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
Full Name | Brian Douglas Williams |
Profession | Journalist, News Anchor |
Age | 65 years old |
Date of Birth | 5 May 1959 |
Nationality | American |
Zodiac/Sun Sign | Taurus |
Birthplace | Ridgewood, New Jersey, U.S. |
Current Address | New York, U.S. |
Brian Williams Wife, Children
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 Status | Married |
Wife/Girlfriend | Wife: Jane Stoddard Williams |
Children | Son: Douglas Williams Daughter: Allison Williams |
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 Name | Father: Gordon Lewis Williams Mother: Dorothy May |
Siblings | Yet 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.
School | Yet to be updated |
Alma Mater | The Catholic University of America |
Highest Qualification | Dropped 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.
Year | Role | Company/Network |
1981 | Reporter | KOAM-TV (Pittsburg, Kansas) |
1982-1985 | General Assignment Reporter | WTTG (Washington, D.C.) |
1985-1987 | Reporter | WCAU (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania) |
1987-1993 | Anchor and Reporter | WCBS-TV (New York City) |
1993-1999 | Chief White House Correspondent, Weekend Anchor | NBC News |
1996-2002 | Anchor/Host of The News with Brian Williams | MSNBC and CNBC |
2004-2015 | Anchor and Managing Editor of NBC Nightly News | NBC News |
2011-2013 | Host of Rock Center with Brian Williams | NBC News |
2015 | Suspension from NBC News | NBC News |
2015-2021 | Host of The 11th Hour with Brian Williams | MSNBC |
2021 | Departure from NBC/MSNBC | NBCUniversal |
Awards
Year | Award | Details |
2006 | News & Documentary Emmy Award | For coverage of Hurricane Katrina on NBC Nightly News |
2007 | News & Documentary Emmy Award | Multiple Emmys for Outstanding Journalism |
2009 | News & Documentary Emmy Award | For coverage of various news stories |
2009 | Walter Cronkite Award for Excellence in Journalism | Awarded by Arizona State University |
2010 | News & Documentary Emmy Award | For various news coverages |
2011 | News & Documentary Emmy Award | For NBC Nightly News |
2012 | News & Documentary Emmy Award | For his program Rock Center with Brian Williams |
2013 | News & Documentary Emmy Award | For a documentary on the JFK Library and Museum |
2014 | News & Documentary Emmy Award | For coverage of the Oklahoma tornadoes |
2014 | DuPont-Columbia University Award | For coverage of the Boston Marathon bombing |
2007 | Named in Time Magazine’s 100 Most Influential People | Honored for his impact on journalism |
Controversies
Year | Controversy | Details |
2015 | Iraq War Helicopter Fabrication [1] | Williams falsely claimed he was aboard a helicopter hit by RPG fire during the 2003 Iraq War |
2015 | Suspension from NBC [2] | Williams was suspended for six months without pay after an internal review found inaccuracies in several reports |
2015 | Hurricane 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
Height | In centimeters: 185 cm In meters: 1.85 m In feet & inches: 6 feet 1 inches |
Weight | In kg: 95 kg In lbs: 210 lbs |
Body Measurements | Yet to be updated |
Hair Colour | Gray |
Eye Colour | Blue |
Brian Williams Instagram, X
brianwilliamsnbc | |
X | @BWilliams |
10 Interesting Facts About Brian Williams
- He never graduated from college, despite attending multiple universities like George Washington University and The Catholic University of America.
- Williams started as a volunteer firefighter in his hometown of Middletown, New Jersey.
- He worked as a White House intern during the Carter administration before pursuing journalism.
- Williams initially worked in corporate PR at the National Association of Broadcasters in Washington, D.C.
- He once hosted Saturday Night Live in 2007, making him one of the few news anchors to do so.
- His daughter, Allison Williams, is a well-known actress, famous for her roles in Girls and Get Out.
- He won more than 10 News & Documentary Emmy Awards during his time at NBC.
- Brian Williams has a deep love for NASCAR and has reported on the sport during his career.
- His career was largely inspired by Walter Cronkite, who he regarded as a role model.
- 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.