Robin Roberts is a name synonymous with resilience, excellence, and barrier-breaking in the world of journalism. Her journey to becoming one of America’s high-net-worth individuals is a testament to her determination, talent, and entrepreneurial spirit.
Early Life and Education
Roberts was born on Nov. 23, 1960, in Tuskegee, Alabama. She is the youngest of four siblings and the daughter of Lucimarian Tolliver and Colonel Lawrence E. Roberts. Her father was a pilot with the Tuskegee Airmen.
Roberts grew up in Pass Christian, Mississippi, where she played basketball and tennis, among other sports. She attended Pass Christian High School and graduated as the class of 1979 salutatorian.
She then attended Southeastern Louisiana University in Hammond, Louisiana, graduating cum laude in 1983 with a degree in communication. She followed in the footsteps of her older sister Sally-Ann Roberts, an anchor at the CBS affiliate WWL-TV in New Orleans. Roberts was a standout performer on the women’s basketball team, ending her career as the school’s third all-time leading scorer (1,446 points) and rebounder (1,034).
Career in Broadcasting
Roberts began her career in 1983 as a sports anchor and reporter for WDAM-TV in Hattiesburg, Mississippi. In 1984, she moved to WLOX-TV in Biloxi, Mississippi. She was a sports anchor and reporter for WSMV-TV in Nashville, Tennessee.
In 1990, Roberts joined ESPN as a sportscaster, becoming one of the first women to co-host NFL Primetime. Her 15-year tenure at ESPN was marked by her passion for sports and her ability to connect with audiences.
In 2005, she was promoted to co-anchor for ABC’s “Good Morning America” (GMA). Under her leadership, GMA won four Emmy Awards for Outstanding Morning Program and the 2017 People’s Choice Award for Favorite Daytime TV Hosting Team. Her salary for co-hosting GMA is reportedly $18 million per year.
Roberts’ career is not only marked by her achievements in front of the camera but also by her resilience off-camera. She was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2007 and myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) in 2012. Her public battle with these illnesses earned her a 2012 Peabody Award.
Entrepreneurial Journey
Roberts launched her own production company, Rock’n Robin Productions, in 2014. The company creates original broadcast and digital programming for ABC and other networks. The production company has brought poignant stories about Mahalia Jackson and now-grown abducted baby Kamiyah Mobley to Lifetime.
The launch of Rock’n Robin Productions was announced on “Good Morning America”, the show Roberts co-anchors. The production company has been successful in bringing poignant stories to the screen, further contributing to Roberts’ overall net income. One of the notable productions of Rock’n Robin is a series of documentaries and news specials for ABC. These productions have not only been commercially successful but have also received critical acclaim for their insightful and engaging content.
Roberts’ assets include eight real estate properties, seven cars, and four luxury yachts. She also has cash reserves of more than $20 million. In addition to these assets, Roberts owns an investment portfolio of 13 stocks valued at $25 million. Some of the stocks in her portfolio include AT&T, Costco, Intel, DuPont, and Coca-Cola.
Conclusion
Roberts’ journey to becoming one of America’s high-net-worth individuals is a story of resilience, determination, and entrepreneurial spirit. Her success in broadcasting and entrepreneurship, coupled with her courage in facing personal health challenges, makes her an inspiring figure for many.
