Ellen Leyva Biography: Acclaimed Journalist and ABC7 News Anchor
Ellen Leyva is a well-known journalist who co-anchors ABC7 Eyewitness News at 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. in Los Angeles, alongside David Ono. She joined ABC7 in 1995 and has served in various roles, including health reporter and anchor for morning and midday newscasts.
Ellen grew up in Tucson, Arizona, in a bilingual household, which has greatly benefited her career, especially in the large Hispanic communities of Phoenix and Los Angeles. She graduated from Arizona State University with a degree in broadcast journalism and was inducted into the Walter Cronkite School of Broadcast Journalism’s Hall of Fame in 2006.
Throughout her career, Ellen has received several accolades, including an Impact Award for Excellence in Television from the National Hispanic Media Coalition. She is passionate about supporting nonprofit organizations, particularly those focused on mental health services and animal rescue.
Outside of journalism, Ellen Leyva has several hobbies and interests:
- Animal Rescue: Ellen is passionate about animal rescue and works closely with organizations like “Wags and Walks” to help find forever homes for rescue dogs. Her own rescue dog, Charli, has brought her immense joy and inspired her advocacy.
- Mental Health Advocacy: She is dedicated to supporting mental health services, particularly for underserved communities. Ellen volunteers her time with Pacific Clinics and serves as the ABC7 team leader for AIDS Walk Los Angeles.
- Family Time: Ellen cherishes spending time with her family, especially her two grown daughters, Emma and Audrey. Despite her busy schedule, she prioritizes family activities and enjoys the moments they share together.
Age:
Ellen Leyva was born on January 10, 1963, making her 61 years old. Her zodiac sign is Capricorn. She is of Mexican-American descent, embracing her Hispanic heritage. Ellen holds American nationality.
Parents and Siblings:
Ellen Leyva was born to Emma Leyva Duarte and Thomas Kraemer Lundy. She grew up in a bilingual household in Tucson, Arizona, which greatly influenced her ability to connect with the large Hispanic communities in Los Angeles and Phoenix.
Her father, Thomas, was a high school math and science teacher and a wrestling coach. He passed away in 2011. Her mother, Emma, was a Mexican immigrant who passed away in 2016.
Ellen has a sister named Cindy. Growing up, Ellen spent a significant amount of time with her mother’s family in Mexico, which further enriched her bilingual and bicultural upbringing.
Ellen Leyva’s Husband:
Ellen Leyva is married to Mark Hair, a commercial airline pilot and former F-15 fighter pilot. The couple got married in 1990 after meeting during an interview Ellen conducted in Arizona. They have been together for over three decades and share a strong bond.
Ellen Leyva’s Daughters:
Ellen and her husband Mark are proud parents of two daughters. Their eldest daughter, Emma, was born in 1996, and their younger daughter, Audrey, was born in 1999. Ellen often expresses her pride and joy in her daughters and enjoys spending time with her family.
Height, Weight:
Ellen Leyva stands at an average height of 5 feet 6 inches (1.68 meters) and maintains a body weight of 130 pounds (58 kilograms).
Career and Background:
Ellen Leyva has had a distinguished career in journalism. She joined ABC7 in 1995 and has since become a familiar face to viewers in Los Angeles. Over the years, she has co-anchored various newscasts, including the 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. editions of ABC7 Eyewitness News.
Before joining ABC7, Ellen worked at CBS affiliate KOVR in Sacramento, California, where she served as a health reporter and anchor. Her career in journalism began in Arizona, where she worked at the CBS affiliate in Phoenix, covering a wide range of stories.
Ellen is known for her dedication to community service and has been involved in numerous charitable organizations. She has received several awards for her work, including recognition from the Associated Press and the Radio and Television News Association.
Ellen Leyva has covered a wide range of news stories throughout her career at ABC7. Some notable stories include:
- Health Reporting: Ellen started at ABC7 as a health reporter, where she covered various medical breakthroughs and public health issues. Her work in this area has been instrumental in raising awareness about important health topics.
- Flying with the Blue Angels: Ellen had the unique opportunity to fly with the Blue Angels, the U.S. Navy’s flight demonstration squadron, providing viewers with an inside look at their precision flying and the rigorous training involved.
- Oscars Red Carpet: She co-hosted the Oscars red carpet arrivals alongside the late film critic Roger Ebert, bringing live coverage and interviews with Hollywood’s biggest stars.
- Dr. Oz Surgery: Ellen observed Dr. Oz perform a double-bypass surgery, offering viewers a rare glimpse into the complexities of heart surgery.
- LGBTQ+ Youth Health Town Hall: Ellen co-anchored a town hall meeting focused on the health and well-being of LGBTQ+ youth, addressing critical issues and providing a platform for expert advice and community support.
Ellen Leyva has been recognized for her outstanding work in journalism with several awards. Some of the notable ones include:
- Associated Press Awards: She has received multiple awards from the Associated Press for her excellence in reporting.
- Radio and Television News Association Awards: Ellen has been honored by this association for her contributions to broadcast journalism.
- Community Service Awards: She has also been acknowledged for her dedication to community service and involvement in various charitable organizations.
KABC-TV in Los Angeles has a talented team of news anchors who are quite popular. Some of the notable anchors include:
- Marc Brown: Co-anchors the 5 p.m. and 11 p.m. newscasts. He has been with KABC-TV for many years and is a well-respected journalist.
- David Ono: Co-anchors the 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. newscasts alongside Ellen Leyva. He is known for his in-depth reporting and has won multiple awards for his work.
- Leslie Sykes: Co-anchors the morning newscasts. She is a familiar face to early risers and has been with the station for a long time.
- Michelle Fisher: Co-anchors the weekend evening newscasts and also serves as a general assignment reporter.
- Dallas Raines: The chief meteorologist, known for his engaging weather reports and long tenure at the station.
These anchors, along with others at KABC-TV, contribute to the station’s reputation for delivering quality news coverage.
Net Worth and Salary:
Ellen Leyva, the co-anchor of ABC7 Eyewitness News in Los Angeles, has an estimated net worth ranging between $1 million and $5 million. Her annual salary is estimated to be between $70,500 and $170,500.
Is Ellen Leyva Married?
Yes, Ellen Leyva is married to Dr. Mark Hair, and they have been together for many years, raising two daughters, Emma and Audrey, together.
How Old Is Ellen Leyva?
Ellen Leyva was born on January 10, 1963, which makes her 61 years old as of 2024.
Where Is Ellen Leyva, or Is She Still Working at KABC-TV?
Ellen Leyva is still working at KABC-TV. She co-anchors the ABC7 Eyewitness News at 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. alongside David Ono. Ellen joined ABC7 in 1995 and has since served in various roles, including health reporter and anchor for morning and midday newscasts. She is known for her dedication to community service, particularly in advocating for mental health services and supporting nonprofit organizations.
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