Bill Kurtis is an American journalist best known for playing Host / Narrator in Cold Case Files.
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Best Known For:The television program Wait Wait... Don't Tell Me!
Breakthrough:Gained fame for his live coverage of the 1966 Topeka tornado as a law student
10 Quick Facts About Bill Kurtis
- Full Name: Bill Kurtis
- Nationality: American
- Profession: News anchor
- Known For: The television program Wait Wait... Don't Tell Me!
- Current Role: Scorekeeper and announcer
- Current Employer: NPR
- Date of Birth: September 21, 1940
- Age: 86 years old
- Place of Birth: Pensacola, Florida
- Spouse / Partner: Donna La Pietra
Bill Kurtis Age
Bill Kurtis is about 86 years old as of 2026. Bill Kurtis was born in 1940.
Bill Kurtis Height
Bill Kurtis stands at a height of 6 feet 3 inches. This is approximately 191 cm.
Education
His educational background includes studies at University of Kansas and Washburn University School of Law.
- University of Kansas
- Qualification: Bachelor of Science
- Field of Study: Journalism
- Period: 1962
- Washburn University School of Law
- Qualification: Juris Doctor
- Field of Study: Law
- Period: 1966
Career & Work
Bill Kurtis' career includes news and reporting roles with NPR, a public radio network and CBS News.
Organization: NPR
Role: Scorekeeper
Period: 2014–Present
Details: Chicago, IL
Organization: CBS News
Role: Anchor
Period: 1982–1985
Details: New York, NY
Organization: WBBM-TV
Role: Anchor
Period: 1966–1982
Details: Chicago, IL
Rise to Fame
Bill Kurtis rose to prominence for his role on the television show Cold Case Files.
Notable Works
Notable media work includes Cold Case Files and American Justice.
- TV Show: Cold Case Files (Host / Narrator, 1999-2006)
- TV Show: American Justice (Host, 1992-2005)
Awards & Achievements
- Emmy Award — NATAS — Broadcast Journalism
Bill Kurtis Family & Relationships
He has 2 children, Scott Kurtis and Mary Kristine Kurtis.
- Children:
- Scott Kurtis
- Mary Kristine Kurtis
Lesser Known Facts
- Kurtis owns a sustainable cattle ranch in Kansas called Tallgrass Beef Company.
Personal Information
- Full Name: Bill Kurtis
- Gender: Male
- Occupation: News anchor
- Nationality: American
- Living Status: Alive
- Ethnicity: White
Birth & Background
- Date of Birth: September 21, 1940
- Age: 86
- Birthday: September 21
- Zodiac Sign: Virgo
- Place of Birth: Pensacola, Florida
Measurements
- Height: 6 ft 3 in
- Eye Color: Brown
- Hair Color: Gray
Family & Relationships
- Spouse / Partner: Donna La Pietra
Net Worth & Income
- Salary: $78,000–$342,000 (Estimated range)
- Net Worth: $402,000–$5,740,000 (Estimated range)
- Source of Income: Broadcast employment and related professional work
Related Biographies
- Donna La Pietra (Longtime partner)
- Walter Jacobson (Colleague • Longtime anchor partner at WBBM)
