Canada is mourning the loss of one of its most beloved broadcasters. Beverly Thomson, the respected journalist and longtime face of CTV News, has died at the age of 61 following a lengthy and courageous battle with cancer. The network confirmed that she passed away peacefully on Sunday morning, surrounded by her family.
Thomson’s remarkable career spanned more than three decades, during which she became a trusted voice and household name for millions of Canadians. Her warm presence and sharp professionalism made her one of the country’s most recognizable figures in television journalism. Beginning her career as a reporter with CTV News Toronto, Thomson rose through the ranks to become a prominent anchor on CTV News Channel and co-host of the flagship morning show Canada AM. Before her time at CTV, she served as an anchor at Global News from 1997 to 2003.
Her work reflected both range and depth — from hard news to human stories, from national politics to entertainment. Throughout her tenure, she interviewed a wide spectrum of prominent figures, including Celine Dion, Shania Twain, Donald Trump, and Canadian astronaut Chris Hadfield. She also reported on pivotal world events such as the 2016 U.S. presidential election, earning widespread respect for her calm and insightful approach.
In October, Thomson was honored with the Radio Television Digital News Association of Canada’s Lifetime Achievement Award, recognizing her decades of excellence and dedication to journalism. At the ceremony, RTDNA Canada president Lis Travers praised her as “one of Canada’s most respected news personalities.”
Her passing has sparked tributes from colleagues and viewers alike. Richard Gray, vice-president of news at Bell Media, described her as “a trusted voice and a valued teammate to all of us at CTV News.” He added, “Bev’s natural on-air style created an immediate connection with viewers. For decades, she also made a significant impact across the country with her vocal support and advocacy for cancer charities.”