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 co-anchored WGN Morning News since 1995, making him one of the longest-serving morning news anchors in American television. A graduate of Emerson College in Boston, Larry has earned an impressive 21 Emmy Awards, along with 14 Silver Dome Awards and a regional Edward R. Murrow Award during his distinguished career. He is also the host of the popular WGN-TV series Backstory with Larry Potash, which explores fascinating topics from history, culture, religion, and science.
Larry Potash Bio/Wiki:
| 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 recognizable news anchors in Chicago television history. He is the longtime co-anchor of WGN Morning News on WGN-TV, where he has been on the air since 1995, just one year after the program first launched. WGN Morning News has consistently ranked as the No. 1 morning newscast in Chicago for more than a decade, often outperforming its four major competitors combined.
Larry is widely known for his authentic, calm, and intelligent on-air presence, his passion for in-depth storytelling, and his ability to cover every type of news event with professionalism and composure. In addition to his role on WGN Morning News, he also hosts Backstory with Larry Potash, a popular WGN-TV series that explores fascinating stories from history, religion, science, and culture in 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. As a city known for its rich history, world-class education, and strong journalism tradition, Boston played an important role in shaping Larry’s early interests.
From a young age, he developed a passion for storytelling, broadcasting, and the news media, which inspired him to pursue a formal education in journalism. His upbringing in Boston instilled the intellectual curiosity, strong work ethic, and respect for factual reporting that have defined his more than 30-year career in television news. Today, Larry continues to be 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 institutions in the United States for communications and broadcast journalism. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Mass Communications and Broadcast Journalism in 1989.
Emerson College has produced many of the nation’s leading journalists, news anchors, and media professionals. Larry’s education there provided the strong foundation that helped him build a long and successful career in television news. His time at Emerson played an important role in developing the journalistic values he continues to uphold today, including factual reporting, thoughtful storytelling, and authentic broadcasting. He has often credited his college experience as one of the most influential parts of his professional development.
Larry Potash Age, Height, Weight, and Physical Attributes
Larry Potash was born on May 2, 1967, making him 58 years old as of 2026. His zodiac sign is Taurus, traditionally associated with reliability, patience, and dedication, qualities that reflect his decades of consistent work at WGN-TV. He stands approximately 5 feet 8 inches (1.73 m) tall and maintains a healthy, well-balanced physique.
Although his exact weight has not been publicly confirmed, Larry appears to lead an active lifestyle through regular exercise and healthy habits. He has often been complimented on looking younger than his age, which he attributes to activities such as running, cycling, and spending time outdoors. His professional appearance remains polished, classic, and approachable on camera.
Larry Potash Nationality, Ethnicity, and Religion
Larry Potash is American by nationality and was born and raised in Boston, Massachusetts. He is of White/Caucasian ethnicity and comes from a traditional American family background. His religious beliefs have not been publicly confirmed, as he prefers to keep his personal faith private.
Although he frequently explores religious and cultural topics through Backstory with Larry Potash, he has never made his own religious beliefs a public focus. His work consistently reflects values such as intellectual curiosity, respect for history, professionalism, and strong journalistic ethics. His experiences living in both Boston and Chicago have helped shape the thoughtful and grounded style that viewers have appreciated for decades.
Parents and Siblings
Larry Potash has kept details about his parents and siblings largely private. No verified public sources have identified his father, mother, or any siblings, which is consistent with his long-standing preference for keeping his family life away from public attention.
What is known is that he grew up in a supportive household in Boston that encouraged his interest in storytelling and journalism. His family’s emphasis on education, hard work, and personal ambition helped him earn a degree in Broadcast Journalism from Emerson College at a young age and build a successful career in television news. This article respects his privacy and does not speculate about family members whose identities have not been publicly confirmed.
Larry Potash Wife
Larry Potash has always maintained a very private personal life, especially regarding his relationships and marital status. He has never publicly confirmed whether he is married, and details about a wife or long-term partner have remained out of the public spotlight. This level of privacy is common among veteran television journalists who prefer to protect their families from unnecessary media attention.
Whether he is married, in a relationship, or single, Larry has consistently kept his personal life separate from his professional career. Any claims made online about his relationship status should be considered unverified unless confirmed by Larry himself or his family. Throughout his career, he has remained focused on his work as a respected news anchor and storyteller.
Larry Potash Children
Larry Potash has also kept information about his children largely private. He has occasionally mentioned having daughters in interviews, but he has not publicly shared details about their names, ages, careers, or personal lives.
Like many veteran broadcast journalists, Larry appears to have intentionally protected his children’s privacy by keeping them out of the public spotlight. His commitment to balancing a successful broadcasting career with a private family life has earned him respect from both colleagues and viewers. This article respects his decision to keep family matters private.
Larry Potash Wikipedia
As of 2026, Larry Potash does not have a dedicated Wikipedia page, which is somewhat surprising considering his more than 30-year broadcasting career, 21 Emmy Awards, and long-standing presence in Chicago television. However, he is featured in industry profiles, the official WGN-TV website, and numerous media and entertainment publications.
Wikipedia has strict notability guidelines that generally require extensive coverage from multiple independent sources before an individual biography is approved. As Larry’s career continues to be recognized, particularly following his 30th anniversary at WGN-TV in 2024, it is possible that he will eventually receive a dedicated Wikipedia page. For now, the most reliable sources of information about him are his official WGN-TV profile, professional industry biographies, and his ongoing work on air.
Reason of Fame
Larry Potash is widely recognized as one of the most respected and longest-serving news anchors in Chicago television history. His reputation has been built on several remarkable achievements.
First, he has served as the co-anchor of the top-rated WGN Morning News since 1995, making him a familiar and trusted presence in Chicago households for more than 30 years.
Second, he is a 21-time Emmy Award winner, making him one of the most decorated journalists in Chicago broadcasting history.
Third, his popular feature Larry’s World and his documentary series Backstory with Larry Potash have earned him recognition as an insightful and engaging storyteller.
Finally, he received the prestigious Edward R. Murrow Award for News Documentary in 2023. Together, these accomplishments have established Larry as one of the most trusted and admired personalities in American local television.
Larry Potash Social Media Presence
Larry Potash maintains an active and engaging social media presence, allowing him to stay connected with his loyal audience throughout the Chicago area. Through his social media platforms, he shares updates about his reporting, WGN Morning News, Backstory with Larry Potash, behind-the-scenes moments, and topics that reflect his interest in history, science, culture, and current events.
His primary verified social media accounts 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 television broadcasting career at KLMG-TV in Longview, Texas, where he worked as a reporter and anchor.
He later joined WFIE-TV in Evansville, Indiana, serving as a morning anchor. These early positions provided valuable hands-on experience in live broadcasting, daily reporting, and the fast-paced environment of small-market American television news.
KOTV-TV in Tulsa, Oklahoma
Larry later moved to KOTV-TV in Tulsa, Oklahoma, where he worked as a weekend anchor and political reporter.
His time in Tulsa strengthened his political reporting skills and prepared him for the transition to a major television market, which came with his career-defining move to Chicago.
Joining WGN-TV (August 1994)
In August 1994, Larry made the career move that would define his broadcasting legacy by joining WGN-TV in Chicago, Illinois.
During his very first week in Chicago, before he had become known to local viewers, he went undercover to expose poor security at a children’s hospital where a patient had been assaulted. That courageous assignment quickly established his reputation as a serious and fearless investigative reporter in his new market.
Anchoring WGN Morning News (1995 to Present)
In 1995, just one year after WGN Morning News first launched, Larry Potash was named co-anchor, a position he has held for more than 30 years.
WGN Morning News has consistently ranked as the No. 1 morning newscast in Chicago for more than a decade, often outperforming its four major competitors combined and, at times, drawing ratings up to three times higher than NBC’s Today.
Larry co-anchors the program alongside Robin Baumgarten, and together they have built one of the most respected and enduring morning anchor partnerships in American television.
Larry’s World Feature
Larry’s popular daily feature, Larry’s World, explores offbeat, entertaining, and lesser-known facts behind pop culture, history, and current events.
The segment has become one of the signature features of WGN Morning News, showcasing Larry’s passion for storytelling, history, and lifelong curiosity.
Backstory with Larry Potash (October 2018 to Present)
In October 2018, WGN-TV launched Backstory with Larry Potash, a documentary-style series that explores compelling stories from history, religion, science, and culture in Chicago and around the world.
The series airs as special broadcasts throughout the year and has become one of WGN-TV’s most respected long-form programs. Backstory with Larry Potash has earned multiple Emmy Awards and Silver Dome Awards, further strengthening Larry’s reputation as one of Chicago’s most accomplished broadcasters.
International Reporting
In 1996, Larry traveled to Asia to produce a multi-part documentary series examining the culture of Hong Kong and its transition to Chinese sovereignty.
The series gave WGN viewers an in-depth look at a historic international event while highlighting Larry’s interest in global reporting. His international assignments have broadened his perspective and continue to add depth and context to his work as a local television journalist.
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. He has built his wealth primarily through a successful broadcast journalism career spanning more than 30 years. His main sources of income include:
- His annual salary as the co-anchor of WGN Morning News.
- More than three decades of consistent earnings at WGN-TV since 1994.
- Additional income from hosting Backstory with Larry Potash.
- Speaking engagements and journalism mentoring opportunities.
- Performance bonuses, contract renewals, and other employment benefits.
- Real estate investments, including his home in Lake Forest, Illinois.
His financial success reflects the long-term stability and career growth often achieved by veteran journalists who remain with a major television network for decades.
Larry Potash Salary
Larry Potash’s exact annual salary at WGN-TV has not been publicly disclosed. However, industry estimates suggest he earns well over $100,000 per year.
While the average WGN-TV news reporter earns approximately $65,898 annually, Larry serves as the senior co-anchor of Chicago’s highest-rated morning newscast. With more than 30 years of experience and 21 Emmy Awards, his total compensation is likely much higher than the average reporter’s salary and may include bonuses, contract incentives, and other employment benefits.
Major Achievements
Throughout his distinguished career, Larry Potash has received numerous honors and professional awards, including:
- Winning 21 Emmy Awards, including multiple honors for Best Anchor.
- Receiving 14 Silver Dome Awards from the Illinois Broadcasters Association.
- Being named Best Anchor in Chicago (2021) by the Illinois Broadcasters Association.
- Winning the Best Magazine Show Emmy for Backstory with Larry Potash in 2023.
- Receiving an Investigative Series Emmy in 2023.
- Earning a regional Edward R. Murrow Award for News Documentary in 2023.
- Winning Best Documentary Show Silver Dome Awards for Backstory with Larry Potash in 2019 and 2020.
- Serving as the co-anchor of WGN Morning News, Chicago’s highest-rated morning newscast, for more than 30 years.
- Producing international reporting, including his 1996 documentary series on Hong Kong’s transition to Chinese sovereignty.
- Graduating from Emerson College with a Bachelor of Science in Mass Communications and Broadcast Journalism in 1989.
These accomplishments highlight both his professional excellence and his lasting influence on American local television journalism.
Notable News Coverage and Professional Work
Larry Potash has built one of the most accomplished careers in modern Chicago broadcasting. Some of his most notable professional work includes:
- WGN Morning News (1995 to present), Chicago’s top-rated morning newscast.
- Backstory with Larry Potash (October 2018 to present), the award-winning documentary series.
- Larry’s World, his popular daily feature on WGN Morning News.
- His multi-part documentary series covering Hong Kong’s transition to Chinese sovereignty in 1996.
- An undercover investigation at a children’s hospital during his first week at WGN-TV in 1994.
- Coverage of major breaking news events throughout the Chicago area.
- Long-form interviews with notable public figures, including a memorable interview with David Carradine.
His work continues to be a valued part of WGN-TV’s flagship programming and remains a favorite among Chicago morning television viewers.
Larry Potash Accident
The search term “Larry Potash accident” does not refer to a car accident or major emergency. Instead, it relates to an injury he discussed on WGN Morning News on December 8, 2022, when he appeared on air wearing a sling on his right arm.
During the Courtesy Desk segment, Larry explained that he had torn his bicep muscle while playing a pickup basketball game after an opposing player’s elbow struck his arm. He jokingly described it as “yet another basketball injury” and told colleague Paul Konrad that he hoped to be “selling this sling back” once he recovered.
The injury required surgery and several weeks in a sling, but Larry continued anchoring WGN Morning News throughout his recovery with his trademark professionalism and good humor. As of 2026, he has fully recovered and continues to anchor the program each weekday morning.
Is Larry Potash Still Alive?
Yes. Larry Potash is alive and actively working as of 2026.
He continues to co-anchor WGN Morning News every weekday and remains one of the most respected personalities in Chicago broadcasting.
In September 2024, he celebrated his 30th anniversary at WGN-TV, a milestone that was widely recognized by viewers and colleagues. There have been no credible reports of any serious health concerns affecting his career.
Recent Updates and Where He Is Now
As of 2026, Larry Potash continues to serve as the longtime co-anchor of WGN Morning News alongside Robin Baumgarten. He also continues hosting Backstory with Larry Potash, which returns with new documentary specials throughout the year.
Following his 30th anniversary at WGN-TV in September 2024, Larry has remained active on social media, involved in the local community, and committed to his broadcasting career. He continues to live in Lake Forest, Illinois, balancing his early morning schedule with his personal life and his passion for storytelling.
Lesser-Known Facts About Larry Potash
Here are some interesting facts about Larry Potash:
- He was born and raised in Boston, Massachusetts, not Chicago.
- He graduated from Emerson College in 1989.
- During his first week at WGN-TV in 1994, he conducted an undercover investigation at a children’s hospital.
- His longtime co-anchor, Robin Baumgarten, is also a three-time Emmy Award winner.
- He has won an impressive 21 Emmy Awards throughout his career.
- He received a regional Edward R. Murrow Award in 2023.
- Backstory with Larry Potash premiered in October 2018.
- He traveled to Asia in 1996 to produce a documentary series on Hong Kong’s transition.
- He lives in Lake Forest, Illinois, a suburb of Chicago.
- He enjoys running, cycling, and traveling.
- He once had a famously brief interview with David Carradine that ended unexpectedly.
- 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 a Bachelor of Science 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, and has spent his entire career in American broadcast journalism.
How long has Larry Potash been with WGN?
He has been with WGN-TV for more than 31 years. Larry joined the station in August 1994 and became the co-anchor of WGN Morning News in 1995, a role he continues to hold.
How tall is Larry Potash?
He is approximately 5 feet 8 inches (1.73 m) tall.
Is Larry Potash married?
Larry has kept his marital status private and has chosen not to publicly discuss his personal relationships.
Does Larry Potash have children?
He has mentioned having daughters in interviews, but he has not publicly shared details about their lives.
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 WGN-TV documentary series that premiered in October 2018, exploring stories about 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 has built one of the most distinguished careers in modern American broadcast journalism. From his early years in Boston, Massachusetts, to earning a Bachelor of Science in Mass Communications and Broadcast Journalism from Emerson College in 1989, and gaining experience in Texas, Indiana, and Oklahoma, every stage of his journey prepared him for his long and successful career in Chicago.
Since joining WGN-TV in August 1994 and becoming the co-anchor of WGN Morning News in 1995, he has spent more than three decades earning the trust of viewers across Chicago. With 21 Emmy Awards, 14 Silver Dome Awards, a regional Edward R. Murrow Award, and one of the highest-rated morning newscasts in the country, Larry has established himself as one of the finest local television journalists in the United States. His intelligence, authenticity, curiosity, and professionalism continue to set the standard for excellence in American broadcast journalism.
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