David Muir: Biography, ABC, Net Worth, Salary, Wife, Rebecca, Family & More
David Muir Biography
David Muir is a distinguished American journalist best known as the anchor of ABC World News Tonight and co-anchor of ABC’s news magazine program 20/20. He is an integral part of ABC News, the news division of the American Broadcasting Company, and is based in New York City. Before taking over the reins from Diane Sawyer in 2014,
Muir had served as her primary substitute and the weekend anchor of World News Tonight. His journalistic rigor, calm presence, and credibility have made him one of the most recognizable and respected news anchors in the United States.
Since joining ABC News in 2003, Muir has reported from the frontlines of some of the world’s most pressing crises and conflicts, including war zones, natural disasters, and humanitarian emergencies. His dispatches have come from Afghanistan, Iraq, Iran, Ukraine, Gaza, Guantanamo Bay, Fukushima, Beirut, Mogadishu, Amman, Tahrir Square, and near the Syrian border, among numerous other locations. His extraordinary coverage has earned him numerous prestigious accolades, including multiple Emmy Awards and Edward R. Murrow Awards.
In 2024, Muir was honored with the Walter Cronkite Award for Excellence in Journalism, a testament to his dedication to truthful reporting and his ability to convey complex stories with humanity and impact. He was also the recipient of the Emmy Award for Outstanding Live News Program in both 2023 and 2024, and the Edward R. Murrow Award for Network Television Newscast for those same years. His reporting on climate change has been lauded with honors like the George Polk Award and the Alfred I. duPont–Columbia Award.
His program, World News Tonight with David Muir, has held the distinction of being the most-watched evening newscast in America since 2015. Through his clear storytelling, global perspective, and compelling investigations, Muir has become not only a trusted news source but also one of the most influential journalists of his generation.
David Muir’s Age and Birthday
David Muir is 51 years old as of 2025. He was born on November 8, 1973, in Syracuse, New York, USA. He celebrates his birthday every year on the 8th of November. As a Scorpio, Muir embodies many traits associated with the sign—intense, observant, passionate, and driven—characteristics that have defined his successful journalism career.
David Muir Early Life and Education
Born and raised in a Catholic family in Syracuse, Muir spent his formative years in the suburb of Onondaga Hill. He is one of four siblings—he has one older sibling and two younger step-siblings—and is an uncle to six nieces and three nephews. From a young age, Muir was drawn to news and current events, often watching ABC World News Tonight with his family. He has often credited legendary anchor Peter Jennings as his primary influence and role model in journalism.
Muir graduated from Onondaga Central Junior-Senior High School in May 1991. Determined to pursue his passion for broadcast journalism, he enrolled at Ithaca College’s Roy H. Park School of Communications, where he graduated magna cum laude with a Bachelor of Arts degree in journalism in 1995. During college, he interned at WTVH-TV in Syracuse, gaining valuable hands-on experience.
His education extended beyond the classroom. He participated in a semester at the Institute on Political Journalism through the Fund for American Studies at Georgetown University. He also spent time abroad at the University of Salamanca in Spain, studying with the Institute for the International Education of Students. These experiences helped develop his global awareness and laid the foundation for his international reporting career.
David Muir Wife | Children | Gay | Partner | Married | Wedding
David Muir remains intensely private about his personal life. Despite his public profile, he has never publicly disclosed whether he is married, in a relationship, or has children. Over the years, there has been speculation and gossip about Muir’s sexual orientation, with rumors suggesting he may be gay. However, Muir has never commented on these claims, choosing instead to focus on his career and maintain a clear boundary between his personal and professional life.
There is no verified information about past or present romantic partners, and no records of him being married or having a wedding. Muir’s decision to keep his private life out of the spotlight has only deepened public curiosity, but it also underscores his commitment to letting his journalism speak for itself.
David Muir, Rebecca Muir
There has been some confusion among fans and followers regarding David Muir’s relationship with Rebecca Muir. To clarify: Rebecca Muir is not David’s wife or romantic partner—she is his sister.
Rebecca Muir is David’s beloved older sister and a talented makeup artist. She resides in Borodino, New York, with her husband, Richard Malcolm, and their four children: Finan, Brahm, Morel, and Beryl. Rebecca and Richard have built a beautiful family life together, and Richard serves as the general manager at the Mirbeau Inn and Spa in Skaneateles, New York.
The strong sibling bond between David and Rebecca remains evident, and while David tends to keep his personal life private, his admiration for his sister and her family is well known.
Does David Muir have a sister?
Yes—David Muir’s sister is Rebecca Muir.
David Muir Height
David Muir stands at a height of 5 feet 11 inches (1.80 meters). His tall frame, sharp presence, and polished appearance contribute to the commanding presence he brings to the anchor desk and in the field.
WTVH Television
Muir’s professional journey in journalism began at WTVH-TV in Syracuse, New York, where he worked from 1994 to 2000. He served as both an anchor and a reporter, and his early work demonstrated the fearlessness and commitment that would define his career. Muir’s reporting from Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, and the Gaza Strip following the assassination of Israeli Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin earned him top honors from the Radio-Television News Directors Association.
He received awards from the Associated Press for Best Enterprise Reporting and Best Television Interview. The Syracuse Press Club recognized his work by naming his broadcasts the “Best Local Newscast.” Additionally, viewers voted him one of the “Best Local News Anchors,” further highlighting his early promise in the field of journalism.
WCVB Television
From 2000 to 2003, Muir worked at WCVB-TV in Boston as an anchor and reporter. His time there proved pivotal in sharpening his investigative reporting skills. He was awarded a regional Edward R. Murrow Award for investigative reporting, the National Headliner Award, and additional accolades from the Associated Press.
His notable work at WCVB included tracing the movements of the 9/11 hijackers in the days leading up to the September 11 attacks. The depth and precision of his reporting during this period solidified his reputation as a rising star in broadcast journalism.
David Muir ABC News
In 2003, David Muir joined ABC News, initially anchoring the overnight program World News Now. He also took on anchoring duties for World News This Morning (now known as America This Morning). By 2006, Muir was also appearing on the network’s newsmagazine Primetime, and in 2007, he began anchoring World News Saturday.
In 2011, Muir was named anchor of both the weekend evening newscasts, which were branded World News with David Muir. His presence coincided with a rise in weekend ratings, indicating his growing influence. In 2013, he was promoted to co-anchor ABC’s 20/20, working alongside Elizabeth Vargas.
David Muir Early Anchoring and Reporting
Throughout his time at ABC, Muir has been at the center of major stories. In 2005, he reported from inside the New Orleans Superdome as Hurricane Katrina struck. His coverage from the devastated city, including the flooded Charity Hospital, drew national attention for exposing the dire humanitarian crisis.
Muir’s global assignments have included reporting from the Israeli-Lebanon conflict in 2006, the Hamas coup in Gaza in 2007, the deadly earthquake in Peru, the aftermath of the Chernobyl disaster in Ukraine, and the Gulf of Mexico oil spill in 2010. He also produced a powerful 20/20 report on America’s growing homeless child population.
His reporting from Haiti after the catastrophic 2010 earthquake brought global attention to the crisis, and his return visits have shed light on continued issues like gender-based violence and a mental health crisis.
In 2011, Muir reported from Fukushima, Japan, after the nuclear disaster, and from Tahrir Square during the Egyptian revolution. He also covered the Somali famine in 2011, risking danger on the ground in Mogadishu.
His exclusive interviews with figures like Mitt Romney, Hillary Clinton, and President Donald Trump have regularly made headlines, often helping to frame national conversations around politics and policy.
World News Tonight with David Muir
On September 1, 2014, David Muir officially took over as anchor and managing editor of World News Tonight. Under his leadership, the show quickly surged in the ratings, becoming the most-watched evening newscast in America by April 2015 and maintaining that top spot consistently.
Muir’s signature “Made in America” series, which focuses on domestic manufacturing and job creation, has resonated with viewers and become a staple of his broadcast. His in-depth reports on opioid addiction, immigration, and climate change have earned critical acclaim.
He has moderated both Democratic and Republican primary debates and has conducted high-profile interviews with U.S. presidents and foreign leaders. In January 2017, he interviewed President Trump just five days after his inauguration. He has since interviewed Presidents Biden and Zelenskyy on several occasions, including from Ukraine and Normandy.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, viewership for World News Tonight soared, with Muir’s calm and fact-based reporting attracting over 12 million nightly viewers at the height of the crisis.
David Muir Salary
As one of the highest-profile journalists in the country, David Muir commands an impressive salary. He is reported to earn between $3 million and $5 million annually for his work with ABC News, reflecting his experience, prestige, and the success of his programs.
David Muir Net Worth
As of 2025, David Muir has an estimated net worth of $25 million. His earnings stem not only from his long tenure at ABC News but also from endorsements, speaking engagements, and other media-related ventures. His wealth is a reflection of his hard work, journalistic excellence, and dedication to delivering reliable news to the public.
