Leslie Sykes Biography: Award-Winning Journalist and KABC-TV Anchor
Leslie Sykes is a well-known American television news anchor, journalist, and reporter. She currently co-anchors the morning and midday editions of Eyewitness News at KABC-TV, the ABC-owned and operated television station in Los Angeles. She joined KABC-TV in 1994 and has since become one of the station’s most recognizable faces. Leslie earned her bachelor’s degree from Spelman College, where she studied English.
Early Life and Education
Leslie Ann Sykes was born in San Diego, California. She grew up in Compton, California, where her father worked as an administrator for Compton Community College. She attended St. Joseph High School in Lakewood, California, and later graduated from Spelman College in Atlanta, Georgia, with a degree in English.
Career
Leslie began her journalism career as a general assignment reporter at the Los Angeles Herald-Examiner. She then interned at KCOP-TV and worked as a desk assistant at KTTV. Her first on-air job was in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, at WDAM-TV, where she reported, anchored three shows a day, and produced a newscast. She later worked at WVUE-TV in New Orleans, Louisiana.
In December 1994, Leslie joined KABC-TV in Los Angeles as a general assignment reporter. Over the years, she has been promoted several times and now co-anchors the morning and midday newscasts.
Accomplishments:
- Recognized for her insightful reporting and engaging on-air presence.
- Has covered numerous significant news events, including natural disasters, political campaigns, and celebrity news.
- Known for her ability to connect with viewers and deliver news in a relatable and informative manner.
Additional Information:
- Leslie Sykes is also an accomplished actress, having appeared in films such as “School Daze” and “Collaborator.”
- She is involved in various community initiatives and philanthropic endeavors.
Age
Leslie Sykes was born on June 27, 1965, making her 59 years old. Her zodiac sign is Cancer. She is African-American and holds American nationality.
Parents and Siblings
Leslie was born to her parents Abel Baxton Sykes Jr. and Sylvia Mae Thierry Sykes. Her father, Abel, was an administrator at Compton Community College. She grew up alongside her two sisters, Dawn Carol and Daphne Grace.
Leslie Sykes’ Husband: Patrick W. Spann
Patrick W. Spann is Leslie Sykes’ husband. He works as the Director of Enterprise Data Warehousing at Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. Despite being married to a public figure, Patrick maintains a relatively private life, with limited public appearances and media coverage.
Leslie and Patrick have a son, Patrick Jr. The family resides in the View Park-Windsor Hills neighborhood of Los Angeles. Leslie often shares glimpses of their family life on her social media, highlighting their close-knit bond and family activities.
Height, Weight
Leslie Sykes stands at an estimated height of about 5 feet 6 inches (167 cm). Her weight is approximately 66 kg (145 lbs). She has a slender physique, with hazel eyes and black hair.
Career and Background
Leslie began her career as a general assignment reporter at KABC-TV. Before joining the station, she had stints at other local stations such as WVUE-TV in New Orleans, where she worked as a reporter.
Over the years, she has covered major stories in Southern California and beyond, earning respect for her journalistic rigor and professionalism. Her role at KABC-TV as a co-anchor of “Eyewitness News” cemented her status as a prominent figure in Los Angeles news media.
Career Highlights:
- Started her career as a desk assistant at KTTV, a Fox-owned station in Los Angeles.
- Landed her first on-air job at WDAM-TV in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, where she served as a reporter and anchored three shows a day.
- Worked at WVUE-TV in New Orleans, Louisiana, before returning to Los Angeles in 1994 as a general assignment reporter for KABC-TV.
- Became the top female weekend anchor at WBBM-TV in Chicago in 1998.
- Returned to KABC-TV in 2000 as the morning and midday co-anchor.
Leslie Sykes has covered numerous significant stories throughout her career at KABC-TV. Here are a few memorable ones:
- 25th Anniversary Celebration: In 2019, Leslie celebrated 25 years with ABC7. The station highlighted some of her most impactful stories and moments, showcasing her dedication and contributions to journalism.
- Community Reporting: Leslie has been known for her in-depth reporting on community issues in Los Angeles, including stories on education, local politics, and social justice. Her work often highlights the voices and experiences of underrepresented communities.
- Breaking News Coverage: Leslie has been on the front lines of many breaking news events, providing live coverage and updates during critical moments. Her calm and professional demeanor has been a reliable source of information for viewers during emergencies.
Leslie Sykes’ Close Colleagues at KABC-TV
- Phillip Palmer: Phillip Palmer has been a significant figure at KABC-TV, known for his work as a morning news anchor. He transitioned to a new role focusing on community initiatives alongside Jovana Lara.
- Jovana Lara: Jovana Lara is another prominent anchor at KABC-TV. She co-anchors the weekday newscasts at 11 a.m. and 5 p.m. and also reports on solutions to community issues in Southern California.
- Marc Brown: Marc Brown co-anchors the weekday evening newscasts at 5 p.m., 6 p.m., and 11 p.m. He has been with KABC-TV for many years and is a well-respected journalist.
- David Ono: David Ono co-anchors the weekday evening newscasts at 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. He is also known for his in-depth reporting and documentaries.
- Michelle Tuzee: Michelle Tuzee has been a long-time anchor at KABC-TV, co-anchoring the 5 p.m. and 11 p.m. newscasts. She has a strong presence and is well-regarded by viewers.
These colleagues, along with Leslie Sykes, form a strong team that delivers news and stories to the Los Angeles community.
Leslie Sykes’ Net Worth and Salary
Unfortunately, there is no publicly available information about Leslie Sykes’ exact net worth or salary. It is common for celebrities and public figures to keep their financial details private.
However, given her long and successful career as a news anchor at KABC-TV, a major television station in Los Angeles, it is safe to assume that she has accumulated a substantial net worth.
Factors that contribute to her net worth:
- Salary: As a prominent news anchor, Sykes likely earns a significant salary from KABC-TV.
- Investments: She may have invested in various assets, such as real estate or stocks, which can contribute to her overall wealth.
- Endorsements and Appearances: Sykes might have been involved in endorsement deals or public appearances that have generated additional income.
What happened to Leslie Sykes and Phillip Palmer
Leslie Sykes and Phillip Palmer have both had notable careers at KABC-TV. Phillip Palmer transitioned from his role as a morning news anchor to focus on a new initiative at ABC7, working alongside Jovana Lara to address significant challenges in Southern California. Leslie Sykes, on the other hand, has continued her role as a co-anchor for the morning and midday broadcasts of “Eyewitness News” at KABC-TV.
Does Leslie Sykes have cancer
There is no public information or credible reports indicating that Leslie Sykes has cancer. Her absences from the news have been attributed to personal reasons, such as the passing of her mother in 2021.
Is Leslie Sykes ill
There is no information suggesting that Leslie Sykes is currently ill. She appears to be in good health based on her social media updates and recent activities.
Is Leslie Sykes Married?
Yes, Leslie is married to Patrick W. Spann, and they have a son. The family resides in the View Park-Windsor Hills neighborhood of Los Angeles.
Leslie Sykes’ Son
Leslie Sykes is married to Patrick W. Spann, and together they have a son. The family resides in the View Park-Windsor Hills neighborhood of Los Angeles.
How Old Is Leslie Sykes?
Leslie Sykes is currently 59 years old, having been born on June 27, 1965.
Why is Leslie Sykes not on the news in 2024
As of early 2024, Leslie Sykes has been absent from her usual role on the news. This absence has not been officially explained by KABC-TV or Sykes herself. However, it is speculated that she might be dealing with personal matters, as indicated by her social media activity.
Where Is Leslie Sykes or Is She Still Working at KABC-TV?
Leslie Sykes is still working at KABC-TV. She currently co-anchors the morning and midday broadcasts of “Eyewitness News” at KABC-TV, which is ABC’s owned and operated television station in Los Angeles.
Leslie Sykes did take some time off in 2021, likely due to personal reasons, but she returned to her role and continues to be a familiar face on the morning news. She continues to contribute to the station’s morning and midday broadcasts, maintaining her role as a key anchor for one of Los Angeles’ top news programs.
Leslie Sykes is active on social media. She often shares updates and engages with her audience on platforms like Twitter and Instagram. You can follow her to stay updated on her latest news and personal insights.
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