Shirleen Allicot: A Biography of the ABC News Anchor
Shirleen Allicot is an Emmy Award-winning anchor at ABC7 New York. She co-anchors Eyewitness News This Morning and Eyewitness News Mornings @10.
Before joining ABC7, she worked at WPVI in Philadelphia, where she co-anchored Action News at 4pm and Action News at 10pm.
Shirleen has covered major events such as Hurricane Sandy, the Boston Marathon bombings, and the 2015 Amtrak derailment.
She has also had notable moments like interviewing First Lady Michelle Obama and reporting live from London for the 2018 Royal Wedding.
She is a graduate of Hofstra University’s Lawrence Herbert School of Communication, where she honed her skills in journalism and broadcasting.
After graduating, she began her career at WABC-TV, where she quickly gained recognition for her insightful reporting and engaging on-air presence
Outside of work, she enjoys volunteering, cooking, and spending time with her husband and three children.
Age:
Shirleen Allicot is 47 years old (born on August 15, 1974). Her zodiac sign is Leo. She is of African-American ethnicity and her nationality is American.
Parents and Siblings:
Shirleen Allicot was born in Guyana, a small country on the northern coast of South America.
Her family moved to Ozone Park, Queens, New York when she was just three months old. Growing up in Queens, Shirleen was influenced by the vibrant and diverse culture of the city.
She often reflects on how her experiences in New York, a melting pot of cultures and traditions, shaped her perspectives and ambitions.
Parents:
Her parents worked for the New York City Transit Authority, which provided a stable yet hardworking environment for the family.
Shirleen has often mentioned in interviews that her parents instilled in her the values of perseverance and dedication.
She faced a significant challenge when her father passed away in 2010 due to a stroke. This loss was profound, but it also reinforced the importance of family and resilience in her life.
Siblings:
Shirleen grew up with six brothers, one of whom is named Freddy. Growing up in a large family meant that there was never a dull moment in the Allicot household.
The presence of her brothers added a layer of camaraderie, support, and, of course, the usual sibling rivalries.
Shirleen has shared fond memories of their shared childhood experiences, which included everything from family trips to simple everyday moments that brought them closer together.
Husband:
Shirleen Allicot is married to Jesse Gilmer, who is the founder of JEG Sports & Entertainment. They met in 2011 and got married on June 25, 2015.
Jesse has a background in marketing for major sports and entertainment properties, including the NFL, NCAA, and Coachella.
The couple has three children: Shayla Joelle Gilmer, born on March 15, 2017, Georgina Gilmer, born on July 13, 2019, and their son Wesley.
Shirleen often shares moments with her family on social media, giving fans a glimpse into their happy and busy life.
Height, Weight:
Shirleen Allicot stands at a height of 5 feet 7 inches (1.7 meters) and weighs around 58 kg (128 lbs). She has a slim physique, black hair, and dark brown eyes.
Career and Background:
Shirleen’s journalism career commenced at News 12 Connecticut, News 12 Long Island, and News 12 The Bronx, where she honed her skills by shooting, writing, and editing her stories.
She later co-anchored WPVI’s Action News at 4 and WPHL’s Action News at 10 in Philadelphia, covering significant events like Hurricane Sandy, the Boston Marathon bombings, and the 2015 Amtrak crash.
In 2010, she joined WABC Eyewitness News, where she currently co-hosts Eyewitness News This Morning and Eyewitness News at Noon.
Notably, she has interviewed former First Lady Michelle Obama in the White House Kennedy Garden and provided live coverage from London during the 2018 Royal Wedding.
News 12 The Bronx
Shirleen Allicot began her journalism journey at News 12 The Bronx, a hyper-local news network that focuses on the Bronx borough of New York City.
At News 12 The Bronx, she took on multiple roles: writing, editing, and anchoring weekday morning newscasts.
This multifaceted job required her to be versatile and hands-on, enabling her to gain a comprehensive understanding of the news production process.
Reporting on local issues, Shirleen covered stories that resonated with the community, such as local government, public safety, education, and community events.
Her work at News 12 The Bronx laid the foundation for her storytelling skills and her ability to connect with viewers on a personal level.
News 12 Connecticut
Shirleen’s next move was to News 12 Connecticut, another channel under the News 12 Networks umbrella. In Connecticut, she continued to refine her reporting and anchoring abilities.
This station serves the southwestern part of Connecticut, and like News 12 The Bronx, it emphasizes local news coverage.
Here, Shirleen reported on a range of stories, from politics and crime to weather and local events.
She gained valuable experience in handling various types of news, which further strengthened her versatility as a journalist.
Her work included both live reporting and in-studio anchoring, allowing her to hone her skills in different broadcasting environments.
WPVI-TV (ABC 6 Philadelphia)
In 2010, Shirleen took a significant step in her career by joining WPVI-TV, the ABC affiliate in Philadelphia.
WPVI-TV, known as 6abc Action News, is a major news station in the Philadelphia market.
At WPVI, Shirleen co-anchored Action News at 4pm and Action News at 10pm. During her tenure at WPVI, she covered a wide array of major events. For instance:
- Hurricane Sandy: Shirleen provided extensive coverage of Hurricane Sandy in 2012, a devastating storm that caused widespread damage along the East Coast. She reported on the impact of the storm, the response efforts, and the recovery process, delivering crucial information to viewers during a time of crisis.
- Boston Marathon Bombings: In 2013, Shirleen covered the Boston Marathon bombings, a tragic event that shocked the nation. She reported on the aftermath of the bombings, the investigation, and the stories of resilience and heroism that emerged in the wake of the tragedy.
- 2015 Amtrak Derailment: Shirleen covered the 2015 Amtrak derailment in Philadelphia, which resulted in multiple fatalities and injuries. She provided live updates and in-depth reports on the incident, the response, and the subsequent investigations.
Her ability to handle these high-stakes, breaking news situations demonstrated her composure, professionalism, and dedication to accurate and impactful journalism.
WABC-TV (ABC 7 New York)
In May 2015, Shirleen joined WABC-TV, the ABC flagship station in New York City. WABC-TV is one of the most prominent and influential local news stations in the country.
At WABC, Shirleen co-anchors Eyewitness News This Morning and Eyewitness News Mornings @10. Her role at WABC has allowed her to continue covering major news stories and events, including:
- The Royal Wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle: In 2018, Shirleen reported live from London, providing coverage of the highly anticipated royal wedding. Her reports gave viewers an inside look at the celebrations and the significance of the event.
- Interview with First Lady Michelle Obama: One of the highlights of Shirleen’s career at WABC was her interview with First Lady Michelle Obama. The interview covered various topics, including Mrs. Obama’s initiatives, her role as First Lady, and her vision for the future.
Shirleen Allicot has received several awards and recognitions throughout her career, highlighting her exceptional contributions to journalism:
- Emmy Awards: Shirleen has been nominated for and won multiple Emmy Awards for her outstanding reporting and anchoring. These awards are a testament to her skill and dedication to delivering high-quality news coverage.
- Community Service Awards: She has been recognized for her commitment to community service and volunteer work. Shirleen actively participates in various charitable activities and has been honored for her efforts to give back to the community.
- Professional Recognition: Shirleen has received accolades from industry organizations and peers for her impactful journalism. Her ability to connect with viewers and provide insightful coverage has earned her respect and admiration within the media industry.
- Public Appreciation: Beyond formal awards, Shirleen has garnered significant appreciation from viewers who value her reporting and on-air presence. Her engaging and empathetic approach to news has made her a beloved figure among her audience.
Shirleen Allicot has worked with many talented colleagues throughout her career at WABC-TV. Some of her close colleagues include:
- Ken Rosato: Ken Rosato was a longtime co-anchor on Eyewitness News This Morning alongside Shirleen. Unfortunately, he was recently fired after making an inappropriate remark off-air. Despite this incident, Ken and Shirleen had a long working relationship and shared many on-air moments together.
- Heather O’Rourke: Heather O’Rourke is another co-anchor who has worked with Shirleen on the morning news show. Heather brings her own unique style and expertise to the team, and together they have delivered news to viewers for many years.
- Sam Champion: Sam Champion, a well-known meteorologist, has also been a part of the Eyewitness News team. His weather reports and engaging personality have been a staple of the show, and he has worked closely with Shirleen on various broadcasts.
- Michelle Charlesworth: Michelle Charlesworth is another anchor who has been part of the Eyewitness News team. She has collaborated with Shirleen on news segments and has contributed to the overall success of the morning news program.
These colleagues have helped create a dynamic and engaging news team at WABC-TV, and their combined efforts have made the Eyewitness News morning show a favorite among viewers.
Net Worth and Salary:
Given Shirleen Allicot’s prominent position as a co-anchor for ABC’s Eyewitness News in a major market like New York City, it’s safe to say her financial standing is quite substantial.
Her salary undoubtedly falls within the high six-figure to seven-figure range, reflecting the significant experience, expertise, and market value she brings to the role.
Consequently, her net worth is likely in the multi-million dollar category. This assessment considers not only her substantial income but also potential investments and other financial ventures she may have pursued throughout her successful career.
It’s important to note that this is a confident assessment based on the typical compensation levels for high-profile news anchors in major markets.
While exact figures remain private, there’s no doubt that Shirleen Allicot’s financial success mirrors her significant contributions to the field of journalism
Is Shirleen Allicot Married?
Yes, Shirleen is married to Jesse Gilmer. They have three children together: daughters Shayla Joelle Gilmer (born March 15, 2017) and Georgina Gilmer (born July 13, 2019), and a son named Wesley (born August 27, 2021).
How Old Is Shirleen Allicot?
Shirleen Allicot was born on August 15, 1974, which makes her 50 years old as of August 2025.
Where Is Shirleen Allicot Working?
Shirleen Allicot is currently working at WABC-TV (ABC 7 New York). She holds the roles of anchor and reporter, co-anchoring Eyewitness News This Morning and Eyewitness News Mornings @10.
Her work at WABC-TV involves delivering news updates, conducting interviews, and covering significant events in the New York area.
Shirleen Allicot is active on social media. She uses Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook to connect with her audience.
On Instagram, you can find her under @shirlabc7. Her Twitter handle is @ShirleenAllicot, and she also has a Facebook page where she shares news updates and engages with followers.
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