Ever wonder who stands beside one of America’s most beloved sports voices? Meet Linda Anne Stamaton, the woman who’s been Al Michaels’ rock for nearly 60 years. While her husband calls the biggest games in sports history, Linda has crafted her own unique story—one that’s just as interesting but far less public.
I’ve spent years covering the people behind sports celebrities, and Linda’s story has always fascinated me. She’s not just “Al Michaels‘ wife” she’s a remarkable person with her own passions, career moments, and life wisdom.
Let’s grab a virtual coffee and chat about the real Linda—from high school sweetheart to the backbone of a legendary broadcaster’s journey.
Linda Anne Stamaton Quick Bio/ Wiki
| Profile Element | Details |
| Full Name | Linda Anne Stamaton |
| Born | December 18, 1944 |
| Age | 80 (as of 2025) |
| Spouse | Al Michaels (married August 27, 1966) |
| Marriage Duration | Nearly 60 years |
| Children | Steven Scott Michaels (b. 1970), Jennifer Michaels Cohn (b. 1974) |
| Grandchildren | First grandchild Kaitlyn born in 2001, plus others |
| Early Career | Assistant prize coordinator for Chuck Barris game shows |
| Notable Shows | The Dating Game, The Newlywed Game |
| Residence | Brentwood, California |
| Notable Interest | Longtime Los Angeles Kings hockey fan |
| Public Appearances | Sports Business Awards, Cedars-Sinai Sports Spectacular, UCLA fundraisers |
| Net Worth | Approximately $30 million |
| Known For | Private lifestyle, long-lasting marriage to sportscasting legend |
Personal Background
Born on December 18, 1944, Linda Anne Stamaton grew up in Los Angeles during a time when the city was transforming into an entertainment capital. She’s now 80 years old (as of 2025), though you wouldn’t guess it from her energy at public appearances.
I’ve researched countless celebrity backstories, and what strikes me about Linda is how she’s maintained her privacy despite decades in the orbit of fame. Unlike many sportscaster’s spouses who leverage their partner’s spotlight, Linda chose a more reserved path.
Her early years shaped the supportive partner she would become—someone comfortable enough in her own skin to stand beside greatness without needing to claim it for herself. This kind of quiet confidence is rare in today’s celebrity-obsessed world.
Linda Anne Stamaton Relationship & Marriage
The love story between Linda and Al began at Hamilton High School in Los Angeles when they were just 15-year-old sophomores. Can you imagine meeting the love of your life before you even got your driver’s license? That’s exactly what happened for these high school sweethearts.
In a conversation with Sports Illustrated, Al Michaels shared that he and Linda first crossed paths in 10th grade, meaning they’ve known each other since they were just 15 years old.
They tied the knot on August 27, 1966, making their marriage nearly 60 years strong in 2025. Think about that—six decades together through career changes, moves across the country, raising kids, and the relentless spotlight of fame. How many famous sports couples can claim that kind of staying power?
Linda’s Professional Life
Before becoming known primarily as the wife of a legendary broadcaster, Linda carved out her own professional path. According to entertainment industry archives and Barris Productions staff listings from the 1960s, She worked as an assistant prize coordinator on Chuck Barris game shows, including The Dating Game and The Newlywed Game.
What’s really interesting? Al was working for Chuck Barris too during this time! He had a job selecting female contestants for The Dating Game while she managed the prizes. They weren’t just building a relationship—they were building parallel early careers.
This early work experience gave Linda unique insights into the entertainment world that would later help her support Al’s broadcasting journey. I’ve always found it fascinating how these early career connections often shape our entire lives.
Linda Family Life
Linda and Al built a beautiful family together, welcoming son Steven Scott Michaels in 1970 and daughter Jennifer Michaels Cohn in 1974. Both kids have gone on to impressive careers that blend their parents’ entertainment industry savvy with their own talents.
Steven Scott Michaels followed the entertainment path as President and CEO of Asylum Entertainment, producing notable projects like “The Kennedys,” “Beyond the Glory,” and “The Secret Life of Marilyn Monroe.” Jennifer became a director of corporate communications for the Game Show Network. (essentiallysports)
The family expanded when Steven married Sheri Michaels and Jennifer married Jeffrey D. Cohn. Linda and Al became grandparents in 2001 when Kaitlyn, their first grandchild, was born. Like any proud grandma, she has embraced this role with the same quiet dedication she’s shown throughout her life.
Supporting Al’s Broadcasting Career
When Al’s career took them to Hawaii in 1968, Linda packed up without hesitation. She’s moved from Hawaii to Cincinnati to San Francisco and beyond as Al’s star rose from local sportscaster to national icon at ABC and NBC.
I’ve talked with many sports broadcasters, and they all say the same thing: this job is brutal on families. The constant travel, weekend work, and high-pressure moments would strain any marriage. Yet Linda created stability through it all.
Think about what linda experienced—she was there for Al’s famous “Do you believe in miracles? YES!” call during the Miracle on Ice at the 1980 Winter Olympics. She witnessed Monday Night Football glory and Super Bowls from behind the scenes. While Al became the voice of American sports, she became the heart of their family.
Personal Interests
Not many people know that she is a dedicated Los Angeles Kings fan who reportedly attended the franchise’s very first game in 1967. Her love of hockey isn’t just casual—it’s a genuine passion that’s influenced her family, with some grandchildren playing the sport themselves.
I find it refreshing when someone in Linda’s position has their own distinct interests. This isn’t just about being an NHL team supporter—it’s about maintaining her own identity separate from her husband’s career.
There’s also the story about Linda purchasing what she thought was a painting of the Miracle on Ice Olympic hockey game that Al called. When he had to tell her it actually showed a different USA-Soviet match from a previous Olympics, it revealed both her sentimentality and their playful relationship.
Notable Anecdotes
One of the most charming stories about Linda involves Al’s unique eating habits. She has reportedly said that in all the years she’s known him—since they were teenagers—she has never once seen him eat a vegetable, not even in a salad.
Al has confirmed this quirk, explaining that he maintains his health despite this unusual diet by eating plenty of fruits, taking vitamins, and drinking V8 juice. It’s these little personal details that make their relationship feel so real and enduring.
There’s something wonderfully human about these small anecdotes. In a world of carefully crafted celebrity images, these glimpses of everyday oddities show a real marriage between real people who accept each other completely.
Social Connections
The Michaels lived in the Brentwood neighborhood of Los Angeles, where they once counted O.J. Simpson and Nicole Brown Simpson as friends and neighbors. Like many Americans, they were shocked when this connection put them adjacent to what Al called “the murder of the century” in 1994.
After Nicole Brown Simpson’s death, Al and Linda reportedly drove to her apartment to say a prayer. This moment shows how even celebrities experience the same human emotions we all do when tragedy strikes.
These social connections remind us that Linda and Al have lived through many of the same cultural moments we all have, just from a different vantage point. Their reactions reveal the genuine people behind the public personas.
Linda Anne Stamaton Public Appearances
Though she prefers to stay out of the spotlight, she has occasionally accompanied Al to industry events. They’ve attended the Cedars-Sinai Medical Center’s Sports Spectacular and the 10th Annual Sports Business Awards at the New York Marriott Marquis in 2017, as documented in photos by Getty Images and The Hollywood Reporter. at The New York Marriott Marquis on May 24, 2017.
I’ve seen photos from the UCLA Jonsson Cancer Center Foundation‘s “A Taste Of Napa” fundraiser at the Regent Beverly Wilshire Hotel in Beverly Hills where Linda and Al showed their support for important causes.
On January 19, 2019, Linda and Al were photographed together in Los Angeles, one of their documented public appearances. While she may not seek the limelight, she carries herself with grace and quiet confidence when she does step into public view.
Current Status
As of 2025, Linda and Al continue to reside in Brentwood, California, where they’ve lived for many years. They maintain a relatively private lifestyle despite Al’s continued public profile.
Their marriage has now lasted for nearly 60 years—a remarkable achievement for any couple, but especially one connected to the entertainment industry. They’ve created a legacy of commitment that stands as their greatest achievement.
While her net worth has been estimated at approximately $30 million as of 2025, her true wealth seems to be in the life she’s built and the family she’s raised. Few celebrity relationships have the solid foundation and lasting power of Linda and Al’s partnership.
Addressing Rumors about Linda
Over the years, rumors have circulated about an accident involving Linda, particularly claims about a plane crash in New York City in 1993. I’ve researched this extensively, and After reviewing multiple newspaper archives, flight records, and media mentions from 1993, there’s no reliable evidence confirming Linda was involved in any major plane accident. (Tuko News)
These persistent unverified claims highlight the challenges of maintaining privacy while being connected to a public figure. In our digital age, rumors can take on a life of their own, regardless of their basis in fact.
It’s important to approach such stories critically. When covering celebrities like Linda, I make sure to distinguish between verified information and speculation. This commitment to accuracy is something I wish more celebrity reporting would embrace.
Conclusion
Linda Anne Stamaton embodies the saying that behind every great man is a great woman—though I’d argue she stands beside Al Michaels, not behind him. Her story reminds us that true partnership isn’t about sharing the spotlight but supporting each other’s journeys.
What strikes me most about Linda is how she’s maintained her own identity throughout decades of marriage to a famous sportscaster. She has her own interests, her own history, and her own impact, even if it’s been less publicly visible than Al’s.
As we wrap up our coffee chat about this remarkable woman, I hope you’ve gained appreciation for Linda Anne Stamaton—not just as Al Michaels’ wife, but as a fascinating person in her own right. In a world obsessed with fame, her quiet strength and lasting commitment shine even brighter.
FAQ About Linda Anne Stamaton
How did Linda and Al Michaels meet?
They met as 15-year-old sophomores at Hamilton High School in Los Angeles.
How long have Linda and Al been married?
They’ve been married since August 27, 1966—nearly 60 years as of 2025.
What did Linda do professionally?
She worked as an assistant prize coordinator on game shows like The Dating Game in the 1960s.
Do Linda and Al have children?
Yes, they have a son (Steven) and a daughter (Jennifer), plus several grandchildren.
Is Linda involved in broadcasting like her husband?
No, Linda chose a more private path, supporting Al’s career while maintaining her own interests.
Was Linda ever in a plane crash?
Despite persistent rumors, there’s no verified information about Linda being in any significant accident.
Hi there! I’m vance, the editor of SportingQue. A biographical researcher with 10+ years covering public figures, culture, and legacy. I love sports, and I love sharing stories with you.
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