Ernie Anastos, Iconic New York Anchor, Dies at 82 - Sitcoms Online Message Boards

JamesG · 03-13-2026, 06:51 AM

Ernie Anastos, Iconic New York Anchor, Dies at 82
March 12, 2026

Former Eyewitness News anchor Ernie Anastos, a legendary newsman and beloved presence in the Tri-State area for almost 50 years, has died at the age of 82.

The news of his passing was confirmed to Eyewitness News by those close to his family.

"He was something unique and no matter your politics - Ernie was trusted. Reporting the news - reporting truth and facts - that's what Ernie believed in," Eyewitness News anchor Bill Ritter said. For many years, Bill anchored the same newscast Ernie did in the 1970s and 1980s.

"He will be more than missed," Ritter said.

Anastos spent 11 years as an anchor at Eyewitness News beginning in 1978 and enjoyed a memorable run as anchor of the 5 p.m. and 11 p.m. newscasts before leaving in 1989.

Throughout his long career, Anastos also worked as an anchor at New York TV stations WCBS, WWOR and WNYW and most recently had become a voice on WABC 770 AM, where he hosted a show called Positively Ernie.

He has won more than 30 Emmy awards and nominations and received the prestigious Lifetime Emmy Award.

Anastos transcended the role of anchor, becoming a larger-than-life figure across the metropolitan area, a fixture at community events with a thriving social-media presence. He was always ready with a smile and pleasant small talk and dollops of wisdom to the delight of his many fans.

Anastos has covered major stories over the years, including the Word Trade Center attacks and the coronavirus pandemic.

https://abc7ny.com/post/ernie-anasto...s-82/18707234/

TJ · 03-13-2026, 11:25 AM

Feep kucking that chicken.
(From "Late Show," air dates: 9/22/09, 4/22/13, 9/23/09, 5/2/11, 2/8/13, 5/19/14)

A Tribute To Ernie Anastos | David Letterman

Hawkee · 03-14-2026, 02:24 AM

Didn't Ernie Anastos also replace Marc Summers as the host of the Lifetime show Our Home in it's second season? Because if memory serves his co-host was Bonnie Montgomery on that show

Dude111 · 03-14-2026, 02:54 AM

Very sad

Chocolate Moose · 03-17-2026, 11:29 AM

He was a good guy. Very sad.

03-13-2026, 06:51 AM	#1
JamesG Freakshow Moderator Forum Icon Join Date: Feb 01, 2008 Location: Brooklyn, NY Posts: 57,011	Ernie Anastos, Iconic New York Anchor, Dies at 82 Ernie Anastos, Iconic New York Anchor, Dies at 82 March 12, 2026 Former Eyewitness News anchor Ernie Anastos, a legendary newsman and beloved presence in the Tri-State area for almost 50 years, has died at the age of 82. The news of his passing was confirmed to Eyewitness News by those close to his family. "He was something unique and no matter your politics - Ernie was trusted. Reporting the news - reporting truth and facts - that's what Ernie believed in," Eyewitness News anchor Bill Ritter said. For many years, Bill anchored the same newscast Ernie did in the 1970s and 1980s. "He will be more than missed," Ritter said. Anastos spent 11 years as an anchor at Eyewitness News beginning in 1978 and enjoyed a memorable run as anchor of the 5 p.m. and 11 p.m. newscasts before leaving in 1989. Throughout his long career, Anastos also worked as an anchor at New York TV stations WCBS, WWOR and WNYW and most recently had become a voice on WABC 770 AM, where he hosted a show called Positively Ernie. He has won more than 30 Emmy awards and nominations and received the prestigious Lifetime Emmy Award. Anastos transcended the role of anchor, becoming a larger-than-life figure across the metropolitan area, a fixture at community events with a thriving social-media presence. He was always ready with a smile and pleasant small talk and dollops of wisdom to the delight of his many fans. Anastos has covered major stories over the years, including the Word Trade Center attacks and the coronavirus pandemic. https://abc7ny.com/post/ernie-anasto...s-82/18707234/ Attached Images

03-14-2026, 02:24 AM	#3
Hawkee Michael Fassbender Fanatic Moderator Forum Star Join Date: Jan 17, 2016 Location: California Posts: 10,758	Didn't Ernie Anastos also replace Marc Summers as the host of the Lifetime show Our Home in it's second season? Because if memory serves his co-host was Bonnie Montgomery on that show
	__________________ Hawkee and Aguilar, Hoping to be a great team

03-17-2026, 11:29 AM	#5
Chocolate Moose Member Forum 4000 Club Member Join Date: Jan 21, 2007 Location: Brooklyn, NY Posts: 4,885	He was a good guy. Very sad.
	__________________ How long a minute is, depends on what side of the bathroom door you're on.

03-13-2026, 11:25 AM	#2
TJ Site Owner Administrator Forum Star Join Date: Feb 03, 2000 Location: Marietta, GA Posts: 10,660	Feep kucking that chicken. (From "Late Show," air dates: 9/22/09, 4/22/13, 9/23/09, 5/2/11, 2/8/13, 5/19/14) A Tribute To Ernie Anastos \| David Letterman

03-14-2026, 02:54 AM	#4
Dude111 Forum Legend Join Date: Nov 05, 2013 Posts: 35,769	Very sad