Don Lemon is a well-known American television journalist. He currently serves as a co-host of the CNN show “This Morning.” He entered CNN as a reporter in 2006 and became famous as the host of Don Lemon Tonight from 2014-2022.
He also worked as a news reporter for NBC’s Today and NBC Nightly News. He had hosted several weekend news programs in Alabama and Pennsylvania.
Being a famous journalist, people wish to learn more about him. Hence, you have this article on Don Lemon, where you will get information on his biography, career, net worth, family, and more.
So without further ado, let’s begin.
Don Lemon Biography and Wiki
Don was born in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, on March 1, 1966. His father, Wilmon Lee Richardson, was a famous attorney and part of an important case challenging the segregation of public transportation in his town. His mother was Katherine Marie. He has African-American ancestry with Creole.
Don attended Public High School in Baker in East Baton Rouge Parish. He was elected as class president during his senior year.
Later, he attended Louisiana State University. He graduated at 30 in 1996 from Brooklyn College with a major in broadcast journalism.
Don Lemon Career
Don started his journalism career when he interned at WNYW during college. In the early days of his career journey, he served as the weekend news host for WBRC in Alabama, Birmingham, and WCAU in Philadelphia and Pennsylvania.
For many years, Don was employed in Fox affiliates KTVI in St. Louis and Chicago affiliate. He reported for NBC New York City operations.
Don joined NBC’s operated station WMAQ-TV in Chicago in 2003. As a co-anchor, he reported local news. His work and dedication at
WMAQ gained him three Emmys awards for local reporting.
Don entered CNN in September 2006. He was relatively straightforward at CNN and used to criticize the state of cable news and challenge the network publicly.
He also raised a strong voice about how the African American community could improve their standard of living, which later caused many controversies.
In 2014, Don began hosting CNN’s prime time shows, “The Don Lemon Show,” and
“The Eleventh Hour.” He also hosted a special night program that was started after the disappearance of Malaysia Airlines Flight 370. The program featured discussion and detailed analysis of the occurrences by aviation experts.
Don became the permanent host at CNN when the show “This hour” was replaced by the new program CNN Tonight. He also participated in CNN’s New Year’s Eve Live as a journalist from a city in the Central Time Zone.
Don’s outspoken nature made him the target of the U.S. former president. He used to criticize the Donald Trump administration and accused the president of racism in one of his meetings. In January 2018, Mr.Trump attended meetings on immigration and controversially
referred to countries like El Salvador, Honduras, and Haiti, as “shitholes.” Don began the program with a statement: “The president of the United States is racist. Many of us already knew that.” In May 2021, Don and his fellow journalist Chris Cuomo launched a podcast called “The Handoff.”
The show focused on politics. Don has also received public criticism for not mentioning his role in the Jussie Smollett case. During the testimony on December 6, 2021, Jussie Smollett said he had a contract with Don during the early part of a police investigation.
In February 2022, Don hosted the CNN talk show “The Don Lemon Show.” But only two episodes of the show could be released before the show shut down in April 2022.
On September 15, 2022, there was news that Don would co-host a new CNN morning show with Poppy Harlow and Kaitlan Collins. The following month, the show’s name was declared “This Morning.”
In the current year, Don received negative reactions on various social media following his comment on presidential candidate Nikki Haley. After Nikki Haley announced her presidential campaign, Don said she “is not in her prime.
A lady is considered to be in her prime in her 20s, 30s, or maybe 40s.” His remark went viral and received widespread criticism from the people. Even the CNN CEO criticize the statement. His comments rendered him suspended for multiple days.
Later, Don apologized for his remarks on the lady and returned to CNN This Morning on February 22 after formal training.
- Awards and achievements
Don’s prosperous journalism career has won him many renowned awards. In 2002, he won an Edward R. Murrow Award for.
his report on the capture of the D.C. area sniper. He also received honors for his reports on Hurricane Katrina.
In 2006, he won 3 Chicago Emmy Awards while working at WMAQ-TV in Chicago. One for his report “Life on Craigslist” on business element about Craigslist real estate listings, and two for his special report, “Journey to Africa,” based on the HIV/AIDS pandemic in Africa.
Ebony magazine deemed Don among the 150 most influential African Americans in 2009. In 2014, The Advocate magazine mentioned him as one of the publication’s 50 Most Influential LGBTQ People in Media.
In December 2016, Don won a Native Son Award. In 2017, Out magazine entitled him on its “Power 50 list of the most significant LGBTQ people in the USA.”
In June 2019, at an LGBTQ rights movement event, Don was named one of the Pride50 trailblazing individuals who ensure equality and dignity for all in society.
Don Lemon Family
Don has two sisters, Leisa Lemon, and Yma Lemon. He met Tim Malone, a real estate agent, in 2017 in New York. Soon they started dating each other.
His sister, Leisa Lemon, died at 58 on January 31, 2018. According to the police report, her death occurred due to an accidental drowning in a pond while fishing.
He did not appear in the show for about a week following his sister’s expiration. He started his show on February 6 by thanking his fans, who wished him prayers and encouraged him during his tough time.
In April 2019, Don declared his engagement with his gay partner Tim Malone.
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Don Lemon Age, Height, Weight
Don is 56 years old. He is 5 feet 6 inches tall (1.68) and weighs 76 kg.
Don Lemon Net Worth
As of 2023, Don’s net worth is estimated at around $30 million. He earns the maximum of his wealth as a CNN anchor. He is among the highest-paid hosts and news reporters in the United States.
Per his contract with CNN, he earns approximately $10 million in salary and an additional $2 million bonus from the channel. His monthly income is $9,40,000.
The estimates also remarked that Don’s net worth had risen 45% over the past two years. His net worth was calculated to be only $1 million in 2010. But in 2023, his net worth has increased to over $30 million, almost a 30-times hike.
Besides his salary, his list of assets includes 15 real estate properties, 3 Luxury Yachts, and 7 Cars. Don also holds an investment portfolio of 15 stocks valued at $21 Million.
He lives in his 13,300 square-foot luxury house worth $17 million in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. The house consists of 8 bedrooms and 9 bathrooms.
Don owns some of the most expensive cars in the world. He possesses a Rolls-Royce Dawn for $1 million.
He also owns a Lamborghini Aventador worth $1 million. Don’s other cars are Alfa Romeo Giulia, Range Rover Autobiography, and McLaren GT.
Is Don Lemon Gay?
Yes. In one of the interviews, Don said that he was perhaps five or six when he first realized he was gay. He became one of the few openly
homosexual Black guys on television when he officially disclosed his personal life for the first time in 2011.
According to the news report, Don talked about several things in his past, including the sexual molestation he faced in his childhood and colorism in the black community.
Is Don Lemon Joining CNN?
Yes. Don has returned to CNN.
He was suspended from CNN following his comments about Republican presidential nominee Nikki Haley. He pointed out that Nikki Haley was not in her “prime” as a 51-year-old woman.
Later, he apologized for his remarks on the republican candidate through a tweet. According to the news, he joined CNN “This Morning” on Wednesday, February 22, ending a multiple-day absence.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What ethnicity is Don Lemon?
Don is African-American.
2. What network is Don Lemon on?
Don is on CNN.
3. Is Don Lemon on NBC?
No. Don worked as a news journalist for NBC in the early 2000s before joining CNN.
4. How old is Don Lemon?
Don is 56 years old.
5. Who is Don’s fiancee?
He announced his engagement with his gay partner Tim Malone in 2019.
6. Where did Don Lemon go to college?
Don attended Brooklyn College.
7. What is Don Lemon’s salary on CNN?
Don earns $10 Million per annum.
8. How much is Don Lemon worth?
According to recent estimates, Don Lemon’s net worth is $31 Million.
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