Dennis Richmond was an American news anchor best known for his 40-year tenure at KTVU, where he became one of the first African-American chief anchors in a major television market. Born on May 26, 1943, in Rossford, Ohio, Richmond’s career spanned from 1961 to 2008, making him one of the longest-serving anchors in Bay Area news history.
He passed away on February 5, 2025, at the age of 81 in Grass Valley, California. His unwavering professionalism, calm demeanor, and dedication to journalism made him a beloved figure in broadcasting.
In this article, we will explore in-depth details about Dennis Richmond’s age, height, weight, career, net worth, early life, family, relationships, physical appearance, awards, achievements, and lesser-known facts, among other topics.
Dennis Richmond Short Details
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Dennis Richmond |
| Stage Name | N/A |
| Profession | News Anchor |
| Hometown | Rossford, Ohio, U.S. |
| Nationality | American |
| Date of Birth | May 26, 1943 |
| Age (2025) | 81 years old |
| Date of Death | February 5, 2025 |
| Place of Death | Grass Valley, California, U.S. |
| Alma Mater | Wayne State University, Columbia University |
| Years Active | 1961–2008 |
| Employer | KTVU |
| Height | Not Available |
| Weight | Not Available |
| Eye Color | Not Available |
| Hair Color | Not Available |
| Zodiac Sign | Gemini |
Early Life and Career
Dennis Richmond was born and raised in Rossford, Ohio. He graduated from Rossford High School in 1961 before enlisting in the United States Army, where he served from 1961 to 1964 with the 82nd Airborne Division. After his military service, Richmond pursued higher education at Wayne State University from 1965 to 1967 before attending Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism in 1969 on a scholarship.
Rise to Prominence in Journalism
Richmond’s career in journalism began in 1968, when he joined KTVU as a clerk typist. Over the years, he worked his way up, demonstrating exceptional dedication and professionalism. By 1976, he had become the station’s chief anchor, making him one of the first African-American anchors in a major TV market.
For decades, Richmond delivered the news with calm authority and reliability, earning the trust of millions of viewers. His co-anchors included:
- Barbara Simpson (1978–1986)
- Elaine Corral (1986–1998)
- Leslie Griffith (1998–2006)
- Julie Haener (2006–2008)
During his tenure, “The Ten O’Clock News” became the top-rated news program in the Bay Area, and Richmond was widely respected as a journalist of integrity.
Memorable Career Moments
Richmond covered major historical events, including:
- The OJ Simpson chase (1994)
- The Loma Prieta earthquake (1989)
- The assassinations of George Moscone and Harvey Milk (1978)
- The Oakland Hills Firestorm (1991)
His final broadcast on May 26, 2008, attracted 400,000 viewers, making it one of the most-watched local newscasts in Bay Area history.
Family and Relationships
Dennis Richmond was married to Deborah Richmond, and they lived together in San Ramon, California, before retiring to Grass Valley, California. Richmond had one daughter from a previous relationship and two grandchildren.
Family Table
| Family Member | Role |
|---|---|
| Deborah Richmond | Wife |
| Daughter | Name Not Available |
| Grandchildren | Two Grandchildren |
Physical Appearance
Dennis Richmond was well-known for his distinguished look, including his smart suits, thick mustache, and composed presence on screen. Although his exact height and weight were not publicly disclosed, his calm and professional demeanor made him one of the most recognizable figures in Bay Area journalism.
Physical Attributes Table
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Height | Not Available |
| Weight | Not Available |
| Eye Color | Not Available |
| Hair Color | Not Available |
| Tattoos | None |
| Piercings | None |
Dennis Richmond Net Worth and Income Sources
Dennis Richmond had an estimated net worth of $5–$10 million at the time of his passing. His wealth primarily came from his career as a news anchor, spanning 40 years at KTVU.
Income Sources
| Source | Details |
|---|---|
| Primary Income | News Anchor at KTVU |
| Additional Income | Public Speaking, Interviews |
| Net Worth (2025) | Estimated $5–$10 million |
Richmond’s impact on journalism went beyond financial success—his legacy is measured by the trust and respect he garnered from viewers and colleagues alike.
Lesser-Known Facts About Dennis Richmond
- He was one of the first African-American anchors of a major-market TV newscast.
- His final broadcast in 2008 was watched by over 400,000 viewers.
- He served three years in the U.S. Army (1961–1964) in the 82nd Airborne Division.
- He was honored as the Good Scout of the Year by the Boy Scouts of America (2004).
- The old part of the San Francisco Bay Bridge was named the “Dennis Richmond Bridge” in his honor.
- He was a board member of the Child Abuse Consortium.
- He was known for his calm and steady demeanor, especially during breaking news events.
- His mustache and suit became a signature part of his appearance.
- He covered some of the biggest stories in U.S. history, including the Patricia Hearst kidnapping.
- He was an advocate for high school sports in Oakland.
FAQs About Dennis Richmond
Q: When did Dennis Richmond retire?
A: Dennis Richmond retired on May 26, 2008, on his 65th birthday.
Q: What was Dennis Richmond’s net worth?
A: His net worth was estimated to be between $5–$10 million.
Q: How long did Dennis Richmond work at KTVU?
A: He worked at KTVU for 40 years (1968–2008).
Q: Who were Dennis Richmond’s co-anchors?
A: He co-anchored with Barbara Simpson, Elaine Corral, Leslie Griffith, and Julie Haener.
Q: Where did Dennis Richmond live after retirement?
A: He moved to Grass Valley, California.
Q: What was Dennis Richmond’s biggest career achievement?
A: Becoming one of the first Black chief anchors in a major market and leading KTVU’s news team for decades.
Q: When did Dennis Richmond pass away?
A: He passed away on February 5, 2025, at 81 years old.
Conclusion
Dennis Richmond’s legacy as a trusted news anchor remains unmatched in Bay Area journalism. Over four decades, he informed, guided, and reassured viewers with his steady and professional demeanor. His contributions to journalism and the community will not be forgotten.
“NOTE: This article is based on publicly available information and is intended for informational purposes only. Readers are advised to verify the details independently from reliable sources.”
