Lisa Thomas-Laury Biography & Wikipedia
Lisa Thomas-Laury broke barriers as one of the first African American women to anchor a major newscast in Philadelphia. She began her career at WPVI-TV in 1978, earning the role over Oprah Winfrey, and quickly became a trusted presence in the Delaware Valley. From 1983 to 2003, she co-anchored the 5 p.m. news, establishing herself as a respected journalist and a familiar face to viewers throughout the region.
Despite facing a prolonged battle with POEMS syndrome, a rare and debilitating illness, Thomas-Laury showed remarkable resilience by returning to the newsroom after extended medical leave. She expanded her impact beyond journalism by becoming a motivational speaker and author, using her platform to inspire others with her story of perseverance and her journey as a pioneer in the industry.
Age and Birthday
Thomas-Laury was born on July 19, 1954, which makes her zodiac sign Cancer.
Lisa Thomas-Laury Height and Weight
Thomas-Laury is approximately 5 feet 6 inches (1.67 meters) tall and weighs around 60 to 67 kilograms.
Education & Early Life
Lisa Thomas-Laury earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Broadcast Journalism from Marshall University in Huntington, West Virginia.
Husband and Children
Thomas-Laury has shared a long and happy marriage with Dr. William Laury, though they have kept their wedding date private. Together, they raised two sons, Langston Laury and Leland Laury.
Nationality & Ethnicity
Lisa Thomas-Laury is American by nationality and identifies as African American in terms of ethnicity.
Parents and Siblings
Thomas-Laury was born as Lisa Howard in the small town of Institute, West Virginia. She is the eldest of four children. Her mother, Blossom Howard, worked as a social worker, while her father, Thomas Howard, served in the Air Force and later worked at a local chemical plant.
Lisa Thomas-Laury Career
Thomas-Laury launched her broadcasting career while studying at Marshall University, where she secured a weather reporting job at an NBC affiliate in West Virginia. In 1978, she achieved a groundbreaking milestone by joining WPVI-TV in Philadelphia, earning the noon anchor role over Oprah Winfrey. This move marked a significant moment for African American women in broadcast journalism. By 1983, WPVI promoted her to co-anchor the 5 p.m. newscast alongside Marc Howard, where she became a trusted and familiar presence in households across the Delaware Valley for nearly 20 years.
Throughout her career, Thomas-Laury demonstrated versatility and journalistic excellence. She hosted the public affairs program Fast Forward, covered high-profile events like the royal wedding of Prince Charles and Princess Diana, and frequently filled in on major prime-time newscasts. Her professionalism and charisma made her a standout figure in Philadelphia television, earning widespread respect and admiration from viewers and colleagues alike.
In the early 2000s, Thomas-Laury faced a life-altering health challenge when doctors initially misdiagnosed what was later confirmed as POEMS syndrome, a rare and debilitating illness. The condition forced her to take extended medical leave, but she refused to let it end her career. In 2007, she made a triumphant return to WPVI and continued contributing until her retirement in 2016, closing out a remarkable 38-year legacy marked by perseverance, integrity, and trailblazing achievement.
Lisa Thomas-Laury Salary & Net worth
She has a net worth of $3 million.
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