Roz Varon age is widely reported as about 68, though she has never published an official birth date. She spent 35 years as ABC7 Chicago’s morning traffic anchor before retiring in April 2024. This guide covers her age, family, career, health, net worth and life today, and flags what remains unconfirmed.
Profile Bio
| Detail | Information |
| Full name | Roz Varon |
| Age | About 68 (unconfirmed) |
| Birthday | Late November (25th or 26th reported) |
| Hometown | Niles, Illinois |
| Residence | River Forest, Illinois |
| Height | About 5 ft 6 in to 5 ft 7 in (unverified) |
| Education | Columbia College Chicago, 1980 |
| Profession | Former TV traffic anchor and author |
| Known for | Chicago’s first morning TV traffic anchor |
| Career span | 1989 to 2024 at ABC7 Chicago |
| Family | Daughter Sara Beth Janz (died 2025) |
| Book | On the Road with Roz |
| Net worth | Unverified; online estimates $1 million to $5 million |
Roz Varon Age and Birthday
Most profiles place her around 68, with a birth year near 1957 and a birthday in late November. Sources split between the 25th and 26th. She graduated from Columbia College Chicago in 1980, which fits that timeline. Treat the exact date as unconfirmed until she shares it herself.
Early Life and Education
Varon grew up in Niles, Illinois, and later settled in River Forest. She earned a bachelor’s degree in broadcast communications from Columbia College Chicago in 1980. That education led straight into radio, where she began building the traffic expertise that would define her career.
Family and Parents
Varon keeps most of her family history private. Some websites name her parents, but those pages are unreliable, so the details stay unconfirmed. What is documented is her love of family travel. Her book, On the Road with Roz, features trips along Route 66 and around the world with loved ones.
Marriage and Relationships
Online claims about her marriages conflict, and many pages confuse her with actors who share her name. The only relationship confirmed by a news source is that her daughter’s father is Edward Janz, according to an obituary. Anything beyond that is best verified through her own writing.
Her Daughter, Sara Beth Janz
Sara Beth Janz died at 29 in early January 2025 in New Mexico after a recent illness. She helped found the junior board of the Chicago/Midwest chapter of the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences and worked as a freelance photographer. Varon shared the loss publicly, and the community responded warmly.
Sara Janz Memorial Scholarship
Varon launched the Sara Janz Take Your Shot Memorial Scholarship to support students entering media. A fundraiser at the Des Plaines Theatre brought Chicago musicians and media figures together for it. The fund keeps Sara’s work with young broadcasters alive and gives Varon a lasting link to the industry.
Career at ABC7 Chicago
Before television, Varon reported radio traffic for nine years. In April 1989 she joined ABC7 as morning traffic anchor on Eyewitness News This Morning, making her Chicago’s first TV traffic anchor. She also produced Weekender and 1 Tank Trips, features showing she covered far more than crashes and construction.
Awards and Honors
Varon has won multiple Emmy Awards for traffic reporting, specialty programming, spot news and features. She was also inducted into the Silver Circle. ABC7 leaders said her pioneering work paved the way for traffic reporters in Chicago and across the country.
Health Journey
ABC7 reports that Varon was diagnosed with Stage 4 breast cancer while working at the station. Many biographies date the diagnosis to 2006. She has spoken openly about the experience to encourage others. Treatment details beyond what she has shared herself should be treated with caution.
Retirement
Varon announced her retirement on air on February 21, 2024, and signed off on April 5, 2024. The 1:30 a.m. wake-up calls were a big factor, and she said she was glad to leave them behind. Her first post-retirement plan was clearing out her house.
Net Worth
No verified figure exists. Online estimates range from roughly $1 million to $5 million, but none cite financial records. A 35-year career at a major network station, plus book and speaking income, suggests comfort, yet any exact number is a guess.
Height and Appearance
Her height is often listed between 5 feet 6 inches and 5 feet 7 inches, though no reliable source confirms it. She is recognized for her short blonde hair and warm on-camera presence. A retirement profile pictured her at home with two dogs.
Social Media
Varon has used social media to connect with viewers and to share personal news, including her daughter’s passing. She also keeps a personal website for her writing. Follow her verified accounts directly, and avoid fan pages or imitators.
Fun Facts
- She was Chicago’s first morning TV traffic anchor.
- She reported radio traffic for nine years before television.
- She wrote On the Road with Roz.
- She woke at 1:30 a.m. for years to reach the morning show.
Final Thoughts
Roz Varon’s age is reported as about 68, though she has never confirmed an official date. What is certain is her impact. She spent 35 years at ABC7 Chicago, became the city’s first morning TV traffic anchor, and now honors her daughter Sara through a memorial scholarship. Her story is one of pioneering work, resilience and lasting purpose.
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FAQs
How old is Roz Varon?
About 68, based on a reported 1957 birth year. She hasn’t confirmed an official date.
Why did Roz Varon retire?
After 35 years, she was ready to leave the 1:30 a.m. wake-ups behind. Her last day was April 5, 2024.
Who was Roz Varon’s daughter?
Sara Beth Janz, a media volunteer and photographer who died at 29 in January 2025. Varon started a memorial scholarship in her name.
Has Roz Varon had cancer?
ABC7 reports she was diagnosed with Stage 4 breast cancer while working at the station. She has spoken about it openly.
What is Roz Varon’s net worth?
No verified figure exists. Online estimates run from $1 million to $5 million.
