Legendary Chicago Newscaster Dick Johnson Dies At 66

CHICAGO — Dick Johnson, synonymous with Chicago area journalism for nearly 40 years, died Tuesday at the age of 66. Johnson was being treated in northern Michigan the last several days of his life for complications related to a respiratory condition, according to WMAQ-TV.

Johnson became co-anchor of NBC 5 News Today in 2002. Prior to his stint at Chicago's NBC affiliate, he was an anchor and reporter for 20 years at rival WLS-TV, according to his biography. He has been awarded national and regional Emmys for his work, a duPont Columbia and most recently a Peabody as part of a team of NBC 5 reporters led by Carol Marin.

He leaves behind his wife and three grown children, "as well as his newsroom family and so many in the journalism field who have learned from him," according to an NBC 5 report.

Soon after the news of his death broke Tuesday, tributes from colleagues and friends in the Chicagoland media world started pouring in across social media platforms.

NBC5’s Dick Johnson was the best kind of newsman. Smart, thorough, nimble when deadlines were crashing around him. No cliches. Just facts, fairness, and great writing. And he was funny! What a loss to all who knew him. But especially to his loving family.#DickJohnson
— Carol Marin (@CarolMarin) June 9, 2020

Our newsroom is heartbroken. Dick Johnson loved it all - curious, fantastic story teller, and a kind colleague. There are tears for his loss, knowing Dick was the real deal; mentor to so many, a news soldier. pic.twitter.com/2HpmBS6mTv
— Mary Ann Ahern (@MaryAnnAhernNBC) June 9, 2020

My heart is broken. Dick Johnson was my co-anchor & mentor, but he was also an amazing friend. He supported me in good times & bad. His heart was bigger than most people knew. My dad told me today to feel blessed for the time I got to spend with him. I am beyond thankful. pic.twitter.com/5kGb9JaBAa
— Lauren Jiggetts (@laurenjiggetts) June 9, 2020

"Dick was a consummate professional and an outstanding journalist," David Doebler, president and general manager of NBC 5, told media columnist Robert Feder. "He was welcoming to everyone who joined the team and he will be missed dearly. He was a nice man who always had a positive demeanor. He was loved by all and will be missed. This is a sad day."

Prior to making Chicago his home in 1982, Johnson anchored the 5 p.m. news at KDFW-TV in Dallas where he was also a political reporter. He began his reporting career in Indianapolis at WTHR-TV.

Earlier in his career, Johnson was on board Air Force Two with then-Vice-President George H.W. Bush during the assassination attempt on President Ronald Reagan, according to his biography on the NBC5 Chicago website. Johnson covered the return of the Iranian hostages at West Point, Ryan White's courageous struggle with AIDS, the famine in Ethiopia, the battle to build Comiskey Park and the United Center and the struggle over Chicago school reform.

Johnson broke the story of the "Great Loop Flood," covered the rape trial of boxer Mike Tyson and uncovered the Chicago connection in the murder spree of Andrew Cunannan. He has reported on election campaigns of every kind, from president to mayor, according to the bio.

Johnson has also appeared in NBC’s "Chicago Fire," the hit movie "Barbershop 2" and the 2009 film "Chicago Overcoat."

While earning a degree in political science at DePauw University, Johnson served as News Director of its radio station WGRE. More recently, he was chairman of the board of external advisors for DePauw’s Pulliam Center for Contemporary Media.