History of Willie Geist in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: April 3, 2026

Willie Geist is an American television personality and journalist, best known as co-anchor of MSNBC's Morning Joe and anchor of Sunday Today with Willie Geist. He frequently fills in on the main Today show. Geist is a correspondent for NBC News and NBC Sports, covering events like the Olympics. He's also hosted major NBC events such as the Macy's 4th of July Fireworks and the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting.

May 3, 1975: Willie Geist Born

On May 3, 1975, William Russell Geist, now known as Willie Geist, was born. He is an American television personality and journalist.

1991: Won state football title

In 1991, Willie Geist won the state football title while at Ridgewood High School, where he was captain of both the basketball and football teams.

1997: Graduated from Vanderbilt University

In 1997, Willie Geist graduated cum laude from Vanderbilt University with a Bachelor of Arts in political science and French. He was also an editor of the school's newspaper, The Vanderbilt Hustler.

May 24, 2003: Married Christina Sharkey

On May 24, 2003, Willie Geist married his high school sweetheart Christina Sharkey in Humacao, Puerto Rico.

April 2007: Started Substituting on MSNBC

In late April 2007, Willie Geist began substituting as a co-host on MSNBC's 6–9 a.m. morning time slot after Don Imus was fired.

September 2007: Named Permanent Co-Host of Morning Joe

In September 2007, Willie Geist was named permanent co-host of Morning Joe on MSNBC, alongside Joe Scarborough and Mika Brzezinski.

July 2009: Began Hosting "Way Too Early with Willie Geist"

In late July 2009, Willie Geist began hosting his own 30-minute program, "Way Too Early with Willie Geist", which aired at 5:30 a.m. on MSNBC.

2010: Started Substituting on Today Show

In 2010, Willie Geist started substituting for Matt Lauer as host of the Today Show and as the show's newsreader. He also contributed to NBC Sports and NBC News's coverage of the Olympic Games.

2010: Publication of "American Freak Show"

In 2010, Willie Geist's book, "American Freak Show: The Completely Fabricated Stories of Our New National Treasures", was released.

2011: Publication of "Loaded!"

In 2011, Willie Geist's book, "Loaded! Become a Millionaire Overnight and Lose 20 Pounds in 2 Weeks or Your Money Back!", which is a self-help satire, was released.

2012: Appeared in People Magazine's "Sexiest Men Alive" Issue

In 2012, Willie Geist appeared in People magazine's "Sexiest Men Alive" issue.

2012: Became Co-Host of Today Show

In 2012, Willie Geist became an official co-host of the Today Show and left "Way Too Early with Willie Geist".

2014: Publication of "Good Talk, Dad"

In 2014, "Good Talk, Dad", co-authored by Willie Geist and his father Bill Geist, was published and appeared on The New York Times bestseller list.

June 12, 2016: Anchored NBC's Coverage of Orlando Nightclub Shooting

On June 12, 2016, Willie Geist solo anchored NBC's hours-long coverage of the Orlando nightclub shooting.

2016: Became Solo-Host of Sunday Today

In 2016, Willie Geist became the solo-host of the new Sunday Today, which launched in April. He also continued to contribute to NBC Sports and NBC News's coverage of the Olympic Games.

2016: Voice work in Kung Fu Panda 3

In 2016, Willie Geist did voice work in Kung Fu Panda 3, voicing Sum opposite Al Roker's Dim.

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2017: Appeared in People Magazine's "Sexiest Men Alive" Issue

In 2017, Willie Geist appeared in People magazine's "Sexiest Men Alive" issue.

August 4, 2019: Earned Edward R. Murrow Award

On August 4, 2019, Willie Geist and Sunday Today earned the Edward R. Murrow Award for coverage of the mass shootings in El Paso, Texas, and Dayton, Ohio.

2019: Participated in How Low Will You Go

In 2019, Willie Geist participated with Jenna Bush Hager in a special episode of How Low Will You Go that aired on the Today Show.

November 7, 2021: Ran New York City Marathon

On November 7, 2021, Willie Geist ran the 50th annual New York City Marathon to raise money for the Michael J. Fox Foundation, finishing in 3:58:23 and raising more than $500,000 for Parkinson's Disease research.

2024: Appeared on Curb Your Enthusiasm

In 2024, Willie Geist appeared as a fictionalized version of himself on the twelfth season of the HBO show Curb Your Enthusiasm.

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January 22, 2025: Hosted Sunday Sitdown LIVE

On January 22, 2025, Willie Geist hosted the first Sunday Sitdown LIVE at New York's City Winery, interviewing comedian Nate Bargatze in front of a sold-out crowd.

February 16, 2025: Hosted SNL50 Preshow

On February 16, 2025, Willie Geist hosted the one-hour preshow for "SNL50: The Anniversary Special", selected by Lorne Michaels.

March 12, 2025: Hosted The Kelly Clarkson Show

On March 12, 2025, Willie Geist filled in for Kelly Clarkson as host of The Kelly Clarkson Show.

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2025: Continued Hosting Sunday Today and Co-hosting Morning Joe

In 2025, it was reported that Willie Geist will continue hosting Sunday Today and co-hosting Morning Joe once the corporate separation of MSNBC from NBC News is complete.