Charles Osgood Cause Of Death, and Obituary: What Happened to Radio & TV Commentator?
Charles Osgood, who charmed millions of viewers and listeners with his witty and poetic style of reporting, died on Tuesday at his home in New Jersey. He was 91 years old. His family said that the cause of death was dementia.
Osgood was a veteran CBS newsman who anchored “CBS Sunday Morning” for 22 years and hosted the long-running radio program “The Osgood File”. He was also known as CBS News’ poet-in-residence, who often wrote and recited verses to accompany his stories.
A Career Spanning Five Decades
Osgood began his career as a classical music DJ in Washington, D.C., after graduating from Fordham University in 1954. He served in the Army and then returned to radio, working at WHCT in Hartford, Connecticut. In 1963, he moved to New York and joined ABC Radio. Four years later, he switched to CBS and launched “The Osgood File”, a daily radio show that featured his distinctive voice and commentary on various topics.
TOMORROW: We take a look back, at when two legends shared a kitchen, Charles Osgood got a cooking lesson from television chef Julia Child, in 2000. Bon appetite! https://t.co/zYAGE8dDkt pic.twitter.com/ZvQHQwzeiK
— CBS Sunday Morning 🌞 (@CBSSunday) January 27, 2024
In 1971, he joined the CBS network as a reporter and correspondent, covering national and international events. He also filled in as an anchor for the CBS Evening News and the CBS Morning News. In 1994, he succeeded Charles Kuralt as the host of “CBS Sunday Morning”, a weekly magazine program that showcased his talents as a storyteller, interviewer, and musician.
During his tenure at “CBS Sunday Morning”, Osgood interviewed celebrities, artists, politicians, and ordinary people, always with a touch of humor and curiosity. He also played the piano, organ, banjo, and violin, and sometimes performed with professional orchestras such as The New York Pops, The Boston Pops, and The Mormon Tabernacle Choir. He won four Emmy Awards and a Peabody Award for his work on the show, which reached its highest ratings in three decades under his leadership.
Osgood retired from “CBS Sunday Morning” in 2016, at the age of 84, after 45 years at CBS News. He continued to host “The Osgood File” until 2017, when he received a lifetime achievement Emmy Award. He was also inducted into the National Association of Broadcasters Hall of Fame and the National Radio Hall of Fame.
A Legacy of Warmth and Wisdom
Osgood was widely admired and respected by his colleagues, peers, and fans, who appreciated his unique blend of intelligence, charm, and creativity. He was often praised as one of the best broadcast writers and stylists, who could craft elegant and engaging sentences with ease. He was also known for his gentle and friendly demeanor, which made him a trusted and beloved figure in the media industry.
“Charles Osgood was one of the finest journalists of his generation and a true gentleman,” said CBS News President and Senior Executive Producer Susan Zirinsky. “He brought joy and insight to millions of viewers and listeners with his distinctive voice and perspective. He was a master of the craft and a generous mentor to many. He will be dearly missed by all of us at CBS News.”
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“Charles Osgood was a legend of TV and radio journalism, who inspired generations of reporters and audiences with his style and substance,” said Jane Pauley, who succeeded Osgood as the host of “CBS Sunday Morning” in 2016. “He was a consummate professional, a gifted storyteller, and a wonderful human being. He made us laugh, he made us think, and he made us feel. He was a rare and precious gift to the world.”
Osgood is survived by his wife, Jean, whom he married in 1973, and their five children and eight grandchildren. He is also remembered by countless fans and admirers, who will cherish his legacy of warmth and wisdom. As he used to say at the end of his broadcasts, “I’ll see you on the radio.”
