Catching up with Marissa Perlman

Marissa Perlman is living her dream: reporting and breaking stories in her hometown.  

The CBS News Chicago reporter grew up in Glenview and is a graduate of Syracuse University’s S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications. Just a couple of weeks after her college graduation, Perlman began her journalism career as an anchor and reporter in Elmira, N.Y., at WETM-TV. 

Perlman joined the CBS family in 2019 as a reporter and fill-in anchor at KOVR in Sacramento, Calif., where she was recognized for her reporting for her daily investigations, state politics, and covering wildfires. 

Her reporting has earned prestigious honors, including Edward R. Murrow Awards, a Gracie Award for women in media, and recognition as a national DuPont finalist. Recently, she was recognized by her alma mater Glenbrook South (GBS) High School as a Distinguished Alumnus.  

“You look at that [Distinguished Alumni] wall when you’re in high school, and then to come back and to see all of these incredible humans on this wall from so many diverse backgrounds,” Perlman told The Oracle, the GBS newspaper. While at GBS, Perlman served as co-editor-in-chief of The Oracle. “It just means so much that after dedicating your life to something, it’s recognized by the community that means the most.” 

When she isn’t on air, you can find Perlman exploring the Chicago restaurant scene, traveling, spending time with her family, and going on long walks throughout her beloved city. 

What was the last book you read? 

The Bonobo Sisterhood: Revolution Through Female Alliance by Diane Rosenfeld, a Harvard Law researcher I interviewed as part of my investigations into systemic domestic violence. 

What’s your all-time favorite movie? 

This is tough. I love The Princess Bride—a shoutout to the late, wonderful Rob Reiner, who I had the pleasure of meeting—and Pretty Woman, maybe the most perfect movie of all time. 

What’s your favorite Jewish food? 

Gefilte fish! I like mine a little sweet, with carrots and horseradish. And, of course, my mom’s kugel, topped with corn flakes, brown sugar, and butter.  

What are you listening to these days?  

I’m in my Olivia Dean era! My guilty pleasure podcast is The Good Guys—the hosts are both mensch-y men, and the Jewish-culture lore makes me laugh out loud. 

Who was the last person you texted on your phone? 

My husband, who lovingly converted to Judaism before our 2024 wedding, to ask what he wanted to do for Shabbat dinner. 

If you could invite three people to a Shabbat dinner, who would they be? 

Ruth Bader Ginsberg, my grandmother (who I wish my husband could have met), and Diane Keaton. 

If you could have any other occupation, what would it be? 

I’d probably be a spin instructor: high energy and good tunes. And the best part? The only deadline is when class ends—just pedals and people. 

Who are two of your biggest role models? 

I look up to Jane Pauley and Christiane Amanpour. I also admire my grandfather, Gerri Eck, who fled Nazi Germany in the mid-1930s, leaving everything behind to eventually start over in the U.S. He was brave, tenacious, and hardworking. He passed those values on to my mom who eventually sued the German government for the rights to the properties he owned in Berlin, and won. 

What are you currently binging on TV? 

The Pitt. For those of us who grew up in the Noah Wiley era on ER, the nostalgia is like no other. My husband and I are also recent fans of The Traitors. 

If you could offer the teen version of yourself one piece of wisdom, what would it be? 

Trust the process and do not fear uncertainty. The things that feel like detours often shape you in the most meaningful ways.