Willard Herman Scott Jr., known simply as Willard Scott, was a noted American meteorologist, media personality, and comedian. He is best known as the weather reporter for the Today Show. Scott is also the original creator and performer of the Ronald McDonald clown character. Willard Scott’s net worth at the time of his death is estimated to be approximately $10 million.
Willard Scott died on September 4, 2021 at the age of 87. The true cause of his death is not yet known.
Full Name | Willard Herman Scott Jr. |
Birth Date | March 7, 1934 |
Birth Place | Alexandria, Virginia, U. S. |
Profession | Weather presenter, Media personality |
Wife | Paris Keena |
Net Worth | $10 million |
Died | September 4, 2021 |
Early life
Willard Scott was born on March 7, 1934 in Alexandria, Virginia, United States. He did not provide enough details about his early childhood and his parents. For his studies, he entered the George Washington High School. He then attended American University, where he earned a BA in Philosophy and Religion.
Willard Scott net worth and career
Scott became interested in broadcasting while working for NBC at the NBC-owned radio station WRC (AM). He also worked for two years from 1951 to 1953 at the American University radio station WAMUAM. In 1955, he teamed up with a college friend, Ed Walker, to host the Joy Boys radio show on NBC.
Willard expanded his experience as a television announcer in the 1960s by hosting children’s television programs and continuing radio work. Scott played characters like Bozo the Clown and Commander Retro while working for WRCTV. He later appeared as a weekday meteorologist on WRCTV.
Scott played the clown Ronald McDonald for the McDonald’s franchise in 1971. In his book A Life of Joy, he wrote that he created the character of Ronald McDonald after being asked by a local franchisee.
In 1980, he began working as a meteorologist for NBC’s The Today Show, replacing Bob Ryan. After serving for more than ten years, he retired, although he appeared on the morning slot two days a week. In 2008, he replaced Al Roker as weather anchor for The Weather Channel.
Willard announced his full retirement on December 1, 2015. As a tribute, the Today Show recounted the highlights of his time with the show on its last day, December 15, 2015.
Personal life of Willard Scott
Willard Scott has been married twice. He was first married to Mary Dwyer Scott in 1959. The two had happy times together for more than four decades. In 2002, their long relationship ended after Mary’s death in 2002. Willard had two children with his first wife Mary, Mary and Sally.
Scott remarried Paris Keane on April 1, 2014. He first met her in 1977 while working for WRCTV. Scott has been in a relationship with Paris since 2003, although they officially married in 2014. They lived on Sanibel Island in Florida.
Willard was confirmed dead by his replacement on Al Roker’s Morning News Show on September 4, 2021. The rocker announced that Scott died peacefully surrounded by his family on Saturday morning.
Willard Scott net worth
Willard Scott’s personal fortune is estimated to be around $10 million in 2021. He raked in a huge amount of money as a weatherman on the Today Show. In addition to this, he has appeared in numerous Days Inn commercials. He has also written eight books, including the autobiographical Joy of Life.