Willard Scott

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Willard Herman Scott, Jr. (born March 7, 1934) is an American media personality and author best known for his work on NBC's Today show.

Born in Alexandria, Virginia, Scott attended American University in Washington, D.C. and was a member of the Alpha Sigma Phi Fraternity, Beta Chi Chapter. While there, he met Ed Walker. The two hosted a program on the university radio station WAMU-AM for two years, before moving to WRC-AM in 1953. Their program, The Joy Boys, remained on WRC until 1972 when they moved to cross-town station WWDC for another two years.

Scott spent the 1960s balancing his radio career with jobs as the host of children's television programs. He appeared on local television playing characters such as Commander Retro and Bozo the Clown. Another role he played during this time was that of Ronald McDonald, whom he created and was hired to portray for a McDonald's franchise in Washington, D.C. Scott played Ronald in the first three television ads featuring the character.

Willard Scott as Ronald McDonald, from one of the first 3 pre-recorded television advertisements to feature Ronald. Note the "food-tray hat".

In 1970, Scott moved from radio to television, appearing on WRC-TV as a weekday weatherman. He remained there until 1980, when he was tapped by NBC to become its weatherman for The Today Show, replacing Bob Ryan (meteorologist). After being inspired by a viewer request, Scott began his practice of wishing centenarians a happy birthday on-air in 1983.

During the 80s, Scott routinely did weather reports on the road, interviewing locals at community festivals and landmarks. He also periodically did the program from Washington, which he still considered his home. During this time, NBC executives told the bald Scott to wear a hairpiece. He complied when in New York, but refused when outside of the studio, resulting in a strange dichotomy on the air.

In 1989 Today show co-host Bryant Gumbel wrote an internal memo critical of the show's personalities. The memo was leaked to the media. Gumbel said Scott "holds the show hostage to his assortment of whims, wishes, birthdays and bad taste ... This guy is killing us and no one's even trying to rein him in." This garnered enough of a backlash that Gumbel was shown making up with Scott on the show.

Scott had a small role as Mr. Peter Poole on the NBC sitcom The Hogan Family, where his character was married to Mrs. Poole, played by Edie McClurg.

Scott has published several fiction and non-fiction books based on his experiences.

Although he has retired as the show's full-time weatherman, Scott continues to appear on the Today show to wish centenarians a happy birthday and to substitute for regular weatherman Al Roker.