Bill Carlson

Bill Carlson (November 1934-February 29, 2008) was an American journalist and longtime television anchor at WCCO in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Carlson was born in Thief River Falls, Minnesota and grew up in St. Paul, Minnesota. Carlson died of prostate cancer at the age of 73 on February 29, 2008.

Career

He began his career with WCCO Television in 1951 while still in high school, working as a page. After completing military service, he returned to the station in 1959, working in front of the camera in a variety of capacities. Carlson's extraordinary good looks, winning personality and Scandinavian manner made him popular with viewers. In the 1960's he began reviewing films, and was widely respected among colleagues and people in the movie industry alike.

Carlson married fellow WCCO personality Nancy Nelson in 1970.

Carlson has one daughter, Susan, born in 1965.

Carlson was best known as the anchor of the weekday noon news on WCCO, a post he held for over four decades. Despite competent and professional execution of his duties, he was removed from the position briefly in 2003 due to his age. A protest campaign spearheaded by his wife and overwhelming viewer response resulted in his return a few months later.

Carlson was a fixture at the Minnesota State Fair, having attended over 60 consecutive fairs during his lifetime. He was also known for his compassion and work with animals, including the Humane Society of Minnesota and the University of Minnesota's Raptor Center.

External links

* [http://www.startribune.com/local/16137102.html Star Tribune: Longtime 'CCO anchor Bill Carlson dies at 73]