Biography:
Natalie Morales-Rhodes is an accomplished American journalist who has made a significant impact in the world of broadcasting. Born on June 6, 1972, in Taiwan, she has spent over two decades in the field, working for major news networks and becoming a familiar face in American households.
Morales was born to a Brazilian mother, Penelope, and a Puerto Rican father, Lieutenant Colonel Mario Morales, Jr. Throughout her childhood, she had the opportunity to live in different countries due to her father’s military service. She spent her formative years in Panama, Brazil, and Spain, in addition to the United States. Growing up as a U.S. Air Force brat, Morales developed a multicultural and multilingual background, speaking both Spanish and Portuguese.
After completing her high school education at Caesar Rodney High School in Camden, Delaware, in 1990, Morales pursued higher education at Rutgers University. She successfully obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree, majoring in Journalism & Media Studies and Latin American Studies. Her academic achievements were acknowledged by her induction into Phi Beta Kappa, a prestigious honors society. Morales graduated summa cum laude, showcasing her commitment to excellence.
Morales kickstarted her career in the banking industry, working at Chase Bank before realizing her true passion lay in journalism. She joined News 12 – The Bronx as their first morning anchor, making her mark as the network’s first news director, Roberto Soto, and working alongside notable studio directors Tom D’Elia, Brian Webb, Darryl Stith, and David Rein. Morales displayed her versatility by also working as a camera operator, editor, and producer. Subsequently, she secured a position as a weekend anchor and reporter, as well as a morning co-anchor, at WVIT-TV in Hartford, Connecticut. During her time there, Morales covered significant events such as the Columbine shootings, Hurricane Floyd, the 2000 Presidential election, and the September 11, 2001 attacks. Additionally, she co-hosted and reported for the Emmy-nominated documentary Save Our Sound, a collaboration with WNBC dedicated to preserving the Long Island Sound.
In recognition of her outstanding news coverage and reports, Morales was named one of the 50 Most Influential Latinas in 1999 by the Hispanic daily newspaper El Diario La Prensa. Her contributions to the field were further acknowledged when she became both an anchor and correspondent for MSNBC from 2002 to 2006. Morales was honored as one of Hispanic Magazine’s Top Trendsetters in 2003.
As her career trajectory continued to rise, Morales joined the Today show in 2006 as a national correspondent. Her journalistic skills and on-screen presence captivated viewers, leading her to be named co-anchor of the third hour of the show in March 2008. With her warm and approachable demeanor, Morales became a beloved figure on the popular morning show, delivering news and stories that resonated with audiences across the nation.
After an impressive 22-year tenure at NBC News, Morales embarked on a new chapter in her career. In August 2016, following the Rio Summer Olympics, she relocated to Los Angeles, where she assumed the role of the West Coast anchor of Today. Additionally, Morales became the host of Access Hollywood and Access Hollywood Live, stepping into the shoes of Billy Bush. Simultaneously, she continued her work as a correspondent for Dateline, showcasing her versatility and adaptability as a journalist. Morales expanded her television presence even further by hosting the Reelz series Behind Closed Doors with Natalie Morales.
Throughout her career, Morales has been known for her dedication to delivering news with integrity and empathy. Her ability to connect with viewers on a personal level has solidified her as a respected and trusted journalist. She has served as a role model for aspiring journalists, particularly women, inspiring them to break barriers and make their mark in the industry.