An Emmy-winning newscaster who began his career at CNN in the 1980s is taking some time away from the news desk to focus on his health.
NBC 4 Washington veteran reporter Leon Harris gave viewers a scare as he appeared to be struggling to get through a Thanksgiving Day broadcast. The 63-year-old slurred certain words and appeared to struggle to pronounce others before he was removed from the desk during a break.
Meteorologist Ryan Miller gave an on-air update during the broadcast. “We’ve heard a lot from some of you through phone and email during this newscast. We want to assure you that our colleague, Leon Harris, is fine. The News4 team appreciates your concern,” he said.
A clip of the broadcast was posted to X by @TheRCWRShow.
While not much is known about what actually happened on-air, the network published a statement with an update on Harris’ condition on December 2.
“Last week, Leon [Harris] appeared unwell while anchoring News4 at 6. Leon will be stepping away from the anchor desk to focus on health issues,” the brief post on the station’s website read. “We here at NBC4 — and you at home — care deeply about Leon and wish him well. We thank you for your concern.”
Harris has been open about his struggles with alcohol use and DUI arrests in 2013 and 2022. In a 2022 interview with News4’s Doreen Gentzler, he called the decision to get in his car and drive after drinking, “the worst decision [he] could possibly have made.”
Back in October, Harris spent some time off the air so he could recover from surgery after breaking his foot in five places after slipping on the stairs in his home.
“My advice to you is whatever you do, do not run up and down stairs in socks,” he said in a taped video message to NBC 4 Washington viewers.
Fans sent messages of support to Harris on social media.
“Good. Sending nothing but love, thoughts and prayers to Mr. Harris. Whatever is going on, kick its butt and come back stronger than before brother!” wrote Lee Sanders on X, formerly known as Twitter.