Charles Osgood, the beloved former host of “CBS Sunday Morning” and the radio program “The Osgood File,” passed away Tuesday at the age of 91 at his home in New Jersey. The cause of death was reported to be dementia, his family revealed. Osgood had an illustrious career in journalism, spanning over 50 years, and was a multi-talented individual known for his gifts of writing, poetry, and music.
Osgood joined CBS News in 1971 and worked on several broadcasts such as “CBS Morning News” and the “CBS Evening News with Dan Rather.” However, it was his role as the anchor of “CBS Sunday Morning” which lasted 22 years that Osgood became most known for. During his tenure, the show’s ratings reached a three-decade high and it earned three Daytime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Morning Program.
Known as CBS News’ poet-in-residence, Osgood was praised for his writing style and was often called “one of the last great broadcast writers” by his predecessor, Charles Kuralt. He also brought his love of poetry and music to the show, often playing Christmas carols on the piano during holiday broadcasts. His signature bow tie and playful style became synonymous with “Sunday Morning” and helped endear him to audiences.
Sunday Morning Rewind: Remembering Charles Osgood
After nearly a half-century at CBS News, including the last 22 years as anchor of “Sunday Morning,” Charles Osgood said a final goodbye to the “Sunday Morning” viewers in 2016 with his heartfelt version of “Dusty Old Dust.” pic.twitter.com/IIYjigiy17
— CBS Sunday Morning 🌞 (@CBSSunday) January 23, 2024
Osgood interviewed many notable figures during his time as host, including chef Julia Child, painter Andrew Wyeth, and singer-songwriter Sting. He was known for his warm and authentic interview style, making his guests feel at ease and allowing them to share their stories with sincerity and depth.
But Osgood’s talents extended beyond just anchoring and interviewing. He was an accomplished musician, playing several instruments and often performing with professional orchestras such as The New York Pops and The Boston Pops. He also composed and wrote lyrics for several pieces, including the popular song “Gallant Men.”
In addition to his work on television, Osgood was also known for his radio commentaries on the day’s news, “The Osgood File.” For nearly 46 years, he wrote and hosted these commentaries, which became the longest-running feature in radio history. Osgood’s love and talent for writing, often incorporating rhyme into his pieces, were evident in these broadcasts, and he ended each segment with his signature sign-off, “I’ll see you on the radio.”
Osgood’s contributions to the field of journalism did not go unnoticed. He received numerous awards and accolades, including the Walter Cronkite Excellence in Journalism Award, the George Foster Peabody Award, and four Emmy Awards. He was also inducted into the National Association of Broadcasters Hall of Fame in 1990 and the Broadcasting and Cable Hall of Fame in 2000.
Beyond his work in journalism, Osgood was also a talented author, writing several books on a variety of topics, including humor and speaking. He also made his theatrical debut as the narrator in the animated film adaptation of Dr. Seuss’ “Horton Hears a Who.”
Our beloved former ‘Sunday Morning” host, colleague and friend, award-winning journalist Charles Osgood, has passed away at age 91. During a career that spanned nearly 50 years, Osgood worked on virtually every broadcast within CBS News. Here’s a look back at his storied career. pic.twitter.com/KwgsYaMxK1
— CBS Sunday Morning 🌞 (@CBSSunday) January 23, 2024
