Bob Woodruff Injury, Age, Wikipedia, Net Worth, Wife, Children

“I was given a second chance at life, and I want to use it to help others.” — Bob Woodruff

Bob Woodruff is a respected journalist whose career reflects resilience, courage, and service. Rising through the ranks at ABC News, he became co‑anchor of World News Tonight in 2006. Just weeks into the role, he was critically injured by a roadside bomb in Iraq. His survival and recovery became a national story, and he has since dedicated his life to journalism and advocacy for veterans.

Timeline Overview

Year	Milestone
1961	Born August 18 in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan
1979	Graduated from Cranbrook Kingswood School
1983	Earned B.A. from Colgate University
1987	Earned J.D. from University of Michigan Law School
1989	Began journalism career in Beijing
1996	Joined ABC News
2005	Named co‑anchor of World News Tonight
2006	Seriously injured by IED in Iraq
2007	Returned to ABC with documentary To Iraq and Back
2008	Co‑founded Bob Woodruff Foundation
2025	Continues reporting and veteran advocacy

Quick Facts

Attribute	Detail
Full Name	Robert Warren Woodruff
Birthdate	August 18, 1961
Birthplace	Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, USA
Age	64 years (as of 2025)
Height	Approx. 6 ft 0 in (1.83 m)
Ethnicity	Caucasian-American
Education	Colgate University (B.A.), University of Michigan (J.D.)
Profession	Journalist, author
Parents	Frances Ann (Dawson) and Robert Norman Woodruff Jr.
Spouse	Lee McConaughy
Children	Four
Net Worth	Estimated $5 million–$10 million

Early Life & Education

Woodruff was born in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, to Frances Ann and Robert Norman Woodruff Jr., both real estate agents. He graduated from Cranbrook Kingswood School in 1979, earned a B.A. from Colgate University in 1983, and a J.D. from the University of Michigan Law School in 1987. Initially working as a lawyer, he transitioned to journalism after teaching law in Beijing and freelancing for CBS News.

Career Background

Early Journalism

Woodruff’s journalism career began in Beijing, where he reported on the Tiananmen Square protests in 1989. His coverage launched him into broadcast journalism.

ABC News

He joined ABC News in 1996, covering major stories worldwide. In December 2005, he was named co‑anchor of World News Tonight alongside Elizabeth Vargas, succeeding Peter Jennings.

Iraq Injury

On January 29, 2006, while reporting near Taji, Iraq, Woodruff was critically injured by a roadside bomb. He suffered a traumatic brain injury and underwent extensive recovery.

Bob Woodruff Photo - WikiiTRends — **Bob Woodruff Photo – WikiiTRends**

Return to Journalism

In February 2007, he returned with the documentary To Iraq and Back, chronicling his recovery and highlighting the struggles of wounded veterans.

Advocacy Work

Woodruff co‑founded the Bob Woodruff Foundation in 2008, which supports veterans and their families, particularly those dealing with traumatic brain injuries and post‑traumatic stress. The foundation has raised millions to aid military families.

Achievements

Co‑anchor of World News Tonight (2006)
Emmy Award–winning journalist
Author of In an Instant (memoir co‑written with his wife)
Founder of Bob Woodruff Foundation

Personal Life

Woodruff is married to Lee McConaughy, and they have four children. He lives in New York and continues to balance journalism with advocacy.

Legacy

Bob Woodruff’s legacy lies in his courage, resilience, and advocacy for veterans. His survival story inspired millions, and his foundation continues to impact lives. As a journalist, he remains committed to telling stories that matter, while his personal journey symbolizes hope and perseverance.