David Muir is one of the most recognizable faces on TV(Image: ABC)
David Muir has become one of the most recognizable faces on American television, with millions of viewers tuning in to watch his show each night.
As the host of ABC World News Tonight, the 51-year-old journalist, who sent fans into a mad frenzy this week, covers everything from politics to crime, from environmental disasters to wars. Fans often praise him for his skills on screen and for the enthusiasm he shows when reporting on key issues.
During his career, David has won multiple Emmy and Edward R. Murrow awards for his national and international journalism. While a lot is known about his job, he doesn’t share details of his personal life. The main information comes from leaks over the years, as he has chosen to prioritize his career without sharing details about his relationships. It comes after Muir issued a bombshell 4-word update to viewers as he stepped away from his desk on air.
David was born in Syracuse, New York, on November 8, 1973. He grew up in Onondaga Hill and since he was a child, he watched ABC News’ flagship program, crediting longtime anchor Peter Jennings as his biggest influence. He graduated from Onondaga Central Junior-Senior High School in May 1991 and went on to attend Ithaca College, where he got a degree in journalism in 1995.
The TV host at the Running With The Wolves series premiere in New York City on July 23(Image: Getty Images)
During high school, he interned at WTVH-TV in Syracuse, eventually landing a job there. He joined ABC News in August 2003 as anchor of the overnight news program World News Now. He also became the anchor of ABC News’ early morning newscast World News This Morning and occasionally co-anchored Primetime. He became the anchor of World News Saturday in June 2007.
In June 2014, ABC announced that David would succeed Diane Sawyer as the anchor and managing editor of ABC World News. He made his debut on September 1 that year. He has covered major stories, including the war between Ukraine and Russia, the 2020 and 2024 presidential elections, and the devastating floods in Texas last month.
Not much is known about David’s personal life, as he has kept his private affairs out of the spotlight. He has never confirmed a relationship despite rumors and has never been married. Many speculate that his career, which often brings him abroad and means he needs to work long hours, may be a factor in his decision to remain single.
In 2015, journalist Kate Dries wrote a satirical piece in which she referred to David as “my boyfriend. ” It’s not clear if it was all just for laughs or hinted at something more between them, as this has never been confirmed. At some point, there were also rumors that David might be dating talk show host Kelly Ripa, but they’re actually just good friends, as she is married to Mark Consuelos.
David with his friend Kelly Ripa(Image: Getty Images for Save The Children)
While the TV host hasn’t addressed his romantic relationships, David has spoken about his parents’ role in shaping his career. He credits his family for encouraging his passion for journalism from a young age. He said, “I’m grateful to my parents for driving me to that TV station when I was a kid.”
Speaking to Syracuse.com in 2018, the journalist credited his upbringing in Central New York as a significant influence on his career choice. He said, “I’m still driven by those voices every single night in putting together this national broadcast. I think the sensibilities of having grown up in Upstate New York and the concerns, the fears, the hopes of the people there are reflected all over the country. And that still drives me to this day.”
He also revealed he is close with his older sister Rebecca, often sharing glimpses of his visits to her farm in Borodino, New York. In 2021, he said he was a “proud uncle” after his niece, Finan Malcolm, graduated from Cornell University. David also has two younger step-siblings from his father’s second marriage.
