Former KABC and KCBS News Anchor Harold Greene Dies at 82

Former Los Angeles TV news anchor Harold Greene has died, according to a social media post by his daughter, Courtney Greene. He was 82.

“Our beloved husband, father, uncle and friend has signed off for the last time,” she wrote in a Facebook post. “It is with heavy hearts that we share the news that Harold passed away last night. My mom and I were by his side, and there was an extraordinary amount of love in the room. We have a feeling he’s already settling into the great newsroom in the sky, no doubt with a few suggestions on how things should be run. He was so very loved, and we know he will be missed by many.”

Greene was a staple in L.A. TV for years, including long-running stints at both KABC and KCBS. Greene spent more than 18 years at KABC, including as co-anchor of the ABC O&O’s 5 p.m. and 11 p.m. newscasts before his exit in 2000. A year later, he joined KCBS/KCAL, where he was reunited with his former KABC co-anchor Ann Martin.

Greene started his career as part of team that launched news on KCST (Channel 39) in San Diego, before jumping to crosstown rival KGTV. Although he is often credited as part of the inspiration for Will Ferrell’s “Ron Burgundy” character in “Anchorman,” the filmmakers have never confirmed if it’s true.

Greene also spent time at KPIX San Francisco before moving to KABC, where he co-anchored the 5 p.m. newscast with Jerry Dunphy. He then returned to KGTV San Diego, but rejoined KABC in 1982.

Besides anchoring, Greene hosted series such as “Hollywood Close-Up” and “A.M. Los Angeles” for KABC over the years. He’s also the recipient of multiple Golden Mike Awards, as well as L.A. local Emmys, L.A. Press Club awards, Edward R. Murrow Awards and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

Greene and Martin were among KCBS/KCAL staffers let go in 2008 as part of station-wide budget cuts.