Kelly Lange Biography

Kelly Lange born Dorothy Scafard is an American journalist, most notable for being the first woman to be a nightly news anchor in Los Angeles.

She is a longtime news anchor in Los Angeles, a veteran radio and TV news reporter, NBC talk show host, former Tournament of Roses parade co-host, and more recently a best-selling mystery author.

Lange graduated from Merrimack College in North Andover, Massachusetts. She then moved to California in the mid-1960s to pursue a certification to be a school teacher.

In 1967, Lange, a model at the time, got into a line at a Buena Park, California shopping mall, because it appeared “they were giving something away.” The something they were giving away turned out to be applications for two positions as “Ladybirds” on KABC radio.

The lucky duo would become the first female traffic/weather reporters in this area to patrol in helicopters. Kelly Lange was one of two chosen.

Lange got the 6 a.m.-to-9 a.m. segment and she was called “Dawn O’Day.” Another applicant, a film studio secretary named Lori Ross, got the afternoon shift as “Eve O’Day.” “The two women in their tight-fitting, silver-lamé jumpsuits paved the way for today’s less-exploited women deejays and announcers,” thus began Lange’s career as a news reporter, spotting news and reporting traffic for KABC, later joining KNBC in 1971.

NBC News refers to Lange as the first woman to anchor a nightly newscast at an NBC-owned station. TV Guide said she was the first local newscaster to be paid $1 million per year.

She started as a weather forecaster for KNBC’s weeknight newscasts, and later appeared on Sunday, a weekly features program on the station which she co-hosted with Paul Moyer. In 1975, she was promoted to news, and co-anchored KNBC’s various weeknight news programs through 1999.

She also co-hosted NBC’s network coverage of the Tournament of Roses Parade with Michael Landon; was a regular guest host of the Today show; and the regular guest host of Tomorrow, with former KNBC colleague Tom Snyder.

Lange hosted the Grand Floral Parade of the Portland Rose Festival and won several Emmy Awards as well as serving as host of the primetime network broadcast ceremony.

In 2010, she was presented with the Golden Mike’s Lifetime Achievement Award by the Radio and Television News Association of Southern California.

Kelly Lange Age

She was born on December 14, 1937 in New York City, New York, United States. She is 86 years old as of 2023.

Kelly Lange Height

Lange stands at a height of 5 fee 6 inches tall.

Kelly Lange Family

Lange is private about her personal life, she has not revealed any details about her parents nor if she has any siblings.

Kelly Lange Husband

Lange was married tofilm and television director, producer and screenwriter William Friedkin from 1987–1990.

Kelly Lange Daughter | Kelly Snyder Kelly Lange

Kelly Lange Net Worth

Her net worth is estimated to be around $8 million.

Kelly Lange Author

Lange began writing fiction and mysteries while still a news anchor, partially to relieve insomnia from working on the 11 pm newscast. After a two-year talk show stint with KCBS-TV, she left broadcasting and has since been a full-time mystery novelist.

Her popular mystery fiction books include Dead File, The Reporter, and Graveyard Shift, featuring fictional TV news anchor Maxi Poole, plus Trophy Wife and Gossip.

Kelly Lange Books

• Graveyard Shift – 2005
• Dead File – 2003
• The reporter – 2002
• Il rischio della bellezza – 1999
• Gossip: A Novel – 1998
• Trophy Wife – 1995

Kelly Lange Movies

• Half Past Dead – 2002
• Deal of the Century – 1983
• Chosen Survivors – 1974
• The Bear Who Slept Through Christmas – 1973
• Joe Dancer III