Ernie Anastos death: Iconic NYC news anchor, Eyewitness News anchorman dies at 82
NEW YORK (WABC) — Former Eyewitness News anchor Ernie Anastos, a legendary newsman and beloved presence in the Tri-State area for almost 50 years, has died at the age of 82.
The news of his passing was confirmed to Eyewitness News by those close to his family.
Anastos spent 11 years as an anchor at Eyewitness News beginning in 1978 and enjoyed a memorable run as anchor of the 5 p.m. and 11 p.m. newscasts before leaving in 1989.
Throughout his long career, Anastos also worked as an anchor at New York TV stations WCBS, WWOR and WNYW and most recently had become a voice on WABC 770 AM, where he hosted a show called Positively Ernie.
He has won more than 30 Emmy awards and nominations and received the prestigious Lifetime Emmy Award.
Anastos has covered major stories over the years, including the Word Trade Center attacks and the coronavirus pandemic.
Anastos most recently appeared on WABC-TV in a 2020 documentary about the death of John Lennon. Anastos was anchoring the night of Dec. 8, 1980, when WABC-TV confirmed the news the former Beatle had been killed.
Anastos transcended the role of anchor, becoming a larger-than-life figure across the metropolitan area, a fixture at community events with a thriving social-media presence. He was always ready with a smile and pleasant small talk and dollops of wisdom to the delight of his many fans.
Before his professional career, Anastos he graduated from Northeastern University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in sociology. He also holds Honorary Doctorate degrees from Marist College, New York Institute of Technology, Manhattanville College, Curry College and Sacred Heart University.
Prior to arriving in New York, Anastos worked at stations in Boston and Providence, Rhode Island.
“He was something unique and no matter your politics – Ernie was trusted. Reporting the news – reporting truth and facts – that’s what Ernie believed in,” Eyewitness News anchor Bill Ritter said. For many years, Bill anchored the same newscast Ernie did in the 1970s and 1980s.
Two weeks ago, Anastos sent Ritter a note: “Hi Bill … love watching you .. and stay happy and healthy. Ernie.”
“He will be more than missed,” Ritter said.
His final Facebook post, published on March 3, featured a video of him in front of the Superman Globe at Daily News Building in Manhattan.
Anastos labeled it simply: “Now more than ever we need to promote and protect the truth!”
This is breaking news. This story will be updated.
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