Howard K. Smith: Movies & Box Office

**Howard K. Smith** (*May 12, 1914 – February 15, 2002*) was a prominent American journalist whose career spanned six decades, encompassing roles as a war correspondent, radio reporter, television news anchor, political commentator, and occasional film actor. *Born* in Ferriday, Louisiana, he entered journalism after college, working for the New Orleans Item, United Press in London, and The New York Times before joining CBS in 1940 under Edward R. Murrow. His early fame derived from his daring coverage of Nazi Germany, where he reported from Berlin, interviewed Adolf Hitler, Heinrich Himmler and Joseph Goebbels, and later authored the bestseller *Last Train from Berlin*, a vivid eyewitness account of wartime Berlin. As a core member of the Murrow Boys, Smith helped cement CBS’s dominance in broadcast news and returned to Berlin in 1945 to cover the German surrender.

In the post‑war era Smith became CBS’s chief European correspondent, traveled behind the Iron Curtain, and published *The State of Europe* (1949), a critical survey of both American and Soviet policies. After a contentious stint at CBS that ended with his suspension over the civil‑rights documentary *Who Speaks for Birmingham?*, he joined ABC in 1962, co‑anchoring the Evening News and moderating high‑profile debates such as the Buckley‑Vidal series. Known for his staunch anti‑communist stance and early support of the Vietnam War, he later shifted, becoming the first national commentator to call for Nixon’s resignation during Watergate. Smith accumulated numerous honors, including two DuPont Awards and the Paul White Award, and appeared in films such as *The Best Man* (1964) and *Network* (1976). He married Danish reporter Benedicte Traberg in 1942, fathered two children—including ABC correspondent Jack Smith—and remained active in broadcasting until his retirement in 2000.