Veteran New York City news anchor Ernie Anastos has died at 82, leaving behind a legacy that shaped local television news for decades. Anastos spent years as one of the most recognizable faces in New York broadcasting.
His career spanned more than four decades and placed him at the center of some of the nation’s most significant news events. Over the years, he reported on historic moments including the death of Princess Diana, the plane crash that killed John F. Kennedy Jr., the September 11 terrorist attacks, and the COVID-19 pandemic.
Now, more details are emerging about the legendary broadcaster’s final days and the cause of his death.
Ernie Anastos’ Cause of Death Confirmed After His Passing at 82
His wife, Kelly Anastos, confirmed that the longtime broadcaster died of pneumonia Thursday morning at Northern Westchester Hospital in New York, according to CBS News.
Anastos built a remarkable legacy in broadcast journalism and earned widespread respect across the industry.
Over the course of his career, he received more than 30 Emmy Awards and nominations. His honors included a prestigious Lifetime Emmy as well as the Edward R. Murrow Award for excellence in broadcast journalism.
He began working at ABC 7 in 1978 and remained there until 1989. After leaving the station, Anastos joined CBS 2 before later moving to WWOR in 1997. He returned to CBS in 2001.
In 2005, he joined Fox 5 NY, where he became a familiar presence alongside co-anchor Rosanna Scotto. He remained with the station until around 2020.
After stepping away from daily broadcasting, he enrolled in leadership management courses at Harvard Business School.
Rosanna Scotto and Colleagues Remember a Respected Newsman
Following news of his death, former colleagues began sharing tributes to the respected anchor.
Rosanna Scotto, 67, reflected on her time working with Anastos in a statement to Page Six.
“He was a terrific newsman—compassionate and fair,” Scotto said about her former co-anchor.
She also credited him with teaching her important lessons during their years together in the newsroom.
“I loved working with him,” Scotto told us. “We are all heartbroken to hear that he’s passed.”
Another former Fox 5 colleague, Teresa Priolo, also paid tribute in a message shared on Facebook.
“I’m here to confirm, every single good thing you will hear and read about this man is true,” Priolo wrote. “And then some. Times 10.”
Priolo described Anastos as the “heart of our newsroom” and said he often spoke proudly about his family.
A Devoted Family Man Remembered by Loved Ones
Anastos was known as a devoted family man. He married Kelly in November 1968, and the couple shared more than five decades together. They raised two children, a son, Philip, and a daughter, Nina.
Anastos is also survived by four grandchildren. Friends and colleagues say his legacy reaches far beyond the newsroom. For many viewers across New York, he was a steady and trusted voice who helped guide the city through generations of news and change.
