R.I.P.: Suzie Humphreys, Legendary D/FW Broadcast Personality

Suzie Humphreys ('37-'25)

Suzie Humphreys, a Texas Radio Hall of Fame inductee, former talk show host, actress, comedian, author, and motivational speaker, died at age 87, leaving a pioneering legacy in broadcast journalism—especially for women—through her humor, authenticity, and trailblazing roles in Dallas television and radio.

She anchored WFAA Channel 8’s quirky morning show News 8 etc. in the 1970s alongside Don Harris and Gene Thomas, producing it live five days a week without cue cards or teleprompters, featuring improvisation, celebrity guests, and comedic stunts, per a University of North Texas article. 

Tragedy struck when Thomas died in a 1971 drag-racing crash while reporting at Dallas International Motor Speedway; Harris later left and was killed in 1978 covering events in Guyana.

Humphreys narrowly escaped death herself: pregnant and nauseous during a temporary KVIL traffic helicopter assignment, she exited minutes before it crashed on takeoff, killing the pilot. 

The gig evolved into a two-decade radio career with legendary host Ron Chapman, where her humorous, authentic reports earned praise from broadcaster Jody Dean as “breathtaking” for advancing women in the industry. “She’s a broadcast legend,” Dean said of the opportunities she created.Born in 1937 and raised in San Antonio, Humphreys started as a Dallas secretary and comedy performer before entering journalism. She was inducted into the National Speakers Association Hall of Fame in 2002.