Vanessa Nakate to Open Giving Black Conference 2026 With Climate Justice Keynote
2 weeks ago
United States Hugh Downs was a celebrated American television presenter and radio personality whose prolific career spanned over six decades, known for his roles on 'Today' and '20/20'.
Hugh Downs served as the announcer for NBC's Caesar's Hour for the 1956-57 season.
Hugh Downs helped launch and stayed with The Tonight Show with Jack Paar for five years, from 1957 to 1962.
Hugh Downs was an anchor for NBC's Today show.
Hugh Downs was a co-host of ABC's 20/20 alongside Barbara Walters.
Hugh Downs appeared in infomercials for Bottom Line Publications, promoting titles such as 'World's Greatest Treasury of Health Secrets'.
Hugh Downs appeared in an infomercial for this elementary and secondary educational system in 2003.
Hugh Downs appeared in regional public-service announcements in Arizona for the state's Motor Vehicles Division.
Hugh Downs appeared in regional public-service announcements for Hospice of the Valley, a Phoenix-area non-profit organization.
Hugh Downs served as the Chairman of the Board of the United States Committee for UNICEF and won awards from UNICEF.
Hugh Downs was the Chairman Emeritus of the Board of Governors for the National Space Society, serving until 2019.
Hugh Downs was a longtime president and chairman of the National Space Institute, a predecessor to the National Space Society.
Hugh Downs received a post-Masters degree in gerontology from Hunter College and later an honorary Doctorate of Fine Arts.
The Hugh Downs School of Human Communication at Arizona State University is named in his honor.
As part of Arizona's centennial celebration in February 2012, Downs narrated Aaron Copland's 'Lincoln Portrait' on stage with the Phoenix Symphony.
Hugh Malcolm Downs was born on February 14, 1921, in Akron, Ohio. He embarked on his broadcasting career at the age of 18, starting as a radio announcer and program director at WLOK in Lima, Ohio, in 1939. Following his service in the United States Army during World War II, Downs joined the NBC radio network at WMAQ in Chicago, where he remained until 1954. His early television foray began in September 1945 with a news broadcast from Chicago’s WBKB-TV. By 1950, he became a television regular, announcing for “Hawkins Falls,” the first successful television soap opera, and for “Kukla, Fran and Ollie.”
In 1954, Downs moved to New York City as an announcer for Pat Weaver’s “The Home Show.” He gained national recognition as Jack Paar’s announcer on “The Tonight Show” from 1957 to 1962, a foundational period in late-night television. Concurrently, from August 1958, Downs hosted the original version of the game show “Concentration” for over ten years, adding to his diverse television portfolio. His career further advanced when he became the host of NBC’s “Today Show” for nine years, from September 1962 to October 1971, expanding his reach into morning news and entertainment. After earning a postgraduate degree in gerontology from Hunter College, Downs hosted “Over Easy,” a PBS talk show focused on aging, from 1977 to 1983. He later co-hosted the syndicated talk show “Not for Women Only” with Barbara Walters in 1975–76.
Downs’ most recognized role in later years was as the Emmy Award-winning co-anchor of ABC’s news magazine “20/20,” again alongside Barbara Walters, from 1978 until his retirement in 1999. In 1984, he was recognized by the Guinness World Records for the most hours on commercial network television, accumulating 15,188 hours, a record later surpassed by Regis Philbin. Downs was also a published author and composer, hosting PBS’s classical music showcase “Live from Lincoln Center” from 1990 to 1996. He was inducted into the International Air & Space Hall of Fame in 1984 and the American TV Game Show Hall of Fame in 2007. Downs passed away on July 1, 2020, at the age of 99, in Scottsdale, Arizona.
Curious about our offerings or have inquiries? We're eager to assist!
Just complete the form, and we'll respond promptly.
