Rich Marriott Bio, Wiki, Age, Wife, Son & Health Problems | KING 5

Rich Marriott KING 5 Meteorologist: Biography, Career & Health

Rich Marriott is a Senior Meteorologist for KING 5 News in Seattle, Washington. He has had a long and distinguished career, with a strong background in both meteorology and journalism.

With over four decades of experience in meteorology, he has become a trusted voice for Pacific Northwest residents, delivering accurate forecasts and climate insights. Marriott’s career blends scientific expertise with engaging on-air presence, earning him accolades like an Emmy for his climate change reporting.

Education and Early Career:

• Born in sunny Southern California, his fascination with rain led him to the rainy Pacific Northwest, where he built a legacy in weather forecasting, avalanche safety, and public education.

• He holds a bachelor’s degree in Physics and a master’s degree in Meteorology from UCLA, where he initially conducted research on the Earth’s upper atmosphere with the aim of working in the space program.

• Following the downturn of the space program after the moon landings, he shifted his focus to studying avalanches and mountain weather at the University of Washington.

• This research led him to a 15-year career with the Northwest Avalanche and Mountain Weather Forecast Center (NWAC), where he spent 12 years as a U.S. Forest Service meteorologist.

• His work at NWAC involved detailed mountain weather and avalanche forecasting, field work, and helping with search and rescue. He was even in the “red zone” at Mount St. Helens in 1980.

• During his summers, he also worked for the University of Washington as the station manager for the Blue Glacier Research Project on Mount Olympus, where he conducted research in glaciology, climatology, and meteorology.

Career

Accomplishments and Interests:

• Rich Marriott has co-authored numerous research papers in scientific journals, including Nature and Annals of Glaciology.

• He is a professional member of the American Avalanche Association and is actively involved with the International Snow Science Workshop.

• He has won an Emmy Award for his work on a special about climate change.

• His career highlights include flying with the Blue Angels and covering the Vancouver Winter Olympics.

• He enjoys a variety of outdoor activities, including skiing, snowboarding, hiking, and backpacking. He has twice summited Mt. Rainier.

Retirement and Health Problems

• There is no public information available to suggest that Rich Marriott has retired. As of September 2025, he is still listed as a Senior Meteorologist for KING 5.
• In October 2021, it was reported that Marriott had returned to work after a “minor surgical procedure.” The specific nature of the surgery was not disclosed, and there have been no further public reports of him having any significant health problems.

Rich Marriott Date of Birth, Age

Rich Marriott Parents and Siblings

Rich Marriott was born and raised in Long Beach, California, where he developed an early fascination with weather despite the region’s dry climate. He often told his parents about his dream to live in rainy Washington state after seeing weather fronts on maps.

His upbringing was nurturing, with supportive parents who encouraged his scientific curiosity, though specific names and occupations remain private. Information about siblings is not publicly available, as Marriott maintains a low profile on family matters beyond his immediate household.

Rich Marriott First Wife

Rich Marriott was previously married to his first wife, though details such as her name, the duration of their marriage, or reasons for their divorce have not been publicly disclosed. He has kept this chapter of his life private, focusing instead on his professional achievements and current family.

Rich Marriott Son

Rich Marriott is a proud father to three children, including two sons—one from his first marriage and a younger son born in 2013 from his second marriage. The older son is an adult, and while specific names are not shared publicly, Marriott has spoken fondly of his children bringing joy to his life. He also has two granddaughters.

Rich Marriott Second Wife

Rich Marriott Height

Rich Marriott KING 5 Career Timeline

Rich Marriott has built a remarkable career defined by scientific expertise, educational outreach, and his enduring presence on Seattle television. His journey from a mountain weather specialist to a beloved household name reflects decades of dedication to meteorology and public service.

Early Foundations in Mountain Meteorology

• Marriott’s professional journey began in the 1970s, when he worked as a Forest Service Meteorologist with the National Weather Service and the Northwest Avalanche Center (NWAC).

• He specialized in mountain weather and avalanche forecasting, installing remote weather stations and issuing safety forecasts.

• This work provided him with a strong scientific foundation in atmospheric sciences, which became a hallmark of his later broadcast career.

Joining KING 5 and Rise to Prominence

• In December 1987, Marriott made a pivotal career move by joining KING 5 News as a weekend meteorologist.

• He quickly became known for his accurate and accessible forecasts, bringing his scientific expertise to a wider audience.

• His calm on-air presence and data-driven approach set him apart from other local broadcasters.

SchoolNet Initiative and Educational Leadership

• In 1989, Marriott spearheaded the groundbreaking SchoolNet Initiative, which created a network of school-based weather stations.

• This program gave students hands-on experience with weather observation, fostering climate literacy and interest in science.

• The project’s success led to its replication in other U.S. cities, cementing Marriott’s role as a champion of science education.

Becoming a Morning Fixture

• Throughout the 1990s, Marriott transitioned to morning broadcasts, becoming a familiar face to viewers starting their day.

• His approachable style and clear explanations made him a trusted voice in Seattle households and a reliable source for daily forecasts.

Advocacy for Climate Education

• In the 2000s, Marriott expanded his role beyond broadcasting, using his platform to advocate for climate education.

• He delivered public talks, school visits, and educational workshops, emphasizing the importance of understanding climate science and safety.

• This outreach strengthened his reputation as both a meteorologist and educator.

Recognition and Senior Meteorologist Role

• In January 2017, Marriott was promoted to Senior Meteorologist at KING 5, a formal recognition of his leadership and decades of dedicated service.

• This milestone highlighted his longevity and influence in the Pacific Northwest broadcast community.

Resilience Through Health Challenges

• In 2021, Marriott underwent a surgical procedure and took a brief leave before returning to work.

• In 2024, he publicly shared his Parkinson’s disease diagnosis, openly discussing how it has affected aspects of his daily life, including motor function and diet.

• Despite these challenges, he has continued to forecast with dedication and grace, earning admiration from viewers and colleagues alike.

Continuing Legacy at KING 5

• As of 2025, Rich Marriott remains an active Senior Meteorologist at KING 5 Morning News, approaching 38 years at the station.

• While there has been speculation about his retirement, he has not made any formal announcement and continues to express passion for his work in meteorology and avalanche science.

Rich Marriott Retirement

• As of now, Rich Marriott has not officially announced his retirement from KING 5 News.

• He continues to serve as Senior Meteorologist on KING 5 Morning News, actively delivering daily forecasts.

• There are no confirmed or public plans regarding retirement at this time.

• Despite being in his 70s and having over 36 years of service at KING 5, he remains deeply passionate about meteorology and avalanche science.

Speculation vs. Reality

• There is occasional speculation about his possible retirement due to his long tenure and age.

• However, Rich has expressed that his work brings him joy and he hasn’t indicated any desire to step away from his role yet.

• He even returned to work after a brief health-related break in 2021 and has continued forecasting ever since.

Rich Marriott Health Problems

Rich Marriott has faced some health challenges in recent years, most notably:

Surgery in 2021

• In October 2021, Rich Marriott underwent a surgical procedure, though the exact nature of the surgery was not publicly disclosed.

• While speculation ranged from cosmetic to dental-related reasons, no official statement confirmed the details of the procedure.

• He recovered well and returned to his role at KING 5 News shortly afterward.

Parkinson’s disease Diagnosis (2024)

• As of July 2024, Rich publicly confirmed that he has been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease.

• He has openly shared that the condition has affected aspects of his daily life, including motor function and dietary habits.

• Despite these challenges, he continues to work as the Senior Meteorologist at KING 5, showing remarkable resilience and dedication to his craft.

Notable KING 5 Colleagues

🎉 Memorable On-Air Moment

• In June 2018, Rich’s younger son surprised him live on-air with a birthday cake, a heartwarming moment orchestrated by his KING 5 co-hosts—highlighting the close-knit camaraderie of the team.

Rich Marriott Net Worth and Salary

Here’s a clear breakdown of Rich Marriott’s net worth and salary, based on publicly available estimates:

Estimated Net Worth

• Range: $1 million – $5 million

• Primary Sources of Income:

  • Long-standing career at KING 5 News

  • Consulting work in meteorology and avalanche science

  • Occasional speaking engagements and educational contributions

Annual Salary

• Estimated Range: $108,545 – $167,435

• Typical Role: Senior Meteorologist at KING 5 Morning News

• Additional Income: May include freelance consulting, workshops, and advisory roles in snow science

🧠 Contextual Notes

• Rich’s salary reflects his decades of experience, technical expertise, and leadership in both broadcast meteorology and avalanche forecasting.

• His net worth is bolstered by his longevity in the field, having worked in meteorology since the 1970s and at KING 5 since 1987.

Does Rich Marriott Have Parkinson’s?

Yes, Rich Marriott has publicly shared his Parkinson’s disease diagnosis. He continued working at KING 5 as long as possible post-diagnosis and now uses his platform to raise awareness about the condition.

Is Rich Marriott Married?

Yes, Rich Marriott is married to his second wife, Andrea Marriott, with whom he has built a blended family over three decades.

What Happened to Rich Marriott Son?

Rich Marriott has occasionally mentioned his children in public broadcasts, but no specific incident or health issue involving his son has been publicly reported.

The most notable moment came in June 2018, when his young son surprised him on-air during a KING 5 morning segment with a birthday tribute and cake for Father’s Day. It was a warm and joyful moment that highlighted Rich’s close relationship with his family.

How Old Is Rich Marriott?

Rich Marriott is 76 years old as of September 17, 2025.

Where is Rich Marriott Working?

Rich Marriott is currently serving as the Senior Meteorologist for KING 5 News (NBC affiliate) in Seattle, Washington.

He has been a cornerstone of KING 5 Mornings since 1987, making him one of the longest-serving and most respected weather anchors in the Pacific Northwest.

Position Snapshot

• Position: Senior Meteorologist

• Station: KING 5 News

• Location: Seattle, WA

• Tenure: Over 38 years at KING 5 and more than 43 years in meteorology overall

Even after publicly sharing his Parkinson’s disease diagnosis in 2024, Marriott continues to deliver daily forecasts and contribute to public understanding of climate and mountain weather, demonstrating remarkable commitment and resilience.

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