Longtime NBC Anchor Leon Harris Announces Departure for Health Reasons

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Leon Harris, a prominent anchor at NBC affiliate WRC-TV, has announced his departure from the station after an extended leave of absence for health reasons. His announcement was made public on Tuesday, April 8, 2025, amid ongoing concerns regarding his well-being.

Harris, who has been a staple at NBC4 for the past eight years, expressed gratitude for his time at the station in a heartfelt message. “After 40+ years of nonstop work and the dramatic changes in the news and television industry, I’ve made the difficult decision to step away from my role at NBC4. I’m grateful to NBC4 for having me as part of their team,” he wrote.

While addressing his audience, Harris emphasized the importance of putting his health and family first. “This is the right time to prioritize my health and family. A special thanks to my amazing colleagues, friends, and especially to our viewers who welcomed me into their homes. It’s been an honor. Thank you,” he stated.

The station issued a statement acknowledging his decision, expressing appreciation for Harris’s dedication and service. “We are grateful for Leon’s eight years of service to our newsroom. He will be missed, and we wish him nothing but the best,” the statement read.

Harris’s struggle with health issues became noticeable during broadcasts late last year. On November 28, he appeared to slur his words while reading from a teleprompter, prompting concerns from viewers on social media platforms, including X (formerly Twitter). In response, WRC meteorologist Ryan Miller reassured viewers that Harris was fine during the broadcast. However, following a subsequent broadcast on December 2, the station announced that Harris would step back from the anchor desk to focus on his health.

Harris joined WRC in 2017 after a lengthy tenure at ABC affiliate WJLA. Throughout his career, he has spoken candidly about his personal struggles, including battles with alcohol, which have been exacerbated by past DUI arrests in 2013 and 2022. In March 2022, he addressed the audience after one of his arrests, stating, “I let a lot of people down, and that is why I decided to go on my own to take some time to reflect, and do some intensive work on myself with some very, very tough professionals to get control of this disease of alcoholism.”

Harris’s journey of recovery has been publicly documented, highlighting his desire to embrace sobriety with the support of his loved ones. “I’ve learned that this problem is treatable,” he remarked in the same broadcast, underscoring the significance of professional help during his recovery.

Legal troubles followed Harris’s past arrests, leading to a suspended sentence and probation terms. In July 2022, he expressed remorse for his actions, stating, “For all the people who I let down and disappointed… I cannot tell you how sorry I am.”

As Harris moves forward, his focus remains on health and family, marking a significant transition after decades in the broadcasting industry. The community has rallied behind him, offering support and recognizing his contributions to local journalism.