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Monica Kaufman-Pearson, known for her various hairstyle changes over the years, announced that she will be retiring after 37 years on the Atlanta airways as a Channel 2 Action News Anchor.
“I’ve earned the right to rest,” Kaufman told viewers at about 4:12 p.m. “No more breaking news. No more working on holidays.”
“I will miss you the viewers.”
Pearson, ends her television career just a few months after Oprah Winfrey ceremoniously called it quits on her show as well.
I know you’re like, ‘why bring up Oprah?’… well did you know that Kaufman actually beat out Winfrey for the WSB Anchor position?
Oprah never let her forget it either! I swear… it’s true! I even have video proof!
Details…
VIDEO: Monica Beat Out Oprah For WSB Job
Kaufman spoke in the video above about how she originally worked in Louisville, Kentucky and applied for the WSB-TV Anchor gig. Two other people were up for the job, Oprah Winfrey and Jane Pauley (Dateline NBC).
Monica says she always wondered what would have happened had she not got the job and revealed that Oprah later gave her “holy hell” about stealing her position. Monica’s response?
With all the blessings you have, you are TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED! So I don’t even wanna hear it.
You got EVERYTHING you want!
In a full circle moment, Kaufman also interviewed Oprah back in 1986, when O’s show had been picked up by Channel 2.
VIDEO: Monica Kaufman Interviews Oprah Winfrey (1986)
According to the AJC, Monica says that she plans to write a book, go to grad school and work on a travel website.
When she announced her retirement yesterday afternoon, Pearson joked to co-anchor Justin Farmer that not only did she work with his father Don, but also noted: “I’m old enough to be your mama!”
And you know what… she’s right!
We’ve watched Monica Kaufman Pearson on WSB for as long as I can remember and while we all joked about her hairstyle choices, her professionalism was never in question.
Pearson’s final day will be July 25.
[Flashback: I sat in Monica's chair once when I worked at the Lottery... seems like a gazillion years ago!]
ATLien circa: 2004
You’ve been an inspiration to many Monica and I wish you all the joy and happiness life can bring.
FULL PHOTO GALLERY
Truly a class act… She will be sorely missed!
A Class Act!! Other journalist should take notes and try to represent!!!
We are going to miss her. Now its time to pass the reigns to the next… Thanks for the years Mrs. Pearson!
Job well done Monica. We will miss you. I can’t help but to think about that video you posted with the many hairdo’s. Also, congrats to Jovita Moore.
Tear…the end of an Era
[...] Reporter who beat out Oprah for her job retires after 37 years – Straight from the A [...]
Best wishes to you Mrs. Monica Kaufman Pearson, I raised my daughter watching you truly enjoyed your professionalism, style and witt. You will be missed. I’m currently on acitve duty away from the ATL, but my daughter took the time to share your departure with me. And you think they are not listing….
You mean a lot to all of us, remember that and enjoy your next adventure.
July 25? Why make the announcement so early?
F&CK OPRAH! She was hitting on sh%t 37 years ago. Monica is the BEST at what she does. I love Monica and I will miss her. I have met her several times and she’s a very nice lady.
Wow!! That’s great she is very classy!! I love that blonde hair n will miss it the most
A very class act in her own right. Much admired, much respected and will be very missed. Congratulations to her on her retirement! Enjoy your family, Miss Monica!
HMMM, I HOPE ITS NOT B/C F HER HEALTH. I WISH HER THE BEST AND SHE CONTINUES TO BE HEALTHY S SHE CAN ENJOY HER RETIREMENT……JENNY JONES!!!!
She beat both Oprah & Katie Courik for the job!! Can u say WOW!!!!
No 1 duz it betta dan Monica! Not News, n not Interviews!!! I will Sorely miss dis Beautiful(Inside n Out!) Lady, all her many funny Hairdo’$ n Don’ts, n mostly, dat Genuine Smile!!! I rememba Wen She use 2Cum 2″Wild Cherry’s Where I Worked on Campbellton Rd!!!She’s Real People!!!Scarface Ma™~Gina in A~Town! Her Town!!!
I been watching Monica for 8 years im gone miss her