As of 2023, the American journalist and news anchor, Lester Holt net worth is 48 million USD. He currently hosts the weekday edition of NBC Nightly News, NBC Nightly News Kids Edition, and Dateline NBC. Furthermore, in 2018, he became the permanent anchor of NBC Nightly News after Brian Williams was demoted.
Also, Holt’s career path was inspired by Max Robinson, an ABC News co-anchor, and he achieved a significant milestone by becoming the first African-American to solo anchor a weekday network nightly newscast.
In 2018, a poll ranked Lester Holt as the most trusted TV news anchor in America. Also, he is well-known for moderating the first presidential debate in 2016, where he received praise for his role in fact-checking false statements by the candidates.
After that, while NBC Nightly News had been the top-ranked evening news program for over 30 years during the times of Tom Brokaw and Brian Williams, ratings declined to second place after Lester Holt took over as anchor.
Lester Holt Net Worth
Lester Holt net worth is estimated to be $48 million, as of 2023. He receives an annual salary of $4 million as per his current contract with NBC.
Net Worth | $48 Million |
NBC News Salary | $4 Million |
Assets | $20 Million |
Liabilities & Loans | $5 Million |
Investments | $12 Million |
Lester Holt Net Worth Growth Rate in Previous Years
Net Worth in 2023 | $48 Million |
Net Worth in 2022 | $45 Million |
Net Worth in 2021 | $41 Million |
Net Worth in 2020 | $36 Million |
Net Worth in 2019 | $30 Million |
Early Life and Bio of Lester Holt
Lester Don Holt Jr. was born on March 8, 1959, at an Air Force base in Marin County, California, but he grew up mostly in Sacramento. Also, he has three siblings and comes from a diverse background with Jamaican, Indian, and European heritage.
In 1977, Holt finished high school and then went on to attend California State University in Sacramento, although he did not complete his degree. During his time in college, he got his first job as a disc jockey on a local country and western radio station.
Name | Lester Holt |
Date of birth | 8 March 1959 |
Age | 64 years old |
Birthplace | Hamilton Army Airfield |
Spouse | Carol Hagen (m. 1982) |
Children | Stefan Holt, Cameron Holt |
Parents | Lester Holt Sr., June Holt |
Education | Cordova High School; California State University, Sacramento (dropped out) |
Net Worth | $48 million |
Salary
Back in 1981, Lester Holt started his career as a reporter at WCBS-TV in New York City, earning a small monthly salary of only $250. Afterwards, he moved to Chicago and worked for a TV channel there for 14 years.
In 2003, he joined NBC News and initially received a monthly salary of $2,600. Later, following the unfortunate passing of his co-anchor, David Bloom, Holt became a full-time co-anchor of Weekend Today.
In 2010, Holt’s salary reached one million dollars for the first time while working for NBC. Over the years, his salary has steadily increased. By 2015, as he hosted more shows, he was earning $3 million annually. Currently, he has a three-year deal with NBC News, earning an impressive annual salary of $7 million.
Real Estate
In 2017, news spread that Lester Holt sold his Manhattan condo for $6.4 million. Interestingly, his wife, who works as a real estate agent, handled the sale. Moreover, Lester had originally bought the stylish apartment back in 2007 for $3.22 million.
Situated in the luxurious Grand Madison building, the condo boasts 11-foot high ceilings and a private balcony overlooking Madison Square Park. Also, It’s filled with natural light from large windows and even has a built-in espresso maker. Furthermore, the Grand Madison building, known for its beautiful Beaux-Arts-style architecture, was constructed in 1906.
Cars
Lester Holt enjoys spending a good amount of his wealth on luxury cars. Recently, he purchased a Bentley Flying Spur for USD 760,000. Also, Lester Holt owns several other cars, such as the Lincoln Navigator, Range Rover Velar, Lexus ES, Mercedes-Benz C-Class, Audi A6, and a Ferrari Portofino.
House
Lester Holt lives in a 3-bedroom penthouse located in Rockefeller Plaza, New York. Also, he purchased this property for $6 million in 2017, with the help of a bank mortgage. However, he later paid off the loan. Furthermore, the penthouse has a state-of-the-art kitchen with top-notch appliances, stylish countertops, and custom-made cabinets.
Also, Holt ensured that his house receives plenty of natural light, as it faces east. In addition to that, the penthouse also has a private elevator, a terrace with a view of the city, and many luxurious features.
Career of Lester Holt
Eventually, Lester Holt realized that to advance in the broadcasting industry. Also, he needed to pursue a career as a news presenter. Then, while working as a disc jockey during college, he noticed that presenting the news offered more full-time opportunities in broadcasting. So, in the early ’80s, he started working for CBS, where he remained for the next 19 years.
At first, Holt worked as an anchor for WCBS-TV in New York City for a year. Then, in 1982, he became a weekend anchor and reporter for a CBS affiliate in Los Angeles. After a year in LA, he returned to New York and worked there for three more years.
Moreover, he became an important figure at a CBS News affiliate in Chicago in 1986. During his 14 years in Chicago, Holt served as an evening news anchor and also travelled to war zones and dangerous areas worldwide as a correspondent.
Personal Life
Lester Holt is married to Carol Hagen, and they have two sons together. One of their son’s name is Stefan Holt. Also, he is a successful news anchor. Stefan has children of his own, which makes Lester a grandfather. Besides being a Christian, Lester enjoys playing the bass guitar.
Education
Lester Holt went to Cordova High School in Rancho Cordova, California, where he finished his high school education. After that, he graduated from high school. Then, he continued his studies at California State University, Sacramento.
Other Works
Lester Holt has made small appearances in movies like “The Fugitive,” “U.S. Marshalls,” and “Primal Fear.”Furthermore, he has been spotted on various TV programs, frequently portraying himself. Some of his TV credits include “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit,” “Due South,” “Early Edition,” “Warehouse 13,” and “30 Rock.” Besides, he has hosted dog shows and documentaries.
Awards and Honours of Lester Holt
Lester Holt received several honours and awards throughout the years. In 2012, he was given an Honorary Doctorate from Pepperdine University. Then, on October 28, 2015, he was inducted into the California Hall of Fame.
Furthermore, the National Association of Black Journalists named him the NABJ Journalist of the Year. And in 2020, he received another Honorary Doctorate, this time from Rutgers University.
Lester Holt Social Media Profiles
Here are the links to social media accounts of Lester Holt:
- Instagram: Click Here
- Twitter: Click Here
- FAcebook: Click Here
FAQs About Lester Holt
How much is Lester Holt net worth?
Lester Holt net worth is estimated to be $48 million.
Who is Lester Holt’s wife?
Lester Holt’s wife is Carol Hagen.
How much money does Lester Holt earn?
Lester Holt earns a $15 million salary annually under his current contract with NBC.
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