Keith Olbermann

Keith Olbermann was born in New York City in 1959 and grew up in Hastings-on-Hudson, New York. He attended Cornell University, where he worked at the campus radio station WVBR, beginning his broadcasting career. After graduating in 1979, he moved to local television and radio roles, including stints at WEEI in Boston and CNN, before joining ESPN in 1992.

At ESPN, Olbermann co-hosted SportsCenter with Dan Patrick, a pairing that became iconic for its witty banter and catchphrases. He left ESPN in 1997 amid contract disputes, later working for Fox Sports Net and MSNBC, where he hosted The Keith Olbermann Evening News.

In 2003, Olbermann launched Countdown with Keith Olbermann on MSNBC, initially a news roundup that evolved into a sharp critique of the George W. Bush administration and conservative media. The show became known for its "Worst Person in the World" segment and its commentary on media hypocrisy.

Olbermann's style polarized audiences, drawing both praise for his progressive advocacy and criticism for his combative tone. He left MSNBC in 2011, briefly joined Current TV, and later returned to ESPN for a short-lived show. He has since hosted podcasts and digital programs, including The Resistance on GQ and Countdown on YouTube.

Olbermann has been involved in several high-profile disputes. In 2010, he was suspended by MSNBC for making political donations without network approval, a violation of company policy. He later sued ESPN for wrongful termination in 2013, alleging that his criticism of a network executive led to his firing; the case was settled in 2015.

His on-air feuds, including with Bill O'Reilly and Donald Trump, have been widely covered. Olbermann has also faced criticism for his use of social media, including a 2016 incident where he posted a tweet that some interpreted as a threat against a journalist, leading to a brief suspension from Twitter.

Beyond broadcasting, Olbermann is a lifelong baseball fan and has written about the sport, including a book on the history of the New York Mets. He is also known for his philanthropy, supporting organizations like the American Cancer Society and the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.

Olbermann has a passion for film and has appeared in several movies and TV shows, including a cameo in The Invention of Lying and a voice role in The Simpsons. He is an avid collector of baseball memorabilia and has a notable collection of vintage baseball cards. His early career included a stint as a public address announcer for the New York Yankees' minor league team, and he once worked as a sports anchor for a station in Kansas City, where he was known for his improvisational humor.

Countdown

Olbermann's flagship MSNBC program (2003–2011), known for its progressive political commentary.

Worst Person in the World

A recurring segment on Countdown that highlighted individuals Olbermann deemed egregious.

Current TV

A cable network where Olbermann hosted a short-lived show in 2011–2012.