Larry Potash is an American Emmy Award-winning journalist and the longtime co-anchor of WGN Morning News on WGN-TV in Chicago, Illinois. Born on May 2, 1967, in Boston, Massachusetts, he has been one of the most recognized and trusted news anchors in Chicago for more than 30 years.
He joined WGN-TV in August 1994 and has been anchoring the WGN Morning News since 1995, making him one of the longest-tenured morning news anchors in American television. A graduate of Emerson College in Boston, Larry has earned an extraordinary 21 Emmy Awards during his career, along with 14 Silver Dome Awards and a regional Edward R. Murrow Award. He is also the host of the popular WGN-TV series Backstory with Larry Potash, which explores fascinating stories from history, culture, religion, and science.
Larry Potash Quick Facts Table
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Larry Potash |
| Date of Birth | May 2, 1967 |
| Age (2026) | 58 years old |
| Zodiac Sign | Taurus |
| Birthplace | Boston, Massachusetts, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | White / Caucasian |
| Religion | Private |
| Height | 5 feet 8 inches (1.73 m) |
| Education | Emerson College, Boston (BS Mass Communications and Broadcast Journalism, 1989) |
| Current Role | Co-Anchor, WGN Morning News, WGN-TV |
| Joined WGN-TV | August 1994 |
| Anchoring Since | 1995 (over 30 years) |
| Series | Backstory with Larry Potash (premiered October 2018) |
| Daily Feature | Larry’s World |
| Co-Anchor | Robin Baumgarten |
| Previous Networks | KOTV-TV (Tulsa), WFIE-TV (Evansville), KLMG-TV (Longview) |
| Awards | 21 Emmy Awards, 14 Silver Dome Awards, Edward R. Murrow Award (2023) |
| Marital Status | Private |
| Residence | Lake Forest, Illinois |
| Estimated Net Worth (2026) | $1 million to $5 million |
Who Is Larry Potash?
Larry Potash is one of the most respected and recognized news anchors in Chicago television history. He is currently the co-anchor of WGN Morning News on WGN-TV, where he has been on the air since 1995, just one year after the show first launched. WGN Morning News has consistently ranked first in Chicago morning news ratings for more than a decade, often beating its four main competitors combined.
Larry is widely known for his authentic, calm, and intelligent on-air style, his love of in-depth storytelling, and his ability to handle every kind of news event with composure and grace. Beyond his morning anchor role, he is also the host of Backstory with Larry Potash, a popular WGN-TV series that explores stories from history, religion, science, and culture across Chicago and beyond.
Early Life and Background
Larry Potash was born on May 2, 1967, in Boston, Massachusetts, USA. He grew up in Boston, in a stable American family environment that encouraged curiosity, learning, and personal ambition. Boston is a city deeply rooted in education, history, and journalism, and the influence of those cultural pillars clearly shaped Larry’s life from a young age.
He developed a strong interest in storytelling, broadcasting, and the news media as a teenager, which led him to pursue a formal education in journalism. His Boston upbringing gave him the intellectual curiosity, work ethic, and respect for facts that would later define his more than 30-year career in television news. Even today, Larry is widely admired for the calm, thoughtful approach he brings to American journalism.
Larry Potash Education
Larry Potash attended Emerson College in Boston, one of the most respected schools in the United States for communications and broadcast journalism. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Mass Communications and Broadcast Journalism in 1989.
Emerson College has produced many of the country’s top journalists, news anchors, and media professionals, and Larry’s training there gave him the strong foundation needed to build a long, successful career in TV news. His Emerson education played a key role in shaping the journalistic standards he carries today, including his deep commitment to factual reporting, intelligent storytelling, and authentic broadcasting. He has often credited his college experience as one of the most important parts of his professional growth.
Larry Potash Age, Height, Weight, and Physical Attributes
Larry Potash was born on May 2, 1967, which makes him 58 years old as of 2026. His zodiac sign is Taurus, traditionally associated with reliability, patience, and steady commitment, qualities that match his decades of consistent work at WGN-TV. He stands at a height of approximately 5 feet 8 inches (1.73 m), with a healthy, well-maintained build that reflects his commitment to fitness and health.
His exact weight has not been publicly confirmed, but he appears to maintain an active lifestyle through daily exercise and a balanced diet. Larry has often been praised for looking younger than his actual age, which he credits to his healthy habits, including running, cycling, and outdoor exercise. His professional appearance is polished, classic, and friendly on camera.
Larry Potash Nationality, Ethnicity, and Religion
Larry Potash is American by nationality, born and raised in Boston, Massachusetts. His ethnicity is White / Caucasian, with traditional American family roots. His religion has not been publicly confirmed, since he keeps his personal beliefs private.
While he often covers stories that explore religious and cultural traditions through his Backstory series, he has never made his own personal faith a major part of his public brand. His values, however, are clearly visible in his work, including a strong respect for tradition, intellectual curiosity, and journalistic ethics. Larry’s American Boston-Chicago heritage has clearly shaped the grounded, intelligent, and humble approach he brings to his on-air work every weekday morning.
Parents and Siblings
Larry Potash has kept information about his parents and siblings largely private. No verified source has named his father, mother, or any siblings, which is consistent with his overall preference for keeping his family life out of the public eye.
What is clear is that he grew up in a Boston household that supported his early interest in storytelling and journalism, since he was able to attend Emerson College and graduate with a Broadcast Journalism degree by the age of 22. His parents’ values of education, hard work, and personal ambition clearly shaped him into the dedicated, thoughtful journalist he became. This article will respect his privacy and not invent details about family members he has chosen to keep out of public conversation.
Larry Potash Wife or Relationship Status
Larry Potash maintains a very private personal life when it comes to his romantic relationships and marriage. He has not publicly confirmed his marital status, and most details about a wife or partner have been kept out of the public eye. This privacy-first approach is common among veteran news anchors, who often choose to protect their families from media attention and possible safety concerns.
Whether he is married, dating, or single, he has consistently kept his personal life completely separate from his on-air career. Any specific claims online about his wife or partner should be considered unverified unless directly confirmed by Larry himself or his family. His professional focus remains on his work as an anchor and storyteller, which has been the public face of his life for more than 30 years.
Larry Potash Children
Larry Potash has kept information about his children largely private. He has occasionally mentioned having daughters in past interviews, but specific details about their names, ages, careers, or personal lives have not been publicly shared. Like the rest of his family life, this remains very private.
Veteran broadcast journalists often choose to keep their children’s identities out of the public spotlight to protect them from media attention, and Larry appears to follow this same protective approach. His commitment to his family is one of the most respected parts of his personal life, even though most details remain off the public record. This article respects his right to keep family decisions away from public conversation.
Larry Potash Wikipedia
As of 2026, Larry Potash does not have his own dedicated Wikipedia page, which is somewhat surprising given his more than 30-year career, 21 Emmy Awards, and major Chicago broadcasting status. He is, however, mentioned in industry profiles, WGN-TV’s official website, and many entertainment news outlets.
Wikipedia has strict notability rules that typically require multiple independent news features about a person as the primary subject. As Larry’s career continues to be celebrated, especially through his 30th anniversary at WGN-TV in 2024, a dedicated Wikipedia page may eventually be created for him. For now, the most reliable sources of information about Larry are his official WGN-TV author page, his professional industry profiles, and his ongoing on-air work.
Reason of Fame
Larry Potash is famous for being one of the most beloved and longest-tenured news anchors in Chicago television history. His fame is built on several powerful pillars. First, he has been the co-anchor of the consistently top-rated WGN Morning News since 1995, making him a daily fixture in Chicago homes for more than 30 years.
Second, he is a 21-time Emmy Award winner, one of the most decorated journalists in Chicago broadcasting history. Third, his daily feature “Larry’s World” and his documentary series Backstory with Larry Potash have built him a strong reputation as a thoughtful, intelligent storyteller. Fourth, he received the prestigious Edward R. Murrow Award for News Documentary in 2023. Together, these accomplishments have made him one of Chicago’s most trusted and admired broadcasting personalities.
Larry Potash Social Media Presence
Larry Potash maintains an active and engaging social media presence that keeps him closely connected with his loyal Chicago audience. His main verified handles and follower counts are listed below.
| Platform | Handle | Followers (approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Twitter / X | @LarryPotash | 29.4K followers |
| @larry_potash | 20K followers | |
| Larry Potash | 73.8K followers | |
| WGN-TV Author Page | wgntv.com/author/larry-potash | Featured articles and segments |
He joined Twitter in December 2008 and has been one of the most active WGN-TV anchors on social media ever since. His Instagram includes more than 300 posts, where he shares behind-the-scenes moments from WGN Morning News, Backstory episodes, and glimpses of his daily life.
His Facebook page is his most-followed platform, with strong daily engagement from Chicago viewers. His social media style is warm, intelligent, and community-focused, in keeping with his on-air personality.
Larry Potash Career
Early Career: Texas and Indiana
Larry Potash began his professional television career at KLMG-TV in Longview, Texas, where he worked as a reporter and anchor.
He then moved to WFIE-TV in Evansville, Indiana, where he served as a morning anchor. These early roles gave him valuable hands-on experience with live broadcasting, daily reporting, and the demands of small-market American television news.
KOTV-TV in Tulsa, Oklahoma
Larry next joined KOTV-TV in Tulsa, Oklahoma, where he worked as a weekend anchor and political reporter.
His time in Tulsa sharpened his political reporting skills and prepared him for major-market news, which would soon come with his career-defining move to Chicago.
Joining WGN-TV (August 1994)
In August 1994, Larry made the major career leap that would define his life by joining WGN-TV in Chicago, Illinois.
His very first week in Chicago, while no one in the city yet knew his name, he went undercover to expose lax security at a children’s hospital where a patient had been assaulted. That brave early assignment helped establish his reputation as a serious, fearless reporter in his new market.
Anchoring WGN Morning News (1995 to Present)
In 1995, just one year after WGN Morning News first launched, Larry was named co-anchor of the show, a role he has now held for more than 30 years. WGN Morning News has consistently ranked first in Chicago morning ratings for more than a decade, often beating its four main competitors combined and reaching ratings up to three times higher than The Today Show on NBC.
Larry co-anchors the show alongside Robin Baumgarten, with whom he has built one of the most beloved morning anchor partnerships in American television.
Larry’s World Feature
Larry’s daily feature “Larry’s World” takes a look at offbeat, fun, and sometimes lesser-known facts behind various pop culture phenomena and television news-making itself.
The segment has become one of the most recognizable parts of WGN Morning News, reflecting Larry’s love for storytelling, history, and curiosity.
Backstory with Larry Potash (October 2018 to Present)
In October 2018, WGN-TV launched Backstory with Larry Potash, a special documentary-style series that explores fascinating stories from history, religion, science, and culture across Chicago and beyond.
The series airs as periodic specials throughout the year and has become one of WGN-TV’s most respected long-form programs. Backstory has earned multiple Emmy Awards and Silver Dome Awards, further cementing Larry’s reputation as one of Chicago’s most thoughtful broadcasters.
International Reporting
In 1996, Larry traveled to Asia to produce a multi-part series on the culture of Hong Kong and its transition to Chinese sovereignty.
The series gave WGN viewers a rare in-depth look at a historic global moment and showed Larry’s deep interest in international storytelling. His international assignments have given him a global perspective that adds depth to his daily local news work.
Larry Potash Career Timeline
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| May 2, 1967 | Born in Boston, Massachusetts |
| 1985 to 1989 | Studies at Emerson College in Boston |
| 1989 | Graduates with BS in Mass Communications and Broadcast Journalism |
| Early 1990s | Works at KLMG-TV in Longview, Texas; later at WFIE-TV in Evansville, Indiana |
| Early 1990s | Becomes weekend anchor and political reporter at KOTV-TV in Tulsa, Oklahoma |
| August 1994 | Joins WGN-TV in Chicago |
| 1995 | Named co-anchor of WGN Morning News |
| 1996 | Travels to Asia for Hong Kong sovereignty multi-part series |
| October 2018 | Premieres Backstory with Larry Potash on WGN-TV |
| 2019 and 2020 | Backstory wins Silver Dome Award for Best Documentary Show |
| 2021 | Wins Best Anchor in Chicago from Illinois Broadcasters Association |
| 2023 | Receives Regional Edward R. Murrow Award |
| September 2024 | Celebrates 30th anniversary at WGN-TV |
| 2025 to 2026 | Continues as co-anchor of WGN Morning News and host of Backstory |
Larry Potash Net Worth
Larry Potash’s estimated net worth in 2026 is between $1 million and $5 million. His wealth has been built primarily through his successful broadcast journalism career over more than three decades. His main income sources include:
- Annual salary as the co-anchor of WGN Morning News
- Decades of consistent earnings at WGN-TV since 1994
- Additional income from hosting Backstory with Larry Potash
- Speaking engagements and journalism mentoring opportunities
- Possible bonuses, contract extensions, and performance incentives
- Real estate holdings including his home in Lake Forest, Illinois
His wealth has grown steadily through career consistency and major-market visibility, which is the sustainable success model of veteran broadcast journalists who stay at one network for decades.
Larry Potash Salary
Larry Potash’s exact annual salary at WGN-TV has not been publicly disclosed, but estimates suggest his annual income is well above $100,000 per year.
The average WGN news reporter earns around $65,898 per year, but as the senior co-anchor of the highest-rated morning news show in Chicago, with 21 Emmy Awards and more than 30 years of experience, Larry is almost certainly earning significantly more than the average reporter rate. His total compensation likely includes base salary, bonuses, performance incentives, and contract benefits earned over his decades-long tenure at WGN-TV.
Major Achievements
Larry Potash has earned an extraordinary list of professional achievements in his more than 30-year career. His most notable honors include:
- 21 Emmy Awards, including Best Anchor multiple times
- 14 Silver Dome Awards from the Illinois Broadcasters Association
- Best Anchor in Chicago (2021) from the Illinois Broadcasters Association
- Best Magazine Show Emmy for Backstory (2023)
- Investigative Series Emmy (2023)
- Regional Edward R. Murrow Award for News Documentary (2023)
- Best Documentary Show Silver Dome Awards for Backstory (2019 and 2020)
- 30+ years co-anchoring WGN Morning News, the highest-rated morning show in Chicago
- Major international reporting including Hong Kong sovereignty coverage (1996)
- Bachelor’s degree in Mass Communications and Broadcast Journalism from Emerson College (1989)
These achievements reflect both his professional excellence and his lasting impact on American local TV news.
Notable News Coverage and Professional Work
Larry Potash’s professional work represents one of the most impressive bodies of journalism in modern Chicago broadcasting. His most significant on-air work includes:
- WGN Morning News (1995 to present), Chicago’s top-rated morning show
- Backstory with Larry Potash (October 2018 to present), the popular documentary series
- “Larry’s World” daily feature on WGN Morning News
- Hong Kong sovereignty multi-part series (1996)
- Children’s hospital undercover investigation (his first week at WGN in 1994)
- Special events coverage including major Chicago breaking news
- Long-form interviews with cultural figures, including a famously short interview with David Carradine
His work continues to be a daily highlight for Chicago morning audiences and a major part of WGN-TV’s flagship programming.
Larry Potash Accident
The “Larry Potash accident” search query is not about a car crash or major emergency. It refers to the moment when Larry showed up to anchor WGN Morning News on December 8, 2022, wearing a sling on his right arm. He explained on air during the Courtesy Desk segment that he had torn his bicep muscle in a pickup basketball game, when an opposing player’s elbow accidentally hit his arm with significant force.
He called it “yet another basketball injury”, joking with his colleague Paul Konrad that he would be “selling this sling back” when he was fully healed. The injury required surgery and several weeks in a sling, but Larry continued to anchor WGN Morning News throughout his recovery with his trademark professionalism and sense of humor. Today in 2026, he is fully recovered and continues to co-anchor the show every weekday morning.
Is Larry Potash Still Alive?
Yes, Larry Potash is alive and very active in 2026. He continues to co-anchor WGN Morning News every weekday morning and remains one of the most beloved figures in Chicago broadcasting.
In September 2024, he celebrated his 30th anniversary at WGN-TV, a major milestone that was widely celebrated by his fans and colleagues. There are no reports of any health issues or major life events that would suggest otherwise.
Recent Updates and Where He Is Now
In 2026, Larry Potash continues to be one of the most recognized and trusted anchors in Chicago television. He remains the co-anchor of WGN Morning News, alongside Robin Baumgarten, and continues to host Backstory with Larry Potash as it returns with new specials throughout the year.
Following his 30th anniversary at WGN-TV in September 2024, Larry has remained active on social media, in his community, and in his Chicago broadcasting career. He continues to live in Lake Forest, Illinois, and balances his demanding morning schedule with his personal life and his ongoing passion for storytelling.
Lesser-Known Facts About Larry Potash
Here are some interesting and lesser-known facts about Larry Potash:
- He was born and raised in Boston, Massachusetts, not Chicago
- He graduated from Emerson College in 1989
- His first week at WGN-TV in 1994, he went undercover at a children’s hospital
- His co-anchor Robin Baumgarten is also a three-time Emmy winner
- He has won 21 Emmy Awards, an extraordinary career achievement
- He received the Regional Edward R. Murrow Award in 2023
- His documentary series Backstory premiered in October 2018
- He traveled to Asia in 1996 for a multi-part series on Hong Kong’s transition
- He lives in Lake Forest, Illinois, a Chicago suburb
- He enjoys running, cycling, and traveling
- He once had a very short interview with David Carradine that ended with the f-bomb
- He celebrated his 30th anniversary at WGN-TV in September 2024
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Larry Potash?
Larry Potash is an American Emmy Award-winning journalist and the longtime co-anchor of WGN Morning News on WGN-TV in Chicago.
How old is Larry Potash?
He was born on May 2, 1967, making him 58 years old in 2026.
Where is Larry Potash from?
He was born and raised in Boston, Massachusetts, USA.
Where did Larry Potash go to college?
He attended Emerson College in Boston, where he earned his BS in Mass Communications and Broadcast Journalism in 1989.
What is Larry Potash’s nationality?
Larry Potash is American by nationality. He was born in Boston, Massachusetts, USA, and has spent his entire career in American broadcast journalism.
How long has Larry Potash been with WGN?
Larry Potash has been with WGN-TV for more than 31 years. He joined the station in August 1994 and was named co-anchor of WGN Morning News in 1995, a role he still holds today.
How tall is Larry Potash?
He is approximately 5 feet 8 inches (1.73 m) tall.
Is Larry Potash married?
His marital status is private, and he has chosen to keep his personal relationships out of the public eye.
Does Larry Potash have children?
He has reportedly mentioned having daughters in interviews, but their specific details remain private.
What is Larry Potash’s net worth?
His estimated net worth in 2026 is between $1 million and $5 million.
What is Backstory with Larry Potash?
It is a popular WGN-TV documentary series that premiered in October 2018, exploring stories from history, religion, science, and culture in Chicago and beyond.
Where does Larry Potash live?
He lives in Lake Forest, Illinois, a suburb of Chicago.
Conclusion
Larry Potash’s career is one of the strongest examples of dedication, longevity, and excellence in modern American broadcast journalism. From his beginnings in Boston, Massachusetts, to his BS in Mass Communications from Emerson College in 1989, to his early career stops in Texas, Indiana, and Oklahoma, every step of his journey prepared him for his career-defining role in Chicago.
Since joining WGN-TV in August 1994 and being named co-anchor of WGN Morning News in 1995, he has spent more than three decades becoming one of Chicago’s most trusted and beloved broadcasters. With 21 Emmy Awards, 14 Silver Dome Awards, an Edward R. Murrow Award, and the consistently top-rated morning show in his market, Larry Potash has set the gold standard for what local TV news excellence looks like. He represents the very best of American journalism, combining intelligence, authenticity, intellectual curiosity, and steady professionalism into a career that continues to inspire viewers and journalists alike.