Ron Nessen facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Ron Nessen
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Nessen in 2004
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| 15th White House Press Secretary | |
| In office September 9, 1974 – January 20, 1977 |
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| President | Gerald Ford |
| Preceded by | Jerald terHorst |
| Succeeded by | Jody Powell |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Ronald Harold Nessen
May 25, 1934 Rockville, Maryland, U.S. |
| Died | March 12, 2025 (aged 90) Bethesda, Maryland, U.S. |
| Political party | Republican |
| Spouses |
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| Children | 3 |
| Education |
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Ronald Harold Nessen (May 25, 1934 – March 12, 2025) was an American who worked for the government and reported the news. He was the 15th White House Press Secretary for President Gerald Ford. This important job meant he spoke for the President to news reporters. He served from 1974 to 1977. He took over from Jerald terHorst, who left his job after President Ford pardoned former President Richard Nixon.
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Ron Nessen's Early Life
Ron Nessen was born in Rockville, Maryland, on May 25, 1934. His parents were Ida Edith and Frederick Edward Nessen. His father owned a store that sold many different things. Ron grew up in the Shepherd Park area of Washington, D.C.. He went to Calvin Coolidge High School and later graduated from American University.
Ron Nessen's Career in News
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Ron Nessen started his career as a journalist, which means he reported the news. He first worked at the Montgomery County Sentinel in Maryland. After that, he worked for United Press and then NBC News.
Reporting from Vietnam
While working for NBC News, Ron Nessen became a war correspondent. This meant he reported from areas where wars were happening. He was in the Vietnam War and was seriously hurt in July 1966. He was hit by pieces from a grenade while on patrol outside Pleiku in the Central Highlands. He was with a cameraman named Peter Boultwood when he was injured.
Becoming Press Secretary
On August 9, 1974, when Gerald Ford became President, Ron Nessen was reporting on the news. That evening, he was on the NBC Nightly News. In his report, Nessen talked about Jerald terHorst being chosen as the new Press Secretary. Just one month later, Ron Nessen himself became the White House Press Secretary. He held this job until President Ford's time in office ended in January 1977.
Hosting Saturday Night Live
On April 17, 1976, Ron Nessen made history. He was the first political figure to host the famous TV show Saturday Night Live. His episode is also remembered because President Gerald Ford himself opened the show. President Ford said the show's famous opening line: "Live from New York, it's Saturday night!" Before this, Ron Nessen had been played by actor Buck Henry on an earlier episode of the show.
Other Media Roles
Ron Nessen also hosted a news program called "Panorama" on WTTG television. Later, he led the news department at the Mutual Broadcasting System. He also oversaw NBC Radio News when it became part of Westwood One.
Peabody Awards
From 1996 to 2003, Ron Nessen was a member of the jury for the Peabody Awards. These awards recognize excellence in television, radio, and online media. In 2003, he served as the Chair of the jury.
Ron Nessen's Family and Passing
Ron Nessen married Sandra Frey in 1954. They had two children together, but one of their children passed away at age five. They later divorced. In 1967, he married Young Hi Song, and they had a son before divorcing in 1981. In 1988, he married another journalist, Johanna Neuman, but their marriage also ended in divorce.
Ron Nessen passed away in Bethesda, Maryland, on March 12, 2025. He was 90 years old.
Images for kids
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Nessen in 2004
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Nessen in 1975
