Trevor McDonald Biography: Awards, Children, Wife, Age, Net Worth, Siblings, Parents, Height, Ethnicity

Trevor McDonald is a Trinidadian-British journalist, newsreader, and television presenter, widely recognized as one of the most respected figures in British broadcasting.

Born on August 16, 1939, in San Fernando, Trinidad and Tobago, he began his media career at Radio Trinidad before moving to the UK in the late 1960s.

He became the first Black newsreader in the UK when he joined ITN and later anchored News at Ten and Tonight with Trevor McDonald.

Profile

• Full Name: George McDonald
• Stage Name: Trevor McDonald
• Born: August 16, 1939
• Age: 85 years old
• Birthplace: San Fernando, Trinidad and Tobago
• Nationality: Trinidadian-British
• Occupation: Journalist, Newsreader, Presenter
• Height: 6 feet 2 inches (188 cm)
• Parent: Lawson McDonald, Geraldine McDonald
• Siblings: Unknown
• Spouse: Josephine McDonald
• Children: Joanne McDonald, Tim McDonald, Jack McDonald
• Relationship: Married
• Net Worth: $2.5 million

Early Life And Education

Trevor McDonald was born on August 16, 1939, in San Fernando, Trinidad and Tobago. He is 85 years old. He was born into a modest and close-knit family. His father, Lawson McDonald, worked in the oil industry, while his mother, Geraldine McDonald, was a homemaker.

Trevor grew up with siblings, although their names and details have not been widely disclosed. He was raised in a Christian household and has maintained those values throughout his life. Ethnically, he is of Afro-Caribbean descent, reflecting the diverse cultural roots of Trinidad and Tobago.

Trevor showed a strong interest in language and storytelling from a young age. He attended Naparima College in Trinidad, where he excelled academically.

After completing his early education, he furthered his studies at the University College of the West Indies. His passion for broadcasting and journalism later led him to the United Kingdom, where he received training and began his groundbreaking career in media.

Career

Trevor McDonald’s career in journalism spans over six decades and is marked by a series of groundbreaking milestones. He began his media journey in the 1960s at Radio Trinidad, where he worked as a reporter and producer.

His talent and dedication soon led him to international opportunities, and in 1969, he moved to London and joined the BBC World Service as a producer and broadcaster. In 1973, McDonald became a reporter with Independent Television News (ITN), one of the UK’s leading news organizations.

Over the years, he covered major global events, including conflicts in the Middle East, the fall of apartheid in South Africa, and U.S. presidential elections. He was known for his calm demeanor, sharp interviewing style, and ability to handle complex topics with clarity.

In 1992, Trevor made history when he became the first Black person to present the UK’s national evening news. He became a familiar face on News at Ten and later fronted the current affairs program Tonight with Trevor McDonald, which ran for several years and tackled major issues such as crime, health, politics, and social justice.

Beyond newsreading, McDonald hosted a range of hard-hitting documentaries and interviews, including Inside Death Row, The Mafia with Trevor McDonald, An Hour to Catch a Killer, and Trevor McDonald: Return to South Africa. These programs showcased his versatility and deep curiosity about human behavior, justice, and global affairs.

Trevor officially retired from daily news broadcasting in 2005 but continued to work on special programs and documentaries for ITV. His voice and presence remain iconic in British media, and he is widely respected for breaking racial barriers and setting a high standard in journalism.

Awards and Nominations

• Knighted by Queen Elizabeth II in 1999 for services to journalism
• BAFTA Fellowship (2011)
• Royal Television Society Awards
• National Television Awards (various)
• Honorary degrees from multiple universities

Personal Life

Trinidadian-British journalist, newsreader, and television presenter Trevor McDonald is married to his longtime partner, Josephine McDonald. The couple tied the knot in 1986 and has been together for several decades. Their enduring relationship is marked by mutual support and a shared commitment to family life.

Trevor McDonald is the father of three children: Joanne McDonald, Tim McDonald, and Jack McDonald. He stands at an impressive height of 6 feet 2 inches (188 cm)

Television Appearance

• News at Ten (ITV)
• Tonight with Trevor McDonald
• Inside Death Row
• The Mafia with Trevor McDonald
• The Secret Caribbean
• An Hour to Catch a Killer
• Trevor McDonald: Return to South Africa

  Net Worth  

Trevor McDonald has an estimated net worth of $2.5 million. He made his money mainly from his long career in broadcasting as a journalist, newsreader, and television presenter. He earned a high salary during his time at ITN, especially while anchoring News at Ten and hosting Tonight with Trevor McDonald.

Aside from news broadcasting, he made money from hosting popular documentaries like Inside Death Row and The Mafia with Trevor McDonald. He also earns from book sales, public speaking, and appearances.