Nancy O'Dell

Nancy ODell began her broadcast career as a reporter and anchor at WPDETV in Myrtle Beach South Carolina She later worked as morning news anchor and crime reporter at WCBDTV While in Charleston ODells reports on the lenient police approach to DUI cases led to a State Law Enforcement Division investigation that resulted in state authorities reissuing a more stringent directive regarding these cases Ms ODell was honored by the Associated Press with the Best Report of the Year Award all media South Carolina Following her work in Charleston ODell served as coanchor and investigative reporter for NBCs Miami station WTVJTV before joining Access Hollywood 1996 as a weekend coanchor and weekday correspondent in 1996 In addition to her current work as a lead anchor on Access Hollywood 1996 Ms ODell also contributes to NBC News Today 1952 and also to Dateline NBC 1992 She has covered such events as The Oscars The Emmys The Grammys and The Golden Globe Awards as well as cohosting a number of PreShowArrivals shows for The Emmys and the Golden Globes She also cohosted the Miss USA 2005 pageant and the Miss Universe 2005 pageant Although ODell maintains a busy work schedule she 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 is a summa cum laude honors graduate of Clemson University A native of South Carolina ODell was inducted into that states Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame in 1998 She was the youngest member ever and was awarded in recognition of her journalistic success