If you grew up watching local news in Los Angeles, there’s a good chance you remember the name Harold Greene. For decades, he was one of the most familiar and trusted faces on Southern California television. News of his passing at age 82 has brought back memories for viewers who watched him deliver the day’s biggest stories night after night.
In this article, we’ll walk through who Harold Greene was, his career path, the awards he earned, and why he’s being remembered as one of the most important ABC7 anchors in station history.
Who Was Harold Greene?
Harold Greene was an American television journalist who served as a long-time anchor on ABC7 Eyewitness News in Los Angeles. During his time in television, he worked with KCBS-TV and KCAL-TV. He retired from television in 2008. Throughout his almost four decades in television, Greene became a familiar face to families in Southern California.
Courtney Greene, Harold’s daughter, released a touching statement on her father’s passing. She said the family had passed away with “heavy hearts”. She added that herself and her mother were by his side when he passed.
Harold Greene’s Early Career
Greene’s journey into journalism began in 1970, when he started working as a producer and reporter. This was the foundation of what would become a long and respected career in television news.
His early path took him beyond Los Angeles, including stints in:
- San Diego, where he worked as an anchor
- San Francisco, where he spent about a year in the Bay Area market
Interestingly, Greene’s distinctive on-air look during his San Diego years, including his mustache, has long been rumored to have influenced the character of Ron Burgundy in the movie Anchorman. While this is more of a fun piece of television folklore than confirmed fact, it shows how memorable his presence was to those in the industry.
Rise to Fame at ABC7
Greene’s biggest career milestone came when he returned to ABC7 (KABC-TV) in 1982. This marked the start of the most recognized chapter of his career.
During his time at ABC7, he anchored several major newscasts, including:
- The 4 p.m. newscast
- The 5 p.m. newscast
- The 6 p.m. newscast
- The 11 p.m. newscast
In addition to his work as an anchor, he shared the anchor desk with notable local newsmen such as Jerry Dunphy in 1978 and later Joanne Ishimine as the weekend anchor. After Jerry Dunphy left the station, Greene took over as both the 4pm and 6pm weeknight anchors, becoming one of the most trusted voices at the station.
Greene was also seen hosting some lighter programming such as Hollywood Close-Up and A.M. Los Angeles.
Greene stayed with ABC7 until 2000, providing almost 20 years of consistent news coverage to Southern California.
Awards and Recognition
Harold Greene’s work didn’t just earn him viewers’ trust — it earned him some of journalism’s biggest honors. Throughout his career, he received multiple:
- Emmy Awards
- Golden Mike Awards
- Edward R. Murrow Awards
He was also honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, a recognition reserved for individuals who leave a lasting mark on entertainment and media in Los Angeles.
Life After ABC7
After leaving ABC7 in 2000, Greene didn’t step away from journalism entirely. He continued working in the Los Angeles market at KCBS-TV and KCAL-TV, staying connected to the news world he had called home for so long. He eventually retired from television in 2008, closing out a broadcasting career that spanned nearly 40 years.
Harold Greene’s Legacy in Local News
Harold Greene was not only an anchor in the news, but he became a fixture within the daily lives of many Angelenos. Colleagues from ABC7 have commented on his effect upon the newsroom.
“The most amazing thing is that we really believe when you think of Harold…we picture him in the next great newsroom (in the sky). I’m sure there are a few pearls of wisdom he has learned along the way”.
Greene’s death marks yet another blow for the tightly knit broadcast news community here in LA, only occurring two years since the passing of another famous news anchor – Chauncy Glover from KCAL News in November 2024.
A memorial service is expected to take place after the holidays.
Why Harold Greene Still Matters Today
Even as media habits shift toward digital platforms, figures like Harold Greene remind us of the role local news anchors played in connecting communities. He wasn’t just reporting headlines — he was a steady, trusted presence during both ordinary days and major moments in Los Angeles history.
FAQs About Harold Greene
1. Who was Harold Greene? Harold Greene was a longtime television news anchor best known for his work at ABC7 Eyewitness News in Los Angeles, with a career spanning nearly 40 years.
2. How old was Harold Greene when he died? Harold Greene passed away at the age of 82.
3. Which stations did Harold Greene work for? He worked at ABC7 (KABC-TV), KCBS-TV, and KCAL-TV, along with earlier stints in San Diego and San Francisco.
4. What awards did Harold Greene win? He won multiple Emmy Awards, Golden Mike Awards, and Edward R. Murrow Awards, and received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
5. When did Harold Greene retire? He retired from television news in 2008 after working at KCAL-TV.
6. Is there a memorial service planned for Harold Greene? Yes, his family has said a memorial service will be held after the holidays.
