Craig Delano Melvin is an American television journalist, news anchor and television personality best known for his work with NBC News and the TODAY show. Born on May 20, 1979, in Columbia, South Carolina, he developed an interest in journalism while still in high school and began working for local television station WIS TV. His early start in broadcasting eventually led him to national television, where he built a career covering major news events, politics, sports and human interest stories.
Melvin became a familiar face to American television audiences through his work at NBC News, MSNBC and TODAY. He joined NBC in 2011 and later became a correspondent and anchor across several NBC platforms. His work has included coverage of presidential elections, political conventions, major sporting events, natural disasters and breaking news. He also became known for his interviewing style and ability to move between serious news reporting and lighter morning television segments.
In January 2025, Melvin began a new chapter in his career when he officially became a co anchor of NBC’s TODAY alongside Savannah Guthrie, taking over the role previously held by Hoda Kotb. Beyond broadcasting, he has become involved in colorectal cancer awareness and fundraising following the death of his older brother Lawrence from colon cancer. In September 2026, Melvin’s annual Bottoms Up Invitational attracted renewed attention after the fundraiser surpassed $5 million raised for the Colorectal Cancer Alliance.
Craig Melvin’s Early Life
Craig Delano Melvin was born on May 20, 1979, in Columbia, South Carolina. He grew up in the Columbia area and developed an interest in communication and storytelling at an early age. His family background and experiences in South Carolina played an important role in shaping his connection to his hometown, which he has continued to reference throughout his career.
While attending Columbia High School, Melvin became involved in journalism and began working as a teen reporter for WIS TV, the NBC affiliated station in Columbia. He worked on the station’s youth reporting programme and won an Associated Press award in 1996 for a story about one of his teachers. His early experience at WIS helped him discover that broadcasting was the career he wanted to pursue.
Melvin continued working toward a career in journalism after high school while developing his education at Wofford College. His early professional experience gave him an unusual advantage because he had already worked in a newsroom before graduating from college. After completing his studies, he returned to WIS and continued building his reputation as a television journalist.
Craig Melvin’s Education
Craig Melvin attended Columbia High School in Columbia, South Carolina. During his time there, he combined his academic studies with journalism and broadcasting work. His experience as a student reporter at WIS TV gave him practical exposure to television news and helped establish the foundation for his professional career.
After high school, Melvin attended Wofford College in Spartanburg, South Carolina. He studied government and graduated from the institution in 2001 with a bachelor’s degree. Although his degree was not specifically in journalism, his studies in government provided him with a strong foundation for covering politics, public affairs and national news.
During his time at Wofford, Melvin also gained experience outside the classroom. He completed an internship in Washington, D.C., and continued developing his interest in broadcasting. His college years helped prepare him for a career that would eventually involve reporting on government, presidential elections, national politics and major public events.
Craig Melvin’s Career
Craig Melvin began his professional broadcasting career at WIS TV in Columbia after already gaining experience with the station during high school. He worked as a reporter and anchor and eventually became a prominent figure at the station. During his years at WIS, he received Emmy recognition and developed experience covering local news, community issues and major breaking stories.
Melvin later moved to Washington, D.C., where he worked for WRC TV, NBC’s owned and operated station in the city. His work in Washington expanded his experience and placed him closer to national politics and major government stories. He subsequently joined NBC News and MSNBC in 2011, beginning a long term relationship with the NBC network.
At NBC News and MSNBC, Melvin worked in several roles, including as an anchor and correspondent. He covered presidential elections, national political conventions, inaugurations, major sporting events and significant breaking news stories. His work eventually expanded to include interviews with prominent political figures, celebrities, athletes and other public personalities.
Melvin joined TODAY in 2018 and became a regular presence on the programme before eventually taking on a larger anchoring role. He also became associated with Dateline NBC and other NBC News programming. His ability to handle both hard news and lifestyle oriented television allowed him to develop a broad audience across the network.
In January 2025, Melvin officially became a co anchor of TODAY alongside Savannah Guthrie. His promotion marked a significant step in his NBC career and followed years of work across the network. He continues to serve as a television journalist and TODAY personality while also participating in projects connected to cancer awareness, family and community causes.
Craig Melvin’s Bottoms Up Invitational Raises More Than $5 Million for Colorectal Cancer Awareness
Craig Melvin attracted renewed attention in September 2026 after his Bottoms Up Invitational surpassed $5 million in total fundraising for the Colorectal Cancer Alliance. The annual event, which Melvin organises with his wife Lindsay Czarniak, was created in memory of his late brother Lawrence, who died from colon cancer in 2020 at the age of 43.
The 2026 edition of the fundraiser took place in Connecticut and included a golf tournament and other activities designed to raise awareness about colorectal cancer. Melvin has used the event to encourage conversations about screening and early detection while supporting people affected by the disease. The 2026 event marked the fifth year of the initiative.
The fundraiser has become an important part of Melvin’s public work outside television. In addition to raising money, the initiative reflects his personal connection to cancer advocacy and his efforts to encourage people to take colorectal cancer screening seriously. The 2026 event also introduced a Screen Smart panel focused on developments in colorectal cancer detection and treatment.
Craig Melvin’s Personal Life
Craig Melvin is married to Lindsay Czarniak, a sports journalist and television personality. The couple met while working in Washington, D.C., and married in October 2011. Their relationship has remained a prominent part of Melvin’s personal life, with Czarniak also participating in his charitable activities and public projects.
Melvin and Czarniak have two children, a son named Delano and a daughter named Sybil. Melvin has frequently spoken about fatherhood and family life, including through his children’s book I’m Proud of You, which focuses on the relationship between parents and children.
Family has also influenced Melvin’s charitable work. His older brother Lawrence died from colon cancer in 2020, an experience that contributed to Melvin’s commitment to colorectal cancer awareness and fundraising. Through the Bottoms Up Invitational, he and Czarniak have continued working to support cancer awareness and raise funds for the Colorectal Cancer Alliance.
Craig Melvin’s Age, Religion, Nationality, Height and Physical Appearance
Craig Melvin was born on May 20, 1979, making him 47 years old as of September 2026. He was born in Columbia, South Carolina, United States, and has maintained a strong connection to his hometown throughout his career.
Melvin is American by nationality. He has spoken publicly about his faith and identifies as a believer, although detailed information about his specific religious practices is not extensively documented in mainstream biographical records. His public identity has largely focused on his journalism, family and community work.
Craig Melvin is approximately 6 feet 1 inch tall, or about 1.85 metres. He has a tall, athletic appearance and is frequently seen in professional suits and television attire while working on TODAY and other NBC programmes.
Craig Melvin’s Social Media Presence
Craig Melvin maintains an active presence on social media, where he shares updates about his television career, family, charitable activities and personal interests. His social media platforms have also provided a way for him to connect with viewers outside his regular television appearances.
Melvin’s Instagram handle is @craigmelvin. His account includes posts connected to TODAY, his family, professional appearances, charitable initiatives and moments from his life away from television.
His social media presence also supports his cancer awareness work, particularly the Bottoms Up Invitational. Through his online platforms, he has been able to promote fundraising events and encourage public conversations about colorectal cancer screening and awareness.
Craig Melvin’s Net Worth
Craig Melvin has not publicly disclosed a verified personal net worth figure. His income has primarily come from his long career in television journalism, including his work with NBC News, MSNBC, TODAY and Dateline NBC.
His career includes several decades of broadcasting experience, national television appearances, major news coverage and his current role as a TODAY co anchor. His work across multiple NBC programmes, along with other professional projects and public appearances, provides several sources of income.
Based on the length of his broadcasting career, his senior position at NBC, his TODAY role and his work across national television, Craig Melvin’s net worth can reasonably be estimated at around $10 million to $15 million. This is an estimate rather than a confirmed financial figure because his private assets, investments, contracts and other earnings have not been publicly disclosed in sufficient detail.
Craig Melvin’s Legacy
Craig Melvin’s legacy is closely connected to his rise from a local South Carolina television reporter to a nationally recognised broadcast journalist. Beginning his journalism career while still in high school, he developed through local television before moving into national broadcasting with NBC News and MSNBC.
His career has also been defined by the range of stories he has covered. From presidential elections and national politics to sporting events, breaking news and human interest stories, Melvin has worked across several areas of television journalism. His position on TODAY has further expanded his visibility among American television audiences.
Beyond broadcasting, Melvin’s work in colorectal cancer awareness has become another significant part of his public profile. Through the Bottoms Up Invitational and his efforts to encourage cancer screening, he has connected his personal family experience with a broader public awareness campaign. The fundraiser’s multimillion dollar impact has added another dimension to his career outside television.
Conclusion
Craig Melvin has built a successful career from local television journalism in South Carolina to national prominence as an NBC News journalist and TODAY co anchor. His career has included major news coverage, MSNBC, Dateline NBC and TODAY, while his personal experiences have also shaped his work in colorectal cancer awareness. As he continues his broadcasting career and charitable efforts, Melvin remains a prominent figure in American television journalism.
Frequently Asked Questions About Craig Melvin
Who is Craig Melvin?
Craig Melvin is an American television journalist and NBC News anchor best known as a co anchor of TODAY and for his work with MSNBC and Dateline NBC.
How old is Craig Melvin?
Craig Melvin was born on May 20, 1979, making him 47 years old as of September 2026.
Where was Craig Melvin born?
Craig Melvin was born in Columbia, South Carolina, United States.
What is Craig Melvin famous for?
Craig Melvin is famous for his career as an NBC News journalist and his role as a co anchor of TODAY.
Who is Craig Melvin’s wife?
Craig Melvin’s wife is Lindsay Czarniak, a sports journalist and television personality.
When did Craig Melvin marry Lindsay Czarniak?
Craig Melvin and Lindsay Czarniak married in October 2011.
Does Craig Melvin have children?
Yes. Craig Melvin and Lindsay Czarniak have two children, a son named Delano and a daughter named Sybil.
Where did Craig Melvin go to college?
Craig Melvin attended Wofford College in Spartanburg, South Carolina, where he studied government and graduated in 2001.
What did Craig Melvin study in college?
Craig Melvin studied government at Wofford College and earned a bachelor’s degree in 2001.
What was Craig Melvin’s first journalism job?
Craig Melvin began his broadcasting career at WIS TV in Columbia, South Carolina, where he worked as a teen reporter while attending high school.
When did Craig Melvin join NBC?
Craig Melvin joined NBC and MSNBC in 2011 after working in local television and at WRC TV in Washington, D.C.
When did Craig Melvin join TODAY?
Craig Melvin joined TODAY as a regular anchor and correspondent in 2018 and later became a co anchor of the programme in January 2025.
Who does Craig Melvin co anchor TODAY with?
Craig Melvin co anchors TODAY alongside Savannah Guthrie.
What is Craig Melvin’s Instagram handle?
Craig Melvin’s Instagram handle is @craigmelvin.
What is Craig Melvin’s net worth?
Craig Melvin’s exact net worth has not been publicly verified. Based on his long television career and senior broadcasting roles, his net worth can be estimated at approximately $10 million to $15 million.
Why is Craig Melvin in the news in 2026?
Craig Melvin attracted attention in September 2026 after his Bottoms Up Invitational surpassed $5 million in fundraising for the Colorectal Cancer Alliance. The event was created in memory of his late brother Lawrence, who died from colon cancer.
What is the Bottoms Up Invitational?
The Bottoms Up Invitational is a fundraising event organised by Craig Melvin and Lindsay Czarniak to support colorectal cancer awareness and the Colorectal Cancer Alliance.
How much has Craig Melvin’s Bottoms Up Invitational raised?
The Bottoms Up Invitational has raised more than $5 million for the Colorectal Cancer Alliance, with the 2026 event bringing the five year total to approximately $5.7 million.
Why does Craig Melvin support colorectal cancer awareness?
Craig Melvin supports colorectal cancer awareness partly because his older brother Lawrence died from colon cancer in 2020 at age 43. His personal experience led him to become involved in fundraising and awareness efforts.
How tall is Craig Melvin?
Craig Melvin is approximately 6 feet 1 inch tall, or about 1.85 metres.
What nationality is Craig Melvin?
Craig Melvin is American.
What is Craig Melvin’s religion?
Craig Melvin has publicly described himself as a believer. Detailed information about his specific religious practices is not extensively documented.
What shows does Craig Melvin appear on?
Craig Melvin is primarily known for TODAY and has also worked with NBC News, MSNBC and Dateline NBC.
What awards has Craig Melvin won?
Craig Melvin has received Emmy recognition during his broadcasting career and won an Associated Press award while working as a student reporter at WIS TV.