Date of Birth: September 29, 1955
Zodiac Sign: Libra
Date of Death: November 14, 2016
Biography
Gwendolyn L. Ifill, known as Gwen Ifill, was an American journalist, television newscaster, and author. Born on September 29, 1955, in Queens, New York, she was the fifth child of Urcille Ifill Sr., an African Methodist Episcopal minister, and Eleanor Ifill. A pioneering figure in journalism, Ifill’s career spanned several decades and included roles at major news organizations such as The Washington Post, The New York Times, NBC, and PBS. In 1999, she became the moderator of PBS’s “Washington Week,” making her one of the first African-American women to host a major political talk show. Ifill was also the co-anchor and managing editor of “PBS NewsHour,” a groundbreaking role that she shared with Judy Woodruff, marking the first time a network news broadcast was co-anchored by two women. She was known for her incisive interviews and insightful political analysis. Ifill authored the book “The Breakthrough: Politics and Race in the Age of Obama” in 2009. Gwen Ifill passed away on November 14, 2016, leaving behind a legacy of excellence in journalism and a significant impact on the media landscape.
5 Interesting Facts about Gwen Ifill
1. Gwen Ifill was the first African-American woman to moderate a vice-presidential debate, doing so in 2004 and 2008.
2. She was awarded more than 20 honorary doctorates from various universities and colleges.
3. Ifill was inducted into the National Association of Black Journalists Hall of Fame in 2012.
4. She received the Fourth Estate Award from the National Press Club in 2015.
5. Ifill was a trailblazer in journalism, often addressing issues of race and politics in her reporting.
5 Most Interesting Quotes from Gwen Ifill
1. “You don’t have to be a star to be a success or to have a voice.”
2. “I was very conscious of being one of the first women of color to be in this position.”
3. “My job is to ask questions that are relevant to the people who are watching.”
4. “Journalism is about covering important stories – with a pillow over your head.”
5. “We are all better off when we have the opportunity to learn from each other.”
Highest Net Worth Achieved
At the peak of her career, Gwen Ifill’s net worth was estimated to be around $4 million.
Children
Gwen Ifill did not have any children.
Relevant Links
1. [PBS Newshour: Remembering Gwen Ifill](https://www.pbs.org/newshour/nation/remembering-gwen-ifill
3. [National Association of Black Journalists: Gwen Ifill](https://www.nabj.org/page/GwenIfill
4. [Biography.com: Gwen Ifill](https://www.biography.com/media-figure/gwen-ifill