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Dan Rather

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Dan Rather: Biography

dan rather

Birth Name: Daniel Irvin Rather Jr.
Birth Place: Wharton, TX
Date of Birth / Zodiac Sign: 10/31/1931, Scorpio
Profession: TV newscaster; author

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Dan Rather Fast Facts:

Began his news career selling the Houston Chronicle as an elementary-school student; he later reported for the paper from 1954 to '55.
Was the first guest on David Letterman's late-night CBS show.
As a correspondent for CBS News, he helped the station snag seven Peabody Awards; he has personally won more than 20 News Emmys.
Has published numerous books, including The American Dream (2001), The Camera Never Blinks Twice: The Future Adventures of a Television Journalist (1994), The Camera Never Blinks (1977) and The Palace Guard (1974).
Was the inspiration for the title of R.E.M.'s 1994 song "What's the Frequency, Kenneth?" Rather was asked that question by two men who accosted him outside his Manhattan apartment in a 1986 incident. Rather later sang along when the band performed the song on Letterman's show.
Delivered his final newscast as the CBS Evening News anchor in March 2005, 24 years after taking over the position from Walter Cronkite.
Began hosting the weekly newsmagazine Dan Rather Reports in November 2006 on HDNet.
Voiced an animated version of himself on an episode of The Simpsons (2008) and in a 2010 Simpsons anniversary special; portrayed himself on several episodes of Dirty Sexy Money (2007, 2008).
Known for using folksy, colorful and humorous analogies (sometimes referred to as "Ratherisms") while delivering the news. One such example, from the 2004 U.S. presidential election: "Kerry's rapidly reaching the point where he's got his back to the wall, his shirttail's on fire and the bill collector's at the door."

Dan Rather Relationships:
Byrl Veda Page Rather - Mother
Daniel Irvin Rather Sr. - Father
Danjack Rather - Son
Donald Eugene Rather - Brother
Jean Grace Goebel Rather - Wife
Patricia Ann Rather - Sister
Robin Rather - Daughter
College:
Sam Houston State Teachers College, Huntsville, TX (BA in Journalism, 1953)

Photos

dan rather Gary Gershoff/WireImage.com

dan rather, George Clooney Lester Cohen/WireImage.com

dan rather Lester Cohen/WireImage.com

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dan rather, Tom Brokaw Jeff Vespa/WireImage.com

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more Dan Rather photos (11 total photos)

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