Canadian journalist Beverly Thomson, a longtime CTV News anchor known for high-profile interviews with politicians and celebrities, died Sunday, September 14, at age 61. Thomson passed away surrounded by family after a prolonged battle with cancer that began with her breast cancer diagnosis in 2002.
Born and raised in Toronto, Thomson began her journalism career at a small radio station in Newmarket, Ontario, before moving to what is now known as CityNews 680. Her television career started unexpectedly when a CTV manager called offering an audition as an on-air reporter. Thomson initially thought it was a prank and failed to show up for the first scheduled interview.
Thomson’s first anchor assignment came with little notice when the vice-president of news approached her just nine minutes before broadcast time. According to BNN Bloomberg, she recalled being told “Our anchor didn’t show up, we need you now.” The newscast was scheduled to begin at 6:30 p.m., and it was already 6:21 p.m.
Thomson’s career spanned more than three decades across multiple networks. She worked as weekend anchor at CTV News Toronto before joining Global News in 1997, where she anchored the flagship Toronto evening newscast for seven years. In 2003, she returned to CTV as co-host of “Canada AM” alongside Seamus O’Regan, a role she held for 13 years until the show concluded in 2016.
Following the end of “Canada AM,” Thomson continued with CTV News, contributing to the current affairs program W5 and anchoring at CTV News Channel. She also co-hosted Olympic Morning with Jay Onrait during the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver.
Throughout her career, Thomson conducted notable interviews with prominent figures including Celine Dion, Shania Twain, Donald Trump, and Canadian astronaut Chris Hadfield while he was aboard the International Space Station. Her coverage included major events such as the 2016 U.S. presidential election. In a 2014 exclusive Canadian interview with Hillary Clinton, Thomson successfully prompted the former secretary of state to discuss her presidential ambitions, a feat no other journalist had accomplished at that time.
Following her 2002 breast cancer diagnosis, Thomson became an active advocate for cancer research and awareness. She served as an official spokesperson for the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation and led successful fundraising efforts for breast cancer organizations. Her advocacy work extended beyond her personal battle, as she continued broadcasting while undergoing treatment.
Former “Canada AM” colleagues Jeff Hutcheson, Marci Ien, and Seamus O’Regan issued a joint statement describing Thomson as a good, kind, and thoughtful friend who persevered through years of cancer treatment while on air. The trio noted that Thomson could engage assertively with politicians during interviews and maintained her professional duties despite challenging health circumstances.
Leslie Roberts, who worked alongside Thomson as co-anchor at Global News, paid tribute on social media, describing her as a solid news anchor, mother, and friend. Roberts emphasized that Thomson consistently supported her colleagues throughout their professional partnership.
Thomson’s contributions to journalism earned her numerous accolades. In 2006, she received the Gemini Humanitarian Award for her advocacy and community work. Three years later, she was appointed as the first Canadian National Ambassador for The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award. In 2019, she was named a Member of the Order of Canada for her outstanding contributions to broadcasting and volunteer work with breast cancer organizations.
Most recently, in October 2024, the Radio Television Digital News Association of Canada presented Thomson with its Lifetime Achievement Award. RTDNA Canada president Lis Travers called Thomson one of Canada’s most respected news personalities at the time of the presentation.
Richard Gray, vice-president of news at Bell Media, stated that Thomson was a trusted voice to Canadians and valued teammate. Gray highlighted her natural on-air style that created immediate connections with viewers and praised her decades of advocacy for cancer charities.
Seán O’Shea, a Global News Toronto reporter who worked alongside Thomson, described her as professional, well-prepared, kind, and caring. He noted that Thomson took her journalism work seriously while maintaining a lighthearted approach to herself and genuinely connecting with audiences.
Thomson is survived by her husband Rob and two children, Taylor and Robbie. Her 23-year battle with cancer ended Sunday morning, marking the conclusion of a distinguished career that helped shape Canadian television journalism for more than three decades.
