Don Lemon Biography
Don Lemon (born March 1, 1966, which makes him 59 years old as of 2025, in Baton Rouge, Louisiana) is an American television journalist who became a well-known face on CNN.
He began his career in local news, anchoring weekend news programs in Alabama and Pennsylvania, before moving to NBC, where he worked as a correspondent for programs like Today and NBC Nightly News.
In 2006, Lemon joined CNN as a correspondent and later became the host of CNN Tonight, a position he held from 2014 until his departure in 2023.
Throughout his career, Don Lemon earned numerous accolades, including an Edward R. Murrow Award in 2002 for his coverage of the Washington, D.C., sniper attacks and three regional Emmy Awards for his reporting on diverse topics, such as real estate in Chicago and Craigslist.
Lemon is also known for being openly gay and married his partner, Tim Malone, in April 2024.
After almost two decades with CNN, Lemon left the network in April 2023, marking the end of a significant era in American journalism.
Don Lemon Wikipedia
Full Name: Don Lemon
Born: March 1, 1966, in Baton Rouge, Louisiana
Education: Brooklyn College (Bachelor’s in Broadcast Journalism)
Career:
Joined CNN in 2006, became a prime-time anchor.
Hosted “CNN Tonight with Don Lemon” and various special programs.
Worked for NBC and Fox affiliates before joining CNN.
Books:
Transparent (2011): Memoir about his life and being openly gay.
This Is the Fire (2021): Focuses on racism and social justice.
Awards: Emmy Awards and Edward R. Murrow Award.
Spouse: Tim Malone (married in 2024).
Known For: Outspoken views on race, politics, and LGBTQ+ rights.
Personal Life: Openly gay, advocate for racial equality and LGBTQ+ issues.
Controversies: Criticized for some comments on women’s age, misogyny, and his involvement in the Jussie Smollett case.
Net Worth: Estimated between $12 million to $20 million.
Don Lemon’s Early Life and Education
Born on March 1, 1966, which makes him 59 years old as of 2025, in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Don Lemon is an American television journalist renowned for his candid reporting and insightful commentary.
Lemon is the son of Katherine Marie (née Bouligney) and Wilmon Lee Richardson.
His father, Wilmon, was a prominent attorney involved in challenging the segregation of public transportation in Baton Rouge.
Raised by his mother, Lemon discovered Wilmon was his biological father when he was five years old.
He has two sisters, Leisa and Yma.
Lemon’s educational journey began at Baker High School in East Baton Rouge Parish, where he served as class president in his senior year.
He initially attended Louisiana State University before transferring to Brooklyn College in New York City.
There, he majored in broadcast journalism and interned at WNYW, a Fox affiliate. He graduated in 1996 at the age of 30.
In his youth, Lemon faced significant adversity, including childhood sexual abuse by a teenage neighbor. He later revealed that he had not disclosed this trauma to his mother until he was in his 30s.
These formative experiences have shaped Lemon’s perspective and contributed to his empathetic approach to journalism.
Don Lemon Career Overview
Early Career: Don Lemon began his journalism career as a weekend news anchor for WBRC in Birmingham, Alabama, and WCAU in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
He then worked as an anchor and investigative reporter for Fox affiliates in St. Louis, Missouri, and Chicago.
Lemon gained experience as a reporter and anchor for NBC News, including roles on Today and NBC Nightly News, as well as programs on MSNBC.
He worked for WMAQ-TV in Chicago, where he won three Emmys for local reporting.
CNN Career (2006–2023): Lemon joined CNN in 2006 and became a prominent figure, hosting CNN Tonight and later Don Lemon Tonight.
He gained attention for his outspoken views, offering strong commentary on the African-American community and questioning the state of cable news.
In 2014, he began hosting The Don Lemon Show and later CNN Tonight. He also contributed to CNN’s New Year’s Eve Live.
In 2022, he co-hosted CNN This Morning with Kaitlan Collins and Poppy Harlow, a role that ended in April 2023 following his firing.
Political Commentary: Lemon was known for his strong political views. He criticized Donald Trump for controversial statements and discussed issues like domestic terrorism, race relations, and white supremacy.
His outspoken nature led to debates on the role of extremism in the United States and prompted both support and criticism, particularly from conservative figures.
Controversies: Lemon’s career included several controversies. He faced scrutiny for his involvement in the Jussie Smollett case, where he was accused of unethical journalism for not disclosing his communication with Smollett.
He also faced backlash for misogynistic remarks and sexist comments about Nikki Haley, leading to public apologies.
In 2023, allegations of misogynistic behavior surfaced, further complicating his professional reputation.
Firing from CNN: On April 24, 2023, Lemon was fired by CNN after a decline in viewer ratings and increasing difficulty in booking guests for his shows.
This unexpected dismissal coincided with the firing of Tucker Carlson from Fox News.
Post-CNN: The Don Lemon Show: In 2024, Lemon launched The Don Lemon Show on X (formerly Twitter), where he interviewed notable figures, including Elon Musk.
However, the show was later canceled by Musk, leading to the interview being published as a podcast and on YouTube.
Don Lemon Honors and Awards
Edward R. Murrow Award (2002): Don Lemon earned the prestigious Edward R. Murrow Award in 2002 for his outstanding coverage of the D.C. area sniper case, as well as other impactful reports, including his coverage of Hurricane Katrina.
Chicago / Midwest Emmy Awards (2006): Lemon won three Chicago / Midwest Emmy Awards in 2006 for his reporting at WMAQ-TV in Chicago.
He was recognized for a business feature on Craigslist real estate listings titled “Life on Craigslist” and for his reports on the HIV/AIDS pandemic in Africa, particularly his series “Journey to Africa”.
Recognition by Ebony Magazine (2009): In 2009, Ebony magazine named Lemon as one of the 150 most influential African Americans, acknowledging his impact in the media and beyond.
The Advocate’s Most Influential LGBTQ People in Media (2014): Lemon was listed in 2014 as one of The Advocate’s 50 Most Influential LGBTQ People in Media, cementing his role as a leading figure in both journalism and the LGBTQ community.
Native Son Award (2016): In December 2016, Lemon received the Native Son Award, named after James Baldwin’s Notes of a Native Son.
The award honors Black gay men and aims to encourage the visibility and influence of Black gay men in society.
Out’s Power 50 (2017): In 2017, Out magazine included Lemon in its Power 50 list of “the most influential LGBTQ people in the USA,” recognizing his contributions to both journalism and the LGBTQ rights movement.
Pride50 Trailblazer Award (2019): Lemon was named one of the Pride50 by Queerty in June 2019, celebrating his role in the LGBTQ rights movement.
The award marked the 50th anniversary of the Stonewall riots, recognizing Lemon as a trailblazer for equality, acceptance, and dignity for queer people.
Don Lemon’s numerous accolades reflect his impactful career, his trailblazing role in media, and his significant contributions to advancing both journalism and LGBTQ rights.
Don Lemon’s Personal Life
Don Lemon resides in an apartment in Harlem, New York, and also owns a home in Sag Harbor, Long Island.
Coming Out and Memoir: In his 2011 memoir, Transparent, Lemon publicly came out as gay, sharing his journey of being openly gay both in his personal life and among close colleagues.
He became one of the few openly gay Black men in broadcasting, discussing important topics such as colorism within the Black community and the sexual abuse he endured as a child.
He dedicated the book to Tyler Clementi, a college student who tragically took his life after being outed online.
Family Tragedy: In January 2018, Lemon’s sister, L’Tanya “Leisa” Lemon Grimes, passed away at the age of 58.
Her death was ruled an accidental drowning while fishing in a pond.
After taking a brief absence from his show, he returned on February 6, 2018, to thank those who had sent him prayers and encouragement.
Relationship and Marriage: Lemon met Tim Malone, a real estate agent, in 2016, and the two began dating. On April 6, 2024, they married in a ceremony in New York City.
Don Lemon’s personal life has been a subject of public interest, with his openness about his identity and his experiences contributing to discussions about race, sexuality, and social issues.
Don Lemon Published Works
Transparent (2011): Don Lemon’s memoir, where he opens up about his sexuality and personal experiences.
This Is the Fire: What I Say to My Friends About Racism (2021): A book where Lemon addresses racial issues in America and offers insights on how to navigate them.
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Don Lemon Net Worth
Don Lemon’s net worth is estimated to be between $12 million and $20 million, with variations attributed to different sources and the timing of reports.
His wealth primarily stems from his extensive career in journalism, particularly during his tenure at CNN from 2006 to 2023. At CNN, he earned an annual salary that reportedly ranged from $4 million to $7 million.
Beyond his salary, Lemon’s net worth is bolstered by his investments in real estate. He owns properties in sought-after locations, including a $3.1 million cottage in Sag Harbor, Long Island, and a condo in Harlem, New York, which he sold in 2021 for $1.525 million, yielding a modest profit.
Some Interesting Don Lemon Facts
First Openly Gay Black News Anchor: Don Lemon is one of the first openly gay African-American male anchors in mainstream U.S. television journalism.
His decision to come out publicly in 2011 was groundbreaking for both the LGBTQ+ and African-American communities.
2. Background in Politics: Lemon initially had an interest in politics.
He voted for Ronald Reagan during his college years while attending Louisiana State University, despite later becoming more independent in his political views.
3. Passionate about Education: Don Lemon has a degree in broadcast journalism from Brooklyn College, but he originally wanted to become a lawyer before deciding to pursue a career in journalism.
4. He Was an Investigative Reporter Before CNN: Before joining CNN in 2006, Don Lemon worked as an investigative reporter for multiple networks, including Fox and NBC, winning Emmy Awards for his reporting on the Hurricane Katrina aftermath and the D.C. Sniper case.
5. He Has Written Two Books: Don Lemon has authored two notable books:
- Transparent (2011): A memoir about his personal life, struggles, and his decision to come out as gay.
- This Is the Fire: What I Say to My Friends About Racism (2021): A book exploring race relations in America and Lemon’s thoughts on fighting racism.
6. A Fan of Fashion: Lemon is known for his polished, professional appearance on television and is often admired for his sharp suits and style.
He has a deep interest in fashion and is known for promoting stylish, modern menswear.
7. He Has Interviewed Major Figures: Over the years, Don Lemon has interviewed high-profile figures such as Barack Obama, Donald Trump, and Hillary Clinton, making his platform a go-to for important political discussions.
8. Humanitarian Efforts: He has been involved in humanitarian efforts, including supporting education initiatives and charitable organizations that advocate for underprivileged communities, both in the United States and abroad.
9. Recognition for Advocacy: Lemon has received recognition for his advocacy work, including being named one of the 50 Most Influential LGBTQ People in Media by The Advocate and one of Ebony’s 150 Most Influential African Americans.
10. Controversial Moments: Lemon is not shy about voicing his opinions, which have sometimes sparked controversy.
Notably, his comments about President Donald Trump and the Black Lives Matter movement have sparked both praise and criticism.
Don Lemon Social Media
Instagram: @donlemonofficial
Facebook: @donlemoncnn
FAQs
1. Who is Don Lemon?
Don Lemon is an American journalist, news anchor, and author best known for his work at CNN.
He gained national prominence as one of the first openly gay Black male news anchors in U.S. television history.
Lemon’s career spans multiple decades, during which he covered major events, interviewed prominent figures, and made bold statements on political and social issues.
2. What is Don Lemon’s early background?
Don Lemon was born on March 1, 1966, in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, to Katherine Marie and Wilmon Lee Richardson.
He grew up in a family of mixed heritage, identifying as African-American with Creole roots.
Lemon experienced significant challenges, including childhood sexual abuse, which he openly discussed in his memoir Transparent.
3. How did Don Lemon get started in journalism?
After attending Louisiana State University, Don Lemon earned a degree in Broadcast Journalism from Brooklyn College.
He worked his way up through various local news stations, including WBRC in Birmingham, WCAU in Philadelphia, and WMAQ-TV in Chicago, where he won three Emmy Awards for his investigative reporting.
4. What made Don Lemon stand out in the media industry?
A: Lemon became one of the first openly gay Black men to anchor on national television, which made him an influential figure in both LGBTQ+ rights and African-American representation in journalism.
His honesty about his personal struggles and his advocacy for both communities set him apart.
5. What is Don Lemon known for at CNN?
Lemon joined CNN in 2006 and became widely known for his prime-time show, CNN Tonight with Don Lemon.
He hosted special programs like The Eleventh Hour and contributed heavily to CNN’s coverage of major events, including the Malaysia Airlines Flight 370 disappearance.
He also became known for his outspoken opinions on topics like race, politics, and the state of American media.
6. What was Don Lemon’s role in the political landscape?
Lemon often made headlines for his critical commentary on political issues.
He famously called Donald Trump “racist” in 2018 after Trump’s controversial remarks about certain countries.
He was also vocal on issues like white supremacy, domestic terrorism, and racial inequality, using his platform to discuss the Black Lives Matter movement.
7. Did Don Lemon face any controversies?
Yes, Don Lemon’s career included several controversial moments.
In February 2023, he sparked backlash for his comments about Nikki Haley‘s age, stating that women are only in their “prime” in their 20s, 30s, and 40s. He later apologized.
He was also criticized for his involvement in the Jussie Smollett case and faced accusations of misogyny and unethical journalism.
8. What is Don Lemon’s personal life like?
Lemon publicly came out as gay in his 2011 memoir Transparent. He married Tim Malone, a real estate agent, in 2024.
Lemon has also faced personal tragedies, including the loss of his sister L’Tanya “Leisa” Lemon Grimes in 2018.
9. What are Don Lemon’s books?
Transparent (2011): A memoir in which Lemon discusses his sexuality, his career, and his experiences with colorism and abuse.
This Is the Fire: What I Say to My Friends About Racism (2021): A book in which Lemon delves into racial justice, racism, and his journey with these issues.
10. What is Don Lemon’s net worth?
As of 2025, Don Lemon’s estimated net worth is between $12 million and $20 million.
His wealth primarily comes from his salary at CNN, book sales, and his investments in real estate.
11. What are Don Lemon’s contributions to the LGBTQ+ community?
Don Lemon has been an advocate for LGBTQ+ rights, using his platform to speak on issues such as homophobia and representation.
He has received recognition from publications like The Advocate, which listed him among the 50 Most Influential LGBTQ People in Media in 2014.
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In conclusion
Don Lemon is a trailblazing journalist and news anchor who has significantly impacted the media industry.
As one of the first openly gay Black male anchors, he broke barriers in both the LGBTQ+ and African-American communities.
With a career spanning over two decades, Lemon became a prominent figure at CNN, where he hosted “CNN Tonight” and covered major events while voicing strong opinions on politics, race, and social justice.
He is also an advocate for racial equality and LGBTQ+ rights, using his platform to challenge systemic issues and promote important conversations about race and identity.
Despite facing controversy and criticism over his remarks and actions, Lemon’s contributions to journalism and his personal advocacy have made him a key figure in shaping public discourse.
His books, awards, and outspoken views have solidified his legacy as an influential media personality.
