Who Was Russell Baker? Pulitzer-Winning Journalist Dead At 93, Reactions Pour In

Multiple Pulitzer Prize winning journalist and bestselling author Russell Baker died Monday. He was 93 years. The exact reason for his death, though not yet known, is thought to be from injuries sustained during a recent fall, his son said.

He was associated with New York Times, where he wrote for its Observer column for 36 years. From 1992 to 2004, Baker hosted CBS’ drama anthology television series "Masterpiece Theatre".

After starting his journalism career in 1947 with The Baltimore Sun, as a police reporter, Baker won his first Pulitzer in 1979 for his commentary and three years later in 1982, received a second Pulitzer prize for his autobiography "Growing Up", in which he wrote about his childhood days, growing up during the Great Depression (1929-1939).

Born on Aug. 14, 1925 in Morrisonville, Virginia, Baker was raised in Baltimore, Maryland. He graduated in 1942 from Baltimore City College. He had also enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1943 and served the nation during World War II.

Baker married Miriam Nash in 1950 and the couple had four kids together. His wife died in 2015.

Meanwhile, following his death, reactions poured in from fellow journalists and friends.

His son Allen Baker said the family couldn’t have asked for a better father.

“He was a tender and loving man to his family. … He was just a Regular Joe with an extraordinary job.”

Elizabeth Drew said Baker wrote like a dream, while complimenting his idealist nature.

The Wall Street Journal reporter Gordon Lubold said “Growing Up” was his first favorite autobiography.

Susan Glasser tweeted it was her family tradition to read Baker’s column.

Carl MacGowan said, “Russell Baker's sweet southern-style satire was one of the best things about 1970s-80s journalism, a perfect antidote to an era of shameless political shenanigans. RIP, Russell.”