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LOS ANGELES - What is there left to say about a legend that hasn’t been said already?
For those who know and watch Tony McEwing, there is a struggle to even find the words to thank him for his contributions as an anchor, colleague, and philanthropist.
On Friday, Feb. 3, he anchored his final newscast before he sailed off into the sunset in sunny Southern California to enjoy his retirement.
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RELATED: Good Day LA’s Tony McEwing announces retirement
Anyone who meets Tony knows he is humble and didn’t want to make a fuss about his huge announcement. However, with such a legacy not only as a journalist but as a person, the FOX 11 family plans to celebrate him as much as possible the way he deserves leading up to his final day on air.
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For over 30 years, McEwing’s iconic voice has informed Southern California audiences of news events with the utmost honesty and integrity, including the OJ Simpson trial, the September 11 attacks, and numerous earthquakes.
He has earned seven Emmy Awards for his excellence in journalism and was honored with a Golden Mike Lifetime Achievement Award in March 2021.
RELATED: FOX 11 Anchor Tony McEwing receives 'Golden Mike' Lifetime Achievement Award
On Wednesday, he was surprised by fellow Good Day LA anchors Araksya Karapetyan and Sandra Endo with a trip to Six Flags Magic Mountain mid-newscast in honor of his known love for roller coasters. Earlier that morning, FOX 11’s Bob DeCastro conquered his fear of thrill rides in honor of his longtime colleague.
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In honor of his passion for roller coasters and in celebration of his colossal career, Six Flags Magic Mountain announced it is renaming its ride "Twisted Colossus" to "Tony’s Twisted Colossus."
They're also gifting him his very own Diamond Pass so he'll get unlimited access to all Six Flags theme parks and outdoor waterparks!
Also on Wednesday, Los Angeles County Supervisor Kathryn Barger, and one of Tony’s biggest fans, surprised him with a plaque from the county during a surprise appearance on Good Day LA.
The proclamation says the following:
Tony McEwing has faithfully served for over 30 years as a trusted and reliable news anchor on Fox 11’s Good Day LA broadcast, delivering news that has inspired, informed, amused, and moved his Los Angeles County viewers; and WHEREAS, his legalnbackground and sound journalistic and broadcast expertise that has spanned 43 years in total equipped him to thoroughly cover a variety of breaking and major news stories with honesty and integrity, including stories ingrained in our collective memory including, but not limited to; the O.J. Simpson trial, the September 11attacks; earthquakes and floods; and WHEREAS, he now departs from his newscast career in search of well-deserved respite, including but not limited to: finally getting a good night’s sleep instead of having to wake up at zero dark thirty; seeking thrills by enjoying scary movies and riding roller coasters; chewing Big Red gum to his heart’s content; sporting muscle T-shirts and Lululemon gear in lieu of suits and ties; and sharing his incredible singing voice with any and all willing to listen and share in his prodigious joy: Now, therefore on behalf of the Board of Supervisors of the County of Los Angeles, I, Kathryn Barger, Supervisor, Fifth District, hereby commend Tony McEwing for outstanding public service and extend sincere best wishes in his retirement and all future endeavors.
Overall, his career in journalism has spanned 43 years.
Watch Tony’s numerous tributes below:
Araksya Karapetyan
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Maria Quiban
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Bob DeCastro
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Sandra Endo
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Amanda Salas
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Mario Ramirez
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Steve Edwards
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Maria Sansone
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Lisa Breckenridge
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Jean Martirez
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Dorothy Lucey
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Phil Shuman
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Rita Garcia
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Vanessa Borge
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Kathryn Barger
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Holly Robinson-Peete
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Reese Witherspoon, Ashton Kutcher, and Channing Tatum
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Nick Lacey
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Tony will surely be missed by his colleague and Good Day LA viewers from across the nation.