Willard Scott

Willard Scott was best known as the perennially smiling face on NBC's "The Today Show" (NBC, 1952-) celebrating the birthdays of centenarians around the country. Born on March 7, 1934 in Alexandria, VA, Scott was interested in radio and broadcasting from a very young age. While studying philosophy and religion at American University, Scott was the voice of the college's radio station, WAMU-AM, alongside fellow classmate Ed Walker. The pair would become giants on DC radio when they helmed their own radio show, "Joy Boys," from 1955 to 1972. The popular beltway program ran on WRC-AM until 1972, when it switched over to WWDC for a final two-year run. Scott also occasionally appeared on local DC television, playing parts such as Bozo the Clown and Commander Retro, even becoming the first actor to portray Ronald McDonald on televised ads for McDonald's. Scott began working as a weekday weatherman in 1970, for WRC-TV. In 1980, the big leagues called: Scott was offered the weatherman position recently vacated by Bob Ryan on "The Today Show." Scott's trademark, wishing centenarians a happy birthday on air, first began in 1983 after a request from a viewer. In 1996, Scott relinquished many of his "Today Show" duties to incoming weatherman Al Roker, but still popped up every episode to wish a happy birthday to those turning 100 years young on any given day. On December 15, 2015, Scott officially retired from "The Today Show" after 35 years.