“The best journalism comes from being there.” — Lester Holt
Lester Holt is an American broadcast journalist and anchor, best known as the longtime host of NBC Nightly News and Dateline NBC. In 2015, he became the first Black male solo anchor of a major network nightly newscast, succeeding Brian Williams. Holt is widely respected for his on‑the‑ground reporting, moderating presidential debates, and conducting exclusive interviews with world leaders.
Quick Facts
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Lester Don Holt Jr. |
| Birthdate | March 8, 1959 |
| Birthplace | Marin County, California, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | African American and Jamaican heritage |
| Age | 67 years (as of 2026) |
| Height | 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m) |
| Hair | Black (graying) |
| Eyes | Brown |
| Education | California State University, Sacramento (no degree) |
| Profession | Journalist, News Anchor |
| Employer | NBC News |
| Residence | New York City, USA |
| Years Active | 1981–Present |
| Spouse | Carol Hagen (m. 1982) |
| Children | 2, including Stefan Holt (news anchor) |
| Awards | Robert F. Kennedy Journalism Award (1990); Walter Cronkite Award (2019); multiple Emmys |
| Net Worth | Estimated $35–40 million |
| Zodiac Sign | Pisces |
Parents, Siblings & Relatives
Holt was born to June DeRozario and Lester Don Holt Sr. His maternal grandparents were Jamaican, with Anglo‑Indian and Afro‑Jamaican roots. He is the youngest of four children.
Early Life & Education
Raised in California, Holt attended California State University, Sacramento, but left before graduating to pursue a career in radio. His multicultural background and early exposure to diverse communities shaped his worldview and reporting style.
Career Journey
Lester Holt began his career in radio before joining CBS in 1981, working as a reporter and anchor in New York and Los Angeles. In 1986, he became evening anchor at WBBM‑TV in Chicago, where he built a reputation for reliable reporting. After nearly two decades with CBS, Holt joined NBC in 2000, initially at MSNBC.
By 2007, Holt was named weekend anchor of NBC Nightly News. In 2015, following Brian Williams’ suspension, Holt became the permanent weekday anchor, making history as the first Black male solo anchor of a major network evening newscast. He led coverage of major events, including the COVID‑19 pandemic, the 2016 and 2020 U.S. elections, and international crises in Ukraine, Iran, and Haiti.
Holt is also the principal anchor of Dateline NBC and launched NBC Nightly News: Kids Edition in 2020, a digital newscast designed to inform children during the pandemic. Known for his calm presence and fact‑checking during the 2016 presidential debate, Holt has been ranked among America’s most trusted news anchors. In May 2025, he stepped down from NBC Nightly News after nearly a decade, continuing as the full‑time host of Dateline NBC.
Major Works
- NBC Nightly News (2007–2025)
- Dateline NBC (2011–Present)
- NBC Nightly News: Kids Edition (2020–Present)
- Coverage of 2016 presidential debate, COVID‑19 pandemic, and global conflicts
Awards & Recognition
- Robert F. Kennedy Journalism Award (1990)
- Walter Cronkite Award for Excellence in Journalism (2019)
- Multiple Emmy Awards for breaking news coverage
- Ranked “Most Trusted News Anchor in America” (2018 poll)
Public Persona & Style
Lester Holt is known for:
- Calm, authoritative delivery
- On‑the‑ground reporting during crises
- Dedication to fact‑checking and accuracy
- Trailblazing role as a Black journalist in network news
Lifestyle & Personal Insights
Holt lives in New York City with his wife, Carol Hagen. He is also an accomplished bass guitarist, often performing blues and rock at charity events.
Physical Appearance
Tall, with a commanding presence, Holt’s professional demeanor and signature glasses have become part of his recognizable style.
Salary & Net Worth
His estimated net worth is $35–40 million, primarily from his NBC contracts, speaking engagements, and long career in journalism.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Lester Holt? An American journalist and longtime anchor of NBC Nightly News and Dateline NBC.
What awards has he won? Robert F. Kennedy Journalism Award, Walter Cronkite Award, multiple Emmys.
Is Lester Holt married? Yes, to Carol Hagen since 1982.
Does he have children? Yes, two sons, including Stefan Holt, also a news anchor.
What is his net worth? Estimated $35–40 million.
Related Figures
- Brian Williams Biography
- Tom Brokaw Biography
- Savannah Guthrie Biography
- Andrea Mitchell Biography
- Stefan Holt Biography
Legacy
Lester Holt’s legacy lies in his historic role as the first Black male solo anchor of a major network nightly newscast, his trusted reporting during crises, and his commitment to educating future generations through Kids Edition.
Sources
- Wikipedia
- NBC News
- Britannica
Interesting Facts
- First Black male solo anchor of a major U.S. network nightly newscast.
- Moderated the most‑watched presidential debate in U.S. history (2016).
- Plays bass guitar and performs at charity events.
- Made cameo appearances in films like The Fugitive (1993) and Primal Fear (1996).
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