Legendary Newsman Bill Kurtis Retires After Decades on Air

The 85-year-old anchor plans to spend more time writing, reading, and enjoying the outdoors.

Mar. 27, 2026 at 11:18am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Legendary Chicago news anchor Bill Kurtis, known as the "voice of God," has announced his retirement from his regular role as judge and scorekeeper on the NPR show "Wait Wait...Don't Tell Me!" After decades on the air, the 85-year-old says he looks forward to more writing, reading, and time spent as a steward of his own land and natural prairies.

Why it matters

Kurtis has been a fixture in Chicago media for generations, known for his authoritative yet warm on-air presence. His retirement marks the end of an era and the start of a new chapter as he plans to focus more on his passions for the written word and the great outdoors.

The details

In retirement, Kurtis says he's "fallen in love with the act of writing all over again" and is working on new book projects. He also plans to spend more time reading in the sunroom of his home, which overlooks his gardens, as well as tending to the natural prairies and woodlands on his property.

  • Kurtis announced his retirement earlier this month.
  • His last appearance on "Wait Wait...Don't Tell Me!" will be on May 23.

The players

Bill Kurtis

An 85-year-old legendary Chicago news anchor known as the "voice of God" who is retiring after decades on the air.

Donna Kurtis

Bill Kurtis' wife, who he plans to take club car rides around their property with in retirement.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“I've fallen in love with the act of writing all over again.”

— Bill Kurtis

“A stack of books is already sitting next to the most comfortable chair in the sunroom that has a spectacular view of the gardens.”

— Bill Kurtis

“I have a passion for the land and will be spending more time as a dedicated steward of my own green acres, especially those natural wild prairies and woodlands. My Wellies are by the door.”

— Bill Kurtis

What’s next

Kurtis' last appearance on "Wait Wait...Don't Tell Me!" will be on May 23.

The takeaway

After decades as a fixture in Chicago media, legendary anchor Bill Kurtis is embracing retirement to focus on his passions for writing, reading, and connecting with the natural world around his home - a transition that marks the end of an era and the start of a new chapter for the respected newsman.