David Brinkley: Six Feet Under - Film at 11:00!

David Brinkley was born on July 10, 1920 in Wilmington, North Carolina.  Though his career would later take him across the globe, he'd eventually return to Wilmington to be laid to rest.  But that's getting ahead of the story.

Brinkley began his career in journalism while still in high school, writing for the Wilmington Morning Star.  While there, one of his stories was picked up by the Associated Press and published nationally.  He'd continue his education at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Emory University, and finally Vandberbilt.

After graduation in 1940, Brinkley enlisted in the U.S. Army, but was soon discharged for medical reasons.  He took a position with United Press International in Atlanta before moving to NBC as a radio reporter.  But with the dawn of television, Brinkley would become one of the first journalists to make the transition.

Brinkley was paired with fellow reporter Chet Huntley for The Huntley-Brinkley Report from 1956 to 1970.  They'd set the stage for how news would be presented on television, with Brinkley anchoring in Washington while Huntley reported from New York City.  Every night they'd close the program with their signature trademarks "Good night, Chet" and "Good night, David," which undoubtedly inspired The Waltons.    Watch them preview the 1960 Democratic National Convention here, as presented by Kentucky King cigarettes, featuring an all tobacco-filter!   Then watch Brinkley's commentary on the night John F. Kennedy was assassinated here.  Finally, watch Brinkley reflect on his former partner in this video.

Inscription on Brinkley's marker.

Brinkley moved to ABC in 1981, where he began hosting This Week With David Brinkley. It ran until he finally retired in 1996, by which time he was the longest serving news anchor or host of a national television program.

He retired to his ranch in Houston, Texas.  Over the next seven years, his health greatly deteriorated, confining him to a wheelchair for his final days.  Just six months before he passed away, he'd require rescuing from that ranch when it nearly burned to the ground.

On June 12, 2003, Brinkley died from complications of a fall.  He was 82 years old.  He died the same day as actor Gregory Peck, who beat him out by five years.  Brinkley was interred at Oakdale Cemetery in Wilmington.

The Brinkley Family plot at Oakwood Cemetery.  David's flat, rectangular plot is at far right, obscured by the tree.

Good night, David.