Hugh Downs is an American journalist best known for playing Host/Anchor in 20/20.
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Best Known For:The television show 20/20
Breakthrough:Became the announcer for The Tonight Show starring Jack Paar in 1957
10 Quick Facts About Hugh Downs
- Full Name: Hugh Downs
- Nationality: American
- Profession: News anchor and host
- Known For: The television show 20/20
- Date of Birth: February 14, 1921
- Age: 105 years old
- Place of Birth: Akron, Ohio
- Marital Status: Widowed
- Spouse / Partner: Ruth Shaheen
- Specialization: News Anchor / Newscaster and TV Host
Hugh Downs Age
Hugh Downs is about 105 years old as of 2026. Hugh Downs was born in 1921.
Education
His educational background includes studies at Bluffton College and Columbia University.
- Bluffton College
- Columbia University
Career & Work
Hugh Downs' career includes news and reporting roles with ABC News, a news outlet and NBC.
Organization: ABC News
Role: Anchor of 20/20
Period: 1978–1999
Details: New York · Served as the primary host of the news magazine show for over two decades.
Organization: NBC
Role: Host of Today
Period: 1962–1971
Details: New York · Anchored the morning program during the 1960s.
Rise to Fame
Hugh Downs rose to prominence for his role on the television show 20/20.
Notable Works
Notable media work includes 20/20 and Concentration.
- TV Show: 20/20 (Host/Anchor, 1978-1999) — ABC News magazine program
- TV Show: Concentration (Host, 1958-1969) — Popular game show
Notable Coverage
- 1969 Apollo 11 Moon Landing Coverage - NBC News - 1969 - Anchored the coverage for NBC
Awards & Achievements
- Daytime Emmy Award — NATAS — Outstanding Host
Hugh Downs Family & Relationships
Hugh Downs is widowed. He has 2 children, Hugh Raymond Downs and Deirdre Downs.
- Father: Milton Howard Downs
- Mother: Edith Hicks
- Children:
- Hugh Raymond Downs
- Deirdre Downs
Lesser Known Facts
- He once held the Guinness World Record for the most total hours on commercial network television.
Personal Information
- Full Name: Hugh Downs
- Gender: Male
- Occupation: News anchor and host
- Nationality: American
- Living Status: Deceased
- Ethnicity: White
Birth & Background
- Date of Birth: February 14, 1921
- Age: 105
- Birthday: February 14
- Zodiac Sign: Aquarius
- Place of Birth: Akron, Ohio
Family & Relationships
- Father: Milton Howard Downs
- Mother: Edith Hicks
- Marital Status: Widowed
- Spouse / Partner: Ruth Shaheen
Net Worth & Income
- Salary: $45K - $188K (Est)
- Net Worth: $375K - $3.8M (Est)
- Source of Income: Employment
Related Biographies
- Barbara Walters (Colleague • Longtime co-anchor on 20/20)
- Jack Paar (Colleague • Announcer on The Tonight Show)
