Jessica Savitch was an American actor who is best known for her work in television news as a pioneering female anchor. Born on February 1, 1947, in Kennett Square, Pennsylvania, she gained prominence in the broadcasting industry during the 1970s and 1980s.
Personal and Family Life
Jessica grew up in a family that faced tragedy early on, as her father passed away when she was just 12 years old. He was the one who inspired her to pursue a career in journalism. She was married twice; her first husband, Melvin Korn, separated from her after only ten months, and her second husband, Dr. Donald Payne, tragically committed suicide a few months after their wedding.
Career Highlights
Savitch began her career in broadcasting while still in high school and later pursued a degree in communications. Despite facing sexism in the industry, she became the first female anchor in the South while working at KHOU-TV in Houston. Her career continued to flourish as she made her way to NBC, where she earned acclaim for her work.
Death and Legacy
On October 23, 1983, Jessica Savitch died in a car accident in New Hope, Pennsylvania, after a rainstorm caused her boyfriend to lose control of the vehicle. Her death shocked the journalism community, and her estate was awarded more than $8 million for wrongful death. Parts of her life story inspired characters in films like “Up Close & Personal” and “Anchorman.”
Filmography
| Role | Title | Year |
|---|---|---|
| Actress | Nasty Habits | 1977 |
| Self | Various appearances | Multiple |
| Additional Crew | Various projects | Multiple |
| Archive Footage | Various | Multiple |