Bob Teague, American college football star and television news-reporter (b. 1929)

Robert Lewis Teague, born on January 2, 1929, was a remarkable figure whose life journey spanned from the football fields of collegiate glory to the forefront of television journalism, ultimately becoming a pioneering African-American voice in New York City's broadcast news landscape. He passed away on March 28, 2013, leaving behind a legacy defined by both athletic prowess and journalistic integrity.

Early Life and Collegiate Achievements

Before making his indelible mark in media, Robert Lewis Teague was a celebrated college football star. He honed his skills and made a name for himself playing for the University of Wisconsin–Madison, demonstrating an early aptitude for excelling under pressure and in the public eye. His time as a Badger laid a foundation of discipline and drive that would serve him well in his future endeavors.

A Unique Television Appearance: "To Tell The Truth"

While establishing himself as a journalist with the venerable The New York Times, Teague had a memorable, albeit unconventional, encounter with national television. In May 1961, as part of a fascinating segment on the popular night-time game show "To Tell The Truth," Robert Teague (credited as Robert Teague for the appearance) stepped into the role of an impostor. The premise of the show, for those unfamiliar, involved a panel of celebrities trying to discern the real person from two impostors, all claiming to be the same individual.

Airing on May 22, 1961, Teague masterfully embodied Sergeant George Harris, an Air Force Judo instructor. His performance was convincing enough to fool the panel, securing a majority of their votes. Interestingly, the second round of that same episode featured another journalist associated with The New York Times, Marianne Means, as the actual featured contestant alongside her own set of impostors, highlighting a unique moment where the newspaper's staff took center stage in pop culture.

Pioneering New York City Broadcast Journalism

The year 1963 marked a pivotal moment in Robert Lewis Teague's career and in the history of New York City television. He joined WNBC-TV, a move that positioned him as one of the city's very first black television journalists. This was a significant step in an era when representation in broadcast media was severely limited, and Teague’s presence on screen broke important barriers. Over the next three decades, he dedicated himself to the station, evolving through various crucial roles including reporter, anchorman, and producer. His long and impactful tenure at WNBC-TV saw him cover countless stories, report on critical events, and become a trusted face and voice for millions of New Yorkers. He retired from WNBC-TV in 1991, concluding a distinguished career that left an enduring legacy in journalism.

Frequently Asked Questions About Robert Lewis Teague

Who was Robert Lewis Teague?

Robert Lewis Teague (January 2, 1929 – March 28, 2013) was an African-American college football star and a pioneering television news reporter who became one of New York City's first black journalists at WNBC-TV.

Where did Robert Lewis Teague play college football?

He played college football at the University of Wisconsin–Madison.

What was Robert Lewis Teague's connection to "To Tell The Truth"?

In May 1961, while working for The New York Times, Teague appeared as an impostor on the night-time version of "To Tell The Truth," successfully fooling the panel by pretending to be an Air Force Judo instructor.

What was Robert Lewis Teague's impact on journalism?

He became one of New York City's first black television journalists when he joined WNBC-TV in 1963, serving as a reporter, anchorman, and producer for over three decades and breaking significant racial barriers in broadcast news.

When did Robert Lewis Teague retire from WNBC-TV?

Robert Lewis Teague retired from WNBC-TV in 1991.