Charles Osgood has died at 91 years old, following a battle with dementia. The legendary anchor died at his home in New Jersey, according to CBS. Charles had been a long-time anchor with the network, working there for over four decades before his retirement.
Charles was a broadcast legend, who wore many different hats, and he won three Daytime Emmy Awards for his work on CBS Sunday Morning, per CBS News. His family mourned his passing in a statement. “Charlie absolutely loved being part of the ‘Sunday Morning’ community. We’ll miss him terribly, but there is comfort in knowing his life was charmed, in large part thanks to you. From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for welcoming him into your homes on Sundays to share stories, and to highlight the better parts of humanity. He’ll see you on the radio,” they said. Following the sad news of his passing, get to know more about the late Charles Osgood.
Charles Began His Career in Radio
Before he was a TV staple, Charles became a popular voice on the radio. He began his journalism career when he was still a student at Fordham University, where he hosted a program. He would occasionally tap friends, including Alan Alda to help him with his program, as he told The New York Times in 1994. After he graduated, he enlisted in the army and was recruited to be the announcer for the U.S. Army Band. In 1967, he was hired by CBS Radio, after some time with ABC. He began hosting his show The Osgood File in 1971. His career broadcasting also led to his popular catchphrase, “I’ll see you on the radio.”
Charles hosted The Osgood File even after his retirement from CBS Sunday Morning. He stopped the program in 2017 at age 84. He revealed that he’d been told to stop by his doctors, citing health issues, per Pix 11. “Although I was very much looking forward to continuing to see you on the radio, unfortunately my health and doctors will now not allow it. So I will retire from The Osgood File and radio at the end of the year with great appreciation for all the success we’ve had together,” he said at the time.
He Hosted ‘CBS Sunday Morning’ for Over 20 Years
Charles had occasionally filled in as an anchor and reporter for CBS news programs, but he became most well-known for hosting CBS Sunday Morning, which he took over in 1994. During the time hosting the show, many more viewers became accustomed to his short style of delivery, as well as his unique bowtie selections. His rhymes while delivering news, earned him the nickname of “poet-in-residence” at CBS.
When he retired from the show in 2016, he opened up about the decision in one of his final episodes. “It’s just that it’s been such a joy doing it! Who wouldn’t want to be the one who gets to introduce these terrific storytellers and the producers and writers and others who put this wonderful show together,” he said.
He Was Married to Jean Crafton for 50 Years
Charles wed his wife Jean Crafton in 1973, and the couple had five children: Kathleen Wood Griffis, Kenneth Winston Wood, Anne-E Wood, Emily J. Wood, and Jamie Wood. He’s survived by his wife and children.
He Narrated a 2008 Dr. Seuss Film
With a voice as distinctive as his, Charles was perfect for narrating a children’s classic when it made its way to the big screen. He was the narrator of the animated Horton Hears a Who! film, which also featured Jim Carrey, Steve Carrell, Seth Rogen, Carol Burnett, Amy Poehler, and many more stars.
He Authored a Handful of Books
Besides being a broadcaster, Charles was a celebrated author. He penned a number of books in his time, often non-fiction about his experiences as a child and journalist. In 2004, he wrote the memoir Defending Baltimore Against Enemy Attack about his childhood during World War II and the books Funny Letters from Famous People and A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the White House.