Former Meet The Press Anchors

Imagine being the face of a prestigious news program, grilling politicians and making them sweat on live TV - sounds like a pretty cool job, right? Well, for some lucky folks, it's not just a dream, but a reality. Meet the Press, one of the longest-running news programs in TV history, has had its fair share of amazing anchors over the years.

The Legends

We've got Tim Russert, the king of Meet the Press, who hosted the show from 1991 until his passing in 2008. He was known for his tough but fair interview style, which made politicians love and fear him at the same time. With his iconic whiteboard and catchy phrases, he made Sundays a must-watch for news junkies.

Then there's David Gregory, who took over the reins from 2008 to 2014. He brought a younger, hipper vibe to the show, but still managed to keep the tradition of tough questioning alive. Who can forget his legendary clashes with politicians, which often left viewers on the edge of their seats?

The Newbies

Fast forward to Chuck Todd, the current anchor of Meet the Press, who's been hosting the show since 2014. He's known for his encyclopedic knowledge of politics and his ability to make complex issues simple. With his wry sense of humor and quick wit, he's managed to make the show feel fresh and exciting again.

But before Chuck, there was Marvin Kalb, who co-anchored the show with the one and only John Chancellor back in the 1970s. Marvin was known for his in-depth reporting and thought-provoking questions, which set the standard for generations of journalists to come. And let's not forget John Chancellor himself, who was the main man of Meet the Press from 1971 to 1981.

Meet the Press Hosts: List and Bios

The Golden Years

The 1950s and 60s were the golden years of Meet the Press, with Ned Brooks at the helm. He was the first anchor of the show, and set the tone for what would become a beloved institution in American journalism. Back then, the show was more like a gentleman's club, with politicians and journalists exchanging witty banter and sipping coffee together.

As the years went by, Meet the Press continued to evolve and adapt to the changing times. With the advent of television, the show became a staple of Sunday mornings, with millions of viewers tuning in each week. And through it all, the anchors remained steadfast and true, always pushing the boundaries of what was possible in journalism.

-- Chris Matthews, Anchor, MSNBC's "Hardball", Andrea Mitchell, NBC

The Fun Facts