Canadian journalist Beverly Thomson, a longtime CTV News anchor known for high-profile interviews with politicians and celebrities, died on Sunday, September 14, 2025, at age 61. Thomson passed away surrounded by her family after battling cancer for 23 years, according to network reports.
Thomson was first diagnosed with breast cancer in 2002 and became an outspoken advocate for cancer research and awareness throughout her career. She successfully led fundraising efforts for breast cancer organizations and served as an official spokesperson for the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation.
Born and raised in the Toronto area on April 15, 1964, Thomson began her journalism career at a small radio station in Newmarket, Ontario. She later worked at what is now known as CityNews 680 before transitioning to television.
Thomson’s television career began unexpectedly when a CTV manager called to invite her for an audition as an on-air reporter. Initially believing it was a prank, she ignored the first call but eventually agreed to interview, landing her first TV job with CTV News Toronto. Her first anchor experience came with only nine minutes’ notice when, at 6:21 p.m., the regular anchor failed to appear for the 6:30 p.m. newscast.
After becoming weekend anchor at CTV News Toronto, Thomson moved to Global News in 1997, where she anchored their flagship Toronto newscast for seven years. In 2003, she returned to CTV as co-host of Canada AM alongside Seamus O’Regan, a role she maintained for 13 years until the show concluded in 2016.
Following Canada AM’s end, Thomson continued with CTV News, contributing to current affairs and documentary program W5 while anchoring at CTV News Channel. She also co-hosted Olympic Morning with Jay Onrait during the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver.
Thomson’s career spanned over 30 years and included coverage of major events such as the 2016 U.S. presidential election. Her interview portfolio featured conversations with high-profile figures including Celine Dion, Shania Twain, Donald Trump, and Canadian astronaut Chris Hadfield while he was aboard the International Space Station. She conducted an exclusive Canadian interview with Hillary Clinton in 2014, successfully getting the former secretary of state to discuss her presidential ambitions.
Richard Gray, vice-president of news at Bell Media, described Thomson as having a natural on-air style that created an immediate connection with viewers. He noted her significant impact across the country through vocal support and advocacy for cancer charities.
Thomson received numerous accolades throughout her career. In 2006, she was presented with the Gemini Humanitarian Award for her advocacy and community work. She was appointed as the first Canadian National Ambassador for The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award in 2009. In 2019, she was named a Member of the Order of Canada for her outstanding contributions to Canada’s broadcasting industry and volunteerism with breast cancer organizations.
Most recently, in October 2024, the Radio Television Digital News Association of Canada honored Thomson with its Lifetime Achievement Award. Then-RTDNA Canada President Lis Travers called Thomson “one of Canada’s most respected news personalities” when presenting the award.
Former Canada AM colleagues Jeff Hutcheson, Marci Ien, and Seamus O’Regan issued a joint statement remembering Thomson as a good, kind, and thoughtful friend who persevered through years of cancer treatment while on air. They noted that the four of them spent three hours together every morning, live on air, five days a week for years. O’Regan indicated that Thomson “could scrap with politicians and give as good as she got.”
Former Global News anchor Leslie Roberts paid tribute to Thomson on social media, calling her a solid news anchor, mother and friend. Roberts noted that as his first Toronto co-anchor, she always had his back and described her as the perfect work wife.
Seán O’Shea, a Global News Toronto reporter who worked alongside Thomson at the anchor desk, remembered her as kind, caring, and usually smiling off-camera, especially when discussing their children. He emphasized that Thomson was always professional and well-prepared for interviews while taking her journalistic work seriously.
Thomson studied broadcast journalism at York University and Seneca College, graduating in 1987. She received Seneca’s Distinguished Alumni Award in 2000 and the Ontario Premier’s Award for Creative Arts & Design in 2003.
Thomson is survived by her husband Rob and two children, Taylor and Robbie. She was known for cherishing time with her family, from skiing in the Rockies to attending Blue Jays games.
