Tom Llamas Biography: Age, Wife, Career, Net Worth | NBC News

Tom Llamas Biography: A Look at the Renowned Journalist’s Career

Tom Llamas is an Emmy Award-winning journalist and television news anchor. He is currently working for NBC News as a Senior National Correspondent and anchor.

Known for his sharp reporting skills and commanding on-air presence, he has covered major national and international stories.

Before joining NBC, Llamas served as the chief national correspondent and weekend anchor for ABC News.

Age

Tom Llamas was born on July 2, 1979, making him 45 years old as of 2024. His zodiac sign is Cancer. Llamas is of Cuban-American descent and holds American nationality.

Parents, Upbringing, and Siblings

Tom Llamas was born to Cuban immigrant parents who fled Cuba during Fidel Castro’s communist regime. His father grew up in the eastern province of Cuba, known as Oriente, while his mother grew up in Havana.

After Castro took over, Tom’s mother managed to leave Cuba, and a few years later, his father’s family also left the country, seeking a better life in the United States.

Tom’s parents met in high school in Miami and worked hard to build a new life for themselves in the United States. They cherished the freedom of religion and speech that the U.S. offered and were grateful for the opportunities it provided to start afresh.

Growing up in a Cuban American household, Tom and his family were deeply connected to their Cuban heritage. They closely followed the news from Cuba and even sent essential supplies like medicine and Kool-Aid packets to their relatives on the island, despite the challenges posed by the Cuban government’s scrutiny of packages.

Tom Llamas has spoken about how his upbringing and his parents’ experiences as Cuban refugees have significantly influenced his perspective and values.

He has a strong sense of responsibility to never forget what happened in Cuba and to remind people, through his social circles, family, and journalism, about the importance of preserving and passing on cultural heritage to future generations.

Wife

Tom Llamas is married to Jennifer Llamas, a professional journalist who works as a senior producer for MSNBC’s NewsNation.

They share a strong bond, having met in the journalism field and built their relationship on their mutual passion for news reporting.

The couple has three children: Malena, Juliette, and Tomas. They live in New York City, where Tom works as a Senior National Correspondent and anchor for NBC News.

Height, Weight

Tom Llamas stands at an approximate height of 6 feet 1 inch (185 cm) and weighs around 80 kg (176 lbs). He maintains a healthy and active lifestyle.

Career and Background

Tom Llamas began his career in journalism as an intern for NBC. Over the years, he worked his way up, reporting on breaking news, politics, and global events.

After gaining experience at NBC News, he joined ABC News, where he became the weekend anchor of “World News Tonight.”

In 2021, Llamas returned to NBC News, where he currently anchors a prime-time news program on NBC News NOW and contributes to other NBC platforms.

Tom Llamas has had a distinguished career in journalism, marked by significant achievements and notable positions. Here’s a detailed look at his career journey:

Early Career

Tom Llamas began his broadcasting career in 2000 with the NBC News Specials Unit, where he was involved in the production of various news segments. His early years were marked by a keen focus on political reporting and breaking news.

MSNBC

Llamas moved to MSNBC in 2000, where he worked as a political campaign reporter. During his time at MSNBC, he covered several high-profile political stories and developed a reputation for his insightful and thorough reporting.

NBC’s WTVJ Miami

In 2005, Llamas joined NBC’s WTVJ in Miami as a reporter. There, he covered a wide range of stories, including the devastation caused by Hurricane Katrina and other significant events in the region.

WNBC and NBC News

In 2009, Tom Llamas moved to WNBC in New York City, where he served as a general assignment reporter and anchor. He also worked as a correspondent for NBC News, covering major national and international events.

ABC News

In September 2014, Llamas transitioned to ABC News as a New York-based correspondent and later became the substitute anchor for David Muir on “ABC World News Tonight.”

By 2015, he was named the Sunday anchor of the show, and in January 2017, he became the sole weekend anchor.

During his time at ABC, Llamas reported extensively on the 2016 U.S. presidential campaign and was known for his rigorous and balanced reporting.

NBC News Now

In January 2021, Tom Llamas returned to NBC News as a Senior National Correspondent and anchor.

He hosts “Top Story with Tom Llamas,” a news program on NBC News Now, which features a mix of breaking news, feature stories, and in-depth reporting.

In addition to his anchor duties, Llamas also serves as a fill-in and substitute anchor for “Today” and “NBC Nightly News.”

Awards and Honors

Tom Llamas has received several prestigious awards and honors throughout his career, recognizing his excellence in journalism and impactful reporting.

Here are some of the notable ones:

• Emmy Awards: Tom Llamas has won multiple Emmy Awards for his reporting, including awards for “Best Anchor” and “Best Hard News Story”. These awards highlight his outstanding work in broadcast journalism.

• Edward R. Murrow Awards: Llamas has received two regional Edward R. Murrow Awards. One was for WNBC-TV’s coverage of Hurricane Sandy, recognizing his in-depth reporting on the devastating storm.

• Presidential Award of Impact: In 2015, the National Association of Hispanic Journalists awarded Tom Llamas with the Presidential Award of Impact. This award acknowledges his significant contributions to journalism and his impact on the Hispanic community.

• El Diario Award: In 2012, Llamas was honored with the prestigious “El” award by El Diario, the country’s oldest and largest Spanish-language newspaper. This award recognizes his achievements and influence in the field of journalism.

• Hispanic Heritage Month Honors: During Hispanic Heritage Month, Tom Llamas honored influential figures and places that were pivotal in his life as a Cuban American. This recognition highlights his commitment to celebrating and preserving his cultural heritage.

Notable Coverage

Here are the notable stories covered by Tom Llamas, numbered for clarity:

• Hurricane Sandy Coverage

  • Tom Llamas received regional Edward R. Murrow Awards for his in-depth coverage of Hurricane Sandy, highlighting the storm’s devastation and recovery efforts.

• Human Smuggling Interdiction at Sea

  • In 2008, Llamas was the first TV journalist to work on a human smuggling interdiction at sea with the U.S. Coast Guard. This story earned him his first Emmy Award and shed light on the dangers of human trafficking.

• 2016 U.S. Presidential Campaign

  • Llamas extensively covered the Republican candidates during the 2016 U.S. presidential campaign, known for his rigorous questioning and balanced reporting, including his criticism of the term “anchor baby” used by Jeb Bush and Donald Trump.

• Drug Trafficking Reporting

  • Llamas reported on drug trafficking along the U.S.-Mexico border, providing insights into the complexities and dangers associated with this issue.

• Wildfires Coverage

  • He has reported on the wildfires across the northeast United States, providing updates on conditions and the impact on affected communities.

Tom Llamas has worked with many talented and dedicated colleagues throughout his career. Here are a few notable ones:

• David Muir: Tom Llamas served as a substitute anchor for David Muir on “ABC World News Tonight.” David Muir is a well-respected journalist and anchor, known for his in-depth reporting and calm demeanor.

• Cecilia Vega: While at ABC News, Llamas worked alongside Cecilia Vega, who covered the desk on Saturdays. Cecilia Vega is a seasoned journalist with a strong background in political reporting.

• Lester Holt: Tom Llamas has worked closely with Lester Holt at NBC News. Lester is the anchor of “NBC Nightly News” and “Dateline NBC.” Holt is known for his calm and authoritative presence and has been a key figure in NBC News for many years.

• Savannah Guthrie: Savannah Guthrie is a co-anchor of NBC’s “Today” show. She is a respected journalist and attorney, known for her insightful interviews and legal expertise. Tom Llamas has had the opportunity to work with her on various news segments and special reports.

• James Goldston: As the president of ABC News, James Goldston played a significant role in Llamas’ career at the network. Goldston has been instrumental in shaping ABC News’ coverage and direction.

• Colleagues at NBC News: Upon returning to NBC News, Llamas rejoined his former colleagues, including those he worked with during his earlier tenure at the network.

Net Worth and Salary

Tom Llamas’s net worth and salary are not publicly disclosed. However, as a prominent journalist working for a major network like NBC News, it’s safe to assume that he commands a substantial salary.

News anchors and correspondents at major networks typically earn salaries in the six-figure range, and experienced journalists like Llamas likely earn even more.

His net worth is likely in the millions of dollars, considering his long and successful career in journalism.

Career Progression

Tom Llamas’ career has seen him work with several prominent news organizations, including NBC News, MSNBC, WNBC, ABC News, and NBC News Now.

His move to NBC News in 2021 was seen as a step up in his career, potentially positioning him for more prominent roles in the future.

Is Tom Llamas Married?

Yes, Tom Llamas is married to Jennifer Llamas, a senior producer at MSNBC. They have three children and live in New York City.

How Old Is Tom Llamas?

Tom Llamas was born on July 2, 1979, which makes him 45 years old as of now.

Where Is Tom Llamas Working At?

Tom Llamas is currently working at NBC News. He serves as a Senior National Correspondent and anchor for NBC News Now, where he hosts “Top Story with Tom Llamas.”

Additionally, he is a fill-in and substitute anchor for “Today” and “NBC Nightly News.”

Tom Llamas is active on social media. He has a presence on platforms like Facebook and Instagram, where he shares updates about his work, personal life, and interacts with his followers.

You can follow him to get insights into his latest news coverage, behind-the-scenes content, and more.