Date of Birth: February 14, 1921
Zodiac Sign: Aquarius
Date of Death: July 1, 2020
Biography
Hugh Malcolm Downs was an American broadcaster, television host, news anchor, and author. He was born in Akron, Ohio, and embarked on a career that spanned more than six decades, making him one of the most enduring figures in American television history. Downs began his broadcasting career in the 1940s on radio before transitioning to television in the 1950s. He became a household name as the co-host of NBC’s “Today” show from 1962 to 1971. Downs also hosted the game show “Concentration” and the ABC news magazine “20/20” alongside Barbara Walters. His affable personality, professionalism, and versatility endeared him to millions of viewers. Hugh Downs passed away on July 1, 2020, in Scottsdale, Arizona, at the age of 99.
5 Interesting Facts about Hugh Downs
1. Hugh Downs held the Guinness World Record for the greatest number of hours on network commercial television until Regis Philbin surpassed him in 2004.
2. He hosted the game show “Concentration” for a decade, from 1958 to 1968.
3. Downs was an accomplished pilot and held a commercial pilot’s license.
4. He wrote several books, including “Potential: The Way to Emotional Maturity” and “Yours Truly.”
5. Downs earned a Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Host or Hostess in a Talk, Service, or Variety Series for his work on “Not for Women Only.”
5 Most Interesting Quotes from Hugh Downs
1. “I’ve worked with some great people. When you get to work with people like Barbara Walters and Jack Paar, it’s a real privilege.”
2. “The best part of my career was the variety. I never got stuck doing the same thing.”
3. “I think people will always need news and information, but the way we get it will continue to evolve.”
4. “When you love what you do, it never feels like work.”
5. “Broadcasting is an art form that combines the best of storytelling, technology, and human connection.”
Highest Net Worth Achieved
Hugh Downs’ highest net worth was estimated to be around $20 million.
Children
Hugh Downs had two children: a son named Hugh Ray “H.R.” Downs and a daughter named Deirdre Downs.
Relevant Links
1. [Hugh Downs – Biography on IMDb](https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0236168/bio
3. [Hugh Downs – ABC News Profile](https://abcnews.go.com/2020/hugh-downs-biography/story?id=123210
