Dick Vitale Health Update, Does Dick Vitale Have Cancer?
by Priyanka P
Updated Nov 28, 2023
Who is Dick Vitale?
Dick Vitale, affectionately known as "Dickie V," is a well-known American basketball sportscaster and former coach. Born on June 9, 1939, in New Jersey, he gained fame for his lively and enthusiastic commentary during college basketball games on ESPN. Dickie V spent 41 years as a broadcaster, coining catchphrases like "Awesome, baby!" and "diaper dandy" for outstanding freshmen.
Before his broadcasting career, he coached high school and college basketball, achieving success at the University of Detroit. Apart from his work in sports, Vitale appeared in commercials, video games, and various films. Despite facing health challenges, including battles with cancer, he remains a beloved and iconic figure in the world of basketball broadcasting.
Full Name
Richard John Vitale
Nickname
Dickie V
Born
June 9, 1939 (Age 84)
Birthplace
Passaic, New Jersey, U.S.
High School
East Rutherford (East Rutherford, New Jersey)
College
Seton Hall
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Dick Vitale Health Update
Dick Vitale, the beloved ESPN college basketball analyst, faced vocal cord cancer, but his doctor, Dr. Steven Zeitels, recently shared positive news. Vitale had successful treatments, and his vocal tissues are mostly healed, showing no evidence of cancer. Though he won't return for the Champions Classic, he plans to call his first game on Nov. 28 when Miami plays Kentucky.
Despite battling melanoma and lymphoma in 2021, Vitale, 84, remains resilient. He thanked everyone for prayers, emphasizing the importance of faith and positivity. The journey has been tough, but he expresses hope, gratitude, and a plan for a gradual return to what he loves—calling college basketball games.
Dick Vitale Early Life
Dick Vitale, born on June 9, 1939, in Passaic, New Jersey, grew up in Garfield and later moved to East Paterson (now Elmwood Park). His parents, John and Mae, worked in factories, and Vitale became the first in his family to attend college. He graduated from East Rutherford High School in 1958 and earned a business administration degree from Seton Hall University in 1962.
Vitale began his coaching career in 1958 at an elementary school in Garfield, later coaching at Garfield High School and East Rutherford High School, achieving success and winning state championships. He continued to Rutgers University as an assistant coach before becoming the head coach at the University of Detroit in 1973.
This marked the beginning of Vitale's journey in basketball, leading to his eventual legendary status as a college basketball broadcaster for ESPN.
Dick Vitale Career
Dick Vitale has had a multifaceted career in basketball. Starting as a coach in New Jersey high schools, he gained success, winning state championships. In 1973, he became the head coach at the University of Detroit, leading the team to the NCAA tournament in 1977. Vitale then transitioned to the NBA as the head coach of the Detroit Pistons in 1978 but was let go in 1979.
Following this, he unexpectedly entered broadcasting, joining ESPN in 1979. Despite initial reservations, he became a prominent and beloved college basketball analyst, known for his enthusiastic catchphrases. Vitale's career extended beyond broadcasting, including writing books, endorsing products, and making appearances in video games and films.
Throughout, he faced health challenges, including battles with cancer, showcasing resilience in both his professional and personal life.
Dick Vitale Spouse
Dick Vitale is married to Lorraine McGrath. The couple tied the knot in 1971, and they have two daughters named Terri and Sherri. Vitale and Lorraine have been together for several decades, and their family has grown to include five grandchildren. Despite Dick Vitale's busy career in basketball as a coach and later as a prominent ESPN college basketball analyst, he has maintained a strong family life.
The Vitale family resides in Lakewood Ranch, Florida, in the greater Tampa Bay area. Dick Vitale is not only known for his passion for basketball but also for his enduring commitment to his family.
Does Dick Vitale Have Cancer?
Yes, Dick Vitale has been battling cancer. In July, the legendary ESPN college basketball analyst revealed that he had vocal cord cancer. This came after facing other health challenges, including surgeries for dysplasia on his vocal cords in 2021 and diagnoses of melanoma and lymphoma during the same period.
Dick Vitale Health Update - FAQs
Dick Vitale, also known as "Dickie V," is an iconic American basketball sportscaster and former coach, famous for his vibrant commentary during his 41-year tenure as a college basketball broadcaster for ESPN.
Vitale graduated from Seton Hall University with a degree in business administration in 1962 and later earned a master's degree in education from William Paterson University.
Yes, Vitale had coaching stints at high schools in New Jersey, including winning state championships. He later became the head coach at the University of Detroit and briefly coached the Detroit Pistons in the NBA.
Vitale began his broadcasting career in 1979 at ESPN, where he called his first college basketball game on December 5, 1979, and went on to become one of the most recognizable and enthusiastic voices in the sport.
Dick Vitale has battled various health issues, including surgeries for melanoma and lymphoma in 2021, and more recently, vocal cord cancer. Despite these challenges, he remains resilient.
Yes, Vitale has lent his name and likeness to video games, written books, appeared in commercials, and made cameo appearances in films, showcasing his versatile presence in the media.