Who Is George Alagiah? Age, Biography and Wiki
George Alagiah was born on November 22, 1955. Regrettably, he passed away on July 24, 2023, at the age of 67. Hailing from Colombo, Sri Lanka, he moved to England at a young age. Alagiah was best known for his role as a newsreader on BBC News and was a prominent figure in British journalism. His career spanned several decades and included reporting on major global events, establishing him as a trusted voice in news.
| Occupation | Journalist |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | November 22, 1955 |
| Age | 67 Years |
| Birth Place | Colombo, Ceylon (present day Sri Lanka) |
| Horoscope | Scorpio |
| Country | Sri Lanka |
| Date of death | 24 July, 2023 |
| Died Place | London, England |
Popularity
George Alagiah's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
During his life, George Alagiah stood at approximately 6 feet (183 cm) tall and weighed around 190 lbs (86 kg). His physical presence was as commanding as his voice, making him a favorite among viewers. Despite facing health challenges later in life, including a battle with cancer, he always maintained a professional appearance.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status (Boyfriend / Girlfriend / Husband / Wife)
George Alagiah was married to his longtime wife, Frances Robathan, whom he wed in 1984. Together, they shared two children. Throughout his career, Alagiah often spoke fondly of his family, expressing deep pride in his children. His personal life remained relatively private, emphasizing the importance of family and stability even amidst his public persona.
His parents, Donald Ratnarajah Alagiah (c. 1925–2013), a civil engineer, later a public health engineering consultant for the World Health Organization, and Therese Karunaiamma (née Santiapillai; died 1996), were Ceylon Tamils.
In 1961, his parents moved to Ghana in West Africa, where he had his primary education at Christ the King International School. He had four sisters. His secondary education took place at St John's College, an independent Roman Catholic school in Portsmouth, England, after which he studied politics at Van Mildert College, Durham University.
While at Durham, he wrote for and became editor of the student newspaper Palatinate and was a sabbatical officer of Durham Students' Union.
Net Worth and Salary
At the time of his passing, George Alagiah's net worth was estimated to be around $5 million. Throughout his career in broadcasting and journalism, he accrued wealth through his BBC salary and various media engagements. His earnings reflected his status as a respected journalist, author, and broadcaster, particularly noted for his work on "BBC News at Six."
Career, Business and Investments
George Alagiah's career began in print journalism before transitioning to broadcasting. He became a household name with the BBC, where he anchored major news programs and reported on significant global events. His career highlights included covering the civil war in Sri Lanka, the Rwandan genocide, and various conflicts across Africa. Beyond journalism, Alagiah authored several books and involved himself in charitable endeavors, particularly linked to health and education in developing countries.
His appearances at literary festivals included Cheltenham, Keswick, Hay-on-Wye and London, and he spoke at The Royal Geographical Society, the Royal Society of Arts and the Royal Overseas League. He was on the board of the Royal Shakespeare Company.
Social Network
George Alagiah was active on social media, primarily on platforms like Twitter and Facebook, where he shared insights on news and current events, and engaged with his audience. His followers appreciated his depth of knowledge and engaging personality. Although he did not maintain a large presence on Instagram, his Facebook and Twitter pages served as platforms for sharing his thoughts and experiences, especially during his health battles.
In April 2014, it was announced that Alagiah was being treated for colorectal cancer. A statement from the BBC said: "He is grateful for all the good wishes he has received thus far and is optimistic for a positive outcome." On 28 June, Alagiah announced on Twitter that he was making "encouraging progress".
In late October 2015 he announced on Twitter that the treatment was officially over, and he returned to the BBC on 10 November. In January 2018 it emerged that the cancer had returned and he would undergo further treatment.
Education
Alagiah attended St. John's College at the University of Durham, where he studied politics, and it was here that his passion for journalism began to flourish. After obtaining his degree, he started his career in media with a stint in local newspapers before his ascent to national prominence. His educational background laid a solid foundation for his analytical skills, which he showcased throughout his career.
In April 1984, Alagiah married Frances Robathan, whom he met at Durham University. With their two children, Adam and Matthew, they lived in Stoke Newington, north London.
Conclusion
George Alagiah’s legacy as a journalist endures, highlighting his contributions to news media and his role as a compassionate storyteller. His life, marked by professionalism and resilience, will continue to inspire future generations who aspire to make a difference in the realm of journalism. Even in 2025, the impact of George Alagiah’s work and dedication to bringing news to the public remains a beacon for aspiring journalists and audiences alike.
