Ann Curry is a name synonymous with resilience and integrity in journalism. Despite stepping away from the limelight after she departed from NBC’s “Today” show in 2012 and NBC News in 2015, Curry’s commitment to journalism has never waned.
Born in Guam to Hiroe Nagase and Robert Paul “Bob” Curry, Ann spent part of her childhood in Japan before her family settled in Oregon. It was here that she embarked on a journey that would lead her to become a beacon in the field of journalism.
After graduating from college, Curry’s career took off at KTVL, an NBC affiliate in Oregon, where she broke barriers as the station’s first female news reporter.
Her path took her from KTVL to KGW in Portland, and then to Los Angeles, where her work as a reporter for a CBS affiliate earned her two Emmy Awards. In 1990, Curry joined NBC News, marking the start of a distinguished tenure. She held various roles, including correspondent, anchor on “NBC News at Sunrise,” and news anchor on the “Today” show from 1997 to 2011. Curry also played a significant role in “Dateline NBC” and served as the main substitute on “NBC Nightly News.”
Despite her achievements, Curry’s exit from “Today” in 2012 was a moment filled with emotion and speculation. She continued with NBC News until January 2015, but it was the start of a new chapter for Curry.
Post-NBC, Curry ventured into new territories with undiminished zeal. She founded a media company, created and produced the PBS series “We’ll Meet Again,” delivered a TED Talk on journalism’s trust restoration, and hosted “Chasing the Cure” on TNT. Her efforts were recognized in 2022 with the Murrow Lifetime Achievement Award from the Edward R. Murrow College of Communication at Washington State University, honoring her commitment to covering human suffering in crisis zones.
Most recently, Curry engaged in a conversation with Min Jin Lee, the author of “Pachinko,” on PBS Arts Talk. Despite her minimal social media presence, Curry returned after an 18-month hiatus with a reflective post, reminding her followers of the beauty and depth of the world.
Ann Curry’s journey is a testament to her enduring dedication to journalism, proving that even beyond the headlines, her voice and spirit continue to influence and inspire.