History of Robin Roberts (newscaster) in Timeline

Robin Roberts is a prominent American television broadcaster best known for co-anchoring ABC's Good Morning America. Her career includes extensive work in sports broadcasting, particularly with ESPN, before transitioning to morning news. Roberts has openly shared her battles with myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS), raising awareness about the disease and bone marrow donation. She's known for her inspiring interviews and her resilience, making her a respected figure in journalism and a role model for many.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements

November 23, 1960: Robin Roberts Born

On November 23, 1960, Robin Roberts, the future American television broadcaster and co-anchor of ABC's Good Morning America, was born.

1979: Graduates as Salutatorian

In 1979, Robin Roberts graduated as the salutatorian of her class from Pass Christian High School.

1983: Starts Career at WDAM-TV

In 1983, Robin Roberts began her career as a sports anchor and reporter for WDAM-TV in Hattiesburg, Mississippi.

1983: Graduates from Southeastern Louisiana University

In 1983, Robin Roberts graduated cum laude from Southeastern Louisiana University with a degree in communication, following in her sister's footsteps.

1984: Moves to WLOX-TV

In 1984, Robin Roberts transitioned to WLOX-TV in Biloxi, Mississippi, continuing her work as a sports anchor and reporter.

1986: Joins WSMV-TV in Nashville

In 1986, Robin Roberts became a sports anchor and reporter for WSMV-TV in Nashville, Tennessee.

1988: Joins WAGA-TV in Atlanta

In 1988, Robin Roberts became a sports anchor and reporter at WAGA-TV in Atlanta, Georgia, where she also hosted a radio show.

February 1990: Joins ESPN as a Sportscaster

In February 1990, Robin Roberts joined ESPN as a sportscaster, where she remained until 2005. On SportsCenter, she used the catchphrase, "Go on with your bad self!"

1990: Joins ESPN as Sportscaster

In 1990, Robin Roberts became a sportscaster on ESPN, marking a significant step in her career. She held this position for 15 years and was the first woman to co-host NFL Primetime.

1990: Continues at WAGA-TV in Atlanta

In 1990, Robin Roberts was still working as a sports anchor and reporter at WAGA-TV in Atlanta, Georgia, while also hosting a radio show at V-103.

June 1995: Joins ABC News

In June 1995, Robin Roberts began working for ABC News as a featured reporter for Good Morning America.

1996: Hosts ABC's Wide World of Sports

In 1996, Robin Roberts became the host for ABC's Wide World of Sports.

1998: Continues Hosting ABC's Wide World of Sports

In 1998, Robin Roberts continued her role as the host of ABC's Wide World of Sports, concluding her tenure in this position.

2005: Becomes Co-Anchor of Good Morning America

In 2005, Robin Roberts became the co-anchor of Good Morning America on ABC, a major milestone in her broadcasting career.

2005: Starts Relationship with Amber Laign

In 2005, Robin Roberts began a romantic relationship with massage therapist Amber Laign.

2005: Leaves ESPN

In 2005, Robin Roberts left ESPN after working there as a sportscaster since 1990.

2005: Anchors Reports on Hurricane Katrina

In the fall of 2005, Robin Roberts anchored a series of emotional reports from the Mississippi Gulf Coast after Hurricane Katrina devastated the area, impacting her hometown of Pass Christian.

2006: Presentation at Abilene Christian University

In 2006, Robin Roberts credited her parents with instilling in her the "three 'D's: Discipline, Determination, and 'De Lord'" during a presentation to the student body at Abilene Christian University.

January 14, 2007: Discusses College Scholarship Offer on Costas on the Radio

On January 14, 2007, Robin Roberts discussed on Costas on the Radio her decision to attend Southeastern Louisiana University over Louisiana State University due to feeling the latter was too big after being offered a basketball scholarship.

2007: Diagnosed with Breast Cancer

In 2007, Robin Roberts was diagnosed with an early form of breast cancer, leading to surgery and chemotherapy.

January 2008: Completes Chemotherapy Treatments

By January 2008, Robin Roberts had completed eight chemotherapy treatments following her breast cancer diagnosis.

February 22, 2009: Hosts Academy Awards Preshow

On February 22, 2009, Robin Roberts hosted the Academy Awards preshow for ABC.

December 2009: George Stephanopoulos Joins as Co-Anchor

In December 2009, George Stephanopoulos joined Robin Roberts as co-anchor of Good Morning America, following Diane Sawyer's departure.

May 30, 2010: Drives Pace Car at Indianapolis 500

On May 30, 2010, Robin Roberts drove the Pace Car for the 2010 Indianapolis 500.

February 5, 2011: Jersey Retirement Ceremony

On February 5, 2011, Southeastern Louisiana University hosted a ceremony to retire Robin Roberts' jersey, number 21, honoring her achievements in women's basketball.

2011: Hosts Academy Awards Preshow Again

In 2011, Robin Roberts hosted the Academy Awards preshow for ABC for a second time.

April 2012: Good Morning America Becomes Number One

In April 2012, under the Roberts-Stephanopoulos team, Good Morning America became the number-one morning show, surpassing NBC's Today show after 16 years.

October 2012: Returns Home After Bone Marrow Transplant

In October 2012, Robin Roberts returned home after undergoing a bone marrow transplant to treat myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS).

2012: Inducted into the Women's Basketball Hall of Fame

In 2012, Robin Roberts was inducted into the Women's Basketball Hall of Fame for her contributions to and impact on women's basketball through broadcasting and her own play.

February 20, 2013: Returns to Good Morning America

On February 20, 2013, Robin Roberts returned to Good Morning America after taking a leave to receive a bone marrow transplant for myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS).

December 2013: Publicly Acknowledges Sexual Orientation

In late December 2013, Robin Roberts publicly acknowledged her sexual orientation for the first time, despite it being known among friends and co-workers.

2013: Receives Arthur Ashe Courage Award

In 2013, ESPN awarded Robin Roberts its Arthur Ashe Courage Award, recognizing her strength and resilience.

2014: Starts Rock'n Robin Productions

In 2014, Robin Roberts started her own production company, Rock'n Robin Productions.

2014: Named One of ESPNW's Impact 25

In 2014, Robin Roberts was named one of ESPNW's Impact 25, recognizing her influence in the world of sports.

2015: Named an LGBT History Month Icon

In 2015, Robin Roberts was named by Equality Forum as one of their 31 Icons of the 2015 LGBT History Month.

May 19, 2018: Co-Anchors Royal Wedding

On May 19, 2018, Robin Roberts co-anchored the wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle at St. George's Chapel in Windsor.

October 10, 2018: Selected as Disney Mentor

On October 10, 2018, Robin Roberts was selected as a mentor for Disney's #DreamBigPrincess campaign.

June 20, 2019: Receives Sager Strong Award

On June 20, 2019, the National Basketball Association awarded Robin Roberts the Sager Strong Award at its award ceremony.

November 2020: Death of Alex Trebek

In November 2020, Alex Trebek passed away, leading to Robin Roberts' guest hosting role on Jeopardy! in 2021.

February 10, 2021: Tuskegee Airmen Documentary Premieres

On February 10, 2021, the one-hour documentary Tuskegee Airmen: Legacy of Courage, executive-produced and narrated by Robin Roberts, premiered on History.