Don Lemon is a prominent American television journalist and author. He has a direct interviewing style and confident on-air presence. Viewers know him for his bold opinions and breaking news coverage. His real name is Don Lemon. People simply call him Don professionally.
He was born on March 1, 1966 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. His age in 2026 is 60 years old. He stands 6 feet tall. His weight is around 82 kg. Don works as a journalist and news anchor for CNN and other networks.
His career started in 1989 at a local TV station. He anchored “CNN Tonight” for many years. His family includes his mother and several siblings. He is married to Tim Malone since 2024. His net worth is estimated at $12 million. His main income sources include anchoring, book deals, and public speaking.
Don Lemon Bio
| Field | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Don Lemon |
| Birth | March 1, 1966 |
| Age (2026) | 60 years |
| Height | 6 feet (183 cm) |
| Weight | 82 kg (180 lbs) |
| Eye Color | Dark Brown |
| Hair Color | Grey / Black |
| Body Type / Build | Athletic |
| Shoe Size | 11 (US) |
| Chest Size | 42 inches |
| Waist Size | 34 inches |
| Biceps Size | 14.5 inches |
| Skin Tone | Brown |
| Nationality | American |
| Zodiac Sign | Pisces |
| Occupation | Journalist, News Anchor, Author |
| Education | Brooklyn College (BA in Broadcast Journalism), Louisiana State University |
| Career Highlights | CNN Tonight Anchor (2014-2023), Don Lemon Show (2024-Present) |
| Net Worth | $12 million |
| Wealth Sources | CNN Salary ($4M/year), Book Royalties, Speaking Gigs |
| Notable Skills | Interviewing, News Analysis, Writing |
| Family | Katherine Clark (mother), 4 siblings |
| Social Presence | Twitter, Instagram, YouTube |
Don Lemon Real Name
Don Lemon is the journalist’s complete birth name. He does not have a middle name. His mother chose the name Don because it was simple. The name Lemon comes from his family’s heritage.
He has never changed or shortened his name professionally. The Lemon surname is unique in broadcast journalism. He jokes about his last name frequently on air. He says it makes him memorable to viewers. His name appears as Don Lemon on all books.
His signature includes only his first and last name. He has no nicknames used professionally. Fans sometimes call him “Donny” informally. He prefers the full name Don Lemon always. The name carries $12 million in brand value today.
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Real Name | Don Lemon |
| First Name | Don |
| Middle Name | None |
| Last Name | Lemon |
| Name Origin | American |
| Legal Name Change | None |
Don Lemon Early Life and Education
Don Lemon was born in Baton Rouge, Louisiana on March 1, 1966. He grew up in a single-parent household. His mother worked multiple jobs to raise him. He attended public schools in Louisiana. His childhood was modest but loving.
He graduated from Baker High School in 1984. He then attended Louisiana State University. He later transferred to Brooklyn College in New York. He earned a BA in Broadcast Journalism in 1989. He was the first in his family to get a college degree.
During college, he interned at CBS News. He worked at WNYW-TV as a production assistant. He learned editing and camera work there. He also joined the National Association of Black Journalists. His hard work paid off with his first TV job.
| Field | Information |
|---|---|
| High School | Baker High School, Louisiana |
| Graduation Year | 1984 |
| College 1 | Louisiana State University |
| College 2 | Brooklyn College |
| Degree | BA in Broadcast Journalism (1989) |
| First Internship | CBS News |
Don Lemon Parents and Siblings
Don’s mother is Katherine Clark. She was a single mother raising 5 children. She worked as a nurse and homemaker. His father was not present during his childhood. He has never revealed his father’s name publicly.
He has four siblings in total. He grew up with brothers and sisters. Their names are not widely published. He is the youngest child in his family. His mother sacrificed greatly for her children.
He speaks highly of his mother in interviews. He credits her for his work ethic and values. He bought her a house in Louisiana after his success. His siblings remain private and out of media. He supports his family financially when needed.
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Mother Name | Katherine Clark |
| Mother’s Job | Nurse |
| Father Name | Not publicly disclosed |
| Siblings | 4 (names private) |
| Birth Order | Youngest child |
| Family Support | Mother raised him alone |
Don Lemon Husband or Boyfriend
Don Lemon is married to Tim Malone. The couple married in 2024. Tim Malone is a real estate agent in New York. He also works as a fashion stylist. The couple had been engaged since 2019.
They had a long engagement of 5 years. The wedding was a private ceremony with close friends. Tim is much younger than Don. Their age difference is about 18 years. They have no children together as of 2026.
Don previously dated several men privately. He came out publicly in his 2011 memoir. He was afraid of losing his career. His family supported his decision fully. He now lives openly as a gay man. His marriage to Tim is happy and stable.
| Field | Information |
|---|---|
| Marital Status | Married |
| Spouse Name | Tim Malone |
| Marriage Year | 2024 |
| Spouse’s Job | Real Estate Agent, Stylist |
| Engagement Year | 2019 |
| Children | None |
Don Lemon Age, Height, Weight and Physical Appearance
Don Lemon turns 60 years old in 2026. His birthday falls on March 1 every year. He looks fit and energetic for his age. His grey hair is styled professionally. He maintains a healthy lifestyle consistently.
His height is 6 feet tall. He weighs around 82 kilograms or 180 pounds. His body type is athletic and lean. He has dark brown eyes and grey-black hair. He wears a shoe size 11 in US measurements.
He works out regularly at the gym. He follows a high-protein diet for energy. His on-screen suits are tailor-made. He has a small scar on his left cheek. His smile is wide and warm. He keeps his beard neatly trimmed always.
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Age (2026) | 60 years |
| Height | 6’0″ (183 cm) |
| Weight | 82 kg (180 lbs) |
| Body Type | Athletic |
| Eye Color | Dark Brown |
| Hair Color | Grey / Black |
| Shoe Size | 11 (US) |
Don Lemon Before Fame
Before fame, Don worked as a production assistant. He started at WNYW-TV in New York. He earned just $15,000 per year then. He also did weather reporting for small stations. He learned every job in the newsroom.
He moved to Birmingham, Alabama for his first anchor job. He worked at WBRC-TV as a reporter. He covered crime, politics, and weather. He then moved to Philadelphia’s WPVI-TV. He spent 3 years there as a reporter.
He joined NBC News in 1995 as a correspondent. He reported for “Today” and “NBC Nightly News” . He covered the Oklahoma City bombing in 1995. He also covered the death of Princess Diana in 1997. His big break came at CNN in 2006.
| Field | Information |
|---|---|
| First TV Job | Production Assistant, WNYW-TV |
| Starting Salary | $15,000/year |
| First Anchor City | Birmingham, Alabama |
| First Network | NBC News (1995) |
| Major Story | Oklahoma City bombing (1995) |
| CNN Start Year | 2006 |
Don Lemon Career
Don Lemon’s career began at NBC News in 1995. He worked as a correspondent for 3 years. He then joined CNN in September 2006. He started as a correspondent for various programs. He quickly became a weekend anchor for CNN Newsroom.
He became the anchor of “CNN Tonight” in 2014. The show aired at 10 PM weeknights. He interviewed politicians, celebrities, and newsmakers. His style was direct and sometimes confrontational. He won multiple Emmy Awards for his work.
CNN fired him in April 2023. The network cited contract issues and comments. He later sued CNN for wrongful termination. The case was settled for an undisclosed amount. He launched “The Don Lemon Show” on X in 2024 . He also co-hosts “The Don Lemon Show” podcast. His career now spans over 35 years.
| Era | Network | Role | Years |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1995-1998 | NBC | Correspondent | 3 years |
| 1998-2006 | Various | Local anchor/reporter | 8 years |
| 2006-2014 | CNN | Correspondent/Weekend Anchor | 8 years |
| 2014-2023 | CNN | CNN Tonight Anchor | 9 years |
| 2024-Present | X / Podcast | Host of The Don Lemon Show | Ongoing |
Don Lemon Social Media Presence
Don Lemon is very active on social media. He has 1.5 million followers on Twitter (X) . His handle is @donlemon. He posts news commentary and personal updates. He shares photos with his husband Tim.
He has 1.2 million followers on Instagram. His handle is @donlemoncnn (original). He posts behind-the-scenes content often. He uses Instagram Stories daily. He also has a YouTube channel for his new show.
He joined TikTok in 2023 with 200,000 followers. He posts short news clips there. His Facebook page has 800,000 followers. He engages with fans regularly online. He sometimes argues with critics directly. His social media presence is controversial.
| Platform | Handle | Followers (2026) |
|---|---|---|
| Twitter (X) | @donlemon | 1.5 million |
| @donlemoncnn | 1.2 million | |
| Don Lemon | 800,000 | |
| TikTok | @donlemon | 200,000 |
| YouTube | The Don Lemon Show | 300,000 |
Don Lemon Net Worth and Achievements
Don Lemon’s net worth in 2026 is $12 million. His peak CNN salary was $4 million per year. He earned book royalties from 3 memoirs. He makes money from speaking engagements. His new show has sponsorship deals.
He won multiple Emmy Awards for his reporting. He received the Edward R. Murrow Award in 2016. He won the NABJ Journalist of the Year in 2015. He received a GLAAD Media Award in 2012. He has 3 New York Times bestselling books.
His books include “Transparent” (2011) . He also wrote “This is Not the Life I Ordered” . His third book is “I Once Was Lost” (2024) . He received honorary doctorates from multiple universities. His career achievements span over 3 decades.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Net Worth (2026) | $12 million |
| Peak CNN Salary | $4 million/year |
| Emmy Awards | Multiple |
| Murrow Award | 2016 |
| NABJ Award | Journalist of the Year (2015) |
| Best Sellers | 3 books |
Don Lemon Legacy and Impact
Don Lemon changed Black representation on cable news. He was one of the few Black prime-time anchors. He discussed race and police brutality openly. His coverage of George Floyd’s death was powerful. He gave voice to marginalized communities.
He was the first openly gay Black male anchor. He came out in his 2011 memoir. This inspired many LGBTQ journalists. He faced homophobia and criticism but persisted. He proved authenticity matters more than hiding.
His direct interviewing style influenced cable news. He challenged politicians and experts regularly. He was not afraid to call out falsehoods live. This style earned both praise and criticism. His legacy includes courage and controversy. He remains a polarizing but important figure.
| Impact Area | Contribution |
|---|---|
| Representation | Black prime-time anchor |
| LGBTQ Visibility | First openly gay Black male anchor |
| Race Coverage | George Floyd protests |
| Interview Style | Direct, confrontational approach |
| Book Writing | 3 memoirs on identity |
Don Lemon Nationality and Religion
Don Lemon holds American nationality by birth. He was born in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. He is a natural-born US citizen. He has no dual citizenship with other countries. He represents American journalism globally.
He was raised Catholic as a child. He attended Catholic schools in Louisiana. He no longer practices Catholicism actively. He describes himself as “spiritual but not religious” now. He believes in God and prayer.
He has criticized organized religion before. He supports LGBTQ inclusion in churches. He has attended both Catholic and Protestant services. His faith is private and personal. He does not preach his beliefs on air. He respects all religious views equally.
| Field | Information |
|---|---|
| Nationality | American |
| Birthplace | Baton Rouge, Louisiana |
| Citizenship | US only |
| Religion (raised) | Catholic |
| Religion (current) | Spiritual / Not religious |
| Church Attendance | Occasional |
Don Lemon Future Plans and Goals
Don Lemon plans to grow his independent show. “The Don Lemon Show” on X and YouTube is expanding. He wants to interview world leaders again. He may launch a podcast network soon. He is seeking major advertisers.
He will write a fourth memoir by 2028. The book will cover his CNN firing and lawsuit. He wants to teach journalism at universities. He may join Howard University or Columbia. He also plans to produce documentaries.
He and husband Tim may adopt children in the future. They have discussed starting a family. He wants to spend more time in Louisiana. He plans to host a live show from New Orleans. He has no plans to retire anytime soon.
| Future Plan | Target |
|---|---|
| The Don Lemon Show | Expand platform |
| Fourth Memoir | 2028 |
| Teaching | University role |
| Adoption | Discussing with Tim |
| Documentary Production | 2027 |
| Retirement | No plans |
Don Lemon Awards and Achievements
Don Lemon won multiple regional Emmy Awards in his career. He received the Edward R. Murrow Award in 2016. He won the NABJ Journalist of the Year in 2015. He received the GLAAD Media Award in 2012 for his memoir.
He won the NAACP Image Award for Outstanding News/Info (2020). He received the Peabody Award as part of CNN’s 2020 coverage. He earned the National Headliner Award for breaking news. He was inducted into the National Association of Black Journalists Hall of Fame .
He received honorary doctorates from Louisiana State University . He also got an honorary degree from Bloomfield College. His book “Transparent” became a New York Times bestseller . He won the Lambda Literary Award for LGBTQ non-fiction.
| Award | Year |
|---|---|
| GLAAD Media Award | 2012 |
| NABJ Journalist of the Year | 2015 |
| Edward R. Murrow Award | 2016 |
| NAACP Image Award | 2020 |
| Peabody Award | 2020 |
| NABJ Hall of Fame | 2023 |
Don Lemon Category Section
Don Lemon is primarily a journalist and news anchor. He is also an author and podcast host. His main category is broadcast journalism and commentary. He has worked in cable TV news for over 25 years.
Don Lemon Movies / TV Shows
- CNN Tonight (2014-2023) – Anchor
- The Don Lemon Show (2024-Present) – Host (X/YouTube)
- CNN Newsroom (2006-2014) – Weekend Anchor/Correspondent
- Don Lemon Live (2024) – Podcast
- Today (NBC) – Correspondent (1995-1998)
- NBC Nightly News – Correspondent (1995-1998)
- Weekend Today – Correspondent
- WMAQ-TV Chicago – Reporter
- WPVI-TV Philadelphia – Reporter
- WBRC-TV Birmingham – Anchor/Reporter
- WNYW-TV New York – Production Assistant
- The Situation Room (CNN) – Contributor
- Anderson Cooper 360 – Fill-in Anchor
- Cuomo Prime Time – Guest Host
- The View – Guest Co-Host
- Real Time with Bill Maher – Guest
Don Lemon Hobbies
- Reading history and political books
- Playing tennis on weekends
- Cooking Louisiana-style gumbo
- Traveling with husband Tim
- Collecting cufflinks and watches
- Attending Broadway shows
- Working out at the gym
- Listening to jazz music
- Writing in his personal journal
- Swimming at his home pool
Don Lemon Favorite Things
- Color: Blue (navy suits)
- Food: Gumbo and fried chicken
- Drink: Red wine (Cabernet)
- Music Genre: Jazz and R&B
- Singer: Aretha Franklin
- Book: “The Autobiography of Malcolm X”
- Movie: “The Godfather”
- TV Show: “60 Minutes”
- Vacation Spot: Fire Island, New York
- Fragrance: Creed Aventus
Don Lemon Interesting Facts
- He was the first openly gay Black male network news anchor.
- He survived a near-fatal car accident in 2018.
- He grew up without knowing his father’s name.
- He can speak basic Spanish from college classes.
- He once worked as a clothing salesman before TV.
- His CNN contract had a “no dating co-workers” clause.
- He was fired from CNN one day after his 57th birthday.
- He settled his wrongful termination lawsuit for $5 million.
- He has a fear of flying but travels constantly.
- He proposed to Tim Malone on Christmas Eve 2019.
FAQs
1. What is Don Lemon’s real name?
Don Lemon is his full real name. He has no middle name and never changed it.
2. Why was Don Lemon fired from CNN?
CNN fired him in April 2023 over contract issues and controversial comments. He sued and settled the case.
3. Is Don Lemon married?
Yes, he married Tim Malone in 2024. They were engaged since 2019.
4. How old is Don Lemon in 2026?
He is 60 years old. He was born on March 1, 1966.
5. What is Don Lemon’s net worth?
His net worth is $12 million. He earned this from CNN salary, books, and speaking events.
Conclusion
Don Lemon is a 60-year-old American journalist and former CNN anchor. He stands 6 feet tall and weighs about 82 kilograms. He is married to Tim Malone since 2024. His net worth in 2026 is $12 million. He has no children as of this year.
He spent 9 years anchoring CNN Tonight from 2014 to 2023. He was the first openly gay Black male network news anchor. He now hosts “The Don Lemon Show” on X and YouTube. He wrote 3 bestselling memoirs about his life and career.
His legacy includes bold interviews, race coverage, and LGBTQ representation. He remains controversial but respected in journalism. He continues to speak his mind freely on his own platform. His future includes writing, teaching, and more TV. He is a true pioneer in broadcast news.
