The Trailblazing Career of Lewis Tipton Stringer Huntley: A Pioneer in Early Television

Early Life and the Road to Broadcasting

Born Lewis Tipton Stringer in July 1930, she would become one of the most recognizable faces in Washington, D.C. television. Her full name, Lewis Tipton, was a nod to her maternal grandmother, Sarah Lewis Tipton.

However, it was the nickname “Tippy” that would stick with her throughout her life and career. She was the daughter of Arthur and Louise Stringer, who had met and married after graduating from the University of Chicago.

Tippy attended the University of Maryland, where she was an active and vibrant student. She was crowned homecoming queen and participated in university productions, demonstrating an early flair for performance and public presence.

Washington’s Beloved “Weather Girl”

Tippy Stringer began her career in broadcasting not in front of the camera, but as a stenographer at WRC, the NBC affiliate in Washington. This early exposure to the industry quickly led to her breakthrough role.

In the 1950s, she stepped into the spotlight as a weather presenter, becoming one of the first women to appear on a large-market news program. She was instantly popular with viewers, who were charmed by her poise and engaging delivery.

She delivered the forecast twice daily, always impeccably dressed with her signature bouffant hairstyle. Her segments were so highly anticipated that station executives once considered moving the evening news to accommodate her time slot.

Beyond her on-screen charm, Tippy was a true pioneer. She was among the first to use new broadcast technologies, such as wireless microphones, which helped make live news coverage more dynamic. She also created a popular cartoon character, “Senator Fairweather,” who offered humorous commentary on the day’s events.

Marriage to News Icon Chet Huntley

Tippy’s life took a significant turn when she met the legendary news anchor Chet Huntley, a colleague of her friend David Brinkley at NBC. The two fell in love and married in 1959.

Following their marriage, Tippy left her on-air role in Washington and moved with Chet to New York. She transitioned from being a local celebrity to the wife of one of the most respected figures in national news, forming a powerful media couple.

Their marriage lasted fifteen years until Chet’s death from lung cancer in 1974. His passing occurred just days before the grand opening of a project that would define the next chapter of Tippy’s life.

The Big Sky Legacy

Chet Huntley had long harbored a vision for a major ski resort in his home state of Montana. This dream materialized as the Big Sky Resort.

Upon Chet’s death, Tippy Stringer Huntley, who had been involved in the project from the start, stepped up to lead the development. She became the chairwoman of the board and chief executive officer.

In a remarkable transformation, the former “weather girl” proved herself to be a shrewd and capable businesswoman. She successfully guided Big Sky through its crucial early years, establishing it as one of North America’s most famous ski destinations.

Later Life and Marriage to William Conrad

Tippy’s life saw another significant partnership when she met the famous actor and director William Conrad. Their paths crossed when Conrad visited the Big Sky Resort.

They married in 1980, and Tippy moved to Los Angeles to support her new husband’s career. She took on the role of managing his professional life, further demonstrating her versatility and commitment.

Tipton “Tippy” Stringer Huntley Conrad passed away at her home in Los Angeles on October 1, 2010, at the age of 80, after a battle with a brain tumor. She left behind a legacy that spanned the golden age of television and the world of business.

A Lasting Impact on Broadcast History

Lewis Tipton Stringer Huntley, or Tippy Stringer, was far more than just the wife of two famous men. She was a TV Pioneer in her own right, breaking ground for women in a male-dominated industry.

Her work as a Weather Girl in the 1950s set a standard for on-screen professionalism and personality. She demonstrated that women could be both charming and technically adept in the burgeoning field of broadcast news.

Her later success as a CEO at Big Sky cemented her reputation as a woman of substance and drive. The life of Lewis Tipton Stringer Huntley is a testament to a woman who continually reinvented herself, leaving an indelible mark on both television and the American West.

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