Nancy O'Dell began her broadcast career as a reporter and anchor at WPDE-TV in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, where she later worked as morning news anchor and crime reporter at WCBD-TV. Her investigative reporting in Charleston led to a State Law Enforcement Division investigation that resulted in state authorities re-issuing a more stringent directive regarding DUI cases, earning her the Associated Press' Best Report of the Year Award (all media, South Carolina).
Following her work in Charleston, O'Dell served as co-anchor and investigative reporter for NBC's Miami station, WTVJ-TV, before joining Access Hollywood (1996) as a weekend co-anchor and weekday correspondent. In addition to her current work as a lead anchor on Access Hollywood (1996),she also contributes to NBC News' Today (1952),and Dateline NBC (1992). She has covered prestigious events such as The Oscars, The Emmys, The Grammys, and The Golden Globe Awards, as well as co-hosting numerous Pre-Show/Arrivals shows for The Emmys and the Golden Globes. Additionally, she co-hosted the Miss USA 2005 pageant and the Miss Universe 2005 pageant.
Despite her busy work schedule, Nancy O'Dell regularly makes time for philanthropic endeavors. The American Red Cross, the March of Dimes, Best Buddies, and Childhelp USA have all benefited from her efforts. A leader from the start, Nancy was valedictorian of her high school class and a summa cum laude honors graduate of Clemson University. As a native of South Carolina, O'Dell was inducted into that state's Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame in 1998, becoming the youngest member ever and being awarded in recognition of her journalistic success.
