Richard Engel Biography: NBC Chief Foreign Correspondent and International Affairs Expert
Richard Engel is a highly acclaimed American journalist and author, widely recognized as the Chief Foreign Correspondent for NBC News.
He is renowned for his extensive and often daring on-the-ground reporting from conflict zones and areas of significant geopolitical change, particularly in the Middle East.
Early Life and Education:
Born in New York City, Richard Engel grew up on the Upper East Side of Manhattan.
He attended the Riverdale Country School, and despite early struggles with dyslexia, he excelled after spending his junior year of high school in Italy, becoming fluent in Italian.
This experience fostered a deep appreciation for different cultures and countries, shaping his future career path.
He went on to graduate from Stanford University in 1996 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in International Relations.
Early Career:
After graduating from Stanford, Engel moved to Cairo, driven by a belief that the Middle East would be the epicenter of future major news stories.
He immersed himself in the region, learning Egyptian Arabic and working as a freelance reporter for four years, contributing to outlets like the BBC and Voice of America.
Before joining NBC News, he also worked as the Middle East correspondent for “The World” (a joint production of BBC World Service, Public Radio International, and WGBH) from 2001 to 2003, and freelanced for ABC News covering the initial stages of the 2003 Iraq War from Baghdad.
Career at NBC News:
Richard Engel joined NBC News in May 2003 and quickly became their primary Iraq correspondent.
He was appointed Chief Foreign Correspondent in April 2008, a position he continues to hold.
His reporting appears across all NBC News and MSNBC platforms, including “NBC Nightly News,” “Today,” “Meet the Press,” and NBCNews.com.
He also hosts the award-winning series “On Assignment with Richard Engel.”
Notable Reporting and Expertise:
Engel is highly regarded for his in-depth and courageous coverage of major international events, including:
- The Iraq War: He covered the entire duration of the Iraq War, often putting himself in harm’s way to bring critical reporting to his audience. He survived numerous dangerous situations, including kidnapping attempts, bombings, and ambushes.
- The Arab Spring: He reported extensively on the Arab Spring uprisings across the Middle East, including in Egypt, Syria, Libya, Tunisia, Bahrain, and Yemen. His on-the-ground coverage provided unparalleled insight into these tumultuous events.
- The Syrian Civil War: Engel’s reporting from Syria was particularly notable, including his harrowing experience of being kidnapped with his team in 2012. They were held for five days, facing psychological torture, before escaping during a shootout with Syrian rebels.
- War in Afghanistan: He frequently traveled to Afghanistan to report on the conflict, including from the dangerous Korengal Valley, and produced “Tip of the Spear,” a series of reports on the hardships faced by American soldiers.
Engel is fluent in Arabic, Italian, and Spanish, which greatly aids his ability to report directly from various regions and connect with local populations.
Awards and Recognition:
Richard Engel has received numerous prestigious awards for his impactful journalism, including:
- Eight News & Documentary Emmy Awards
- Two George Foster Peabody Awards (including one for “War Zone Diary” and another for his coverage of Viper Company in Afghanistan)
- Medill Medal for Courage in Journalism (the first broadcast journalist to receive this award)
- Alfred I. duPont-Columbia University Awards
- Edward R. Murrow Awards
- Overseas Press Club Awards
- Gracie Award
- Daniel Pearl Award
- John Chancellor Award from Columbia University
Books and Publications:
Richard Engel is also a published author. His books include:
- A Fist in the Hornet’s Nest: On the Ground in Baghdad Before, During & After the War (2004)
- War Journal: My Five Years in Iraq (2008)
- And Then All Hell Broke Loose: Two Decades in the Middle East (2016)
Age
Richard Engel is 52 years old, having been born on September 16, 1973. His zodiac sign is Virgo.
Richard is of Jewish and Swedish descent, with his father being Jewish and his mother being Swedish.
He holds American nationality, having been born and raised in New York City, USA.
Parents and Siblings
Richard Engel’s parents are Peter Engel and Nina Engel. His father was a former Goldman Sachs financier, and his mother ran an antiques store.
Engel has one older brother, David, who is a cardiologist at New York–Presbyterian Hospital.
Engel’s family, particularly his parents, were initially concerned about his future prospects due to his dyslexia. However, they encouraged him to pursue his passions and supported his career in journalism.
Wife
Richard Engel is married to Mary Forrest, a producer at NBC News. They tied the knot in May 2015. The couple has two sons:
- Henry Engel: Born in September 2015, Henry tragically passed away in August 2022 at the age of 6 after a long battle with Rett syndrome, a rare genetic neurological disorder.
- Theodore Engel: Born in August 2019.
Mary Forrest has been open about the challenges of raising a child with Rett syndrome and the heartbreaking loss of their son Henry.
She has written personal essays about her experiences, sharing her grief and resilience with the world.
Richard Engel First Wife
There is no public information about Richard Engel having a first wife. His current wife is Mary Forrest.
Richard Engel Son
Engel and Mary Forrest have two sons:
- Henry Engel: Sadly, Henry passed away in August 2022 at the age of 6 after a long battle with Rett syndrome.
- Theodore Engel: Born in August 2019.
Richard Engel Daughter
As of now, there is no public information indicating that Richard Engel and Mary Forrest have a daughter.
Height, Weight
Richard Engel stands at a height of 6 feet (183 cm) and weighs approximately 60 kg (132 lbs). He has light brown hair and light brown eyes, and he maintains a typical body type for his height and weight.
Career and Background
Richard Engel’s career in journalism is marked by his relentless pursuit of truth and his unwavering commitment to covering global conflicts and crises.
Also, his career in journalism has been marked by high-risk reporting in conflict zones, including the Iraq and Afghanistan wars, the Arab Spring uprisings, and the Syrian civil war.
He began his career as a freelance journalist in Cairo and eventually joined NBC News, where he became their Chief Foreign Correspondent in 2008.
Engel’s fearless reporting has led to widespread recognition and numerous awards, including several Emmys and a Peabody Award.
He has established himself as one of the most respected and experienced foreign correspondents in the world.
Early Career and Freelance Journalism:
- Engel began his career as a freelance journalist, reporting on the Iraq War for ABC News in 2003. His fearless reporting from the frontlines quickly gained him recognition and respect within the industry.
- He also contributed to various publications, including The World, USA Today, Reuters, AFP, and Jane’s Defence Weekly.
Joining NBC News:
- In 2003, Engel joined NBC News as a correspondent. He quickly became a prominent figure in the network’s coverage of international affairs.
- He served as the network’s primary correspondent in Baghdad during the Iraq War, providing firsthand accounts of the conflict and its devastating impact on the Iraqi people.
Middle East Correspondent and Beirut Bureau Chief:
- In 2006, Engel was appointed as NBC News’ senior Middle East correspondent and Beirut bureau chief.
- From this position, he covered a wide range of events, including the 2006 Israel-Hezbollah War, the Arab Spring uprisings, and the Syrian Civil War.
- His reporting from conflict zones often involved significant personal risk, as he risked his life to bring critical stories to the world.
Chief Foreign Correspondent:
- In 2008, Engel was promoted to the position of chief foreign correspondent for NBC News.
- In this role, he has continued to cover major global events, including the ongoing war in Ukraine, the Taliban’s takeover of Afghanistan, and the evolving political landscape in the Middle East.
- He has also reported on natural disasters, such as the devastating earthquake in Turkey and Syria in 2023.
Awards and Recognition:
- Engel has received numerous awards for his outstanding journalism, including multiple Emmy Awards and the Medill Medal for Courage in Journalism.
- His book, “And Then All Hell Broke Loose: Two Decades in the Middle East,” provides a firsthand account of his experiences as a war correspondent and offers valuable insights into the complexities of the region.
Books:
- A Fist in the Hornet’s Nest: This book chronicles his experiences as a war correspondent in Iraq.
- And Then All Hell Broke Loose: Two Decades in the Middle East: This memoir provides a personal account of his career and the challenges he faced as a journalist in the Middle East.
Richard Engel’s career is a testament to his courage, dedication, and unwavering commitment to truth-telling.
His reporting has shed light on some of the most pressing issues of our time and has made a significant impact on global understanding.
Richard Engel works with several talented colleagues at NBC News. Here are a few of his close colleagues:
- Lester Holt: The anchor of “NBC Nightly News” and “Dateline NBC,” Lester Holt is a well-respected journalist with extensive experience in news reporting.
- Savannah Guthrie: The co-anchor of “Today,” Savannah Guthrie is known for her insightful interviews and strong reporting skills.
- Chuck Todd: The host of “Meet the Press,” Chuck Todd is a seasoned political journalist with a deep understanding of American politics.
- Katy Tur: A correspondent for NBC News, Katy Tur has reported on major political events and has a strong presence on the campaign trail.
- Sheinelle Jones: A news anchor and correspondent for “Today,” Sheinelle Jones brings a wealth of experience and a warm presence to the news desk.
Richard Engel Injured
As of now, there are no public reports of Richard Engel suffering from any recent injuries. Journalists like him often work in challenging environments, and there’s always a risk of injury, but any significant incident would likely be widely reported.
It’s important to rely on credible news sources for the latest information on his health and well-being.
Net Worth and Salary
Richard Engel’s net worth and salary are not publicly disclosed.
However, as a high-profile journalist with a long and distinguished career at NBC News, it’s safe to assume that he commands a substantial salary.
Additionally, his book deals and public speaking engagements likely contribute to his overall wealth.
Richard Engel’s estimated net worth is around $4 million. His annual salary as NBC’s Chief Foreign Correspondent is approximately $200,000, though exact figures can vary.
It’s important to note that wealth and salary are not the primary focus of a dedicated journalist like Richard Engel.
His commitment to his craft and his passion for telling important stories are what define his career
Is Richard Engel Still Married?
Yes, Richard Engel is still married to Mary Forrest. The couple continues to navigate life’s challenges, including the heartbreaking loss of their son, Henry.
Does Richard Engel Have Another Child?
Yes, Richard Engel and Mary Forrest have another son named Theodore Engel. Theodore was born in August 2019.
What Disease Did Richard Engel’s Son Have?
Richard Engel’s son, Henry, tragically suffered from Rett syndrome. It’s a rare genetic neurological disorder primarily affecting girls.
How Old Is Richard Engel?
As of today, Richard Engel is 52 years old. He was born on September 16, 1973
Where Is Richard Engel Working?
Richard Engel is currently working as the Chief Foreign Correspondent for NBC News, a role he has held since April 2008.
In this capacity, he leads NBC’s international coverage, reporting from global conflict zones and covering major geopolitical events.
In addition to his primary role, he also serves as the host of MSNBC’s documentary series On Assignment with Richard Engel, where he delivers in-depth reports on international affairs and security issues.
How Do I Contact Richard Engel?
Unfortunately, there’s no public information available on how to directly contact Richard Engel. As a high-profile journalist, he likely receives a significant amount of correspondence.
However, you can reach out to NBC News:
- NBC News Website: Visit the NBC News website and look for contact information or a general inquiry form.
- Social Media: Connect with NBC News on social media platforms like Twitter and Facebook. They may be able to forward your message or provide guidance.
Please note that direct contact with journalists can be challenging, and it’s often more effective to reach out through official channels.
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