Tom Snyder, a prominent American television and radio personality known for his late-night talk shows and news anchoring, died on Sunday, July 29, 2007, in San Francisco at the age of 71. His death resulted from complications associated with leukemia.

Early Life and Career Beginnings

Thomas James Snyder was born on May 12, 1936, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, to Frank and Marie Snyder. His heritage included German, Dutch, and Irish roots. Snyder received a Roman Catholic upbringing, attending St. Agnes Elementary School and graduating from the Jesuit-run Marquette University High School. He later attended Marquette University, graduating in 1959 with a major in journalism. Snyder had initially planned to study medicine and become a doctor, but his passion for radio led him to change his field of study to journalism. He began his career as a radio reporter at WRIT.

In 1965, Snyder, alongside Marciarose Shestack, made television history by anchoring the country's first noon news show. This program was broadcast from the Eyewitness News studios in Philadelphia. In the 1970s and early 1980s, Snyder also served as the pioneer anchor of the prime time NBC News Update, a one-minute capsule of news updates.

Late-Night Television Prominence

Snyder gained national attention in the 1970s as the host of NBC's late-night talk show, Tomorrow, which followed Johnny Carson's Tonight Show from 1973 to 1982. His style was characterized by a personal yet abrasive approach, a robust laugh, and a visible cloud of cigarette smoke. The show's set was sparsely appointed, and Snyder was known for both joking with his crew and jousting with guests.

During his tenure on Tomorrow, Snyder conducted several notable interviews. He hosted John Lennon's final televised interview in April 1975 and U2's first U.S. television appearance in June 1981. Other memorable interviews included one with Charles Manson, who alternated between calm and "wild-eyed, insanity-spouting" behavior. The show also featured unusual moments, such as Plasmatics lead singer Wendy O. Williams blowing up a TV in the studio and later demolishing a car. Another instance involved Johnny Rotten, who was reportedly not in the mood to be on a talk show, leading to "an excruciating 12 minutes of airtime."

In 1982, Tomorrow was canceled following an attempt to reformat it into a talk-variety show called Tomorrow Coast to Coast. This reformat introduced a live audience and co-hostess Rona Barrett, elements Snyder reportedly "disdained." The time slot was subsequently taken over by David Letterman.

Snyder later hosted The Late Late Show on CBS in the 1990s. Peter Lassally, who executive produced The Late Late Show when Snyder was host, described him as "a true broadcaster, a rare thing. When he was on the air, he made the camera disappear. It was just you and him, in a room together, having a talk."

Industry Tributes and Legacy

Mike Horowicz, Snyder's longtime producer and friend, confirmed his death to The Associated Press on Monday, July 30, 2007, stating that Snyder "was a fighter" who had "tried many different treatments."

CBS issued a statement mourning Snyder's loss, calling him "one of the best interviewers of his time, a truly gifted conversationalist who was at ease with any guest and topic." The network added that Snyder "created a talk show that was simply about talking and listening" and that "television has lost a true broadcaster who always respected the medium and the audience it serves."

Jeff Zucker, President/CEO of NBC Universal, also offered condolences, describing Snyder as "a news anchor, talk-show host, innovator, star." Zucker noted that the description that would have meant the most to Snyder was "that he was a great broadcaster."

Snyder was married to Mary Ann Bendel from 1958 until their divorce in 2000. He was active in broadcasting from 1955 to 2005.

Key Facts

  • Tom Snyder died on Sunday, July 29, 2007, in San Francisco at the age of 71.
  • His death was due to complications associated with leukemia.
  • Snyder co-anchored the first noon news show in the country in 1965 from Philadelphia.
  • He hosted NBC's late-night talk show Tomorrow from 1973 to 1982.
  • Snyder also hosted The Late Late Show on CBS in the 1990s.
  • Notable interviews on Tomorrow included John Lennon, U2, Charles Manson, and Johnny Rotten.