Robin Roberts: The Inspiring Journey of an Iconic American Broadcaster
Robin Roberts (born November 23, 1960) is an American television broadcaster who co-anchors ABC’s Good Morning America (GMA). After growing up in Mississippi and attending Southeastern Louisiana University, she started her career as a sports anchor for local TV and radio stations. She later became a sportscaster for ESPN, where she worked for 15 years before joining ABC News.
Who is Robin Roberts?
Robin Roberts is an American television broadcaster best known for co-anchoring Good Morning America since 2005. Before her journalism career, she was a talented basketball player and was inducted into the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame in 2012 for her contributions to the sport.
Robin Roberts: Age & Early Life
Born on November 23, 1960, in Tuskegee, Alabama, Roberts is 64 years old (as of 2025). She grew up in Pass Christian, Mississippi, where she developed a passion for sports and journalism.
Robin Roberts Education
Roberts attended Southeastern Louisiana University in Hammond, Louisiana, graduating cum laude in 1983 with a degree in communication. She initially considered attending Louisiana State University on a basketball scholarship but chose Southeastern Louisiana University for its smaller, more personal environment. She excelled in basketball, finishing her career as the school’s third all-time leading scorer (1,446 points) and rebounder (1,034). In 2011, the university retired her jersey, number 21.
Robin Roberts Career
Roberts began her broadcasting career in 1983 as a sports anchor and reporter for WDAM-TV in Hattiesburg, Mississippi. She later worked at WLOX-TV in Biloxi (1984), WSMV-TV in Nashville (1986), and WAGA-TV in Atlanta (1988-1990). During her time in Atlanta, she was also a radio host for station V-103.
In 1990, Roberts joined ESPN as a sportscaster, where she became a fan favorite. She was the first woman to co-host NFL Primetime and was known for her catchphrase, “Go on with your bad self!” She remained with ESPN until 2005.
Roberts began contributing to ABC News in 1995 as a featured reporter for Good Morning America. By 2005, she was promoted to co-anchor alongside Diane Sawyer and later George Stephanopoulos. Under her leadership, GMA became the number-one morning show in April 2012, overtaking NBC’s Today after 16 years.
In 2005, Roberts covered the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, particularly in her hometown of Pass Christian. She also hosted the Academy Awards preshow for ABC in 2009 and 2011.
Roberts has taken on major broadcasting roles, including co-anchoring the royal wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in 2018 and guest-hosting Jeopardy! in July 2021. She currently hosts the Disney+ interview series Turning the Tables with Robin Roberts, which debuted in 2021.
In addition to broadcasting, Roberts started her own production company, Rock’n Robin Productions, in 2014. She also appeared as a backup singer in Pitch Perfect 2 and executive-produced the 2021 documentary Tuskegee Airmen: Legacy of Courage.
Robin Roberts Awards and Honors
- 2001: Mel Greenberg Media Award
- 2004: Billie Jean King Contribution Award
- 2008: WNBA Inspiration Award
- 2012: Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame Inductee
- 2014: Walter Cronkite Award for Excellence in Journalism
- 2016: Sports Broadcasting Hall of Fame Inductee
- 2018: Lifetime Achievement Award from the Radio Television Digital News Foundation
- 2019: NBA Sager Strong Award
- 2024: Poynter Medal for Lifetime Achievement in Journalism
Robin Roberts’ Social Media Presence
Roberts actively engages with her audience through various social media platforms, where she shares updates on her personal life, career, and advocacy work.
- Instagram: @robinrobertsgma – Over 1 million followers
- Twitter/X: @RobinRoberts – Shares news, inspirational quotes, and behind-the-scenes moments
- Facebook: Robin Roberts – Regularly posts updates and interacts with fans
- YouTube: Robin Roberts Presents – Features exclusive interviews and inspirational stories
Why is Robin Roberts No Longer on Good Morning America?
Roberts remains a part of Good Morning America but has taken breaks due to health challenges and other projects.
Robin Roberts Baseball Connection
Though Roberts is not a former professional baseball player, she shares her name with Robin Roberts, a Hall of Fame baseball pitcher. Her connection to sports lies in her basketball career.
Did Robin Roberts Play in the WNBA?
No, Roberts did not play in the WNBA. She played college basketball but chose journalism over professional sports.
Robin Roberts’ Wife & Relationship with Amber Laign
Robin Roberts is married to Amber Laign, a licensed massage therapist and entrepreneur. The couple met in 2005 and married in September 2023.
Amber Laign Age & Net Worth
Amber Laign was born in 1974, making her around 50 years old in 2025. Her net worth is estimated at $1 million.
Robin Roberts Kids
Robin Roberts and Amber Laign do not have children. They are strong advocates for LGBTQ+ rights and cancer awareness.
Robin Roberts’ Parents & Siblings
Roberts was born to Colonel Lawrence E. Roberts, a Tuskegee Airman, and Lucimarian Roberts. She has three older siblings: Sally-Ann, Dorothy, and Lawrence Jr.
What Medical Condition Does Robin Roberts Have?
Roberts has battled two major health conditions:
- Breast cancer (2007): Diagnosed with early-stage breast cancer, she underwent treatment successfully.
- Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS) (2012): A rare blood disorder that required a bone marrow transplant, which she received from her sister Sally-Ann. The coverage of her treatment earned a 2012 Peabody Award.
Robin Roberts Salary & Net Worth
Roberts earns an estimated $18 million per year from ABC. Her net worth is estimated at $55 million.
Robin Roberts Wikipedia
Roberts has an extensive Wikipedia page detailing her biography, achievements, and contributions to journalism and sports.
Conclusion
Robin Roberts is more than just a television anchor; she is an inspiring figure who has triumphed over challenges with grace and determination. Her story continues to inspire millions worldwide, and she remains a respected media icon.
