– Charles Osgood CBS Sunday Morning host dies at 91
– Charles Osgood host of CBS Sunday Morning passes away at 91.
Charles Osgood: The Witty CBS News Journalist Who Charmed Audiences for Decades
A Life Well-Lived: Charles Osgood’s Biography
Charles Osgood, the beloved journalist who shepherded “CBS Sunday Morning” for over two decades, has passed away at the age of 91. He died after a period of living with dementia, according to CBS News. Osgood, known for his wit and charm, had a longer tenure on the show than its original host, Charles Kuralt.
Osgood’s career also included hosting the radio-news segment “The Osgood File” from 1971 to 2017. Listeners would hear his audio vignettes four times each weekday morning, where he would analyze news events and provide rhyming commentary on the latest headlines. His trademark farewell to listeners was always, “I’ll see you on the radio.”
With his belief in the power of brevity, Osgood was known for his mantra: “Short words, short sentences, short paragraphs.” He believed that everything could be improved by making it shorter and better.
Accomplishments and Impact: Osgood’s Time at CBS News
Osgood spent an incredible 45 years at CBS News before retiring in 2016. During his tenure, “Sunday Morning” reached some of its highest ratings levels in three decades and received the Daytime Emmy as Outstanding Morning Program on three different occasions.
According to Rand Morrison, the longtime executive producer of “Sunday Morning,” Osgood was truly one of a kind. He said, “To say there’s no one like Charles Osgood is an understatement. He embodied the heart and soul of ‘Sunday Morning.’ His signature bow tie, his poetry… just his presence was special for the audience and for those of us who worked with him.”
A Journey Through Life: Osgood’s Early Years
Charles Osgood Wood III was born on January 8, 1933, in New York City. He grew up in Baltimore, Philadelphia, and New Jersey, where he developed a love for music and radio. During his time at Fordham University in the 1950s, Osgood spent hours at the campus radio station, WFUV, becoming the chief announcer and hosting his own program that showcased his chatter and piano stylings. He graduated in 1954 with a bachelor’s degree in economics.
Osgood started his career as a classical music DJ at WGMS in Washington, D.C. He then joined the U.S. Army to become a band announcer, collaborating with musician John Cacavas. Together, they wrote the lyrics for the Top 40 hit “Gallant Men” in December 1966.
After leaving the Army in 1958, Osgood returned to WGMS before becoming the general manager for the nation’s first pay cable channel, WHCT, in Hartford, CT. However, the venture did not succeed, and in 1963, he joined ABC Radio in New York as an on-air personality. During his time there, he began rhyming pieces and reading them on air as part of the “Flair Report.”
In 1967, Osgood became an anchor-reporter for WCBS NewsRadio 88 in New York, where he anchored the station’s first morning drive shift when it transitioned to an all-news outlet. Eventually, he made his way to CBS News, where he launched “The Osgood File” for radio.
More Than Just a Journalist: Osgood’s Varied Interests
During his time at CBS News, Osgood had the opportunity to interview a wide range of notable figures, including Keith Haring, Julia Child, Andrew Wyeth, Sting, and Louise Nevelson. But his interests extended beyond the newsroom. He served as the narrator for the animated feature film adaptation of Dr. Seuss’ “Horton Hears a Who.” Osgood also wrote books such as “A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the White House” and “Osgood on Speaking: How to Think on Your Feet without Falling on Your Face.”
Osgood is survived by his wife of 50 years, Jean Crafton, and their five children. He will be remembered for his exceptional talent, warmth, and intelligence. Jane Pauley, who took over as host of “Sunday Morning,” said, “Watching him at work was a masterclass in communicating. I’ll still think to myself, ‘How would Charlie say it?’ trying to capture the elusive warmth and intelligence of his voice and delivery. I expect I’ll go on trying.”
Farewell to a Legend
Charles Osgood’s passing is a loss not only for the journalism world but for all those who appreciated his unique style. His wit, charm, and dedication to his craft made him a beloved figure in the industry.
Rest in peace, Charles Osgood.
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– Charles Osgood CBS Sunday Morning host dies
– Charles Osgood CBS Sunday Morning host 91.
