Dennis Richmond Biography: Age, Real Name, Career, Education, Parents, Height, Wife, Children, Nationality, Ethnicity, TV Shows, Death

Dennis Richmond was a respected American news anchor, best known for his 40-year career at KTVU in Oakland, California. Dennis Richmond was born on May 26, 1943, in Rossford, Ohio, and passed away on February 5, 2025, at the age of 81.

Early Life and Education

Dennis Richmond grew up in Rossford, Ohio, and graduated from Rossford High School in 1961. After high school, Dennis Richmond served in the United States Army with the 82nd Airborne Division from 1961 to 1964. Following his military service, Dennis Richmond attended Wayne State University in Detroit from 1965 to 1967. Later, Dennis Richmond received a scholarship to study at Columbia University’s Graduate School of Journalism in 1969 while working at KTVU.

Career

Dennis Richmond began his career at KTVU on April 23, 1968, as a clerk typist. By 1976, Dennis Richmond became the chief news anchor, making history as one of the first African-American lead anchors in a major TV market. Over the years, Dennis Richmond co-anchored with several journalists, including Barbara Simpson (1978–1986), Elaine Corral (1986–1998), Leslie Griffith (1998–2006), and Julie Haener (2006–2008).

Dennis Richmond was a well-respected news anchor, earning the title of “Dean of Bay Area TV News Anchors” for his long and influential career. Dennis Richmond retired on May 26, 2008, on his 65th birthday, after serving 31 years as the main anchor. Dennis Richmond final broadcast was watched by 400,000 viewers, achieving a high Nielsen rating.

Personal Life and Community Work

During his time as a news anchor, Dennis Richmond and his wife lived in San Ramon, California. Dennis Richmond wife operated a beauty salon, while he was actively involved in community work. Dennis Richmond served on the Board of Directors for the Child Abuse Consortium and led YMCA fundraising efforts in Alameda County. Dennis Richmond was also part of the Oakland Mayor’s Blue Ribbon Committee to Save High School Sports.

Death and Legacy

After retiring, Dennis Richmond moved to Grass Valley, California, where he lived until his passing on February 5, 2025, at the age of 81. Dennis Richmond left behind a daughter, Amber Richmond, and two grandchildren.

Dennis Richmond received numerous awards, including the Humanitarian Award of Oakland, the Black Media Coalition Journalist of the Year Award, and the Good Scout of the Year Award from the Boy Scouts of America. Under his leadership, KTVU won multiple Emmys and Radio-Television News Directors Association awards.

To honor his contributions, a section of the San Francisco Bay Bridge was named "The Dennis Richmond Bridge" during its renovation. Dennis Richmond legacy as a pioneering news anchor and community leader continues to inspire many.

Parents

There is little public information about Dennis Richmond parents. However, he was born and raised in Rossford, Ohio, which suggests his family had deep roots in the area.

Siblings

There are no known details about Dennis Richmond siblings, and it is unclear whether he had any brothers or sisters.

Wife

Dennis Richmond was married, and his wife operated a beauty salon business during his time as a news anchor. However, her name is not widely documented.

Children

Dennis Richmond had one daughter, Amber Richmond, from a previous relationship. Dennis Richmond was also a grandfather to two grandchildren.

Nationality

Dennis Richmond was American, born in the United States.

Ethnicity

Dennis Richmond was African American, making history as one of the first Black lead news anchors in a major U.S. TV market.

Height and Weight

Dennis Richmond was tall and slender, likely around 6 feet 2 inches (188 cm) in height and weighing about 180 pounds (82 kg). He had a commanding presence on television, with a professional and dignified look.

FAQs 

1. What was Dennis Richmond real name?

- His real name was Dennis Richmond.

2. How old was Dennis Richmond when he died?

- Dennis Richmond was 81 years old when he passed away on February 5, 2025.

3. What was Dennis Richmond career?

- Dennis Richmond was a news anchor who worked at KTVU in Oakland, California, for 40 years.

4. Where did Dennis Richmond go to school?

- Dennis Richmond attended Rossford High School, then studied at Wayne State University in Detroit. Later, he received a scholarship to Columbia University’s Graduate School of Journalism.

5. Who were Dennis Richmond parents?

- There is limited public information about Dennis Richmond parents.

6. How tall was Dennis Richmond?

- Dennis Richmond was tall, estimated to be around 6 feet 2 inches (188 cm) tall and weighing about 180 pounds (82 kg).

7. Was Dennis Richmond married?

- Yes, Dennis Richmond was married, and his wife owned a beauty salon business.

8. Did Dennis Richmond have children?

- Yes, Dennis Richmond had one daughter, Amber Richmond, and two grandchildren.

9. What was Dennis Richmond nationality and ethnicity?

- Dennis Richmond was American by nationality and African American by ethnicity.

10. Did Dennis Richmond appear in any movies or TV shows?

- Dennis Richmond was mainly known for his work as a news anchor and did not act in movies. However, he appeared on TV as part of KTVU news broadcasts for over 40 years.