Charles Osgood, a renowned figure in the world of broadcasting, passed away on January 23 at the age of 91. For 22 years, he anchored the popular CBS-TV show “Sunday Morning” and also served as a radio commentator for several decades. Osgood’s unique style of occasionally delivering the news in witty doggerel made him stand out in the industry. He will be greatly missed.
Charles Osgood Causes of Death
Charles Osgood passed away on Tuesday at his residence in Saddle River, New Jersey, due to complications arising from dementia, as confirmed by his daughter, Anne-E. Wood.
Who was Charles Osgood?
Charles Osgood, born on January 8, 1933, in Manhattan, New York City, had a fascinating life and career. As a child, he relocated with his family to the Liberty Heights neighborhood in Baltimore, Maryland.
He attended St. Cecilia High School in Englewood, New Jersey. Osgood’s memoir, titled “Defending Baltimore Against Enemy Attack” (2004), provides a glimpse into his experiences growing up in Baltimore during World War II, offering a unique perspective from his nine-year-old self.
After completing his education, Osgood graduated from Fordham University in 1954, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in economics.
He possessed a diverse range of talents, excelling not only as a broadcaster but also as a writer of essays and light verse. Osgood had a particular fondness for music, which added to his charismatic on-air presence.
He seamlessly transitioned between radio and television, leaving a lasting impression on his audience. His sign-off phrase, “I’ll see you on the radio,” became synonymous with his name.
In 1967, Osgood embarked on a career at the CBS-owned New York news radio station, NewsRadio 88, working as a reporter.
However, fate intervened when he was asked to fill in at the anchor desk for the TV network’s Saturday newscast, marking a turning point in his career. In 1971, he officially joined CBS and launched “The Osgood File,” a program that would become his signature work.
Osgood’s contributions to the field of broadcasting were widely recognized. In 1990, he was inducted into the radio division of the National Association of Broadcaster’s Hall of Fame, and in 2008, he received the prestigious National Association of Broadcasters Distinguished Service Award. Throughout his career, he won four Emmy Awards and was honored with a fifth Lifetime Achievement Award in 2017.
After an illustrious tenure, Osgood retired in 2016, concluding his remarkable 45-year journey in journalism. His departure from “Sunday Morning” paved the way for Jane Pauley to become the program’s third host. True to his unique style, Osgood bid farewell in a manner that reflected his distinctive personality and legacy.
Charles Osgood Funeral Service
The funeral preparations for Charles Osgood are currently in progress. The Osgood family has not yet made any announcements regarding his burial to the wider community.
