As one of the most familiar faces in local TV for four decades, television news reporter Bruce Johnson made his name and earned the community’s trust telling stories about DMV residents. On Sunday, Johnson died from heart failure in Delaware according to WUSA9. He was 71.
Johnson reported and anchored for WUSA9 for 44 years. In December 2020, Johnson retired at the age of 70. According to the station, he leaves behind his wife Lori, three children and three grandchildren.
In 1992, Johnson suffered a heart attack while covering a news story. He became an advocate for healthy living writing books and producing documentaries about his experiences.
Johnson won 22 Emmy awards over his career and was presented two prestigious honors, the Ted Yates Award and Board of Governors Award by the DC chapter of the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences (NATAS).
Tonight we are mourning the loss of Bruce Johnson, legendary reporter, anchor, storyteller, humanitarian, colleague, mentor and friend. Our hearts are with his family, and we ask that their privacy be respected in this difficult time. 💔 https://t.co/yOm7HPUpvr
— WUSA9 (@wusa9) April 4, 2022
Many paid tributes Sunday evening on social media after the news broke including Washington, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser.
Bruce Johnson was a giant of DC journalism, a father, grandfather, husband, & proud author. Like many Washingtonians, he’s been a part of my life since I was a little girl, delivering the news and giving voice to DC residents. I’m heartbroken. Rest In Heaven. pic.twitter.com/Z9FgHcMXbv
— Mayor Muriel Bowser (@MayorBowser) April 4, 2022
