Brian Williams, born on May 5, 1959 (Age: 65 years old), in Ridgewood, New Jersey, knows that journey well. From humble beginnings as a volunteer firefighter, he rose to become the face of NBC Nightly News, guiding millions through some of the biggest events in recent history.

Despite facing challenges in his career, including a suspension for a reporting mistake, Williams didn’t let setbacks define him. Instead, he used the opportunity to rebuild his career, returning to television with a hit show on MSNBC. His story is one of perseverance, growth, and reinvention—proving that even after tough moments, it’s possible to come back stronger. 

Curious about how he turned things around? 

Let’s explore Brian Williams Biography a man whose life has been full of surprising twists.

Brian Williams Wiki & Early Life

Brian Williams Wiki
Full NameBrian Douglas Williams
ProfessionJournalist, News Anchor
Age65 years old
Date of Birth5 May 1959
NationalityAmerican
Zodiac/Sun SignTaurus
BirthplaceRidgewood, New Jersey, U.S.
Current AddressNew York, U.S.

Brian Williams Wife, Children

Brian Williams with his Wife

Brian Williams has been married to Jane Stoddard Williams since 1986. Jane is a broadcast journalist and has hosted a radio show focused on education issues. The couple has two children, including their well-known daughter, Allison Williams, an actress famous for roles in “Girls and Get Out​.”

Relationship StatusMarried
Wife/GirlfriendWife: Jane Stoddard Williams
Children Son: Douglas Williams
Daughter: Allison Williams
Brian Williams with his Daughter and Son

Brian Williams Family

Brian Williams’ parents are Dorothy May and Gordon Lewis Williams. His father worked as an executive vice president of the National Retail Merchants Association, and his mother was an amateur actress​. He grew up in a middle-class family in Ridgewood, New Jersey.

Parent’s NameFather: Gordon Lewis Williams
Mother: Dorothy May
SiblingsYet to be updated

Brian Williams Education

Brian Williams attended multiple colleges, including Brookdale Community College, George Washington University, and The Catholic University of America. However, he never completed a degree, choosing to pursue a career in journalism instead.

SchoolYet to be updated
Alma MaterThe Catholic University of America
Highest QualificationDropped out

Brian Williams Career

Brian Williams began his career as a reporter in local TV news before joining NBC News in 1993. He became the anchor of NBC Nightly News in 2004, a role he held until 2015 when he was suspended for inaccuracies in his reporting. Afterward, he hosted The 11th Hour on MSNBC until his departure in 2021​.

YearRoleCompany/Network
1981ReporterKOAM-TV (Pittsburg, Kansas)
1982-1985General Assignment ReporterWTTG (Washington, D.C.)
1985-1987ReporterWCAU (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania)
1987-1993Anchor and ReporterWCBS-TV (New York City)
1993-1999Chief White House Correspondent, Weekend AnchorNBC News
1996-2002Anchor/Host of The News with Brian WilliamsMSNBC and CNBC
2004-2015Anchor and Managing Editor of NBC Nightly NewsNBC News
2011-2013Host of Rock Center with Brian WilliamsNBC News
2015Suspension from NBC NewsNBC News
2015-2021Host of The 11th Hour with Brian WilliamsMSNBC
2021Departure from NBC/MSNBCNBCUniversal

Awards

YearAwardDetails
2006News & Documentary Emmy AwardFor coverage of Hurricane Katrina on NBC Nightly News
2007News & Documentary Emmy AwardMultiple Emmys for Outstanding Journalism
2009News & Documentary Emmy AwardFor coverage of various news stories​
2009Walter Cronkite Award for Excellence in JournalismAwarded by Arizona State University​
2010News & Documentary Emmy AwardFor various news coverages​
2011News & Documentary Emmy AwardFor NBC Nightly News​
2012News & Documentary Emmy AwardFor his program Rock Center with Brian Williams​
2013News & Documentary Emmy AwardFor a documentary on the JFK Library and Museum​
2014News & Documentary Emmy AwardFor coverage of the Oklahoma tornadoes​
2014DuPont-Columbia University AwardFor coverage of the Boston Marathon bombing​
2007Named in Time Magazine’s 100 Most Influential PeopleHonored for his impact on journalism​

Controversies

YearControversyDetails
2015Iraq War Helicopter Fabrication [1]Williams falsely claimed he was aboard a helicopter hit by RPG fire during the 2003 Iraq War​
2015Suspension from NBC [2]Williams was suspended for six months without pay after an internal review found inaccuracies in several reports​
2015Hurricane Katrina Coverage Exaggeration [3]Williams was criticized for exaggerating details about his experience during Hurricane Katrina​

Brian Williams Net Worth, Salary

Net Worth in Dollars (Approx.)$50 million
Salary (Approx.)$6 million

Brian Williams Height, Weight & Physical Stats

HeightIn centimeters: 185 cm
In meters: 1.85 m
In feet & inches: 6 feet 1 inches
WeightIn kg: 95 kg
In lbs: 210 lbs
Body MeasurementsYet to be updated
Hair ColourGray
Eye ColourBlue

Brian Williams Instagram, X

InstagramInstagram Profile brianwilliamsnbc
XTwitter Icon @BWilliams

10 Interesting Facts About Brian Williams

  1. He never graduated from college, despite attending multiple universities like George Washington University and The Catholic University of America​.
  2. Williams started as a volunteer firefighter in his hometown of Middletown, New Jersey​.
  3. He worked as a White House intern during the Carter administration before pursuing journalism​.
  4. Williams initially worked in corporate PR at the National Association of Broadcasters in Washington, D.C.
  5. He once hosted Saturday Night Live in 2007, making him one of the few news anchors to do so.
  6. His daughter, Allison Williams, is a well-known actress, famous for her roles in Girls and Get Out.
  7. He won more than 10 News & Documentary Emmy Awards during his time at NBC.
  8. Brian Williams has a deep love for NASCAR and has reported on the sport during his career.
  9. His career was largely inspired by Walter Cronkite, who he regarded as a role model.
  10. He apologized publicly for the Iraq War helicopter controversy, which led to his suspension from NBC​.

FAQs

Did MSNBC let Williams go?

No, Williams chose to leave MSNBC on his own in 2021 after 28 years at NBC, stating it was time to explore new opportunities.

Is Brian still married?

Yes, Williams is still married to Jane Stoddard Williams, whom he married in 1986​.

Does Brian daughter an actress?

Yes, his daughter Allison Williams is a well-known actress, famous for her roles in Girls and Get Out.

How old is Brian Williams?

Brian Williams was born on May 5, 1959, making him 65 years old.

What is the net worth of Brian Williams?

Brian Williams’ net worth is estimated to be around $40 million​.

Does Brian have a degree?

No, despite attending multiple universities, Brian never completed a college degree​.

References

  1. LA Times
  2. NBC News
  3. New York Magazine