Broadcasting legend Hugh Downs died at age 99 on Wednesday night surrounded by loved ones, according to the CBS affiliate in Arizona.
Downs’ historic career spanned more than 60 years, with memorable work on “20/20”, “Today” and “The Tonight Show”. Famous co-anchored “20/20” alongside Barbara Walters, where the duo became loved by millions.
A Downs family spokesperson told the local CBS affiliate on Thursday that the death was not related to the coronavirus pandemic.
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Hugh Downs’ historical career spanned more than 60 years. (NBCUniversal via Getty Images via Getty Images)
“In 1985, Hugh received the Guinness Book of World Records certification as the record for the longest number of hours on network commercial television (15,188 hours), until he lost the record to Regis Philbin in 2004,” the spokeswoman said. to CBS 5..
The Washington Post reported that the cause of death was heart disease.
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Arizona State University named the Hugh Downs School of Human Communication after the streaming icon in 1999. The school’s website says it is “appropriately named for a man passionate about lifelong learning, a commitment (and an appreciation) for the role of communication in human interactions and the ability to communicate effectively, either with one person or with large and diverse groups. “
Downs was born in Akron, Ohio, and began his career as a radio announcer in Lima, Ohio.
Hugh joined the “Home” show on NBC in 1954 and was the host of “Caesar’s Hour” from 1956-57 when he helped cast “The Tonight Show” as Jack Paar’s partner. In 1958 he also began presenting the popular game show “Concentration”. In 1962 he began a nine-year season as a co-host of NBC’s “Today” show, where he also served as a reporter. Downs then joined ABC where he co-anchored “20/20” alongside Walters.
She served in the United States Army before beginning her broadcast career.
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Many turned to Twitter to pay tribute to Downs upon hearing the news:
All biographical information courtesy of The Hugh Downs School of Human Communication
