22 Facts About Ron Hendren

Ralph Connolly Hendren was a journalist and television personality.

Ron Hendren was best known as one of the original hosts of Entertainment Tonight, joining the syndicated television show at its debut in 1981.

Ron Hendren transferred to a journalism career with a self-syndicated news column in 1972, which was picked up and distributed nationally as Ron Hendren In Washington by the Los Angeles Times Syndicate.

Ron Hendren joined the Today Show in 1979, becoming the first on-air network television critic in the United States.

Ron Hendren joined Entertainment Tonight in 1981 while at the same time continuing a daily local commentary on KNBC News.

Ron Hendren attended the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill where he majored in journalism and political science.

Ron Hendren was named North Carolina's outstanding young leader of 1963 and graduated as a Whitaker Scholar.

Ron Hendren moved to Washington DC after graduating in 1967.

Ron Hendren later went on to attend The George Washington University Law School, but left prior to graduating.

Ron Hendren's career was initially transitioning into the world of politics.

Ron Hendren was a member of President Richard Nixon's Youth Advisory Council on Selective Service in 1969.

Ron Hendren went on to become a staff aide to the Hon.

Ron Hendren became known for his journalism by the mid-1970s with his nationally syndicated newspaper column.

Ron Hendren subsequently joined KQED, the public television station in San Francisco as a commentator, for which he won a regional Emmy in 1978.

In 1979, Ron Hendren joined the Today Show as its resident television critic, making him the first on-air network television critic in the United States.

Part of Ron Hendren's responsibilities included reviewing programming for the networks, including NBC's own programming.

Ron Hendren was considered a pioneer for on-air television critics, providing both positive and negative reviews for his own network.

Ron Hendren was replaced on the Today Show in 1980, in a move said to change its programming closer to its competitor Good Morning America.

Ron Hendren joined Entertainment Tonight as its original co-host in 1981.

Ron Hendren hosted the show first with Tom Hallick and Marjorie Wallace, then with Dixie Whatley and, finally with Mary Hart from 1982 through 1984.

Ron Hendren hosted and co-executive produced the award-winning national public television program BreakThrough: Television's Journal of Science and Medicine, which aired on more than 200 stations and won 13 national awards in its first and only season.

Ron Hendren was survived by his wife of 46 years, Jeanne Hendren; daughter Holly Baldivieso and son Ian Hendren; along with grandson Isaac Hendren.