Tony Perkins (news anchor) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Tony Perkins
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|---|---|
| Born |
Anthony Perkins
August 25, 1959 |
| Alma mater | American University (B.A.) |
| Occupation | Journalist, Radio personality |
| Years active | 1983-present |
| Television | WRC-TV anchor (2023–Present) WUSA Get Up DC! anchor (2020–2023) WTTG Anchor (2012–2019) (1998–1999) Weekday morning meteorologist (2005–2012) (1993–1998) ABC News Good Morning America weekday meteorologist (1999–2005) WDCA Host/producer (1986–1988) |
| Spouse(s) | Rhonda Perkins |
| Children | 1 |
| Parent(s) | Constance Bellamy (mother) Tommy Perkins (father) |
| Relatives | Scott Perkins (brother) |
| Awards | Emmy Awards (2) |
Anthony Perkins (born August 25, 1959) is an American journalist and radio personality. He is well-known for his work as a weather presenter on ABC's Good Morning America from 1999 to 2005. Later, Perkins joined WUSA in Washington, D.C., where he became a full-time anchor for their morning show, Get Up DC!, in January 2020.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Tony Perkins was born in New York City on August 25, 1959. His parents were Constance Bellamy and Tommy Perkins. When he was five years old, his family moved to Washington, D.C..
His parents divorced when he was 11. His mother worked hard as a telephone operator and night clerk to support the family. Tony went to elementary school in Washington, D.C., and junior high in Maryland and Virginia. He graduated from Mount Vernon High School in Alexandria, Virginia, in 1977.
In high school, Tony was a great student. He was also involved in many activities. He became the first Black editor-in-chief of his school's newspaper.
College Years
Tony Perkins earned his Bachelor of Arts degree from American University's School of Communication in 1981. While at college, he worked at the campus radio station and the Black student newspaper. He also helped start the campus television station.
Tony's family has a history in radio. His father worked at radio stations WOL and WOOK. His uncle was a radio engineer at WFIL. Tony also has a younger brother, Scott, who worked as an art director for CNN.
Career Highlights
Before becoming a journalist, Tony Perkins was a professional stand-up comedian. He performed at clubs and colleges from 1983 to 1993. This helped him meet and work with Donnie Simpson as a producer. He also worked in radio for Cathy Hughes at WOL.
Tony continues to support his college, American University. He is an active member of the School of Communication's Dean Council.
Television Work
Tony Perkins started his TV career at ABC News in Washington, D.C., in the early 1980s. From 1986 to 1988, he hosted and produced DC20 Breakaway for WDCA.
From 1993 to 1998, he was a weather forecaster at Fox station WTTG in Washington, D.C. He also co-anchored Fox Morning News from 1998 to 1999.
On March 8, 1999, Tony joined ABC's Good Morning America. He was the weekday morning weather forecaster. He was known for his catchphrase, "the weather in your neighborhood." He took over from Spencer Christian. Tony, along with Robin Roberts, Diane Sawyer, and Charles Gibson, helped Good Morning America become very popular again. Tony also co-hosted "Stealing Scenes," an entertainment show for ABC News Now. In 2004, he appeared on the ABC show Less than Perfect and was a guest on Jimmy Kimmel Live!.
On December 2, 2005, Tony left Good Morning America to return to WTTG. He continued as a morning weather anchor. Later, he became the main anchor for the weekday morning news. He then moved to the evening news.
On January 19, 2019, Tony left WTTG to focus more on his radio work. However, he returned to TV on October 21, 2019. He joined WUSA in Washington, D.C., for their morning show, Get Up DC!. He worked with Reese Waters and Annie Yu.
On January 7, 2020, Tony announced he would return to WUSA full-time to anchor Get Up DC!. This allowed him to continue his radio show in the afternoons.
On March 3, 2023, Tony joined WRC in Washington, D.C. He became a co-anchor for News4 Today, their morning news program. He filled the spot left by Eun Yang, who moved to the evening newscast.
Radio Work
From 1985 to 1992, Tony worked as a writer, producer, and on-air helper for The Donnie Simpson Show on WKYS-FM. He later co-hosted The Morning Crew on WKYS-FM from 1992 to 1993.
Tony was also a guest on The Don and Mike Show and The Mike O'Meara Show. From 2014 to 2018, he hosted his own weekly comedy podcast, The Tony Perkins Show featuring Gary Stein.
On December 18, 2017, Tony announced he would return to WMMJ-FM 102.3 Majic. He joined Donnie Simpson again as the afternoon host for The Donnie Simpson Show. To do this, he changed his TV anchoring schedule at WTTG to Friday and Saturday mornings.
Awards and Accomplishments
Tony Perkins won an Emmy Award in 1988 for his work on DC20 Breakaway. He has won another Emmy Award as well.
Personal Life
Tony Perkins is married to Rhonda Perkins. She used to work as a social services administrator. They have one son named Connor, who was born in September 2003.
