
Ann Curry Biography: A Lifetime Dedicated to Humanitarian Journalism
Ann Curry is an American journalist and television news reporter and anchor who has been active in the field for over 45 years, known for her focused reporting on human suffering in war zones and natural disasters.
Early Life and Education:
Born in Agana (now Hagåtña), Guam, Ann Curry is the daughter of Hiroe Nagase (Japanese) and Robert Paul “Bob” Curry (American with Irish and German ancestry).
Her father was a U.S. Navy sailor, and his military service led the family to move frequently, including time spent in Japan.
They eventually settled in Ashland, Oregon, where Curry attended high school. In 1978, she graduated from the University of Oregon with a Bachelor of Arts in journalism.
Journalism Career Highlights:
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Early Career (1978-1990):
Curry began her broadcasting career in 1978 as an intern at KTVL in Medford, Oregon, where she quickly rose to become the station’s first female news reporter.
She then worked as a reporter and anchor at KGW in Portland, Oregon (1980-1984), and later as a reporter for KCBS-TV in Los Angeles (1984-1990), where she earned two Emmy Awards for her reporting, including coverage of the 1987 Los Angeles earthquake and a San Bernardino gas pipeline explosion.
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NBC News (1990-2015):
- Joined NBC News in 1990 as a Chicago correspondent.
- Anchor of NBC News at Sunrise (1991-1996).
- Rotating anchor for the Sunday edition of NBC Nightly News (1993-1995; 1996-1999).
- Served as a substitute news anchor for Matt Lauer on Today (1994-1997).
- Became news anchor for Today (1997-2011), becoming the show’s second-longest serving news anchor.
- Co-anchor of Dateline NBC (2005-2007) and later primary anchor (2007-2011).
- Primary substitute anchor for NBC Nightly News (2005-2011).
- Became co-anchor of Today in 2011 but departed the role in 2012, signing a new multiyear contract as NBC News national and international correspondent/anchor and Today anchor-at-large. Her departure from Today led to some discussions about racism, as she was a prominent Asian-American journalist.
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Key Reporting and Interviews:
Curry gained recognition for her extensive international reporting, often from war zones and areas affected by natural disasters. Her notable assignments include:
- Reporting from the USS Theodore Roosevelt during the invasion of Afghanistan (2001).
- Reporting from Baghdad and the USS Constellation during the Iraq War (2003).
- First network news anchor to report from inside the Southeast Asian tsunami zone (2004).
- Covering fighting in Darfur, Sudan, Lebanon, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Haiti after the 2010 earthquake.
- Conducting exclusive interviews with numerous world leaders, including Iranian Presidents Mahmoud Ahmadinejad and Hassan Rouhani, Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, and Pakistani Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto, as well as celebrities like Maya Angelou and Brad Pitt.
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Post-NBC (2015-Present):
- Left NBC News in 2015 to found her own multi-platform media startup.
- Hosted and executive produced the documentary series We’ll Meet Again for PBS (2018-2019).
- Anchored and executive produced a series with Lionsgate about medical care in America, Chasing the Cure.
Awards and Recognition:
Ann Curry has received numerous awards for her journalism, including:
- Seven Emmy Awards.
- Edward R. Murrow Lifetime Achievement Award (2022).
- Four Golden Mike Awards.
- NAACP Award for Excellence in Broadcasting.
- Japanese American National Museum Award for Excellence.
- Medal of Valor from the Simon Wiesenthal Center for her dedication to reporting about genocide.
- Muhammad Ali Humanitarian Award for Global Citizenship.
Age
Ann Curry was born on November 19, 1956, making her 68 years old. Her zodiac sign is Scorpio.
She is of mixed ethnicity, with a Japanese mother and an American father of Irish and German descent. Ann Curry is American by nationality.
Parents and Siblings
Ann Curry was born in Agaña, Guam, to Hiroe Nagase, a Japanese woman, and Robert Paul “Bob” Curry, an American from Pueblo, Colorado, with Irish and German ancestry.
Her parents met when her father was stationed in Japan as a U.S. Navy sailor. Ann is the eldest of five children.
The family moved frequently due to her father’s military service, living in Japan, San Diego, Alameda, California, and Virginia Beach, Virginia.
They eventually settled in Ashland, Oregon, where Ann graduated from Ashland High School.
Husband
Ann Curry is married to Brian Ross, a successful software executive. They met while attending the University of Oregon and got married on October 21, 1989.
Brian Ross is the CEO of FIX Flyer, a company specializing in financial messaging software.
Ann and Brian have two children: a daughter named McKenzie (or Mac) and a son named William Walker Curry Ross.
McKenzie has followed in her mother’s footsteps in some ways, having been featured in Teen Vogue for her fashion sense and her charitable work. William, on the other hand, has maintained a lower profile.
The family resides in New Canaan, Connecticut. Ann Curry continues to be active in journalism, having founded her own media startup and conducting major news interviews.
Height
Ann Curry stands at a height of 5 feet 6 inches (1.68 meters). She is known to maintain a slim and toned figure through a healthy lifestyle and regular exercise.
Career and Background
Ann Curry began her broadcasting career in 1978 as an intern at KTVL in Medford, Oregon. She quickly rose to become the station’s first female news reporter.
Curry then worked as a reporter and anchor in Portland at NBC affiliate KGW and later in Los Angeles at KCBS-TV, where she received two Emmy Awards.
She joined NBC News in 1990 and has held various roles, including co-anchor of the Today show and anchor of Dateline NBC.
In 2015, she founded her own multi-platform media startup and continued to conduct major news interviews.
Here’s a detailed look at her career journey:
Early Career
Ann Curry began her broadcasting career in 1978 as an intern at KTVL in Medford, Oregon. She quickly made a mark and became the station’s first female news reporter. From there, she moved to KGW in Portland, Oregon, where she worked as a reporter and anchor.
Los Angeles (1984-1990)
Curry’s next career move was to KCBS-TV in Los Angeles, where she served as a reporter and later as a news anchor.
During her tenure at KCBS-TV, she received two Emmy Awards for her outstanding work in covering the 1987 Los Angeles earthquake and a deadly 1988 explosion.
NBC News (1990-2015)
Ann Curry joined NBC News in 1990 as a Chicago correspondent. Over the years, she has held various roles, including:
- NBC News at Sunrise: Anchor (1991-1996)
- Today: News anchor (1997-2011) and co-anchor (2011-2012)
- Dateline NBC: Co-anchor and correspondent
During her time at NBC, Curry reported on major international stories, including conflicts in Iraq, Syria, Lebanon, Palestine, Darfur, Congo, and the Central African Republic.
She also covered significant events such as the Indian Ocean tsunami in 2004 and the Haiti earthquake in 2010.
Humanitarian Reporting
Ann Curry is known for her extensive reporting on humanitarian crises. She has reported from the ground during natural disasters and conflicts, bringing attention to the plight of affected individuals and communities.
Her compassionate and in-depth reporting has earned her acclaim and respect in the journalism community.
Recent Projects and Media Startup
In 2015, Ann Curry left NBC News to pursue new opportunities. She founded her own multi-platform media startup focused on continuing her work in journalism and storytelling.
She has also conducted major news interviews and appeared on various news programs.
Public Speaking and Advocacy
Beyond her reporting, Ann Curry is a sought-after public speaker and advocate for humanitarian causes. She has spoken at numerous events and conferences, sharing her experiences and insights on journalism and global issues.
Ann Curry has covered numerous significant and impactful stories throughout her career. Here are some of her most notable reports:
- Indian Ocean Tsunami (2004): Ann Curry reported extensively on the devastating tsunami that struck the Indian Ocean, bringing global attention to the humanitarian crisis and the urgent need for aid.
- Haiti Earthquake (2010): She covered the catastrophic earthquake in Haiti, and her appeal via Twitter helped speed up the arrival of humanitarian planes. Her reporting highlighted the struggles of the Haitian people and the international response efforts.
- Kosovo War (1998-1999): Ann Curry reported from the war-torn region of Kosovo, documenting the conflict and its impact on civilians.
- Iraq War (2003-2011): She covered the Iraq War, providing insights into the conflict and its effects on both soldiers and civilians.
- Syrian Civil War (2011-present): Ann Curry has reported on the ongoing civil war in Syria, bringing attention to the humanitarian crisis and the plight of refugees.
- Darfur Conflict (2003-present): She has reported on the conflict in Darfur, Sudan, highlighting the atrocities and the international community’s response.
- Afghanistan (2001-present): Ann Curry has covered the war in Afghanistan, focusing on the impact on Afghan civilians and the efforts to rebuild the country.
- Climate Change: Ann has contributed groundbreaking journalism on climate change, interviewing scientists and documenting glacial melt in the Arctic, Antarctic, and Mount Kilimanjaro.
- North Korea and Iran Nuclear Tensions: She has reported on nuclear tensions from North Korea and Iran, providing insights into the geopolitical implications.
- Central African Republic (CAR): Ann Curry has reported from the Central African Republic, highlighting the ongoing conflict and its impact on the civilian population.
Here are Ann Curry’s awards and recognitions, numbered:
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Emmy Awards
- News & Documentary Emmy Awards: Ann Curry has won several Emmy Awards, including for her coverage of the devastation in Oklahoma and the Miracle on the Hudson.
- Daytime Emmy Awards: She has received Daytime Emmy Awards for her work on “The Today Show” and “Dateline NBC”.
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Golden Mike Awards
- Ann Curry has been honored with four Golden Mike Awards for her outstanding reporting and contributions to journalism.
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Gracie Allen Awards
- She has received three Gracie Allen Awards, which recognize the achievements of women in media and entertainment.
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Associated Press Certificates of Excellence
- Ann Curry has been awarded several Associated Press Certificates of Excellence for her reporting.
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NAACP Award for Excellence in Reporting
- She has been honored with the NAACP Award for Excellence in Reporting for her impactful journalism.
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Simon Wiesenthal Medal of Valor
- Ann Curry received the Simon Wiesenthal Medal of Valor for her extensive reporting in Darfur.
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Other Recognitions
- Ann Curry has also been recognized by organizations such as AmeriCares, Save the Children, the Anti-Defamation League, and the Asian American Journalists Association.
Ann Curry has worked with many talented and dedicated colleagues throughout her career, especially during her time at NBC’s “Today” show. Here are some of her close colleagues:
- Matt Lauer: Ann Curry co-anchored the “Today” show with Matt Lauer from June 2011 to June 2012. Their partnership was highly publicized, and their on-air chemistry was often discussed.
- Natalie Morales: Natalie Morales was another close colleague of Ann Curry on the “Today” show. Morales joined the show in 2006 and worked alongside Curry until 2012. They shared a strong professional bond and often collaborated on various segments.
- Al Roker: Al Roker, the long-time weather anchor on the “Today” show, was also a close colleague of Ann Curry. Roker and Curry worked together for many years, and he has always spoken highly of her dedication and professionalism.
- Savannah Guthrie: Savannah Guthrie joined the “Today” show in 2011 and worked closely with Ann Curry during her tenure as co-anchor. Guthrie later succeeded Curry as the co-anchor of the show.
- Meredith Vieira: Meredith Vieira was Ann Curry’s co-anchor on the “Today” show before Curry took over the role. Vieira and Curry had a strong working relationship, and Vieira’s departure paved the way for Curry’s promotion.
These colleagues have not only contributed to Ann Curry’s professional journey but have also formed lasting friendships and professional bonds with her.
Net Worth and Salary
Ann Curry has had a successful and lucrative career in journalism, which has significantly contributed to her net worth and salary.
Net Worth
Ann Curry’s net worth is estimated to be around $20 million. This wealth has been accumulated through her extensive career in journalism, spanning over four decades, and her various roles in major news networks.
Salary
Ann Curry’s annual salary in 2024 is approximately $5 million. This income comes from her ongoing projects, post-NBC ventures, and speaking engagements. During her time at NBC, her salary was reported to be around $10 million annually.
Career Earnings
Ann Curry’s career earnings have been bolstered by her numerous roles, including her time as a correspondent and anchor on MSNBC, her position as the West Coast anchor for NBC’s “Today” show, and her current role as co-host of CBS’ “The Talk.” Her extensive experience and contributions to journalism have significantly contributed to her net worth.
Investments and Real Estate
In addition to her salary, Ann Curry and her husband, Brian Ross, have invested in real estate. They purchased a home in New Canaan, Connecticut, where they currently reside.
Philanthropy
Ann Curry is also known for her philanthropic efforts, supporting various charitable causes and organizations. Her commitment to humanitarian work has been a significant part of her career and personal life.
Ann Curry’s net worth and salary reflect her successful career and dedication to journalism. She continues to be a respected and influential figure in the industry.
Is Ann Curry Married?
Yes, Ann Curry is married. She is married to Brian Ross, a software executive. They met while attending the University of Oregon and got married on October 21, 1989.
The couple has two children, McKenzie and William Walker Curry Ross, and they currently reside in New Canaan, Connecticut.
How Old Is Ann Curry?
Ann Curry was born on November 19, 1956, which makes her 68 years old. She was born in Agaña (now Hagåtña), Guam.
Ann Curry is fluent in English and Japanese, reflecting her diverse heritage and upbringing.
Where Is Ann Curry Working?
Ann Curry is currently working on various projects through her own media startup, which she founded in 2015 after leaving NBC News.
She continues to conduct major news interviews and produce documentaries and investigative reports. Ann Curry is also involved in public speaking and advocacy for humanitarian causes.
Ann Curry is active on social media. She uses platforms like Twitter and Instagram to share updates, engage with her audience, and highlight her ongoing projects and humanitarian efforts.
Ann Curry’s social media presence allows her to connect with a broader audience and continue her advocacy work.
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