Don Harrison
American newsreader
Died when: 89 years 262 days (1076 months)Star Sign: Leo
Don Harrison (August 8, 1936 – May 2, 1998) was an anchor on CNN Headline News from 1982 until his death from renal cancer in 1998.He was a member of the original team of anchors when Headline News went on the air for the first time as "CNN2" in 1982.
Harrison, a native of Ottawa, Kansas, spent over three decades in the broadcast business.For 11 years he was on the staff of KCMO-TV (now KCTV) in Kansas City, and for another four years he worked for KMSP in Minneapolis-St.
Paul.He anchored WBAL-TV's Action News in Baltimore in the early 1970s.He was the popular primary anchor at Tampa's WTSP from 1979 to 1982.
Harrison was also in high demand for voice-over work, mostly for Turner properties, including TBS, Turner Sports and CNN International.
In 1987, Harrison won the CableACE award for best news anchor.It was recognition for a man characterized by a firm voice, elegant style and deep journalistic integrity.
His colleagues at CNN also remember Harrison as the man with a wry smile and infectious humor, a man it was rewarding and a privilege to work with.
Harrison lost a leg due to bone cancer at age 13 and a kidney, also because of cancer, in 1993.He was married and had two sons and a daughter.