Born: May 7, 1950 in Buffalo, New York, USADied: June 13, 2008Active: 1976-2008
About Tim Russert
There appears to be a significant error in the identification. Tim Russert (1950-2008) was not a classic cinema actor from the silent era or Golden Age of Hollywood. He was a prominent American broadcast journalist who served as the moderator of NBC's Meet the Press from 1991 until his death in 2008. Russert appeared as himself in various news programs and documentaries, including 'The Final Days' (2000), where he provided journalistic commentary rather than acting. His career was centered in political journalism, not entertainment or classic film. Russert was widely respected for his tough interviewing style and political analysis, becoming one of America's most influential journalists.
The Craft
Milestones
Moderator of NBC's Meet the Press (1991-2008)
Senior Vice President of NBC News
Washington Bureau Chief of NBC News
Author of 'Big Russ & Me' (2004)
Political analyst for NBC Nightly News
Best Known For
Iconic Roles
Self - Political commentator in various documentaries
Must-See Films
The Final Days (2000)
Journeys with George (2002)
various news programs and documentaries],
awards
Emmy Award for News & Documentary,Peabody Award,Edward R. Murrow Award
nominations
Multiple Emmy nominations
honors
Hollywood Walk of Fame star (2008),Walter Cronkite Award for Excellence in Journalism
personalLife
Tim Russert was married to Maureen Orth, a journalist for Vanity Fair magazine. They had one son, Luke Russert, who followed in his father's footsteps as a journalist. Russert was known for his deep Catholic faith and Buffalo Bills fandom. He maintained close relationships with political figures across party lines while maintaining journalistic integrity.
spouses
Maureen Orth (1983-2008)
children
Luke Russert (born 1985) - NBC News correspondent
education
Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from John Carroll University (1972), Juris Doctor from Cleveland State University (1976)
studioAffiliations
frequentCollaborators
Tom Brokaw,Brian Williams,Andrea Mitchell
mentors
Marvin Kalb,John Chancellor
protégés
Luke Russert,Chuck Todd,David Gregory
culturalImpact
Tim Russert revolutionized political journalism through his aggressive but fair interviewing style on Meet the Press. He became known for his extensive preparation and use of guests' own words and voting records to hold them accountable. His 'whiteboard' analysis during election nights became iconic, making complex political data accessible to ordinary Americans. Russert's influence extended beyond journalism into American political culture, where he was respected by politicians from both parties.
legacy
Russert's legacy includes raising the standards of political journalism and creating a template for modern political interview shows. His death in 2008 was met with an outpouring of tributes from across the political spectrum, testament to his impact on American public life. The 'Tim Russert Medal' was established at his alma mater, John Carroll University, to honor excellence in journalism. His approach to journalism continues to influence how political news is covered and consumed.
influence
Russert influenced a generation of journalists through his emphasis on preparation, fairness, and accountability. His interviewing techniques are studied in journalism schools, and many current political commentators cite him as an inspiration. His ability to balance tough questioning with respect for his subjects set a standard that continues to shape political journalism today.
trivia
Was a lifelong Buffalo Bills fan and season ticket holder,Worked as a bartender while in law school,Was nicknamed 'Big Russ' by his son Luke,Never missed a Sunday Mass,Was a close friend of Senator Patrick Moynihan,His book 'Big Russ & Me' was a New York Times bestseller,Died of a heart attack at age 58 while recording voiceovers for Meet the Press,Received the Presidential Medal of Freedom posthumously,His last interview was with presidential candidates Barack Obama and John McCain
famousQuotes
What's the most important thing you've learned in your life?,If it's Sunday, it's Meet the Press,I'm not a politician, I'm a journalist,The best journalism is when you ask the question nobody else is asking
