Richard Engel Biography: NBC Chief Foreign Correspondent and International Affairs Expert
Richard Engel is a renowned American journalist and author who currently serves as the chief foreign correspondent for NBC News.
He has been at the forefront of international reporting, covering major global events and conflicts.
Engel’s career in journalism began in the early 2000s when he reported on the Iraq War for ABC News as a freelance journalist.
He later joined NBC News, where he quickly rose to prominence as a respected war correspondent.
He has extensively covered the Iraq War, the Arab Spring, and the Syrian Civil War, often putting himself in harm’s way to bring firsthand accounts of these events to the world.
Early Life and Education
- Born in New York City, New York
- Education: Riverdale Country School, Stanford University (B.A. in International Relations)
Career Highlights
- Freelance Journalist: Engel’s career took off in 2003 when he covered the Iraq War as a freelance journalist for ABC News, reporting from Baghdad.
- NBC News: In 2003, he joined NBC News as a correspondent, focusing on the Middle East.
- Middle East Correspondent and Beirut Bureau Chief: Engel served as NBC’s Middle East correspondent and Beirut bureau chief from 2006 to 2008.
- Chief Foreign Correspondent: Since April 2008, Engel has held the prestigious position of Chief Foreign Correspondent for NBC News.
Notable Coverages
- Iraq War: Engel was one of the few American journalists to remain in Baghdad throughout the entire conflict.
- Arab Spring: He extensively covered the uprisings in Egypt, Libya, and other Middle Eastern countries.
- Syrian Civil War: Engel’s reporting from Syria, including his kidnapping and subsequent release, brought global attention to the conflict.
- Other Significant Events: Engel has also reported on numerous other international events, including the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, the war in Afghanistan, and humanitarian crises.
Awards and Recognition
- Multiple Emmy Awards for his outstanding reporting.
- Medill Medal for Courage in Journalism.
- Recognized for his fearless and insightful coverage of global events.
Books
- And Then All Hell Broke Loose: Two Decades in the Middle East
- Defeating ISIS
Legacy
Richard Engel’s career is a testament to his dedication to journalism and his commitment to reporting on the most critical issues of our time.
His fearless reporting and insightful analysis have made him one of the most respected foreign correspondents in the world.
Age
Richard Engel is 51 years old, having been born on September 16, 1973. His zodiac sign is Virgo.
Richard is of Jewish and Swedish descent, with his father being Jewish and his mother being Swedish.
He holds American nationality, having been born and raised in New York City, USA.
Parents and Siblings
Richard Engel’s parents are Peter Engel and Nina Engel. His father was a former Goldman Sachs financier, and his mother ran an antiques store.
Engel has one older brother, David, who is a cardiologist at New York–Presbyterian Hospital.
Engel’s family, particularly his parents, were initially concerned about his future prospects due to his dyslexia. However, they encouraged him to pursue his passions and supported his career in journalism.
Wife
Richard Engel is married to Mary Forrest, a producer at NBC News. They tied the knot in May 2015. The couple has two sons:
- Henry Engel: Born in September 2015, Henry tragically passed away in August 2022 at the age of 6 after a long battle with Rett syndrome, a rare genetic neurological disorder.
- Theodore Engel: Born in August 2019.
Mary Forrest has been open about the challenges of raising a child with Rett syndrome and the heartbreaking loss of their son Henry.
She has written personal essays about her experiences, sharing her grief and resilience with the world.
Richard Engel First Wife
There is no public information about Richard Engel having a first wife. His current wife is Mary Forrest.
Richard Engel Son
Engel and Mary Forrest have two sons:
- Henry Engel: Sadly, Henry passed away in August 2022 at the age of 6 after a long battle with Rett syndrome.
- Theodore Engel: Born in August 2019.
Richard Engel Daughter
As of now, there is no public information indicating that Richard Engel and Mary Forrest have a daughter.
Height, Weight
Richard Engel stands at a height of 6 feet (183 cm) and weighs approximately 60 kg (132 lbs). He has light brown hair and light brown eyes, and he maintains a typical body type for his height and weight.
Career and Background
Richard Engel’s career in journalism is marked by his relentless pursuit of truth and his unwavering commitment to covering global conflicts and crises.
Also, his career in journalism has been marked by high-risk reporting in conflict zones, including the Iraq and Afghanistan wars, the Arab Spring uprisings, and the Syrian civil war.
He began his career as a freelance journalist in Cairo and eventually joined NBC News, where he became their Chief Foreign Correspondent in 2008.
Engel’s fearless reporting has led to widespread recognition and numerous awards, including several Emmys and a Peabody Award.
He has established himself as one of the most respected and experienced foreign correspondents in the world.
Early Career and Freelance Journalism:
- Engel began his career as a freelance journalist, reporting on the Iraq War for ABC News in 2003. His fearless reporting from the frontlines quickly gained him recognition and respect within the industry.
- He also contributed to various publications, including The World, USA Today, Reuters, AFP, and Jane’s Defence Weekly.
Joining NBC News:
- In 2003, Engel joined NBC News as a correspondent. He quickly became a prominent figure in the network’s coverage of international affairs.
- He served as the network’s primary correspondent in Baghdad during the Iraq War, providing firsthand accounts of the conflict and its devastating impact on the Iraqi people.
Middle East Correspondent and Beirut Bureau Chief:
- In 2006, Engel was appointed as NBC News’ senior Middle East correspondent and Beirut bureau chief.
- From this position, he covered a wide range of events, including the 2006 Israel-Hezbollah War, the Arab Spring uprisings, and the Syrian Civil War.
- His reporting from conflict zones often involved significant personal risk, as he risked his life to bring critical stories to the world.
Chief Foreign Correspondent:
- In 2008, Engel was promoted to the position of chief foreign correspondent for NBC News.
- In this role, he has continued to cover major global events, including the ongoing war in Ukraine, the Taliban’s takeover of Afghanistan, and the evolving political landscape in the Middle East.
- He has also reported on natural disasters, such as the devastating earthquake in Turkey and Syria in 2023.
Awards and Recognition:
- Engel has received numerous awards for his outstanding journalism, including multiple Emmy Awards and the Medill Medal for Courage in Journalism.
- His book, “And Then All Hell Broke Loose: Two Decades in the Middle East,” provides a firsthand account of his experiences as a war correspondent and offers valuable insights into the complexities of the region.
Books:
- A Fist in the Hornet’s Nest: This book chronicles his experiences as a war correspondent in Iraq.
- And Then All Hell Broke Loose: Two Decades in the Middle East: This memoir provides a personal account of his career and the challenges he faced as a journalist in the Middle East.
Richard Engel’s career is a testament to his courage, dedication, and unwavering commitment to truth-telling.
His reporting has shed light on some of the most pressing issues of our time and has made a significant impact on global understanding.
Richard Engel works with several talented colleagues at NBC News. Here are a few of his close colleagues:
- Lester Holt: The anchor of “NBC Nightly News” and “Dateline NBC,” Lester Holt is a well-respected journalist with extensive experience in news reporting.
- Savannah Guthrie: The co-anchor of “Today,” Savannah Guthrie is known for her insightful interviews and strong reporting skills.
- Chuck Todd: The host of “Meet the Press,” Chuck Todd is a seasoned political journalist with a deep understanding of American politics.
- Katy Tur: A correspondent for NBC News, Katy Tur has reported on major political events and has a strong presence on the campaign trail.
- Sheinelle Jones: A news anchor and correspondent for “Today,” Sheinelle Jones brings a wealth of experience and a warm presence to the news desk.
Richard Engel Injured
As of now, there are no public reports of Richard Engel suffering from any recent injuries. Journalists like him often work in challenging environments, and there’s always a risk of injury, but any significant incident would likely be widely reported.
It’s important to rely on credible news sources for the latest information on his health and well-being.
Net Worth and Salary
Richard Engel’s net worth and salary are not publicly disclosed. However, as a high-profile journalist with a long and distinguished career at NBC News, it’s safe to assume that he commands a substantial salary. Additionally, his book deals and public speaking engagements likely contribute to his overall wealth.
Richard Engel’s estimated net worth is around $4 million. His annual salary as NBC’s Chief Foreign Correspondent is approximately $200,000, though exact figures can vary.
It’s important to note that wealth and salary are not the primary focus of a dedicated journalist like Richard Engel. His commitment to his craft and his passion for telling important stories are what define his career
Is Richard Engel Still Married?
Yes, Richard Engel is still married to Mary Forrest. The couple continues to navigate life’s challenges, including the heartbreaking loss of their son, Henry.
Does Richard Engel Have Another Child?
Yes, Richard Engel and Mary Forrest have another son named Theodore Engel. Theodore was born in August 2019.
What Disease Did Richard Engel’s Son Have?
Richard Engel’s son, Henry, tragically suffered from Rett syndrome. It’s a rare genetic neurological disorder primarily affecting girls.
How Old Is Richard Engel?
As of 2024, Richard Engel is 51 years old.
Where Is Richard Engel, or Is He Still Working as a Chief Foreign Correspondent at NBC News?
Richard Engel is currently working as the Chief Foreign Correspondent for NBC News. He continues to report on major international news events and conflicts.
Recently, he has been reporting live from Israel during the ongoing conflict, providing updates and insights from the ground. You can find his reports on NBC News platforms and other news outlets.
How Do I Contact Richard Engel?
Unfortunately, there’s no public information available on how to directly contact Richard Engel. As a high-profile journalist, he likely receives a significant amount of correspondence.
However, you can reach out to NBC News:
- NBC News Website: Visit the NBC News website and look for contact information or a general inquiry form.
- Social Media: Connect with NBC News on social media platforms like Twitter and Facebook. They may be able to forward your message or provide guidance.
Please note that direct contact with journalists can be challenging, and it’s often more effective to reach out through official channels.
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