Jim Boyd, the beloved Boston newsreader who anchored at WCVB-TV for almost 40 years, has died at the age of 84. The station confirmed his passing on Tuesday, 27 October. His cause of death has not been shared. He is survived by his wife, Linda, and their three daughters.
Station announces his death on air
"We have some really sad news to share this evening," journalist Maria Stephanos said live on air. "Former Newscenter Five anchor and a true gentleman, Jim Boyd has died."
The programme included an interview with Boyd's former co-anchor, Susan Wornick, who reflected on their "enduring friendship," noting that they had kept in touch after his retirement.
A career spanning nearly four decades
Born in 1942, Boyd started his career in the mailroom at WNET-TV in New York in 1961, before joining WCVB as a general assignment reporter in 1972. He eventually became an anchor on the news desk and spent almost 40 years reporting on developments across New England and Boston. He was inducted into the Massachusetts Broadcasters Hall of Fame.
Boyd officially retired in 2008. In the following years, he worked towards a bachelor's degree in sociology at Tufts University, which he earned in 2013. According to IMDb, he also appeared in films including The Equaliser, The Judge and Spotlight. He received several awards, including a Golden Circle Award from the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences (New England chapter).
Fans pay tribute
Following the news of his death, tributes poured in from fans. Responding to an announcement posted by WCVB on Instagram, one wrote: "Worked with Jim many times. A true journalist and gentleman. RIP Jim."
Another commented: "Sending my love to the Boyd family and the WCVB family; he and Susan Wornick were an iconic midday duo!" A third added: "Oh my. He was a class act and consummate professional. I watched the midday news with him and Susan daily for many years. Condolences to the Boyd family. He truly was one of a kind." A fourth wrote: "He was a class act! One of the best! Rest in peace…"
