Willard Scott

Date of Birth: March 7, 1934

Zodiac Sign: Pisces

Date of Death: September 4, 2021

Biography

Willard Scott was a beloved American television personality, weatherman, and entertainer who became a household name through his work on NBC’s “Today” show. Born in Alexandria, Virginia, Scott began his career in broadcasting as a page and later a disc jockey at NBC’s Washington affiliate, WRC-TV. He gained widespread recognition for his warm and jovial demeanor as the weatherman on the “Today” show, a role he held from 1980 to 1996. Scott was known for his enthusiastic birthday wishes to centenarians, which became a hallmark of his time on the show. In addition to his work in weather broadcasting, Scott also portrayed the original Ronald McDonald in McDonald’s commercials during the 1960s. His career was marked by his genuine warmth and infectious laughter, making him a favorite among television viewers.

5 Interesting Facts about Willard Scott

1. Willard Scott was the first person to portray Ronald McDonald in McDonald’s television commercials.

2. He wrote several books, including “The Joy of Living” and “If I Knew It Was Going to Be This Much Fun, I Would Have Become a Grandparent First.”

3. Scott was known for his various on-air antics, including dressing up as Santa Claus and the Easter Bunny on the “Today” show.

4. He received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1985.

5. Scott was a close friend of fellow weatherman and “Today” show host Al Roker, who succeeded him in the role.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Willard Scott

1. “I just love people. I love being around them. That’s all it takes.”

2. “Positive feelings come from being honest about yourself and accepting your personality, and physical characteristics, warts and all; and from belonging to a family that accepts you without question.”

3. “In the words of the late, great Will Rogers, ‘I never met a man I didn’t like.’”

4. “Everybody complains about the weather, but nobody ever seems to do anything about it.”

5. “The older you get, the more you realize that kindness is synonymous with happiness.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

At the peak of his career, Willard Scott’s net worth was estimated to be around $10 million.

Children

Willard Scott had two children, Mary Scott and Sally Scott, with his first wife, Mary Dwyer Scott, to whom he was married for 43 years until her death in 2002. He later married Paris Keena in 2014.