Don Imus

John Donald Imus Jr. (July 23, 1940 – December 27, 2019) was an American radio personality, television show host, recording artist, and author. He was known for his radio show Imus in the Morning which aired on many stations until 2018.

Don Imus
Born
John Donald Imus Jr.

(1940-07-23)July 23, 1940
DiedDecember 27, 2019(2019-12-27) (aged 79)
OccupationRadio and television talk show host, writer, humorist
Years active1968–2018
Spouse(s)
Harriet Showalter
(m. 1969; div. 1979)

Deirdre Coleman (m. 1994)
Children6
AwardsNAB Broadcasting Hall of Fame, 4 NAB Marconi Radio Awards

His first radio job in 1968 at KUTY in Palmdale, California. Three years later, he landed the morning spot at WNBC in New York City; he was fired in 1977.

In 1979, Imus returned to WNBC and stayed at the station until 1988 when the show moved to WFAN. He became popular when the show entered national syndication in 1993. He was called a "shock jock" radio host throughout his later career.[1] He retired from broadcasting in March 2018.[2]

In March 2009, Imus was diagnosed with stage 2 prostate cancer.[3][4][5] He refused to have chemotherapy.[6]

Imus was hospitalized in College Station, Texas, on December 24, 2019 for problems caused by lung disease. He died three days later, on December 27, at the age of 79.[7]

References

  1. Spiegelman, Arthur (April 12, 2007). ""Shock jock" Imus finally faces music". Reuters. https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-race-career/shock-jock-imus-finally-faces-music-idUSN1236242420070412. 
  2. "Don Imus retires after 50 years of radio, congratulates himself on the way out". New York Daily News. March 29, 2018. http://www.nydailynews.com/entertainment/gossip/confidential/don-imus-retires-50-years-radio-pats-back-article-1.3903874. 
  3. Siemaszko, Corky (March 16, 2009). "Imus cancer diagnosis". Daily News (New York). http://www.nydailynews.com/lifestyle/health/2009/03/16/2009-03-16_don_imus_cancer_diagnosis_what_is_stage_.html. Retrieved 2019-12-28. 
  4. Huff, Richard; Siemaszko, Corky (March 16, 2009). "Radio host Don Imus announces on morning show he has stage 2 prostate cancer". Daily News (New York). http://www.nydailynews.com/entertainment/tv/2009/03/16/2009-03-16_radio_host_don_imus_announces_on_morning-1.html. Retrieved 2019-12-28. 
  5. Shea, Danny (March 16, 2009). "huffingtonpost.com". Huffington Post. http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/03/16/don-imus-i-have-prostate_n_175203.html. 
  6. "Don Imus, Radio Host Who Pushed Boundaries, Dies at 79". www.msn.com. Retrieved 2019-12-28.
  7. "Don Imus, Legendary 'Imus in the Morning' Host, Dies at 79". The Hollywood Reporter. 27 December 2019.

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