Elizabeth Vargas | Biography

• By Priyanka Das
• Original : April 20, 2025

Who is Elizabeth Vargas?

Elizabeth Vargas, born on September 6, 1962, in Paterson, New Jersey, is a prominent American broadcast journalist celebrated for her extensive career with ABC News. After graduating with a journalism degree from the University of Missouri, she began her professional journey at a CBS affiliate in Chicago before moving to NBC News, where she contributed to shows like "Dateline" and "Today." In 1996, Vargas joined ABC, making her mark as an anchor for "Good Morning America" and later becoming the co-anchor of "20/20," where she reported on significant global issues and breaking news events, distinguishing herself as the first female evening news anchor of Latin descent among major networks.

Throughout her career, Vargas has been lauded for her journalistic integrity and the depth of her reporting, covering high-profile stories such as the Laci Peterson and Amanda Knox cases. In 2016, she bravely shared her personal struggles with alcohol and anxiety during a "20/20" segment, which led to the release of her memoir, "Between Breaths: A Memoir of Panic and Addiction." The book became a New York Times Best Seller, reflecting her desire to shed light on her journey and inspire others. After announcing her departure from ABC in December 2017, Vargas pursued new endeavors, including hosting investigative series for A+E Networks, continuing her legacy in the field of journalism.

Early Life and Education

Elizabeth Anne Vargas was born on September 6, 1962, in Paterson, New Jersey, to a family with cultural roots from both Puerto Rico and Ireland. Her father, Rafael Vargas, served as a U.S. Army colonel, which exposed Elizabeth to a diverse and dynamic upbringing. This multicultural background has played a significant role in shaping her perspective as a journalist. Elizabeth's mother, Anne Vargas, contributed to her understanding of different social paradigms, providing a well-rounded environment where she could grow and develop a strong sense of identity.

Vargas pursued her passion for journalism by attending the University of Missouri, where she earned a degree in this field. Her educational background became the foundation for her successful career in broadcasting. The University of Missouri, renowned for its journalism program, equipped Vargas with the skills and knowledge necessary to excel in the fast-paced world of news reporting. This academic experience proved invaluable as she launched into her professional journey, leading her to notable positions at prestigious networks like NBC and ABC.

Journalism Career: From NBC to ABC

Elizabeth Vargas's journalism career took flight at NBC News after she honed her skills at a CBS affiliate in Chicago. Joining NBC in 1993, she became a familiar face on prominent shows like "Dateline" and "Today". Her dynamic presence and journalistic credibility paved the way for her transition to ABC in 1996. As a news anchor for "Good Morning America", Vargas had the opportunity to work alongside celebrated journalists such as Joan Lunden, gaining invaluable experience that would bolster her subsequent roles.

In 2002, Vargas's career continued to ascend at ABC, where she earned several promotions, ultimately co-anchoring "20/20". Her tenure included covering some of the most significant events of the era, from the tragic 9/11 attacks to the deaths of cultural icons. Vargas became not only the first female evening news anchor of Latin descent in the major networks but also a trusted voice during breaking news events. Her diverse reporting subjects would capture viewer attention and showcase her commitment to in-depth journalism, making her an influential figure at ABC News.

Special Reports and Notable Coverage

During her illustrious career at ABC News, Elizabeth Vargas established herself as a formidable investigative journalist, covering an array of critical stories that resonated deeply with the public. Her notable coverage includes high-profile cases such as the tragic murder of Laci Peterson, the brutal killing of Matthew Shepard, and the complexities surrounding Amanda Knox's conviction and subsequent release. These stories not only showcased her ability to tackle difficult subjects but also reflected her commitment to uncovering the truth in challenging circumstances. Vargas earned recognition for her impactful reporting, which often highlighted significant cultural and social issues that affected diverse communities.

In addition to these cases, Vargas reported on significant global events, such as the plight of Christian refugees fleeing ISIS in Iraq and the heartbreaking stories of Cambodian orphans adopted without parental consent. Perhaps one of her most notable reports was on the highly publicized immigration case of Elián González, which garnered considerable media attention and led to her receiving an Emmy Award in 1999. Vargas's dedication to investigative journalism reflects her belief in the importance of bringing underreported stories to light, ensuring that victims’ voices are heard, and pressing for accountability in the face of injustice. Through her work, she has not only informed the public but also sparked vital conversations on pressing societal issues.

Departure from ABC and New Ventures

In December 2017, after a remarkable 14-year tenure as co-anchor of the flagship news program 20/20, Elizabeth Vargas announced her departure from ABC. This decision marked the end of an era, as Vargas had become synonymous with the network's news coverage, representing a significant voice in American journalism. ABC News president James Goldston praised her extraordinary contributions, noting her ability to navigate major breaking news stories and her historic role as one of the few women to serve as a prominent evening news anchor. Vargas’s departure was not just a personal transition; it also solidified her legacy within the landscape of broadcast journalism.

Following her exit from ABC, Vargas embarked on a new chapter in her career that focused on investigative journalism. In April 2018, it was announced that she would front multiple investigative stories for A+E Networks’ nonfiction series, A&E Investigates. This new venture allowed Vargas to harness her extensive experience and storytelling skills to engage with deeper social issues. Her transition into this role exemplified her commitment to impactful journalism while also providing her a platform to address significant societal concerns through thoughtful investigations. As she moved forward, Vargas continued to inspire audiences with her resilience and dedication to uncovering the truth.

Personal Life: Married Life and Children

Elizabeth Vargas married Grammy Award-winning folk musician Marc Cohn in 2002, marking a significant chapter in her personal life. The couple enjoyed a union that encompassed both their successful careers in media and music, creating a dynamic partnership often highlighted in public appearances. However, after over a decade of marriage, their relationship faced difficulties, leading to their divorce in 2014. Despite the challenges, Vargas has publicly spoken about the importance of maintaining a healthy co-parenting dynamic, ensuring that their children feel loved and supported amidst the changes.

Together, Vargas and Cohn have two sons, Zachary Raphael and Samuel Wyatt, born in 2003 and 2006, respectively. Elizabeth has frequently expressed how much her children mean to her, emphasizing her commitment to balancing her demanding career with motherhood. She has shared insights into the joys and challenges of raising her boys, often intertwining her professional insights with personal anecdotes. Her dedication to her family and her children has undoubtedly played a significant role in shaping her resilience and strength throughout her public struggles and accomplishments.

Net Worth and Earning: Salary Insights

Elizabeth Vargas has enjoyed a successful career in broadcast journalism, with a net worth estimated to be in the range of $5 million. Her earnings reflect her extensive experience and high-profile roles at major networks, particularly her 14-year tenure at ABC as a co-anchor of "20/20." During her time at ABC, Vargas earned a substantial salary, reportedly in the range of $2 million annually. This figure is consistent with other prominent network news anchors, highlighting her status in the industry.

Aside from her television roles, Vargas has diversified her income streams through various projects, including her memoir "Between Breaths: A Memoir of Panic and Addiction," which became a New York Times Best Seller. The success of her book likely contributed to her overall earnings. Additionally, her production deal with A+E Networks for the investigative series “A&E Investigates” in 2018 marked another significant leap in her career, indicating her ability to leverage her brand and personal experiences into profitable ventures.