Ernie Anastos, a long-standing figure in New York television news, has passed away at the age of 82. His recent death has prompted reflections on his career, including a now infamous blooper involving a chicken reference back in 2009.
During a news broadcast on WNYW (Channel 5), Anastos engaged in a light-hearted banter with weatherman Nick Gregory. He made a joke about Perdue Chicken and an old commercial, leading to an unexpected and explicit comment telling Gregory to “keep f*****g that chicken.”
The moment left his co-anchor, Dari Alexander, visibly shocked, while Gregory tried to play it off with a smile. The clip went viral largely due to Anastos’ seemingly unaware reaction to his own words. He later apologized for the inappropriate language on air.
Anastos began his career as a reporter at WABC in 1978 before moving to WNYM in 2005, where he remained until 2019. Throughout his successful career, he earned over 30 local Emmy awards and nominations.
His wife confirmed that Anastos passed away from pneumonia. He leaves behind a legacy in New York news broadcasting.
