Nancy O'Dell's illustrious broadcasting career commenced as a reporter and anchor at WPDE-TV in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, before transitioning to WCBD-TV, where she served as morning news anchor and crime reporter.
Her investigative reports on the lenient police approach to DUI cases in Charleston, South Carolina, sparked a State Law Enforcement Division investigation, ultimately resulting in state authorities re-issuing a more stringent directive regarding these cases.
Ms. O'Dell's exceptional reporting earned her the prestigious Associated Press Best Report of the Year Award (all media, South Carolina).
Subsequently, she co-anchored and served as an investigative reporter for NBC's Miami station, WTVJ-TV, before joining Access Hollywood in 1996 as a weekend co-anchor and weekday correspondent.
In addition to her lead anchor role on Access Hollywood, O'Dell contributes to NBC News' Today and Dateline NBC, covering high-profile events such as The Oscars, The Emmys, The Grammys, and The Golden Globe Awards.
She has also co-hosted numerous Pre-Show/Arrivals shows for The Emmys and the Golden Globes, as well as the Miss USA 2005 and Miss Universe 2005 pageants.
Despite her demanding work schedule, O'Dell dedicates time to philanthropic endeavors, supporting organizations such as the American Red Cross, the March of Dimes, Best Buddies, and Childhelp USA.
A natural-born leader, O'Dell was valedictorian of her high school class and graduated summa cum laude from Clemson University.
As a native of South Carolina, she was inducted into the state's Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame in 1998, becoming the youngest member ever, in recognition of her outstanding journalistic achievements.
