Let me tell you about Willie Geist, the charismatic host of TODAY, who's built an incredible career in television. If you’ve been following Willie, you know he’s made a name for himself as one of the most beloved faces on TV. But did you know that Willie followed in the footsteps of his dad, Bill Geist? That’s right, Bill was a journalist too, and he paved the way for Willie’s success. Keep reading to learn more about the man behind the scenes and the legacy he’s built.
Bill Geist: The Man Who Laid the Foundation
Bill Geist, born in 1945 in Chicago, carved out an impressive career in journalism that spanned decades. Early on, Bill was a columnist for The Chicago Tribune, where he honed his skills and developed a reputation for storytelling that resonated with readers. It wasn’t just his talent for writing that set him apart; it was his ability to connect with people and bring their stories to life. Bill’s work wasn’t just about reporting the news—it was about capturing the human experience in a way that made readers feel like they were part of the story.
Bill married Jody Geist, a social worker, in 1970, and together they built a life that revolved around family and work. As a father, Bill was deeply involved in raising his two children, Willie and Libby. Moving to New York City, Bill continued his journalism career, this time as a columnist for The New York Times. It was during this time that Bill’s career really took off, and he became a household name in the world of journalism.
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In the late ‘80s, Bill joined CBS as a correspondent, where he became a regular face on CBS Sunday Morning. Over the years, he earned two Emmy Awards and authored several best-selling books, including The Zucchini Plague and Other Tales of Suburbia and Lake of the Ozarks: My Surreal Summers in a Vanishing America. Bill’s work was more than just journalism—it was a reflection of his passion for storytelling and his deep connection to the communities he covered.
Bill Geist’s Battle with Parkinson’s Disease
In 2012, Bill made the decision to go public with his diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease, a neurodegenerative disorder that he had been quietly battling since 1992. For years, Bill chose to keep his condition private, fearing how it might affect his career and his family. “I didn’t want to be seen as the sick guy when you walk into a room, ‘Oh, he’s got Parkinson’s,’” Bill explained during a 2012 episode of CBS Sunday Morning. “That’s the first thing they think about, or I didn’t want to scare my kids and make them worry about it.”
Bill’s decision to share his diagnosis publicly was a brave one, and it opened up a dialogue about the challenges of living with Parkinson’s. By speaking out, Bill not only raised awareness but also inspired others to face their own health challenges with courage and resilience.
Bill Geist’s Retirement and Legacy
After 31 remarkable years on CBS Sunday Morning, Bill decided to retire in September 2018. His final episode was a heartfelt farewell to the viewers who had grown to love him over the years. “In 1987, Charles Kuralt called me and said, ‘Come on and join us, it’ll be fun.’ He was so right! I hope it’s been fun for all of you too,” Bill said during his last broadcast. “Thanks for watching these past thousand or so Sundays. It’s been my great pleasure.”
Since retiring, Bill has been enjoying quality time with his family, including his wife, children, and grandchildren. In November 2020, Willie ran a half marathon to raise awareness for the Michael J. Fox Foundation, an organization dedicated to finding a cure for Parkinson’s. Bill was there to support his son, cheering him on from the sidelines. “Look who surprised me at the finish line after I ran a half marathon today. That’s my dad, Bill Geist,” Willie shared on Instagram. “I ran for him and for the millions of other people living with Parkinson’s disease. He was in my mind, pushing me through the cold and the rain to a personal best time and then … there he was!”
