David Muir Biography: Age, Career, Health | ABC News anchor

David Muir Biography: A Renowned Journalist and Anchor

David Muir is a highly acclaimed American journalist and anchor, widely recognized for his role as the anchor and managing editor of ABC’s “World News Tonight with David Muir.”

He is also a co-anchor of the ABC News magazine “20/20.” His career spans over two decades, marked by impactful reporting from around the globe and numerous prestigious awards.

Early Life and Education:

Born David Jason Muir in Syracuse, New York, Muir developed an early interest in journalism. He credits legendary anchor Peter Jennings as a significant journalistic influence.

He graduated from Onondaga Central Junior-Senior High School in 1991. Muir went on to attend Ithaca College, graduating magna cum laude with a Bachelor of Arts degree in journalism in May 1995.

During his college years, he gained practical experience by interning at WTVH-TV in Syracuse.

He also furthered his education with a semester at the Institute on Political Journalism at Georgetown University and another abroad at the University of Salamanca in Spain, which contributed to his fluency in Spanish.

Career Highlights:

Muir began his professional career as an anchor and reporter at WTVH-TV in Syracuse from 1994 to 2000, where his reporting on the aftermath of Israeli Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin’s assassination earned him early accolades.

He then moved to WCVB television in Boston, working as an anchor and reporter from 2000 to 2003. Here, he received an Edward R. Murrow Award for investigative reporting related to the September 11, 2001, attacks.

In August 2003, Muir joined ABC News. He quickly ascended through the ranks, serving as anchor for “World News Now” and “World News This Morning.”

He also co-anchored “Primetime” and became the anchor of “World News Saturday” in 2007, later expanding to include both weekend newscasts as “World News with David Muir” in 2011.

In September 2014, Muir took over as the anchor and managing editor of “World News Tonight,” succeeding Diane Sawyer.

Under his leadership, the program has consistently been one of the most-watched news broadcasts in the United States.

He has reported from numerous international hotspots, including Afghanistan, Iraq, Ukraine, Gaza, and Haiti, covering major events like natural disasters, political elections, and international crises.

Muir is also known for his high-profile interviews with world leaders, including former U.S. President Barack Obama and Pope Francis.

In 2021, he became the lead anchor for breaking news and special event coverage for ABC News.

Awards and Recognition:

David Muir’s dedication to journalism has earned him a multitude of awards, including:

• Multiple Emmy Awards for his national and international journalism, including for Outstanding Live News Program in 2023 and 2024.

• Edward R. Murrow Awards, including for Network TV Newscast.

• The 2024 Walter Cronkite Award for Excellence in Journalism.

• George Polk Award for environmental reporting.

• Alfred I. duPont-Columbia Award.

• Honors from the Radio-Television News Directors Association, Associated Press, and Syracuse Press Club early in his career.

Muir’s consistent delivery of impactful and often fearless reporting has solidified his reputation as one of America’s most respected and visible journalists.

Awards and Honors

David Muir has received multiple awards for his journalism, including Emmy Awards, Edward R. Murrow Awards, and the Walter Cronkite Award for Excellence in Journalism in 2024.

His work has been honored by the Society of Professional Journalists and other prestigious organizations.

Age

Parents and Siblings

David Muir was born to Ronald Muir and Pat Mills in Syracuse, New York. His parents divorced when he was young, but they continued to co-parent amicably.

David grew up in Onondaga Hill, a suburb of Syracuse, and has fond memories of his parents driving him to the television studios where he interned during school breaks.

David has an older sister named Rebecca Muir, who runs a farm in Borodino, New York. He also has two younger step-siblings from his father’s second marriage.

David is very close to his sister and often visits her farm. Additionally, he has six nieces and three nephews, whom he affectionately calls his “squad.”

David’s upbringing was deeply influenced by his family’s support for his passion for journalism. He credits his parents for driving him to the TV station and fostering his interest in news reporting from a young age.

Height, Weight

David Muir stands at a height of 5 feet 8 inches (Approx. 1.73 m) and weighs around 75 kg (165 lbs).

Career and Background

David Muir began his career in journalism while attending Ithaca College in New York, where he earned a degree in Journalism.

His first job in television was with WTVH, a Syracuse-based station. Muir later moved to major networks, including NBC, before joining ABC News.

He became the anchor of ABC World News Tonight in 2014, where he quickly gained widespread acclaim. His investigative reports and interviews with world leaders have earned him respect in the industry.

Early Career

David Muir began his journalism career in 1994 as an anchor and reporter at WTVH-TV in Syracuse, New York. He worked there until 2000, gaining valuable experience in local news reporting.

ABC News

In 2003, Muir joined ABC News and quickly rose through the ranks. He served as the weekend anchor and primary substitute anchor on ABC World News Tonight before succeeding Diane Sawyer as the anchor on September 1, 2014. Muir also became the managing editor of the show, overseeing its content and direction.

Notable Reporting

David Muir has reported on numerous significant stories throughout his career, showcasing his dedication to impactful journalism.

Here are some of his most notable stories:

• 9/11 Survivor Story: Muir has often reflected on the story of Florence Jones, a survivor of the 9/11 attacks. He accompanied her on a walk to work, past the fire station where she used to wave to firefighters. This story remains one of the most poignant and memorable for Muir.

• Exclusive Interviews with World Leaders: Muir has conducted exclusive interviews with several world leaders, including Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy after the Russian invasion of Ukraine. He also interviewed Zelenskyy in Kyiv during Ukraine’s counter-offensive in 2022.

• Climate Reporting: Muir’s climate reporting has been recognized with prestigious awards, including the George Polk Award and the Alfred I. duPont-Columbia Award. His work has highlighted the urgent need for action on climate change.

• Coverage of International Hotspots: Muir has reported from various international hotspots, including Afghanistan, Iraq, Iran, Ukraine, Tahrir Square, Mogadishu, Gaza, Guantanamo, Fukushima, Beirut, Amman, and the Syrian border. His reporting from these regions has provided in-depth coverage of critical global issues.

• Made in America Series: Muir has focused on stories of families and businesses helping to create jobs in America through his “Made in America” series. This series highlights the resilience and ingenuity of American workers and businesses.

• U.S. Presidential Elections: Muir has extensively covered U.S. presidential elections, providing in-depth analysis and reporting on the candidates and key issues.

• Exclusive: Biden Tells Muir U.S. Weapons Will Not Be Used to Strike Moscow: Muir secured an exclusive interview with President Joe Biden, where Biden stated that U.S. weapons would not be used to strike Moscow.

Awards and Honors

David Muir has received numerous awards and honors throughout his career, recognizing his outstanding contributions to journalism.

Here are some of the most notable ones:

• Emmy Awards: Muir has won multiple Emmy Awards for his journalism, including the Outstanding Live News Program award in both 2023 and 2024.

• Edward R. Murrow Awards: He has been honored with several Edward R. Murrow Awards for his reporting, including the Network TV Newscast award in 2023 and 2024.

• Walter Cronkite Award for Excellence in Journalism: In 2024, Muir received the prestigious Walter Cronkite Award for Excellence in Journalism, which recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to the field.

• George Polk Award: Muir’s climate reporting has been recognized with the George Polk Award, highlighting his impactful work on environmental issues.

• Alfred I. duPont-Columbia Award: His reporting has also earned him the Alfred I. duPont-Columbia Award, which honors excellence in broadcast journalism.

• CINE Golden Eagle Award: Muir received this award for his year-long report on America’s heroin crisis, showcasing his dedication to covering important social issues.

• Society of Professional Journalists Awards: Muir has been honored by the Society of Professional Journalists for his reporting overseas and his contributions to broadcast journalism.

David Muir has built strong professional relationships with many of his colleagues at ABC News and CBS News. Here are some of his close colleagues:

• Deborah Roberts: David Muir and Deborah Roberts have a long-standing professional relationship, having worked together on shows like World News Tonight with David Muir and 20/20. They share a close bond, and Muir has publicly supported Roberts during significant moments in her career.

• Martha Raddatz: As the Chief Global Affairs Correspondent at ABC News, Martha Raddatz has collaborated with Muir on various news segments. Muir has praised Raddatz for her dedication and professionalism, and they often share mutual respect and admiration.

• Robin Roberts: David Muir has also worked closely with Robin Roberts, who is a co-anchor of Good Morning America. They have supported each other throughout their careers, and Muir has congratulated Roberts on her achievements.

• Lindsey Davis: Lindsey Davis is an anchor for ABC News Live and a correspondent for ABC News. She has often collaborated with David Muir on various news segments and special reports.

• Cecilia Vega: David Muir and Cecilia Vega have shared the spotlight at ABC News, covering significant events and stories together. Vega’s contributions as Chief White House Correspondent have often complemented Muir’s reporting.

• Erielle Reshef: Erielle Reshef, a fellow ABC News correspondent, has worked with Muir on several news projects. They have a strong working relationship and often collaborate on important stories.

• Rebecca Jarvis: Rebecca Jarvis, an ABC News correspondent, has also been a close colleague of David Muir. They have worked together on various news segments and have a professional rapport.

David Muir’s Head Injury

There have been rumors and speculations about David Muir having a head injury or accident due to noticeable bruising on his face during election coverage in November 2020.

However, David has not confirmed any accident, and there is no evidence to support these claims.

Some fans theorize that the bruising might have been due to cosmetic surgery, but David has not addressed these rumors publicly.

David Muir’s Health

David Muir is known to be in good health. Despite the rumors about his appearance, there have been no reports or credible sources indicating any serious health issues.

He continues to work as the managing editor and anchor of ABC World News Tonight, maintaining his professional commitments.

David Muir’s Accident

There is no confirmed information about David Muir being involved in an accident. The speculation about his facial bruising has not been substantiated with any evidence of an accident.

David has remained private about his personal life, and there are no reports of any incidents that could have caused the bruising.

Net Worth and Salary

David Muir has built a substantial net worth through his successful career in journalism. Here are the details:

Net Worth

David Muir’s net worth is estimated to be around $25 million. This impressive figure is a result of his long tenure at ABC News, where he has earned numerous awards and accolades for his work.

Salary

David Muir’s annual salary at ABC News is reported to be $8 million per year. This makes him one of the highest-paid news anchors in the United States.

His salary reflects his significant contributions to the field of journalism and his role as the anchor of ABC World News Tonight and co-anchor of 20/20.

Additional Income

In addition to his salary, David Muir may also earn additional income from speaking engagements, book deals, and other media appearances. His financial success is a testament to his dedication and hard work in the field of journalism.

What Has Happened to David Muir?

David Muir has faced some public curiosity about changes in his facial appearance, but he has not provided any details about the cause.

He continues to be a prominent figure in journalism, and there are no indications of any significant health or personal issues affecting his career.

How Old Is David Muir?

David Muir was born on November 8, 1973, which makes him 51 years old as of 2025.

Where Is David Muir Working?

David Muir is currently working at ABC News. He serves as the anchor and managing editor of ABC World News Tonight and is also the co-anchor of the ABC News magazine 20/20.

Since joining ABC News in 2003, Muir has become one of the most visible journalists in America, reporting from international hotspots and conducting exclusive interviews with world leaders.

David Muir is active on social media. He has a significant presence on platforms like Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

Muir often shares updates about his work, personal insights, and highlights from his reporting assignments.