Don Lemon Biography Don Lemon born March 1, 1966 is an American television journalist, widely known for hosting on CNN from 2014 to 2023. He began his career by anchoring weekend news programs at local TV stations in Alabama and Pennsylvania. Lemon also served as a news correspondent for NBC, appearing on programs like Today and NBC Nightly News. In 2002, he won an Edward R. Murrow Award for his coverage of the Washington, D.C. sniper attacks and received three regional Emmy Awards for special reports on topics such as real estate in Chicago and a business feature on Craigslist. Lemon joined CNN in 2006 as a correspondent, and rose to prominence as the host of Don Lemon Tonight from 2014 to 2022. He later co-hosted CNN This Morning with Kaitlan Collins and Poppy Harlow.
Don Lemon Biography
The modern television news landscape is filled with a variety of personalities across different networks, all of whom have become prominent due to the regular presence they have in people’s homes. One such individual is Don Lemon, prompting us to examine his net worth in 2024. In April 2023, Don Lemon was fired from his long-standing role at CNN, where he had been a central figure for years. Prior to his departure, Lemon was one of the network’s most prominent anchors, hosting both Don Lemon Tonight and CNN This Morning. His firing followed some high-profile controversy, including comments he made about Republican candidate Nikki Haley, which led to his eventual dismissal. Despite this, Lemon had a notable career in television, and many are curious about the fortune he accumulated over his years in the industry.
Don Lemon Biography Details
Born |
March 1, 1966 (age 58)
Baton Rouge, Louisiana, U.S. |
Education |
Brooklyn College (BA) |
Occupation |
Journalist |
Employer |
CNN (2006−2023) |
Political party |
Independent |
Spouse |
Tim Malone
(m. 2024) |
Awards |
Regional Emmy Award
Edward R. Murrow Award |
Category |
Singers Bio |
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About Don Lemon
Don Lemon is an American television journalist best known for being a host on CNN from 2014 until 2023. He anchored weekend news programs on local television stations in Alabama and Pennsylvania during his early days as a journalist.
- Born: 1 March 1966 (age 58 years), Baton Rouge, Louisiana, United States
- Partner: Tim Malone (2017–)
- Parents: Katherine Clark
- Height: 83 m
- Education: Brooklyn College, Louisiana State University, Baker High School
- Siblings: Leisa Lemon, Yma Lemon
Who is Don Lemon?
Don Lemon is undeniably one of the most well-known news anchors in television history. To understand his financial success, it’s important to look at his journey to fame. Born in Louisiana, Lemon began his career working for various Fox and NBC affiliates. He gained early exposure as a correspondent for Today and NBC Nightly News. His big break came in 2006 when he joined CNN, marking a major turning point in his career. Over the years, Lemon became a central figure on CNN, hosting several prominent programs. He became the face of various primetime shows, including The Eleventh Hour and The Don Lemon Show. After a series of reshuffles at the network, Lemon went on to host CNN Tonight, a program that replaced Piers Morgan Live and quickly became one of the network’s top shows.
Personal Life
Don Lemon resides in an apartment in Harlem, New York, and also owns a home in Sag Harbor on Long Island. In his 2011 memoir Transparent, Lemon publicly came out as gay, revealing that he had already been open about his sexuality in his personal life and with close colleagues. He became one of the few openly gay Black men in broadcasting. In the book, Lemon also discussed issues such as colorism within the Black community and the sexual abuse he endured as a child. He dedicated the memoir to Tyler Clementi, a college student who tragically took his life after his roommate outed him online. Lemon experienced a personal loss when his sister, L’Tanya “Leisa” Lemon Grimes, passed away on January 31, 2018, at the age of 58. The police ruled her death an accidental drowning in a pond while she was fishing.
Settlement from CNN Lawsuit
Two months before his firing, Don was suspended after making controversial comments about Republican 2024 presidential candidate Nikki Haley, stating that women were considered to be in their prime in their 20s, 30s, and perhaps 40s. Though he later apologized for his remarks, the damage was done. On April 23, 2023, Don announced on Twitter that he had been fired, stating that he was stunned by the decision and felt he should have been informed personally by management. CNN responded by challenging his claims, saying he was offered a chance to meet with management, but instead chose to post his statement on social media. Don’s termination came about three years before his contract was due to end, leading to a legal battle between him and CNN.
Don Lemon’s Current Career
Less than a month after his departure, Don Lemon received an offer from Elon Musk for a new opportunity. Musk suggested that Don consider launching a show on X, offering a larger audience. Don turned the idea into reality, and in January 2024, he launched The Don Lemon Show. He announced the new venture, stating that his media company’s first project would be available to viewers on multiple streaming platforms, providing greater accessibility for everyone.
Don Lemon Net Worth 2025
As of 2025, Don Lemon’s net worth is estimated at $12 million, according to Celebrity Net Worth.