Leslie Sykes Biography
Leslie Sykes is a retired American television journalist, news anchor, and reporter who made a name for herself during her impressive tenure at KABC-TV in Los Angeles. She was the cherished morning co-anchor of Eyewitness News This Morning until her retirement on September 23, 2025, wrapping up over thirty years with ABC’s Los Angeles station.
After completing her college education, Sykes kicked off her journalism journey in print as a general assignment reporter for the now-closed Los Angeles Herald-Examiner. She then gained invaluable broadcast experience through an internship at KCOP-TV, which led to a desk assistant position in the news department at KTTV, where she got to grips with the basics of television news production.
Her first chance to shine on air came at WDAM-TV in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, where she quickly showcased her adaptability. Sykes covered local news, anchored three daily newscasts, and even produced a newscast, diving into nearly every facet of television journalism. She then moved on to WVUE-TV in New Orleans, Louisiana, marking her entry into a major television market and solidifying her reputation as a skilled broadcaster.
In December 1994, Sykes made her way back to her hometown of Los Angeles to join KABC-TV as a general assignment reporter for Eyewitness News. Her sharp reporting skills, professionalism, and engaging on-camera presence quickly won over both viewers and colleagues, leading to a series of well-deserved promotions.
In 1998, WBBM-TV in Chicago tried to lure Sykes away as its lead female weekend anchor. However, despite the tempting offer, she decided to stay in Los Angeles, reaffirming her dedication to KABC-TV and the Southern California audience she had grown to love.
In June 1999, Sykes took a big step up when she was promoted to co-anchor the weekend editions of Eyewitness News. Fast forward a decade, and she was taking on even more significant roles, stepping in as co-anchor for the station’s 11 a.m. and noon newscasts. She also joined the team on Eyewitness News This Morning, quickly becoming a familiar and trusted face for morning viewers all over the region.
Then, on September 23, 2025, Leslie Sykes officially signed off from the Eyewitness News anchor desk, marking the end of an incredible broadcasting career that spanned over 30 years at KABC-TV. Her retirement closed a remarkable chapter in Los Angeles television journalism, leaving behind a legacy filled with credibility, warmth, and a deep commitment to serving the community through reliable news coverage.
Leslie Sykes Age
How old is Leslie? She is 61 years old as of 2026. Leslie was born on June 27, 1965, in San Diego, California, in the United States of America. Besides, she commends her birthday on 27th June each year.
Leslie Sykes Education
Leslie was enrolled and graduated from St. Joseph High School. She later joined and graduated from Spelman College with a bachelor’s degree in English. While in College, Leslie launched her film known as Miss Mission in Spike Lee’s 1088 film, School Daze.
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Leslie Sykes Nationality
Leslie is of American nationality and citizenship. In addition, Leslie was born and raised in San Diego, California, in the United States of America. Besides, she belongs to the white heritage.
Leslie Sykes Height | Measurements
Approximately Sykes stands at a height of 5 feet 7 inches (Approx. 1.70 m) tall, as Sykes is a woman of average stature. However, she has not shared her other body measurements in the public domain.
Leslie Sykes Family | Parents
Leslie was born and raised in San Diego, California, in the United States under the loving care and support of her mother Sylvia Mae Thierry Sykes, and her father Abel Baxton Sykes Jr. Besides, she was raised along with her two older sisters Dawn Carol Sykes and Daphne Grace Sykes. In addition, her father served as an administrator at Compton Community College. Furthermore, Dawn Sykes serves as a Choral Director and Music Educator at Milton Public Schools based in Cambridge, Massachusetts.
Leslie Sykes Husband | Children | Partner
Leslie is happily married to her beloved and caring husband Patrick W. Spann. Besides, the pair shares a son whose identity has not been revealed yet. In addition, the family lives in the View Park-Windsor Hills neighborhood of Los Angeles.
Leslie Sykes Salary
She received quite an impressive amount from serving as an anchor and reporter for ABC7 Eyewitness News. Therefore, she earned an annual average salary of $100,000.
Leslie Sykes’s Net Worth
Being one of the best anchors and reporters who worked at ABC7 Eyewitness News, she has managed to accumulate a decent wealth. Therefore, her estimated net worth is $3 million. You May Also Like: Coleen Sullivan
Leslie Sykes | Retired | ABC7 News
Leslie Sykes is a retired American television journalist, news anchor, and reporter who made a name for herself during her impressive tenure at KABC-TV in Los Angeles. She was the cherished morning co-anchor of Eyewitness News This Morning until her retirement on September 23, 2025, wrapping up over thirty years with ABC’s Los Angeles station.
After completing her college education, Sykes kicked off her journalism journey in print as a general assignment reporter for the now-closed Los Angeles Herald-Examiner. She then gained invaluable broadcast experience through an internship at KCOP-TV, which led to a desk assistant position in the news department at KTTV, where she got to grips with the basics of television news production.
Her first chance to shine on air came at WDAM-TV in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, where she quickly showcased her adaptability. Sykes covered local news, anchored three daily newscasts, and even produced a newscast, diving into nearly every facet of television journalism. She then moved on to WVUE-TV in New Orleans, Louisiana, marking her entry into a major television market and solidifying her reputation as a skilled broadcaster.
In December 1994, Sykes made her way back to her hometown of Los Angeles to join KABC-TV as a general assignment reporter for Eyewitness News. Her sharp reporting skills, professionalism, and engaging on-camera presence quickly won over both viewers and colleagues, leading to a series of well-deserved promotions.
In 1998, WBBM-TV in Chicago tried to lure Sykes away as its lead female weekend anchor. However, despite the tempting offer, she decided to stay in Los Angeles, reaffirming her dedication to KABC-TV and the Southern California audience she had grown to love.
In June 1999, Sykes took a big step up when she was promoted to co-anchor the weekend editions of Eyewitness News. Fast forward a decade, and she was taking on even more significant roles, stepping in as co-anchor for the station’s 11 a.m. and noon newscasts. She also joined the team on Eyewitness News This Morning, quickly becoming a familiar and trusted face for morning viewers all over the region.
Then, on September 23, 2025, Leslie Sykes officially signed off from the Eyewitness News anchor desk, marking the end of an incredible broadcasting career that spanned over 30 years at KABC-TV. Her retirement closed a remarkable chapter in Los Angeles television journalism, leaving behind a legacy filled with credibility, warmth, and a deep commitment to serving the community through reliable news coverage.
