Lu Parker Biography
Lu Parker is an American Emmy and Genesis Award-winning journalist, Miss USA 1994 winner, animal rights advocate, and motivational speaker. She currently co-anchors the KTLA 5 News at 11 am, 1:00 pm, and 3:00 pm. Prior to joining KTLA 5, she worked at KENS 5’s Great Day SA, San Antonio’s top-rated live entertainment morning show.
Parker attended the College of Charleston where she became a sister of Alpha Delta Pi and received a Bachelor of Arts degree in English. She was later named Alumnus of the Year. Lu went further to pursue a Master of Arts degree in Education from The Citadel.
After her graduation, Lu taught English literature at North Charleston High School. She is a recipient of the Order of the Palmetto, the highest civilian honor given in the state of South Carolina. In addition, she has been recognized in the South Carolina Congressional Record twice as an outstanding South Carolinian.
Parker started her broadcasting career at WCSC-Tv in Charleston, South Carolina, where she was an education reporter and fill-in anchor. After her break from pageantry, Parker got back to television, working as a weekend anchor and reporter for KABB TV, in San Antonio. She was later promoted to the main anchor in 2000.
Starting in February 2003, Lu became the host of KENS 5’s “Great Day SA”, San Antonio’s top-rated live entertainment morning show.
Lu Parker KTLA
Parker joined KTLA in January 2005, working alongside Frank Buckley, co-anchoring KTLA’s “KTLA Prime News” on weekends. In 2007, She started co-anchoring the weekday “KTLA Morning News” at 5:00 A.M and 6:00 A.M. with Cher Calvin. Currently, she co-anchors the KTLA 5 News at 11 a.m., 1 p.m., and 3 p.m.
Parker has won six Emmy awards for her work in the television broadcast field. She has also been honored with two Genesis Awards from the Humane Society United States for her outstanding reporting and creative portrayals of animal protection issues, including investigations into puppy mills, elephant abuse, and beagle lab testing.
During her tenure, Lu has interviewed notable celebrities including Bradley Cooper, Aretha Franklin, Matt Damon, Barbra Streisand, and Kanye West. In addition, to her KTLA anchoring roles, Parker has appeared on scripted television shows such as ABC’s “Scandal,” TNT’s “Major Crimes,” and NBC’s “Days of Our Lives.”
Prior to starting her broadcasting career, Lu was a 9th-grade English Literature teacher. While teaching, she also managed to capture both the 1994 Miss South Carolina USA and Miss USA titles. Moreover, she was placed fourth in the Miss Universe Pageant.
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After winning the Miss USA title, Parker relocated to Los Angeles, where she had a stay of a year, touring the world and making hundreds of appearances. She is an enthusiastic traveler and has visited over 20 countries getting a chance to meet dignitaries such as Prince William and Kate Middleton and presidents Barack Obama and Bill Clinton. While on a trip to South Africa, Parker had the chance to discuss human and animal rights during visits with Nelson Mandela and animal advocate Jane Goodall.
In 2018, Parker founded the lifestyle media brand Be Kind & Co, a company committed to creating experiences, story-driven content, and digital products that bring people together for the bigger purpose of spreading kindness. In 2021, the company launched a line of apparel that she describes as “merchandise with a message.”
When not on the screens, Lu is an advocate for homeless animals. In this connection, she established Lu Parker in 2010, a non-profit organization dedicated to helping homeless animals and at-risk teenagers through community projects and education. She lives in Los Angeles with her 98-pound rescue dog Moose.
Lu Parker Age
How old is Lu Parker? Parker is 55 years old as of 2023. She was born Frances Louise Parker on April 16, 1968, in Anderson, South Carolina, the United States of America. In addition, she celebrates her birthday on April 16th every year and her birth sign is Aries.
Lu Parker Husband
Parker is currently single. She was dating Antonio Villaraigosa, Mayor of Los Angeles from March 2009 to May 2012. Since their split, Lu has not shown any interest in another relationship.
Lu Parker Family
Parker was born and raised in Anderson, South Carolina. However, she has not disclosed any details about her parents. It is also not known whether she has any siblings.
Lu Parker Height
Parker stands at a height of 5 feet 9 inches (1.75 m) tall.
Lu Parker Net Worth
Parker has an estimated net worth of approximately $1 million – $6 million. Her income is primarily earned through her career as a journalist.
Lu Parker Salary
Parker receives an estimated annual salary ranging from $55,509 – $145,465.