Lester Holt is 67 years old. Born on March 8, 1959, in Marin County, California, he has spent decades anchoring major broadcasts, including a long tenure running the evening desk at NBC News. Knowing his age offers a quick window into his extensive timeline in broadcast journalism, which spans local radio stations in his youth to national network television.
Beyond a simple number, his age reflects an era of transformation in television news. From early stints as a disc jockey to becoming a steady fixture across American living rooms, his longevity in the media industry remains notable.
Early Life and Broadcast Beginnings
Lester Don Holt Jr. grew up in a multi-ethnic family with roots stretching across Jamaica, England, India, and the United States. His father served in the Air Force, which required the family to move periodically. During a stay in Alaska, his older brother worked at a local radio station, sparking a young Lester's interest in audio and broadcasting.
He graduated from Cordova High School in California in 1977 and later studied government at California State University, Sacramento. Before finishing his degree, he accepted a full-time disc jockey and news position at a country music station, choosing to jump straight into the workforce. That choice launched a career that would keep him on the airwaves for decades.
Rise Through Local News and CBS
Before becoming a fixture at NBC, Holt spent nearly two decades working in local television and with CBS. His early path included:
- Working as a reporter in New York City starting in 1981.
- Moving to Los Angeles in 1982 to work as a reporter and weekend anchor.
- Anchoring the evening news in Chicago for 14 years starting in 1986.
- Reporting from international conflict zones, including Iraq, Northern Ireland, Somalia, and Haiti.
These assignments hardened his reputation as a cool-headed journalist capable of handling high-pressure live broadcasts from dangerous locations.
Anchoring NBC Nightly News and Dateline
Holt joined MSNBC in 2000 and transitioned to full-time duties with NBC News by 2003. He anchored Weekend Today and the weekend edition of NBC Nightly News before stepping into the weekday anchor chair permanently in 2015.
During his time at the helm of the flagship evening broadcast, he moderated major political debates, including the 2016 presidential debate between Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump. In addition to hard news, he has anchored Dateline NBC since 2011, guiding viewers through complex true-crime investigations and long-form investigative journalism.
Personal Life and Interests
Away from the news desk, Holt maintains a quiet personal life. He married his wife, Carol, in the early 1980s, and they have two sons, one of whom, Stefan Holt, followed his father into television news as an anchor in Chicago.
Holt is also an avid bass guitar player. He frequently plays with a band and enjoys jamming with other musicians when he isn't reporting. His passion for music provides a distinct creative outlet far removed from the heavy cadence of nightly news delivery.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Lester Holt's birthday?
He celebrates his birthday on March 8, having been born in 1959.
Did Lester Holt finish college?
He attended California State University, Sacramento, but left early to pursue full-time work in radio broadcasting. He later received honorary degrees from multiple institutions.
How long did Lester Holt anchor NBC Nightly News?
He served as the permanent weekday anchor for a decade, stepping down from the daily evening broadcast role to focus full-time on Dateline and special projects.
Does Lester Holt have children in journalism?
Yes, his son Stefan Holt works as a news anchor, carrying on the family tradition in broadcast media.
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