Ellen Leyva Retires from ABC7: A Legendary Journalism Career Ends
Ellen Leyva is an acclaimed journalist and a highly recognized news anchor, particularly known for her nearly three-decade career at ABC7 Eyewitness News (KABC-TV) in Los Angeles.
Born in Arizona, Leyva joined ABC7 in 1995 as a health reporter. She quickly rose through the ranks, moving to the anchor desk and becoming a familiar face to millions of viewers in Southern California.
She co-anchored ABC7 Eyewitness News at 4 p.m. and 6 p.m., notably alongside her longtime colleague David Ono. Prior to her time at KABC, she also anchored newscasts in Sacramento.
Throughout her distinguished career, Leyva has covered a wide range of significant news stories and events.
Beyond her anchoring duties, she was actively involved in community initiatives, including serving as a team leader for AIDS Walk Los Angeles and advocating for mental health services for underserved communities.
In 2018, she received the “Champion of Mental Health” award from Pacific Clinics for her dedication to raising awareness and battling the stigma around mental health.
Ellen Leyva announced her retirement from ABC7 in February 2025, with her final broadcast taking place in May 2025, after 29 incredible years at the station.
She expressed a desire to focus on her “next great adventure in life,” emphasizing her gratitude for her time at ABC7 and the connection she built with viewers. Her departure marked the end of an era for many who grew up watching her deliver the news.
Age:
Ellen Leyva was born on January 10, 1963, making her 62 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 built a distinguished career in broadcast journalism, most notably as a trusted anchor in Los Angeles. Here’s a structured look at her professional journey:
Early Career in Arizona
- KTVK-TV, Phoenix: Ellen began her journalism journey at KTVK-TV, where she worked as a reporter and anchor. This role laid the foundation for her on-camera confidence and storytelling skills.
- Bilingual Advantage: Growing up in a bilingual household and spending part of her childhood in Mexico gave her a unique edge in connecting with diverse audiences—something that would become a hallmark of her career.
2. Transition to Los Angeles – ABC7 (KABC-TV)
- Joined in 1995: Ellen moved to Los Angeles and joined ABC7 Eyewitness News as a health reporter. Her ability to communicate complex medical topics with clarity quickly earned her trust among viewers.
- Anchor Roles: She steadily rose through the ranks, anchoring morning, midday, and eventually the flagship 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. newscasts alongside David Ono.
- Signature Moments:
- Flew with the Blue Angels, showcasing her adventurous spirit.
- Co-hosted Oscar red carpet arrivals with Roger Ebert, blending journalism with entertainment.
- Witnessed a double-bypass surgery with Dr. Oz, highlighting her commitment to immersive reporting.
3. Community Engagement and Advocacy
- AIDS Walk Los Angeles: Ellen served as ABC7’s team leader, raising awareness and funds for HIV/AIDS research and support.
- Mental Health Advocacy: She volunteered with Pacific Clinics, championing mental health services for underserved communities.
- Latina Representation: As a prominent Latina journalist, she inspired many young women to pursue careers in media and public service.
4. Recognition and Honors
- Impact Award: Received the National Hispanic Media Coalition’s Impact Award for Excellence in Television, recognizing her influence and integrity in journalism.
- Hall of Fame Inductee: In 2006, she was inducted into the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism Hall of Fame at Arizona State University, her alma mater.
5. Retirement and Legacy
- Retired in 2025: After nearly three decades at ABC7, Ellen stepped away from the anchor desk, leaving behind a legacy of trust, professionalism, and community service.
- Continued Presence: She returned to co-anchor the 55th Annual LA Pride Parade, signaling that while she’s retired from daily news, she remains engaged in meaningful public events.
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 worked with 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:
Ellen Leyva’s estimated net worth falls between $1 million and $7 million as of 2025. This wealth reflects her long and successful career in broadcast journalism, particularly her nearly 30-year tenure at ABC7 Los Angeles.
Income Highlights:
- Annual Salary: During her time at ABC7, she reportedly earned between $78,500 and $120,000 annually, depending on the source and role.
- Longevity & Visibility: Her consistent presence on prime-time newscasts and involvement in high-profile events like the Oscars red carpet and LA Pride Parade likely contributed to her financial stability and public recognition.
Other Contributing Factors:
- Public Speaking & Appearances: While not widely publicized, veteran anchors like Ellen often receive honorariums for speaking engagements and community events.
- Endorsements & Partnerships: Though not confirmed, her visibility and community involvement may have opened doors to brand collaborations or nonprofit partnerships.
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 62 years old as of 2025.
Where Is Ellen Leyva Working?
As of May 2025, Ellen Leyva has officially stepped away from her longtime role at ABC7 Eyewitness News in Los Angeles after nearly 30 years with the station.
She co-anchored the 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. newscasts alongside David Ono and was a beloved presence on the air since joining ABC7 in 1995.
While she’s no longer anchoring the news, Ellen hasn’t completely stepped out of the spotlight—she returned to co-anchor the 55th Annual LA Pride Parade in June 2025.
She’s expressed excitement about exploring her next chapter, though she hasn’t publicly announced a new permanent role just yet.
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