Willie Geist's Dad, Bill Geist: A Closer Look At His Life, Career, And Legacy

Hey there! If you're a fan of TODAY host Willie Geist, you might be curious about where he gets his passion for storytelling and journalism. Well, it all starts with his dad, Bill Geist. This incredible journalist has not only carved out a successful career but also inspired Willie to follow in his footsteps. Let’s dive into the life and legacy of Bill Geist, from his early days as a columnist to his retirement and everything in between.

Bill Geist: The Man Behind the Microphone

Bill Geist was born in 1945 in Chicago, a city known for its rich history and vibrant journalism scene. From an early age, he had a knack for storytelling. His career began in earnest when he landed a job as a columnist for The Chicago Tribune. Back then, he was just a young reporter trying to make a name for himself, but little did he know that his journey would inspire an entire family and leave a lasting impact on the world of journalism.

Bill’s life wasn’t all about work, though. In 1970, he married his wife, Jody Geist, a social worker who became the backbone of their family. Together, they raised two children, Willie and Libby, while juggling Bill’s demanding career. As their family grew, so did Bill’s opportunities. The Geists eventually moved to New York, where Bill became a columnist for The New York Times. Talk about a career move!

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But that’s not all. Bill’s talent didn’t stop at newspapers. In the late 1980s, he joined CBS as a correspondent and became a regular face on CBS Sunday Morning. Over the years, he earned not one, but two Emmy Awards and authored several bestselling books, including The Zucchini Plague and Other Tales of Suburbia and Lake of the Ozarks: My Surreal Summers in a Vanishing America. This guy was truly a Renaissance man of journalism.

Bill Geist's Battle with Parkinson's Disease

Now, let’s talk about something that shaped Bill’s later years: his diagnosis with Parkinson’s disease. In 2012, Bill revealed his diagnosis to the world, but the truth is, he had been living with the condition since 1992. For years, he kept it private, fearing how it might affect his career and family. “I didn’t want to be seen as the sick guy when you walk into a room,” he said during a 2012 episode of CBS Sunday Morning. “That’s the first thing they think about, or I didn’t want to scare my kids and make them worry about it.”

It takes real courage to share something so personal, and Bill handled it with grace. He wanted to ensure that Parkinson’s didn’t define him, and instead, he focused on continuing to do what he loved: telling stories and connecting with people.

Bill Geist's Retirement and Legacy

After 31 incredible years on CBS Sunday Morning, Bill decided it was time to step away from the spotlight. In September 2018, he retired, leaving behind a legacy that will inspire journalists for generations to come. During his final episode, he reflected on his journey: “In 1987, Charles Kuralt called me and said, ‘Come on and join us, it’ll be fun.’ He was so right! I hope it’s been fun for all of you too.”

Since retiring, Bill has spent more time with his family, including his grandkids, who must have some amazing stories to share about their grandpa. And in 2020, Willie honored his dad by running a half marathon to raise awareness for the Michael J. Fox Foundation, which supports research for Parkinson’s disease. Bill was there to cheer him on, proving that family bonds run deep. Willie shared the moment on Instagram, saying, “Look who surprised me at the finish line after I ran a half marathon today. That’s my dad, Bill Geist. I ran for him and for the millions of other people living with Parkinson’s disease. He was in my mind, pushing me through the cold and the rain to a personal best time and then … there he was!”