Biography
Ernie Anastos was born on July 12, 1943, in Nashua. He grew up in a family with strong cultural roots connected to the Greek-American community.
His grandfather, Fr. Anastasios Anastasiou, was a respected Greek Orthodox priest. This cultural background played an important role in shaping Anastos’s early values, including discipline, education, and public service.
As a young student, Anastos showed an early interest in communication and storytelling. He was curious about current events and enjoyed following the news, which eventually inspired him to pursue a career in journalism.
After finishing high school, he attended Northeastern University in Boston, where he studied sociology. The program helped him understand social issues and public affairs, skills that would later become essential in his career as a journalist.
During his college years, Anastos began working in radio, gaining practical experience behind the microphone. These early opportunities gave him valuable training in news reporting, interviewing, and storytelling.
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By the time he graduated with his Bachelor of Arts degree, Anastos had already decided that broadcasting would become his life’s work.
Career
Ernie Anastos’s professional career began in radio broadcasting. After completing his education, he worked at radio stations such as WRKO and WROR in Boston.
These early positions allowed him to develop the communication skills that would later make him a successful television journalist.
In 1976, Anastos transitioned from radio to television when he became a news anchor at WPRI-TV in Providence.
Just two years later, his talent caught the attention of executives in New York. In 1978, he joined WABC-TV, where he became anchor of the station’s 11 p.m. “Eyewitness News” broadcast.
This position marked a major turning point in his career. New York is one of the largest media markets in the world, and anchoring a prime-time news program there required exceptional professionalism and credibility.
Anastos quickly became a trusted voice for viewers who relied on him for accurate news reporting.
Throughout his career, he worked at several major television stations in New York, including WCBS-TV and WNYW-TV.
His coverage included some of the most important events of modern history. One of the most significant moments came in 2001, when he reported on the September 11 attacks at the World Trade Center.
During this difficult period, millions of viewers turned to television news for reliable information. Anastos’s calm and professional reporting helped guide audiences through one of the darkest moments in American history.
Over the years, he also interviewed many prominent world leaders, including Jimmy Carter, George H. W. Bush, Bill Clinton, Mikhail Gorbachev, and Desmond Tutu.
In addition to news anchoring, Anastos expanded his media career into several other areas. He hosted talk shows, launched television production companies, and even owned radio stations through his media business ventures.
He also made cameo appearances in films such as Independence Day, Summer of Sam, Run All Night, and The Yards, where he appeared as himself.
Beyond journalism, Anastos wrote books for young readers and launched television programs focused on positive and inspiring stories, including “Positively America” and “Positively Ernie.”
Personal Life
Despite his busy professional career, Ernie Anastos always emphasized the importance of personal values and community involvement.
He was widely respected not only as a journalist but also as a public figure who supported education, youth development, and charitable causes.
Anastos also pursued additional studies later in life. He completed leadership and management courses at Harvard Business School, demonstrating his commitment to lifelong learning.
His personality on television reflected optimism and professionalism. In later years, he became especially known for promoting positive stories and uplifting messages through his broadcasts.
These programs aimed to highlight inspiring individuals and achievements, offering viewers an alternative to the often negative tone of daily news coverage.
Family
Ernie Anastos valued family deeply throughout his life.
He was married to Kelly Anastos, and the couple had two children. Despite his fame, he maintained a relatively private family life and rarely discussed personal matters in public interviews.
His Greek heritage remained an important part of his identity, and he often supported cultural and community organizations connected to the Greek-American community.
Many of his colleagues described him as a devoted husband and father who balanced his demanding career with strong family values.
Age
Ernie Anastos lived a long and productive life. Born on July 12, 1943, he spent more than five decades working in journalism and broadcasting.
He passed away on March 11, 2026, at the age of 82.
During his lifetime, he became one of the most recognized television journalists in New York City, earning numerous awards and honors.
In 2017, Bill de Blasio honored him by declaring March 21 as “Ernie Anastos Day” in New York City, recognizing his contributions to journalism and the community.
Cause of Death
Ernie Anastos died on March 11, 2026, at Northern Westchester Hospital.
According to reports, his cause of death was pneumonia, a serious lung infection that can become life-threatening, especially for older adults.
At the time of his passing, Anastos had already left an enduring legacy in the world of television journalism. His career spanned nearly five decades, making him one of the most experienced and respected broadcasters in the United States.
Conclusion
The life of Ernie Anastos is a powerful example of dedication, professionalism, and passion for journalism. From his early days in radio to his decades as a leading television news anchor, he remained committed to delivering accurate and meaningful stories to the public.
Throughout his career, Anastos covered historic events, interviewed world leaders, and helped shape the news landscape of New York City. His calm presence and credibility earned the trust of millions of viewers.
Even after decades in broadcasting, he continued to promote positivity through his programs and community involvement.
Although he passed away at the age of 82, his influence on journalism will continue to inspire future generations of reporters, broadcasters, and media professionals.
FAQs
Who was Ernie Anastos?
Ernie Anastos was an Emmy Award–winning American television news anchor and talk show host who worked for major New York stations including WABC-TV, WCBS-TV, and WNYW-TV.
How old was Ernie Anastos when he died?
He was 82 years old when he passed away on March 11, 2026.
What was the cause of Ernie Anastos’s death?
Ernie Anastos died from pneumonia at Northern Westchester Hospital in Mount Kisco, New York.
Who is Ernie Anastos’s wife?
He was married to Kelly Anastos, and the couple had two children.
What awards did Ernie Anastos win?
He received more than 30 Emmy Awards and nominations and also won the Edward R. Murrow Award for excellence in broadcast journalism.
Peter Charles is a journalist and writer who covers battery-material recycling, urban mining, and the growing use of microreactors in industry. With 10 years of experience in industrial reporting, he explains new technologies and industry changes in clear, simple terms. He holds both a BSc and an MSc in Electrical Engineering, which gives him the technical knowledge to report accurately and insightfully on these topics.
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