Rich Marriott Biography: Bio, Age, Height, Wife, Family, KING 5, Salary, Net Worth, and Retirement

Rich Marriott is an American meteorologist best known for serving as the longtime Senior Meteorologist at KING 5 News in Seattle, Washington. For more than three decades, he became one of the Pacific Northwest’s most trusted weather experts, delivering accurate forecasts and helping viewers understand everything from winter storms and flooding to heat waves and changing climate patterns.

Known for his calm delivery, scientific expertise, and ability to explain complicated weather systems in simple language, Marriott earned the respect of both viewers and fellow meteorologists. His extensive background in atmospheric science and mountain weather forecasting made him one of the region’s leading authorities on weather and avalanche conditions.

After retiring from television in December 2022, Marriott continued to inspire many people by speaking openly about his Parkinson’s disease diagnosis and advocating for awareness, research, and support for those living with the condition.

Rich Marriott Age

Marriott is 77 years old as of 2026. He was born on June 17, 1949, in Long Beach, California, United States. In addition, his zodiac sign is Gemini.

Growing up in Southern California, Marriott developed a fascination with weather and the natural world at an early age. That curiosity eventually led him to pursue a lifelong career in meteorology.

Early Life and Education

Rich Marriott spent his childhood in Long Beach, California, where he became interested in science, physics, and weather phenomena.

His passion for understanding the atmosphere led him to attend the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Physics. Wanting to deepen his knowledge of weather science, he continued at UCLA and completed a Master’s degree in Meteorology.

Later, Marriott pursued additional atmospheric research and graduate studies at the University of Washington, further expanding his expertise in Pacific Northwest weather systems.

His strong academic background gave him an exceptional understanding of atmospheric science, making him one of the most technically knowledgeable meteorologists in television broadcasting.

Early Career

Before beginning his television career, Rich Marriott worked in several scientific and public service roles that strengthened his forecasting skills. He served as a meteorologist with the U.S. Forest Service, where he specialized in mountain weather forecasting and environmental monitoring. He also worked with the Northwest Avalanche Center, providing avalanche forecasts and weather analysis for backcountry recreationists, rescue teams, and public agencies.

These experiences gave Marriott valuable firsthand knowledge of mountain weather, snowpack conditions, and winter storm forecasting, expertise that later became a defining part of his television career. His years working in the field allowed him to combine scientific research with practical forecasting, helping people make informed decisions during hazardous weather conditions.

Rich Marriott at KING 5 News

In 1987, Rich Marriott joined KING 5 News in Seattle as a meteorologist. Over the next 35 years, he became one of the station’s most respected and recognizable personalities. Throughout his career, he covered virtually every type of weather event affecting the Pacific Northwest, including:

• Major winter snowstorms
• Flooding and atmospheric rivers
• Windstorms
• Heat waves
• Wildfire weather conditions
• Severe thunderstorms
• Mountain snowfall and avalanche risks
• Climate and environmental changes

Marriott earned viewers’ trust by combining scientific accuracy with clear, easy-to-understand explanations. Rather than simply reporting temperatures and rainfall, he helped audiences understand why weather systems developed and how they would affect daily life.

His calm presence during dangerous weather emergencies made him one of the most reliable sources of information for families across Washington State.

Retirement from KING 5

After more than three decades at KING 5, Rich Marriott announced his retirement in December 2022. His retirement marked the end of one of the longest and most respected careers in Pacific Northwest television meteorology. Colleagues, viewers, and community leaders celebrated his dedication to public service, scientific excellence, and trustworthy reporting.

Although he stepped away from daily broadcasting, Marriott has remained connected with the community through public appearances, educational events, and advocacy work.

Parkinson’s Disease Diagnosis

Following his retirement, Rich Marriott publicly revealed that he had been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. Rather than keeping his diagnosis private, he chose to share his journey to help raise awareness about the neurological condition and encourage others facing similar challenges.

His openness has inspired many viewers who have followed his career for decades. Marriott has used his platform to promote early diagnosis, medical research, and support for individuals and families affected by Parkinson’s disease. His willingness to discuss his health publicly reflects the same honesty and integrity that defined his broadcasting career.

Rich Marriott Wife

Rich Marriott is married, although he has chosen to keep his wife and family life largely out of the public spotlight.

Despite spending decades as one of Seattle’s most recognizable television personalities, Marriott has maintained a strong separation between his professional and personal life. As a result, he has not publicly disclosed his wife’s name or many details about their relationship.

Rich Marriott Family

Rich Marriott was born and raised in Long Beach, California.

Although he occasionally speaks about his early interest in science and weather, he has shared very little information about his parents, siblings, or extended family. Throughout his broadcasting career, he has consistently chosen to keep his family life private.

Rich Marriott Height

Rich Marriott stands approximately 5 feet 8 inches (173 cm) tall and weighs around 70 kilograms (154 pounds).

His approachable personality, calm demeanor, and professional appearance made him a familiar and trusted presence in homes across the Pacific Northwest for more than three decades.

Rich Marriott Salary

During his years as Senior Meteorologist at KING 5, Rich Marriott was among the station’s most experienced broadcasters.

Although his exact salary was never publicly disclosed, experienced chief and senior meteorologists in major television markets such as Seattle typically earn competitive six-figure annual salaries based on experience, market size, and contract agreements.

Rich Marriott Net Worth

As of 2026, Rich Marriott has an estimated net worth of approximately $2 million.

His wealth has primarily been built through his long and successful broadcasting career, which spanned more than 35 years at KING 5 News. Additional income has likely come from public speaking engagements, educational programs, consulting, and other professional opportunities related to meteorology.

Awards and Recognition

Throughout his distinguished career, Rich Marriott earned widespread respect for his scientific expertise, professionalism, and commitment to public education.

His weather reporting received numerous regional honors, and he became one of the Pacific Northwest’s most respected broadcast meteorologists. Colleagues often praised his ability to explain complex atmospheric science in ways that viewers could easily understand, while audiences appreciated his calm and reassuring presence during severe weather events.

Beyond forecasting, Marriott also played an important role in educating the public about mountain safety, avalanche awareness, climate science, and weather preparedness.

Legacy

Rich Marriott’s career has left a lasting impact on broadcast meteorology in the Pacific Northwest. For more than three decades, he combined scientific knowledge with clear communication, helping millions of viewers prepare for changing weather conditions while developing a greater understanding of the science behind them.

Even after retiring from television, Marriott continues to inspire others through his advocacy for Parkinson’s disease awareness and his lifelong commitment to public education. His professionalism, integrity, and passion for meteorology have earned him a place among the most respected weather broadcasters in the history of Seattle television, and his legacy continues to influence both aspiring meteorologists and longtime viewers alike.