Is Tom Brokaw Still Alive? Who is Tom Brokaw? How Old Is Tom Brokaw?
by S Samayanka
Updated Aug 09, 2023
Is Tom Brokaw Still Alive?
Yes, Tom Brokaw is still alive. The former NBC News anchor, who is now 83 years old, has been candid about his battle with multiple myeloma, an incurable form of blood cancer. In an interview with "CBS Sunday Morning," Brokaw shared insights into his health journey and his efforts to manage the condition.
Diagnosed with multiple myeloma in 2013, Brokaw continued to work while undergoing treatment. He announced that the cancer had gone into remission in 2014. Despite facing health challenges, Brokaw remained active in the public eye and engaged in discussions about his experiences.
Brokaw's career has been marked by significant accomplishments, including anchoring all three of NBC News' flagship programs: "Today," "NBC Nightly News," and "Meet the Press." He is also known for his book "The Greatest Generation," which celebrated the generation that weathered the Great Depression and World War II.
While he officially retired from NBC in January 2021 after a distinguished 55-year career, Brokaw's contributions and insights continue to resonate in the realm of journalism and beyond.
Tom Brokaw Multiple Myeloma
Tom Brokaw, the former NBC News anchor, has been confronting multiple myeloma, an incurable blood cancer, with remarkable determination. Diagnosed in 2013, Brokaw's battle with this challenging condition has led him to reflect on his life and make significant adjustments.
He retired from his extensive 55-year career at NBC News in 2021 to prioritize his health and spend time with his family, including his wife, three children, and five grandchildren. Brokaw's resilience and positive attitude shine as he faces the difficulties posed by multiple myeloma, demonstrating his unwavering commitment to overcoming challenges.
How Old Is Tom Brokaw?
Tom Brokaw, born on February 6, 1940, is currently 83 years old. With a career spanning decades, he has become a revered figure in the world of journalism. Born in Webster, South Dakota, Brokaw's journey through the years has been marked by his unwavering commitment to reporting and sharing news with the public.
Having celebrated his 83rd birthday on February 6, 2023, Brokaw's age is a testament to his enduring presence in the media landscape. Over the course of his life, he has witnessed and reported on significant historical events, becoming a voice of authority and insight for generations of viewers. From his early days in journalism to his time as the anchor of major news programs, Brokaw's age reflects the wealth of experiences he has accumulated and the impact he has made on the field of news reporting.
Tom Brokaw Health
Tom Brokaw's health has been a topic of discussion as he has battled an incurable blood cancer known as multiple myeloma. In an emotional interview with "CBS News Sunday Morning" host Jane Pauley, Brokaw shared insights into his decade-long struggle with the illness. Diagnosed with multiple myeloma a decade ago, Brokaw revealed that doctors initially held doubts about his chances of reaching the age of 83.
During the interview, Brokaw opened up about his journey, expressing that he had to adapt and make significant changes in his life due to the challenges posed by the disease. Despite his reputation as a dedicated and hardworking individual, he faced the reality of having to step away from his familiar role at NBC News.
Brokaw's candid discussion about his health journey serves as an inspiration for others facing similar challenges. His ability to share his experience openly sheds light on the emotional and physical toll of battling an incurable illness, while also emphasizing the importance of resilience and determination in the face of adversity. Through his story, Brokaw continues to raise awareness about multiple myeloma and the significance of maintaining a positive attitude in the midst of health struggles.
Who is Tom Brokaw?
Tom Brokaw was born on February 6 in the year 1940, is an accomplished American journalist and author renowned for his significant contributions to network television. He gained prominence as the co-anchor of "The Today Show" alongside Jane Pauley from 1976 to 1981. His career then soared as he took on the roles of anchor and managing editor of NBC Nightly News for an impressive 22-year tenure from 1982 to 2004. In the 1970s, he also held the position of a weekend anchor for the same program.
One of Brokaw's most notable achievements is being the only individual to have hosted all three major news programs at NBC News: "The Today Show," "NBC Nightly News," and briefly, "Meet the Press." During the 1980s, 1990s, and early 2000s, he emerged as one of the "Big Three" U.S. news anchors, alongside Peter Jennings at ABC News and Dan Rather at CBS News. Each anchor led their respective networks' flagship nightly news programs for over two decades.
Beyond his broadcast accomplishments, Brokaw has made significant literary contributions. He authored several books centered on American history and 20th-century society, including the acclaimed "The Greatest Generation" published in 1998. His influence extends to documentary narration and writing for various platforms. In 2021, after a remarkable 55-year career at NBC, Brokaw announced his retirement, cementing his status as one of the longest-standing anchors in the global news network arena.
Date of Birth
February 6, 1940
Age
83 Years
Place of Birth
Webster, South Dakota, U.S.
Alma Mater
University of South Dakota (BA)
Occupation
Television journalist
Author
Name
Thomas John Brokaw
Tom Brokaw Early life
Tom Brokaw was born in Webster, South Dakota, to parents Eugenia "Jean" and Anthony Orville "Red" Brokaw. He was the eldest among his two brothers, William and Michael. Named after his maternal great-grandfather, Thomas Conley, Brokaw's family heritage includes a mix of Huguenot and Irish-American roots. His paternal great-grandfather, Richard P. Brokaw, was the founder of Bristol, South Dakota, and established the town's first building, the Brokaw House.
Growing up, Brokaw's father worked as a construction foreman for the Army Corps of Engineers, leading the family to relocate across various places in South Dakota due to his job assignments. Their residences included Bristol, the residential community of Black Hills Ordnance Depot (BHOD) called Igloo, Pickstown, and eventually settling in Yankton, where Brokaw attended high school.
During his time at Yankton Senior High School, Brokaw took on leadership roles, notably serving as the governor of South Dakota American Legion Boys State. He even made a joint appearance on a TV game show with then-South Dakota Governor Joe Foss. This marked the beginning of a lasting connection with Foss, who later became a central figure in Brokaw's book, "The Greatest Generation," which celebrated World War II veterans.
Brokaw's academic journey led him to the University of Iowa in Iowa City, but he decided to leave after a year. He subsequently transferred to the University of South Dakota, where he graduated with honors, holding a Bachelor of Arts degree in political science. Beyond academics, Brokaw was an enthusiast of mountain-climbing and owned a property in Pound Ridge, New York, for more than two decades
Is Tom Brokaw Still Alive - FAQs
Yes, Tom Brokaw is alive. He's 83 years old and battled multiple myeloma, an incurable blood cancer.
Multiple myeloma is an incurable form of blood cancer that Tom Brokaw has been confronting for a decade.
Tom Brokaw had a distinguished career, anchoring major NBC News programs like "Today," "NBC Nightly News," and "Meet the Press."
Tom Brokaw is an author who wrote books about American history, including "The Greatest Generation."
Tom Brokaw openly discussed his health battle with multiple myeloma, raising awareness and inspiring others.