt-and-pepper hair and dark brown eyes have become iconic features, resonating trust and credibility with audiences nationwide.
Social Media Accounts
| Platform | Username | Link |
|---|---|---|
| @LesterHoltNBC | Twitter Profile | |
| @lesterholtnbc | Instagram Profile | |
| Lester Holt | Facebook Profile |
Net Worth as of 2025
Lester Holt’s illustrious career in journalism has culminated in an estimated net worth of $35 million as of 2025. His annual salary from NBC is reported to be approximately $10 million, reflecting his significant contributions to the network and his esteemed position in the industry.
Lester Holt’s unwavering commitment to journalistic excellence and his trailblazing role in the industry have solidified his legacy as one of America’s most trusted and respected news anchors.
People Also Ask
What is Lester Holt’s ethnic background?
Lester Holt is of mixed heritage. His father, Lester Holt Sr., was African American, while his mother, June DeRozario, had Jamaican, Indian, and English ancestry.
What is Lester Holt’s salary?
As of recent reports, Lester Holt earns an estimated annual salary of around $10 million as the anchor of NBC Nightly News and Dateline NBC.
How to get in touch with Lester Holt?
Lester Holt does not publicly share personal contact details, but you can reach out to him through NBC News’ official channels. You can try contacting NBC via their website or social media accounts.
What network is Lester Holt going to?
Lester Holt remains with NBC News, where he serves as the anchor for NBC Nightly News and Dateline NBC. There have been no reports of him moving to another network.
