James Leroy Hartz (February 3, 1940 – April 17, 2022) was an American television personality, columnist and reporter during the mid- and late-1970s. At age 24, he was the youngest correspondent NBC had ever hired. Hartz became best known to a national audience for a two-year position as the co-host of the Today Show, along with Barbara Walters. Hartz replaced the deceased Frank McGee, who also hailed from Oklahoma, and at whose funeral Hartz had delivered the eulogy.

Life and career

Hartz was born on February 3, 1940, in Tulsa, Oklahoma, and graduated from Tulsa Central High School in 1958. He then attended the University of Tulsa as a premed student, but after three years he decided to pursue journalism instead.

References

  • "Tulsa TV Memories" article on Hartz's days in Oklahoma