Shirleen Allicot: From Guyana to New York's Top Morning Anchor
Shirleen Allicot is a prominent American news anchor, reporter, and broadcast journalist, currently co-anchoring Eyewitness News This Morning on WABC-TV in New York City. With a career spanning over two decades, she has interviewed high-ranking officials, including former First Lady Michelle Obama, and covered major global events such as the 2018 Royal Wedding and the death of Queen Elizabeth II.
Early Life and Background
Born on 15 August 1974 in Guyana, Shirleen Allicot moved to Ozone Park, Queens, New York, when she was just three months old. She grew up with six brothers, one named Freddy, in a family where both parents worked for the New York City Transit Authority (NYCTA). Her father died of a stroke in 2010, which led her to support the American Heart Association. She earned a Bachelor's Degree in Broadcast Journalism from Hofstra University in Hempstead, Long Island.
Age and Personal Details
As of July 2026, Shirleen Allicot is 52 years old. She stands 5 feet 7 inches (170 cm) tall, weighs 127 pounds (58 kg), and has black hair and dark brown eyes. She identifies as African-American, Christian, and straight.
Career Journey
Allicot began her journalism career at News 12, working across News 12 Connecticut, News 12 Long Island, and News 12 the Bronx, where she honed her skills by shooting, writing, and editing her own stories. She later joined WPVI-TV in Philadelphia, co-anchoring Action News at 4 p.m. and 10 p.m. During her tenure, she covered Hurricane Sandy, the Boston Marathon bombings, and the 2015 Amtrak derailment. In 2010, she moved to WABC-TV in New York, where she now co-anchors Eyewitness News This Morning with David Novarro and appears on Eyewitness News Mornings @10.
Awards and Notable Assignments
Throughout her career, Allicot has earned multiple Emmy Awards. Among her most memorable assignments are interviewing First Lady Michelle Obama in the White House's Kennedy Garden, delivering live reports from London for the 2018 Royal Wedding, and covering the death and state funeral of Queen Elizabeth II in the UK.
Net Worth and Salary
Shirleen Allicot's exact net worth is not publicly disclosed. While online sources estimate it at around $1 million, these figures remain unverified by Allicot or her employer and should be treated as speculation.
Personal Life: Husband and Children
Shirleen Allicot married Jesse Gilmer on 15 June 2015. Jesse Gilmer is an American business executive serving as Senior Vice President, Commercial at SPORTFIVE, with over 20 years in sports marketing and sponsorship. The couple began dating in 2014. They have three children: daughters Shayla Joelle Gilmer (born 15 March 2017) and Georgina Gilmer (born 13 July 2019), and son Wesley (born 27 August 2021). In 2018, they celebrated their anniversary in Paris, France, including a private helicopter tour and vow renewal.
Controversy: Ken Rosato Incident
In 2023, Allicot became the subject of media attention when her WABC colleague Ken Rosato was fired for allegedly using a derogatory slur to refer to her during an off-air conversation caught on a hot mic. Allicot did not publicly comment and continued her anchoring duties.
Other Facts
Before journalism, Allicot appeared in the 1997 comedy-drama film The Real Blonde with Matthew Modine. She currently resides in New York City with her husband and children.
