50 Facts About Keith Morrison

Early Life and Education

Keith Morrison's journey to becoming a true crime icon began in Canada. His upbringing and early experiences shaped his future career in journalism.

1. Keith Morrison was born in Lloydminster, Canada, to a musically inclined household. His mother, Margaret, was a music teacher, and his father, Ernest, was a preacher. Morrison has four siblings and grew up in a family that valued education and community.

2. Initially, Morrison had planned to become a lawyer but found himself drawn to journalism after watching local news. This interest led him to pursue a career in broadcasting.

Career Beginnings

Morrison's career in journalism started in Canada, where he honed his skills before moving to the United States.

3. Morrison began his journalism career in Canada, working for CTV News and CBC News. He later moved to the United States in 1986 to join NBC affiliate KNBC, where he anchored the evening newscast.

4. In 1988, Morrison joined NBC News as a correspondent on the West Coast. This move marked the beginning of his long-term association with NBC, which would eventually lead him to become a key figure in "Dateline".

5. In 1992, Morrison returned to Canada to host a nationwide morning show. However, he soon returned to NBC to join "Dateline," where he has remained ever since.

Joining Dateline

Keith Morrison's tenure on "Dateline" has been marked by his unique storytelling style and his ability to connect with audiences.

6. Morrison joined "Dateline" in 1995, a year after the show's inception. His tenure on the show has been marked by his unique storytelling style and his ability to connect with audiences.

7. Morrison's reporting style is characterized by his deep, expressive baritone voice and his distinctive turn of phrase. He often uses poetic language to describe the events he covers, making his stories both compelling and memorable.

True Crime Genre

Despite initial reservations, Morrison found his niche in the true crime genre, becoming one of its most prominent figures.

8. Morrison initially had reservations about covering true crime stories, viewing them as "tabloid-y" and taking advantage of people's pain. However, he found himself drawn into the genre and has since become one of its most prominent figures.

9. Despite his reservations, Morrison has always shown empathy and compassion in his reporting. He believes that this emotional connection is crucial in helping victims and their families process their experiences.

10. Morrison's work on "Dateline" has significantly contributed to the popularity of the true crime genre. His stories often delve into the darkest aspects of human experiences, yet he maintains a sense of respect and dignity in his reporting.

Fan Following and Pop Culture Impact

Morrison's distinctive style and empathetic approach have earned him a dedicated fan base and a place in pop culture.

11. Morrison has a dedicated fan base, with many fans admiring his rugged, square-jawed face and his signature skinny jeans and Converse slip-ons. His fans often dress up in custom-made apparel featuring his image.

12. Celebrities like Taylor Swift, Lady Gaga, Kristen Bell, and Kristin Chenoweth have publicly expressed their admiration for "Dateline" and Morrison's work. This cross-over appeal has further solidified his status as a pop culture icon.

13. Morrison's distinctive voice and style have been parodied by comedian Bill Hader on "Saturday Night Live". Hader's impersonation has become a cultural reference point, further cementing Morrison's status as a cultural icon.

Podcasting and New Ventures

Keith Morrison has expanded his storytelling prowess into the world of podcasting, exploring new formats and deeper narratives.

14. In 2019, Morrison launched his own podcast, "The Thing About Pam", which explores a brutal murder and its subsequent consequences. This venture allowed him to delve deeper into storytelling and explore new formats.

15. Morrison has a deeply philosophical side, often pondering the deeper questions surrounding death and its impact on society. He has expressed a desire to interview figures like the Dalai Lama and the Pope, individuals who think deeply about life and its complexities.

Family Life

Behind the scenes, Morrison's family life is rich and supportive, providing a foundation for his demanding career.

16. Morrison is married to Suzanne Perry, a former press secretary to Canadian Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau. The couple has a blended family of six children, including Morrison's stepson Matthew Perry, known for his role in the TV show "Friends".

17. Morrison has spoken highly of his stepson Matthew Perry, describing him as intense, talented, and focused. Despite their complicated relationship, Morrison has nothing but positive things to say about Matthew.

Career Milestones

Throughout his career, Morrison has covered numerous high-profile cases that have left a lasting impact on public consciousness.

18. Over the years, Morrison has covered numerous high-profile cases, including the trials of Casey Anthony and Robert Durst. These stories have had a lasting impact on public consciousness and continue to be discussed decades later.

19. Morrison emphasizes the importance of respecting victims and their families. He believes that this respect is crucial in maintaining the dignity of those affected by crime.

20. Despite his empathetic nature, Morrison acknowledges the challenge of maintaining emotional distance in his line of work. He views his compassion as both a strength and a weakness, recognizing that journalists are supposed to remain impartial.

Influence and Legacy

Keith Morrison's influence extends beyond journalism into pop culture, leaving a lasting legacy.

21. Morrison describes the process of reporting on true crime as cathartic for both himself and the families involved. He believes that sharing these stories helps people process their pain and find closure.

22. Morrison's approach to true crime reporting has influenced many journalists. His ability to connect with audiences through storytelling has raised the bar for investigative journalism.

23. With over 50 years in the industry, Morrison is one of the longest-serving journalists in television news. His longevity is a testament to his dedication and adaptability.

24. Throughout his career, Morrison has received numerous awards for his work. His contributions to journalism have been recognized by both peers and the public.

25. Morrison's influence extends beyond journalism into pop culture. His name is often referenced in popular media, and his style has been parodied and imitated by comedians and actors.

Fan Engagement and Humor

Morrison's relationship with his fans and his sense of humor have further endeared him to audiences.

26. Fans of "Dateline" often engage with Morrison on social media, sharing their admiration for his work and personal life. This engagement has created a sense of community around his persona.

27. Morrison has demonstrated a sense of humor about himself, embracing parodies and spoofs of his persona. He has even spoofed his own character during a segment on Ellen DeGeneres' talk show.

28. In the early 1990s, Morrison appeared on the popular TV show "Seinfeld". In one episode, he played a newscaster reporting on Kramer, who was mistakenly suspected of being a serial killer.

Special Projects and Series

Morrison's work on special projects and series has highlighted his commitment to uncovering the truth behind complex cases.

29. In 2016, Morrison hosted a special on Investigation Discovery Channel that challenged facts in Netflix's documentary series "Making a Murderer." This special highlighted his ability to critically analyze complex cases.

30. Morrison also launched a four-part examination of wrongful convictions titled "In the Shadow of Justice" on NBC's "Dateline". This series underscored his commitment to uncovering the truth behind high-profile cases.

Distinctive Voice and Style

Morrison's deep, expressive voice and unique style have made him a standout figure in the true crime genre.

31. Morrison's deep, expressive voice is one of his most recognizable features. He often uses poetic language to describe the events he covers, making his stories both compelling and memorable.

32. Morrison is often described as a crossover artist, blending serious journalism with entertainment. His unique style has made him a standout figure in the true crime genre.

Insights from Colleagues

Those who have worked closely with Morrison offer valuable insights into his character and approach to journalism.

33. Producer Vincent Sturla has worked closely with Morrison for many years. He describes Morrison as having a great deal of empathy for people and being very sincere, much like Mr. Rogers of murder.

34. Morrison initially had reservations about covering true crime stories, viewing them as "tabloid-y" and taking advantage of people's pain. However, he found himself drawn into the genre and has since become one of its most prominent figures.

Philosophical Fascination

Morrison's fascination with philosophical questions surrounding death and its impact on society adds depth to his reporting.

35. Morrison is fascinated by philosophical questions surrounding death and its impact on society. He has expressed a desire to interview figures like the Dalai Lama and the Pope, individuals who think deeply about life and its complexities.

Family Support

Despite his demanding career, Morrison remains grounded by the unwavering support of his loving family.

36. Despite his demanding career, Morrison remains grounded by the unwavering support of his loving family. He cherishes his blended family of six children and the joy of four grandchildren.

Career Reflections

Morrison often reflects on his extraordinary career, noting how stories from decades ago still resonate with him.

37. In various interviews, Morrison has reflected on his extraordinary career, noting how often he finds himself musing on stories he may have done 25 years ago. This longevity is a testament to his dedication and adaptability.

Podcasting Evolution

Morrison's transition from television to podcasting allowed him to explore new storytelling formats.

38. In an interview with Vanity Fair, Morrison discussed his podcast series and how it allowed him to exercise new muscles in storytelling. He highlighted the longer-form nature of podcasts as an opportunity to present far more information than television allows.

39. Morrison's podcast "The Thing About Pam" explores a brutal murder and its subsequent consequences. This venture allowed him to delve deeper into storytelling and explore new formats.

Interviews and Insights

Morrison's interviews provide a deeper understanding of his background and approach to journalism.

40. In an interview with The Wrap, Morrison admitted that he was "dragged into" the true crime genre and initially did not embrace it enthusiastically. However, once he began covering these stories, he found them to be remarkable and interesting.

41. In an interview with GQ, Morrison shared his background and how he initially planned to become a lawyer. However, his tendency to get into trouble led him to pursue a career in journalism instead.

Memorable Moments

Morrison's career is filled with memorable moments that have shaped his approach to journalism.

42. Morrison recalled an unforgettable moment when he was expected to help guide an 80-something-year-old widow through her grief after a local farmer passed away. This experience made him realize that he shouldn't do this kind of work.

43. A neighbor who was a newspaper editor hired Morrison to be a reporter when he was inexperienced. This opportunity flourished, and Morrison became caught up in the intensity of the job as he took his first steps toward a career in journalism.

CrimeCon and Fan Interactions

Morrison's appearances at events like CrimeCon highlight his rock star status among true crime fans.

44. At CrimeCon, an annual convention for fans of real-life stories of murder and mayhem, Morrison received a rock star-worthy welcome. Fans were eager to explain why they admired him so much, describing him as the "Rolling Stones of true crime".

45. Some fans at CrimeCon came bearing gifts, such as pocket squares for Mankiewicz and a needlepoint rendering of Andrea Canning's white pants. These gifts highlighted the dedication and creativity of his fan base.

Humor and Celebrity Connections

Morrison's sense of humor and connections with celebrities add another layer to his public persona.

46. Morrison's transition from television to podcasting allowed him to explore new storytelling formats. He found podcasts to be a fun and engaging outlet for presenting more detailed information.

47. Morrison's comedy connections extend beyond his work on "Saturday Night Live". He has also appeared on Ellen DeGeneres' talk show, where he spoofed his own character in a humorous segment.

48. In the early 1990s, Morrison appeared on "Seinfeld" as a newscaster reporting on Kramer. This appearance was an accident in timing but has become a memorable moment in both his career and the show's history.

Philosophical Fascination

Morrison's fascination with philosophical questions surrounding death and its impact on society adds depth to his reporting.

49. Morrison is fascinated by philosophical questions surrounding death and its impact on society. He believes that these questions are crucial in understanding humanity and its complexities.

Legacy and Impact

Keith Morrison's legacy extends beyond his work on "Dateline." He has influenced many journalists and has become a cultural icon in the true crime genre.

50. Keith Morrison's legacy extends beyond his work on "Dateline". He has influenced many journalists and has become a cultural icon in the true crime genre. His dedication to storytelling and his ability to connect with audiences have left a lasting impact on the world of journalism and beyond.

Keith Morrison: A True Crime Legend

Keith Morrison's career is nothing short of legendary. From his early days in Canadian journalism to becoming a household name on "Dateline," he's captivated audiences with his unique storytelling style and deep, expressive voice. His empathy and compassion shine through in every story, making even the darkest tales resonate with viewers. Morrison's influence extends beyond journalism into pop culture, with celebrity fans and parodies cementing his iconic status. His work has not only shaped the true crime genre but also set a high standard for investigative journalism. With over 50 years in the industry, Morrison's dedication and adaptability have left an indelible mark. Whether through TV or podcasts, his ability to connect with audiences and tell compelling stories ensures his legacy will endure. Keith Morrison isn't just a journalist; he's a true crime legend.