“Journalism is about connecting with people and telling their stories with honesty.” — Lisa Thomas‑Laury
Lisa Thomas‑Laury is an American journalist best known for her long career as an anchor and reporter at WPVI‑TV (6ABC) in Philadelphia, where she worked for more than three decades.
She was one of the station’s most recognizable faces, co‑anchoring Action News and covering major local and national stories. Her career was marked not only by professional success but also by her resilience in overcoming serious health challenges.
Timeline Overview
| Year | Milestone |
|---|---|
| Childhood | Raised in Paris, Kentucky |
| 1978 | Joined WPVI‑TV Philadelphia as a reporter and anchor |
| 1980s–1990s | Became co‑anchor of Action News and a leading figure in Philadelphia broadcasting |
| 2002 | Diagnosed with a rare nerve disorder, POEMS syndrome, leading to extended medical leave |
| 2004–2006 | Underwent treatment and rehabilitation, gradually returning to WPVI |
| 2016 | Retired from WPVI‑TV after nearly 40 years |
| 2017 | Published memoir On Camera and Off: When the News is Good and When It’s Not |
Quick Facts
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Lisa Thomas‑Laury |
| Birthdate | July 19, 1954 |
| Birthplace | Paris, Kentucky, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | African‑American |
| Age | 72 years (as of 2026) |
| Hair | Black |
| Eyes | Brown |
| Education | Marshall University – B.A. in Journalism |
| Profession | Journalist, Anchor, Author |
| Employer | WPVI‑TV Philadelphia (retired) |
| Residence | Philadelphia, Pennsylvania |
| Years Active | 1978–2016 |
| Awards | Multiple regional Emmy Awards; honored by Philadelphia broadcasting community |
| Net Worth | Estimated $1–2 million |
| Zodiac Sign | Cancer |
Parents, Siblings & Relatives
Lisa Thomas‑Laury was born and raised in Paris, Kentucky. She has kept much of her family life private, though she has spoken publicly about the support of her husband and children during her health struggles.
Early Life & Education
Thomas‑Laury grew up in Kentucky and pursued her passion for journalism at Marshall University, where she earned a degree in broadcasting. Her early interest in storytelling and communication led her to pursue a career in television news.
Career Journey
Lisa Thomas‑Laury joined WPVI‑TV (6ABC) Philadelphia in 1978, quickly becoming one of the station’s most prominent reporters and anchors. She co‑anchored Action News and covered major stories across the region, earning respect for her professionalism and warmth on camera.
Her career took a dramatic turn in 2002 when she was diagnosed with POEMS syndrome, a rare nerve disorder. She took extended medical leave and underwent years of treatment, including chemotherapy and rehabilitation. Despite these challenges, she returned to WPVI and continued reporting until her retirement in 2016.
In 2017, she published her memoir On Camera and Off, detailing her career and health journey, inspiring many with her resilience.
Major Works
- Action News (WPVI‑TV Philadelphia)
- Coverage of local and national stories for over three decades
- Memoir: On Camera and Off: When the News is Good and When It’s Not (2017)
Awards & Recognition
- Regional Emmy Awards for excellence in broadcasting
- Honored by the Philadelphia broadcasting community for career achievements
- Recognition for resilience and advocacy in health awareness
Public Persona & Style
Lisa Thomas‑Laury is known for:
- Warm, approachable on‑air presence
- Professionalism and integrity in reporting
- Courage in sharing her health struggles publicly
- Dedication to Philadelphia viewers and community
Lifestyle & Personal Insights
She resides in Philadelphia, enjoying retirement with her family. She remains admired for her openness about her health journey and her contributions to journalism.
Physical Appearance
Medium build, with black hair and brown eyes, presenting a polished and professional television presence throughout her career.
Salary & Net Worth
Her estimated net worth is $1–2 million, primarily from her career in broadcasting and her memoir.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Lisa Thomas‑Laury? She is a retired journalist and anchor from WPVI‑TV Philadelphia.
What health condition did she face? She was diagnosed with POEMS syndrome in 2002.
When did she retire? She retired in 2016 after nearly 40 years at WPVI.
Has she written a book? Yes, her memoir On Camera and Off was published in 2017.
What is her net worth? Estimated between $1 and $2 million.
Related Figures
- Jim Gardner Biography
- Monica Malpass Biography
- Rick Williams Biography
- Kristi Capel Biography
- Jacqui Heinrich Biography
Legacy
Lisa Thomas‑Laury’s legacy lies in her dedication to Philadelphia journalism, her award‑winning career at WPVI, and her courage in facing and sharing her battle with a rare illness. She remains a symbol of resilience and professionalism in American broadcasting.
Sources
- WPVI‑TV archives
- On Camera and Off Memoir (2017)
- Philadelphia broadcasting community records
Interesting Facts
- Diagnosed with POEMS syndrome, a rare nerve disorder.
- Worked at WPVI‑TV for nearly 40 years.
- Published a memoir in 2017.
- One of the first African‑American women to anchor in Philadelphia.
- Known for her warmth and professionalism on camera.