Shirleen Allicot Biography: Age, Career, Family, and Recent News 2026
Shirleen Allicot is a prominent American broadcast journalist and television anchor, best known for her long-standing role as the co-anchor of Eyewitness News This Morning on WABC-TV. Renowned for her poised delivery and ability to connect with viewers, her detailed Shirleen Allicot biography reveals a journey of determination, journalistic integrity, and significant contributions to New York’s media landscape.
Throughout her tenure in television news, Allicot has covered everything from local community stories to major national headlines, solidifying her status as a trusted voice in the Tri-State area. Below is an in-depth exploration of her life, career trajectory, and recent activity as of 2026.
Quick Facts
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Shirleen Allicot |
| Profession | News Anchor & Journalist |
| Date of Birth | August 15, 1974 |
| Age | 51 years 11 months old |
| Birthplace | Guyana |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | Guyanese-American |
| Height | 5′ 4″ (163 cm) |
| Marital Status | Married |
| Spouse | Jesse Gilmer |
| Children | 3 |
| Known For | WABC-TV Eyewitness News Anchor |
| Net Worth (2026) | Estimated $1.5M – $2M |
| Current Residence | New York, USA |
Why Famous?
Shirleen Allicot is famous for her decade-plus tenure at WABC-TV, the most-watched news station in New York City. She is widely recognized for her work on Eyewitness News, where she has anchored morning broadcasts for years, providing breaking news and weather updates to millions of viewers. Her popularity stems from her professional warmth and her ability to handle high-pressure live broadcasting with grace and accuracy.
Early Life & Education
Childhood
Born in Guyana, Shirleen moved to the United States at a young age. Her upbringing was rooted in the values of hard work and education, which her parents emphasized during their transition to American life. Growing up in the suburbs of New York, she developed an early interest in storytelling and public speaking.
School Years
Allicot attended local schools where she excelled in humanities and communications. Her interest in journalism was sparked by the fast-paced nature of New York news cycles, which she watched religiously as a teenager.
University & Training
She pursued her higher education at Hofstra University, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in Broadcast Journalism. During her time at Hofstra, she interned at various local stations, gaining the hands-on experience necessary to enter the competitive New York media market.
Career Journey
Early Beginnings
Shirleen Allicot’s professional career began in smaller markets, where she cut her teeth as a reporter and anchor. She worked at stations in Connecticut and Long Island, mastering the art of the “live shot” and investigative field reporting. These formative years allowed her to develop the professional voice that would eventually make her a household name.
Rise at WABC-TV
Joining WABC-TV was the defining moment of her career. As part of the Eyewitness News team, she climbed the ranks from field reporter to anchor. Her recent activity in 2026 continues to see her as a cornerstone of the morning news team. She has covered major events including the aftermath of Superstorm Sandy, various political elections, and local human-interest stories that define the cultural fabric of New York.
Career Timeline
- Early 2000s: Reporter at News 12 Long Island.
- 2010: Joined WABC-TV as a reporter.
- 2013–Present: Co-anchor for Eyewitness News This Morning.
- 2024–2026: Continued leadership in morning broadcasting and digital news integration.
Net Worth & Earnings
As of 2026, Shirleen Allicot’s net worth is estimated between $1.5 million and $2 million. Her income is derived primarily from her multi-year contract with WABC-TV. Additionally, she has leveraged her platform for public speaking engagements and community advocacy, which supplement her primary salary.
Personal Life
Family Background
Shirleen is deeply connected to her Guyanese heritage. She often speaks about the importance of family support in her journey from a young immigrant to a major television anchor.
Marriage & Spouse
She is married to Jesse Gilmer. The couple has maintained a relatively private life despite her high-profile career, often sharing glimpses of their family life during holiday periods or personal milestones on social media.
Children
Shirleen is a proud mother of three children. Balancing the demands of an early-morning anchor schedule with motherhood has been a central narrative in her recent public persona, resonating with many working mothers in her audience.
Awards & Achievements
Throughout her career, Allicot has been recognized for her journalistic excellence. She has received multiple Emmy Award nominations for her reporting. She remains highly regarded by the New York press corps for her consistency and dedication to objective reporting.
Physical Statistics
- Height: 5′ 4″ (163 cm)
- Weight: Approximately 130 lbs (59 kg)
- Hair Color: Black
- Eye Color: Dark Brown
Interesting Facts
- She is an avid runner and often participates in local charity races.
- She is fluent in English and often incorporates her cultural background into her storytelling.
- Her morning routine often starts at 3:00 AM to prepare for the Eyewitness News morning slot.
- She is known for her “no-nonsense” approach to interviewing high-ranking officials.
- She actively supports organizations focused on literacy and education in the Tri-State area.
- Her social media presence is focused on professional news clips and occasional family lifestyle content.
- She has mentored several young journalists through the WABC internship programs.
- Shirleen considers the mentorship of her former professors to be the biggest factor in her early success.
Did You Know?
- Did you know Shirleen Allicot began her career in suburban news before landing her dream role at WABC-TV in New York?
- Did you know that despite her early morning schedule, Shirleen is an advocate for work-life balance and often shares her time-management tips?
- Did you know Shirleen Allicot has been a staple of the New York morning news cycle for over a decade?
Social Media
- Instagram: @shirleenabc7
- X (Twitter): @ShirleenABC7
- Facebook: Shirleen Allicot ABC7
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: How old is Shirleen Allicot?
As of 2026, Shirleen Allicot is 51 years 11 months old years old.
Q2: Is Shirleen Allicot still on WABC-TV?
Yes, she remains a key anchor for Eyewitness News This Morning as of 2026.
Q3: Where is Shirleen Allicot from?
She was born in Guyana and moved to the United States as a child.
Q4: Does Shirleen Allicot have children?
Yes, she is a mother to three children with her husband, Jesse Gilmer.
CONCLUSION
Shirleen Allicot’s career is a testament to the power of perseverance and dedication in the rapidly changing field of broadcast journalism. By maintaining a high standard of reporting while navigating the complexities of modern news, she has secured her legacy as one of New York’s most reliable news figures. As she looks toward the future, her influence on the morning news landscape remains stronger than ever.
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Sources: WABC-TV Official Bios, New York Emmy Awards Archives, Broadcast Journalist Association Data.





