Who is Huel Perkins? Age, Wife, Net Worth, Kids, Birthplace

“Broadcasting is about connecting communities and telling stories that matter.” — Huel Perkins

Huel Perkins is a retired American television journalist best known for his 32 years as a lead anchor at FOX 2 Detroit (WJBK‑TV). Over a career spanning more than four decades, Perkins covered presidential elections, historic events, and interviews with civil rights icons such as Rosa Parks and Nelson Mandela. He retired in 2022, leaving behind a legacy as one of Detroit’s most trusted voices in news.

Timeline Overview

Year	Milestone
1954	Born in Louisiana to Dr. Huel D. Perkins and Thelma Perkins
1970s	Attended Central State University in Wilberforce, Ohio; earned Communications degree
1982	Began professional broadcasting career at WRBT‑TV in Baton Rouge, Louisiana
1986	Joined KSDK‑TV in St. Louis, Missouri
1989	Moved to Detroit to join WJBK‑TV Channel 2 (later FOX 2 Detroit)
1990s–2020s	Lead anchor at FOX 2 Detroit; covered six presidential elections, Mandela’s U.S. tour, Pope John Paul II’s visit
2022	Retired after 32 years in Detroit broadcasting
2025	Reflected on career and role of media in democracy during WDET interview

Quick Facts

Attribute	Detail
Full Name	Huel A. Perkins
Birthdate	1954
Birthplace	Louisiana, USA
Age	71 years (as of 2026)
Education	Central State University – B.A. Communications
Profession	Journalist, anchor (retired)
Employer	FOX 2 Detroit (1989–2022)
Spouse	Priscilla Perkins (married 1983)
Children	Two sons
Awards	Three Emmy Awards; Lifetime Achievement Award from Society of Professional Journalists
Net Worth	Estimated $2–3 million

Early Life & Education

Huel Perkins was born in Louisiana in 1954 to Dr. Huel D. Perkins, a noted academic, and Thelma Perkins. He pursued a degree in Communications at Central State University in Ohio, laying the foundation for his career in broadcasting.

Career Background

Perkins began his career in Baton Rouge, Louisiana (1982) before moving to St. Louis in 1986. In 1989, he joined WJBK‑TV Channel 2 in Detroit, which later became FOX 2 Detroit.

For more than three decades, Perkins was a familiar face to Detroit viewers, anchoring evening newscasts and covering major events. His career highlights include:

Traveling with Nelson Mandela during his U.S. tour.
Covering Pope John Paul II’s visit to the United States.
Interviewing civil rights icons and political leaders.
Reporting on six presidential elections, the 2008 recession, and the COVID‑19 pandemic.

He retired in March 2022, alongside longtime colleague Monica Gayle, marking the end of an era in Detroit broadcasting.

Achievements

Three Emmy Awards from the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences.
Lifetime Achievement Award from the Society of Professional Journalists.
Inducted into Detroit’s broadcasting legacy as one of the city’s most trusted anchors.

Personal Life

Huel Perkins married Priscilla Perkins in 1983, and the couple has two sons. He remains active in community events and continues to host and moderate discussions in Detroit.

Huel Perkins Photo - WikiiTrends — **Huel Perkins Photo – WikiiTrends**

Legacy

Huel Perkins’ legacy lies in his commitment to journalism, community, and history. His interviews with civil rights leaders and coverage of pivotal national events made him a respected figure in American broadcasting. Even in retirement, he continues to inspire through civic engagement and mentorship.