This article will explore John Roland’s personal life, and career, and check out his reason for death.
Hailing from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, John Roland was born on November 25, 1941. After completing his education, Roland graduated from California State University at Long Beach in 1964. His early beginnings would pave the way for a remarkable career in broadcast journalism, cementing his status as a respected and influential figure in the industry.
His illustrious career spanned several decades, beginning in the 1960s when he worked for NBC News in Los Angeles. During this time, he covered major events such as the Robert F. Kennedy assassination and the Charles Manson trial. Roland later joined WNEW-TV in New York City in 1969, where he served as a political reporter, weekend anchor, and main anchor for various newscasts.
Throughout his career, Roland was a respected and well-known figure in the world of broadcast journalism. He was widely recognized for his professionalism and dedication to his craft. Roland’s career highlights include disarming and shooting a robber during a late-night restaurant robbery, sustaining a head injury that required stitches. He also made film appearances as a television anchor and as himself.
In 1988, Roland was suspended by WNYW-TV for an on-air argument with a mentally-ill homeless woman, Joyce Brown. However, he apologized for the incident, and the station broadcasted his apology. Over the years, Roland anchored alongside several co-anchors, including Bill McCreary, Cora-Ann Mihalik, and Rosanna Scotto.
In addition to his successful broadcasting career, Roland also ventured into the food industry. In the late 1980s, he opened a restaurant in New York named Marcello, with two partners.
John Roland’s personal life included four marriages, but he did not have any children. After retiring from broadcasting, he spent his later years in North Miami, Florida.
However, in 2002, Roland was rushed to the hospital with severe symptoms of diverticulitis, requiring 18 blood transfusions and part of his colon removed. Despite the health scare, Roland successfully recovered and returned to work at the station just a few weeks later.
Roland’s bravery was also demonstrated in 1983 when he was dining at the Racing Club restaurant in New York City with a friend. Three armed robbers entered the establishment, threatening patrons and attempting to rob them. Roland courageously disarmed one of the robbers and shot him in the leg. Unfortunately, the other two robbers attacked Roland, causing a laceration on his head that required 36 stitches. Thankfully, the police were able to arrest the robbers and their getaway driver as they tried to flee the scene.
John Roland’s life was full of exciting moments and achievements that won’t be forgotten. His bravery and perseverance were apparent both in his professional career as a journalist and in his personal life.
The world of journalism has lost a great talent with the passing of John Roland, a legendary broadcast journalist and iconic news anchor who dedicated his life to informing and engaging audiences. Fox 5, Roland’s former employer, announced his death on Sunday at the age of 81. He had been living in Florida at the time of his passing. The cause of death was complications from a stroke.
Roland leaves behind a legacy of excellence in journalism that will continue to inspire future generations. He is survived by his loving wife, Zayda, who was by his side throughout his illustrious career and personal life. John Roland will always be remembered as a trailblazer in the world of news and an esteemed member of the broadcasting community. His impact will be felt for years to come.
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