By Deborah Bailey,
AFRO DC Editor
Longtime WUSA Anchor and fixture in the DC Community, Bruce Johnson, 71 died on April 3 of heart failure at a hospital in Delaware.
His wife, Lori, posted news of Johnson’s passing on her Facebook page Sunday night, asking the public to respect their request for privacy.
Johnson anchored the news at WUSA9 for 44 years before retiring in 2020, according to the station. Tributes are pouring in acknowledging Johnson’s outsized role in the Washington DC community he called home.
“Like many Washingtonians, he’s been a part of my life since I was a little girl, delivering the news and giving voice to DC residents. I’m heartbroken. Rest In heaven,” tweeted DC Mayor Muriel Bowser.
“Bruce was an icon that touched the lives of many Washingtonians, memories of Bruce’s professionalism and care for the community will be remembered,” tweeted Ward Five Councilmember, Kenyon McDuffie.
“Bruce Johnson was one of the greats! Trusted by all and a leader in local TV news for so many years. He was so respected. He will be so missed!” Paul Strauss, Shadow Senator, said District of Columbia.
“Bruce Johnson was a wonderful human. The man! He was D.C.! Bruce loved his family, journalism, us, this city,” Lorenzo Hall, tweeted WUSA Anchor.
Johnson won 22 Emmy awards over his career and the prestigious Ted Yates Award and Board of Governors Award by the DC chapter of the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences (NATAS).
He was the author of three books: “Heart to Heart,” “All or Nothing” and his most recently published book “Surviving Deep Waters,” published in February 2022.
Fans and admirers are already stopping by the image of Johnson at Ben’s Chili Bowl, where his likeness was added to the restaurant’s iconic mural in 2017.
Johnson is survived by his wife, Lori, three children — Brandon, Kurshanna and Carolyn — and three grandsons.
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