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Walter Cronkite

Background information

Fullname

Walter Leland Cronkite, Jr.

Nationality

American

Alternate names

Walter Wilcox
Old Ironpants
Uncle Walter
King of the Anchormen

Occupation

Television and radio broadcaster, news anchor

Years active

1935–2009

Family information

Spouse

Mary Elizabeth "Betsy" Maxwell (1940–2005; her death)

Children

Nancy
Kathy
Walter III ("Chip")

Walter Leland Cronkite, Jr. was an American television and radio broadcaster and news anchor, who was best known as the anchorman for theCBS Evening News for 19 years (1962–1981). During the heyday ofCBS News in the1960s and1970s, he was often cited as "the most trusted man in America" after being so named in an opinion poll.

He reported many events from1937 to 1981, including bombings in World War II, the Nuremberg trials, combat in the Korean and Vietnam War, the Dawson's Field hijackings, Watergate, the Iran Hostage Crisis, the death ofWalt Disney, and the assassinations of PresidentJohn F. Kennedy and his brotherRobert F. Kennedy, civil rights pioneerMartin Luther King, Jr., andBeatles musicianJohn Lennon.

He was also known for his extensive coverage of theU.S. space program, from Project Mercury to the Apollo 11 Moon landings and to the Space Shuttle. He was the only non-NASA recipient of an Ambassador of Exploration award.

Cronkite was well-known for his departing catchphrase: "And that's the way it is," followed by the broadcast's date. His departing catchphrase was especially notable in his voice role asCaptain Neweyes in the1993 Universal Pictures animated filmWe're Back! A Dinosaur's Story.

ForDisney, he narrated theEpcot attractionSpaceship Earth from1986 to1994. He also hosted the short "Back to Never Land" atThe Magic of Disney Animation attraction, alongsideRobin Williams. Additionally, he was spoofed byGenie inAladdin and the King of Thieves.