Bob Woodruff

Bob Woodruff joined ABC News in 1996 and has covered major stories throughout the country and around the world for the network. He was named co-anchor of ABC World News Tonight in December 2005 to replace Peter Jennings who died of lung cancer. On January 29, 2006, while reporting on U.S. and Iraqi security forces, Woodruff was seriously injured by a roadside bomb that struck his vehicle near Taji, Iraq.

In February 2007, just 13 months after being wounded in Iraq, Woodruff returned to ABC News with his first on-air report, "To Iraq and Back: Bob Woodruff Reports." The hour-long, primetime documentary chronicled his traumatic brain injury (TBI), his painstaking recovery and the plight of thousands of service members returning from Iraq and Afghanistan with similar injuries. Woodruff continues to cover traumatic brain injuries for all ABC News broadcasts and platforms and received the “Peabody Award” in 2008 for his reporting on the subject. Since his return, he has reported extensively from North Korea on various issues, including the country's nuclear capabilities and the influence of its leaders, as well as from China and Japan. His documentary "China Inside Out" aired in 2008, exploring China's global impact.

Other than wars and conflicts he covered the World Cup in Brazil, he also follows members of the British Royal Family extensively. In addition to his news coverage, Woodruff has authored the best-selling memoir "In an Instant," co-written with his wife, Lee, detailing his recovery from injuries sustained in Iraq. The couple established the Bob Woodruff Foundation (BWF) to raise funds to support injured service members, veterans, and their families. His career includes a stint as ABC's Justice Department correspondent in Washington in the late 1990s, covering the office of Attorney General Janet Reno, the FBI, and ATF.

Woodruff's dedication to journalism and veteran support is reflected in his involvement in a variety of projects. He hosted a keynote at a TEDxWomen event, sharing insights on the pivotal stops and starts in life. He also participated in a panel series on veterans' food insecurity titled "Leader Eat Last: A Bob Woodruff Foundation Panel Series." Moreover, he has ventured into adventure series broadcasting with his son Mack on Disney+, showcasing their shared experiences.

Woodruff holds a law degree from the University of Michigan Law School and a Bachelor of Arts degree from Colgate University. He and his wife Lee are parents to four children. His continued contribution to journalism is recognized with multiple awards, including an Alfred I. duPont Award, a George Foster Peabody Award, and six Emmy Awards, marking him as a prominent figure in both news broadcasting and veteran advocacy.