Kelly Lange Biography
Kelly Lange is an American journalist turned full-time mystery novelist. She is best known for being the first woman to be a nightly news anchor in Los Angeles. Lange is a veteran radio and TV news reporter, and also NBC’s talk show host.
Lange began her journalism career in 1967 becoming a weather reporter on KABC’s 6 a.m.-to-9 a.m. segment and she was called “Dawn O’Day.” Initially a model, Lange got into a line at a Buena Park, California shopping mall as it appeared they were gifting people. The gifts turned out to be two positions as “Ladybirds” on KABC radio. The two lucky ladies would become the first female traffic/weather reporters in this area to patrol in helicopters. It was at this time that Lange got lucky and she was chosen.
The other lucky applicant was named Lori Ross previously a film studio secretary. Lori was given the afternoon shift as “Eve O’Day.” Kelly served as a news reporter, spotting News, and also reported traffic for KABC. In 1971, she joined KNBC. Lange later served as a newscaster with KCBS-TV for two years and later became a full-time mystery novelist.
Kelly received the Golden Mike’s Lifetime Achievement Award from the Radio and Television News Association of Southern California in 2010.
Kelly Lange KNBC
Lange joined KNBC in March 1971 as a weather forecaster for the station’s weeknight newscasts. She later appeared on a weekly features program called Sunday. She co-hosted the program with Ralph Story, Tom Snyder, and Paul Moyer. Lange was later promoted to news anchor in December 1976. She anchored the station’s various weeknight news programs alongside Moyer, Jess Marlow, John Schubeck, Jack Perkins, John Beard, Keith Morrison, and Chuck Henry. She co-hosted NBC’s network coverage of the Tournament of Roses Parade alongside Michael Landon.
Lange also served as a regular guest host of Tomorrow, with former KNBC colleague Tom Snyder. Lange was also a regular host of the Today show. She hosted the Grand Floral Parade of the Portland Rose Festival. She also served as host of the primetime network broadcast ceremony. To relieve insomnia from working on the 11 pm newscast, she began writing fiction and mysteries.
Kelly Lange Age
Lange born Dorothy Scafard is 83 years old as of 2020 having been born on December 14, 1937, in New York City, United States.
Kelly Lange Family
Lange has not yet disclosed any information regarding her family background.
Kelly Lange Education
Lange received her college education from Merrimack College in North Andover, Massachusetts. She later moved to California in the mid-1960s. This is to pursue a certification to become a school teacher.
Kelly Lange Height
Lange stands at a height of 5 feet 4 inches.
Kelly Lange Husband
Lange married American film and television director, producer, and screenwriter William Friedkin on June 7, 1987, and divorced in 1990.
Kelly Lange Kids
Lange has a daughter named Kelly Snyder. She also has three grandchildren through her daughter.
Kelly Lange Salary
Lange’s received a salary of $1 million per year during her time with NBC. However, a news anchor in Los Angeles, California receives an average salary of $84,500.
Kelly Lange Net Worth
Lange has earned her wealth through her journalism career and also her writing career. However, her net worth is not yet disclosed.
Kelly Lange Books
- The Reporter
- Dead File
- Graveyard Shift, featuring fictional TV news anchor Maxi Poole
- Trophy Wife
- Gossip
