Who Is Leon Harris?
Leon Harris is an Emmy Award-winning American journalist and TV news anchor, best known for his long-standing roles at CNN, ABC7, and NBC4 Washington. With a career spanning over 35 years, he became a trusted national voice in journalism. Beyond the news desk, Harris has publicly confronted personal challenges, including a battle with alcoholism, making his story one of both professional success and individual resilience.
Quick Facts About Leon Harris
- Full Name: Leon Harris
- Born: April 20, 1961, Akron, Ohio
- Age: 64 (as of 2025)
- Education: Ohio University (cum laude, 1983), Buchtel High School (1979), Honorary Doctorate (1999)
- Profession: Journalist, TV Anchor
- Years Active: 1980s–2024
- Notable For: CNN Anchor (1991–2003), WJLA-TV (2003–2016), NBC4 Washington (2017–2025)
- Awards: 5+ Emmy Awards
- Spouse: Dawn Lomax Harris
- Children: 2 (Darren and Lauren Harris)
- Current Status (2025): Left NBC4 in April 2025 to focus on health and family
Early Life & Education
Leon Harris was born and raised in Akron, Ohio. He graduated from Buchtel High School in 1979 and earned a National Merit Scholarship to attend Ohio University, where he majored in communications. Harris graduated cum laude in 1983 and later received an honorary Doctorate from the university in 1999.
At Ohio University, Leon met his future wife, Dawn Lomax, whose family is also from Akron.
CNN: From Intern to Prime-Time Anchor
Harris started as an unpaid intern at CNN’s Atlanta headquarters in the early 1980s. After graduating, he became a video journalist, then assistant director of the satellite department, overseeing global broadcast coverage of events like the Persian Gulf War and Presidents Reagan and George H. W. Bush’s trips.
In 1991, Harris officially became an on-air anchor. His CNN career highlights include:
- Programs Anchored: CNN Newsroom, The World Today, CNN Live Today (with Daryn Kagan)
- Major Coverage: 9/11 attacks, Oklahoma City bombing, 2000 presidential election
Despite winning multiple Emmys, Harris felt the culture at CNN shift amid competition with Fox News, and eventually left in 2003.
Local News Legacy: WJLA to NBC4
In July 2003, Harris signed with WJLA-TV (ABC7) in Washington, anchoring the 5 p.m. and 11 p.m. newscasts. He won a local Emmy in 2006, but his contract was not renewed in 2016.
In April 2017, Harris joined NBC4 Washington, co-anchoring News4 at 4 with Eun Yang and reporting for News4 at 11. He became a staple in D.C. households with his confident delivery and community presence.
Personal Struggles, Illness & Exit From NBC4
Sobriety Journey & Legal Issues
- 2013: Harris survived necrotizing pancreatitis, a life-threatening illness.
- 2013: Pleaded guilty to DUI, served probation.
- 2022: Arrested for DUI again; sentenced to 10 days in jail, 3 years probation, and mandated interlock device use.
Despite these challenges, he continued anchoring until late 2024, when viewers noticed erratic behavior during broadcasts.
Health Announcement & Departure
On December 1, 2024, NBC4 said Harris was taking a medical leave after slurred speech during a live segment. On April 8, 2025, he officially resigned:
“After 40+ years of nonstop work… this is the right time to prioritize my health and family.” — Leon Harris, NBC4 Statement
Personal Life: Family and Kids
- Wife: Dawn Lomax Harris, nurse in Potomac, Maryland
- Son: Darren Harris – Bucknell University graduate, lives in Seattle
- Daughter: Lauren Harris – Temple University graduate, early childhood educator in Atlanta
- Siblings: 3 brothers in Akron, 1 sister in Houston
- Parents: Leon Sr. and Lorrene Harris in Akron, Ohio
Awards & Impact
- 5+ Emmy Awards for national and local journalism
- Covered major global events with professionalism and clarity
- Mentorship: Known for mentoring young journalists and interns
- Advocacy: Speaker at sobriety and health awareness events post-2022
🤔Facts You Didn’t Know About Leon Harris
- Started as a satellite coordinator, not a reporter
- He was nearly replaced during CNN’s restructuring, prompting his exit
- Survived necrotizing pancreatitis — a rare and deadly condition
- Took Thanksgiving 2024 off due to health issues before his final broadcasts
- One of the few anchors to publicly admit alcohol struggles while still on-air
❓Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- What is going on with Leon Harris now (2025)? He stepped away from NBC4 to focus on health and family life and currently resides in Avenel, Potomac, Maryland.
- Why did Leon Harris leave CNN? Amid CNN’s internal changes and rising competition from Fox News, Harris felt marginalized and left in 2003.
- Is Leon Harris still married? Yes, he is married to Dawn Lomax Harris, whom he met at Ohio University.
- What are the health issues with Leon Harris? He suffered from necrotizing pancreatitis and has struggled with alcohol dependency, including two DUI arrests.
- What is Leon Harris’s net worth? Estimated net worth ranges between $1 million to $3 million, based on career earnings and assets.
- Did Leon Harris have kids? Yes — son Darren and daughter Lauren.
- What happened on Thanksgiving 2024? He took leave due to health concerns and later appeared visibly impaired on-air, leading to his medical leave.
- What illness does Leon Harris have? In addition to pancreatitis, he has faced issues related to alcohol abuse and reported unspecified health complications in 2024.
🧠 Final Thoughts
Leon Harris represents the complex reality of a life in the public eye — professional achievement balanced by personal challenges. From CNN global coverage to local D.C. headlines, his voice has been one of trust, truth, and transformation. His openness about addiction, illness, and recovery makes him not only a respected journalist but a relatable and courageous figure.
As he steps back in 2025, his story may still be unfolding — and inspiring.
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- Breaking News Anchors in Washington, D.C.
- TV Personalities Who Battled Addiction
