Beloved WABC Anchor Bill Ritter Steps Away from Anchoring Due to Alzheimer's Diagnosis Longtime Eyewitness News anchor Bill Ritter announced on Friday that he is stepping away from anchoring after being diagnosed with early-stage Alzheimer’s. Ritter, who has anchored the 6 p.m. newscast at WABC-TV since 2001, revealed during Friday’s broadcast that it would be his final appearance as an anchor. He shared his diagnosis during the segment, stating, “After a series of tests, my doctors have told me I have Alzheimer’s. It’s ‘early stage’ Alzheimer’s, and they say the treatments I’m getting are keeping it at bay. For now. But there is no guarantee, because there’s no cure yet for Alzheimer’s. So, unless someone finds an amazing cure, and soon, tonight will be the last newscast I anchor.” Ritter joined WABC-TV in 1998 after a career in print journalism, including stints at the Los Angeles Times, and local television in California. He began anchoring the 11 p.m. Eyewitness News broadcast in October 1999, succeeding Bill Beutel, and added the 6 p.m. newscast in February 2001. He also anchored the 5 p.m. news for several years. Despite his diagnosis, Ritter emphasized his commitment to staying involved with the station, stating he will transition to a new role focused on covering the “rising tide of Alzheimer’s and other similar diseases.” His new work will explore how the disease affects patients and their families, the financial burden of treatment, and potential solutions for systemic change. Marilu Galvez, general manager of WABC-TV, praised Ritter’s decades of service, calling him “a defining presence at ABC7” who “has done so with exceptional insight, integrity, and, most of all—heart.#alzheimer_s #bill_ritter #wabc_tv #marilu_galvez #zahir_sachedina
Patrick Dempsey Returned to TV in 'Memory of a Killer' After 'Grey's' Patrick Dempsey has returned to network television in a new role, playing a cold-blooded contract killer in the Fox series 'Memory of a Killer.' More than a decade after leaving 'Grey's Anatomy,' where he portrayed the iconic neurosurgeon Dr. Derek "McDreamy" Shepherd, Dempsey has embraced a dramatically different character. His new role as Angelo, a hit man grappling with early onset Alzheimer's, marks a significant shift in his career. The character's struggle with the disease, which Derek spent years researching on 'Grey's,' adds a layer of irony and depth to the series. Dempsey expressed his fascination with the character, noting that the assassin side and the Alzheimer's aspect were particularly appealing. He was surprised and intrigued by the opportunity, which came to him quickly, and had to make a decision within 24 hours. The series, inspired by the book and 2003 Belgian film 'De zaak Alzheimer,' blends elements of a family drama, a procedural thriller, and action, creating a unique and challenging format. The show explores the emotional toll of an Alzheimer's diagnosis not only on the patient but also on their caregivers. Dempsey, who has a long history of work within the cancer community, sees the series as a chance to raise awareness about Alzheimer's and its impact on individuals and families. He emphasizes the balance between making the show exciting and informative, while also highlighting the personal stories of those affected by the disease. As the series progresses, Angelo's internal conflict intensifies. He begins to question the morality of his actions, especially as his pregnant daughter becomes a target. The show's tagline, "Angelo is losing his mind but slowly gaining a conscience," reflects this transformation.#fox #new_york #alzheimer_s #memory_of_a_killer #patrick_dempsey
Chris Hemsworth: How the ‘Thor’ star navigated the risk of Alzheimer’s Chris Hemsworth, the actor best known for his role as Thor in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, recently faced a personal health challenge that forced him to confront the reality of Alzheimer’s disease. During a routine genetic test for a documentary project, doctors revealed he carries two copies of the APOE4 gene, a known risk factor for Alzheimer’s. This genetic marker places him at eight to ten times the normal risk of developing the condition, though it does not guarantee he will contract the disease. The revelation came as a shock, but Hemsworth chose to address it openly rather than hide it. He shifted his focus to lifestyle changes, prioritized family, and used his platform to raise awareness about brain health. The discovery unfolded during the filming of National Geographic’s Limitless With Chris Hemsworth, a show exploring ways to live longer and healthier lives. As part of the production, Hemsworth’s DNA was analyzed, leading to the diagnosis. The news was particularly unsettling because it coincided with his father, Craig Hemsworth, being diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. This dual challenge—facing a potential future for himself while witnessing his father’s decline—deepened his resolve to take control of his health. For Hemsworth, the fear of losing memories, especially those tied to his family, became a powerful motivator to live with intention. Alzheimer’s is a progressive and irreversible brain disorder that erodes memory, cognitive function, and the ability to perform daily tasks. It is the most common cause of dementia, accounting for 60-80% of cases, according to the Alzheimer’s Association.#national_geographic #chris_hemsworth #alzheimer_s #limitless_with_chris_hemsworth #craig_hemsworth
