Who Is Howard Cosell? Age, Biography and Wiki
Howard Cosell was born on March 25, 1918, and passed away on April 23, 1995. He was an influential American sportscaster, known for his distinctive voice, outspoken personality, and pivotal role in sports journalism. Throughout his career, Cosell redefined the way sports were covered on television, bringing a level of seriousness and intellect to sports commentary that was unprecedented at the time. His direct style and willingness to tackle controversial social issues made him both a revered and polarizing figure in the media landscape.
| Occupation | Sportscaster |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | March 25, 1918 |
| Age | 77 Years |
| Birth Place | Winston-Salem, North Carolina, U.S. |
| Horoscope | Aries |
| Country | U.S |
| Date of death | 23 April, 1995 |
| Died Place | New York City, U.S. |
Popularity
Howard Cosell's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Howard Cosell stood at approximately 6 feet tall (183 cm) and weighed around 200 pounds (91 kg) during his prime years. Although he transitioned out of the spotlight before body metrics became a focal point for celebrities, his commanding presence and engaging craftsmanship made him a recognizable face in American households.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Howard Cosell was married to his wife, Mary E. Cosell, for several decades until her passing in 1990. They had three children together, further solidifying his legacy as a family man. There are no widely documented relationships or boyfriends reported after his wife's death, as he largely remained out of the public eye on personal matters, focusing instead on his career and family.
The name of Cosell's grandfather was changed when he entered the United States; Howard Cosell said he changed his name from "Cohen" to "Cosell" while a law student as a way to honor his father and grandfather by reverting to a version of his family's original Polish name.
Net Worth and Salary
By the time of his death in 1995, Howard Cosell's net worth was estimated to be around $5 million, a considerable sum for that era, primarily earned through his extensive career in sports broadcasting, including lucrative contracts with networks such as ABC. His contributions to sports journalism and television programming have left a lasting financial imprint on the industry, influencing subsequent generations of broadcasters.
Cosell hosted the Little League show for three years without pay, and then decided to leave law to become a full-time broadcaster. He approached Robert Pauley, President of ABC Radio, with a proposal for a weekly show. Pauley told him the network could not afford to develop untried talent, but he would be put on the air if he would get a sponsor.
Career, Business and Investments
Howard Cosell’s career began in radio before transitioning to television, where he made a name for himself as a commentator for Monday Night Football and numerous boxing events, notably the heavyweight fights of Muhammad Ali. His ability to connect with audiences and his willingness to speak candidly on societal issues set a new standard for sports commentary. Beyond broadcasting, he authored several books and lent his voice and expertise to various media ventures, showcasing his multifaceted talents and confirming his investment in broadening the scope of sports journalism.
Cosell was widely attributed with saying the famous phrase "the Bronx is burning". Cosell is credited with saying this during Game 2 of the 1977 World Series, which took place in Yankee Stadium on October 12, 1977.
For a couple of years, fires had routinely erupted in the South Bronx, mostly due to owners of low-value properties burning their own real estate for insurance money. During the bottom of the first inning, an ABC aerial camera panned a few blocks from Yankee Stadium to a building on fire.
The scene became a defining image of New York City in the 1970s. Cosell supposedly stated, "There it is, ladies and gentlemen.
The Bronx is burning." This was later picked up by Republican presidential candidate Ronald Reagan, who then made a special trip to the Bronx, to illustrate the failures of politicians to address the issues in that part of New York City.
Social Network
While Howard Cosell passed away before the advent of social media, he was known to engage with fans and followers via various platforms during his career through public appearances and interviews. His legacy continues to be celebrated by sports commentators and fans alike, with many referencing his work as pioneering in the field of sports broadcasting.
Cosell was widely known for his blustery, confident personality. Cosell said of himself, "I've been called arrogant, pompous, obnoxious, vain, cruel, verbose, a showoff. And, of course, I am." Cosell was sardonically nicknamed "Humble Howard" by fans and media critics.
In its obituary for Cosell, The New York Times described Cosell's effect on American sports coverage: He entered sports broadcasting in the mid-1950s, when the predominant style was unabashed adulation, [and] offered a brassy counterpoint that was first ridiculed, then copied until it became the dominant note of sports broadcasting.
He also brought an antagonistic, almost heel-like commentary, notably his giving criticism of Terry Bradshaw by suggesting that he did not have the intelligence to win in the league.
Education
Cosell graduated from the New York University (NYU) School of Law, earning his degree in 1941. His educational background in law contributed to his articulate communication and his ability to engage in legal and ethical discussions surrounding sports, making him a unique voice in the field. His academic achievements illustrate that while he was a pioneering sportscaster, he also had a profound respect for education and intellectual thought.
In the 1976 Summer Games in Montreal, and the 1984 games in Los Angeles, Cosell was the main voice for boxing. Sugar Ray Leonard won the gold medal in his light welterweight class at Montreal, beginning his meteoric rise to a world professional title three years later. Cosell became close to Leonard, during this period, announcing many of his fights.
