

Ed Arnold, the celebratory commentator and the master of speaking at the Los Angeles radio and TV stations, including KABC and KTLA, passed away on Thursday in Los Angeles. The 86-year-old was suffering from cardiovascular disease for several years, and reportedly, that’s the cause of his leaving us.
His close friend, Bob Tarlau, confirmed the news. Surrounded by his loved ones, son, Dean, daughter-in-law, Rachel, and his grandchildren, Jacob and Luke, Ed Arnold breathed his last. The news has left a void, especially for the Dodgers players, who experienced his commentary legacy in the late 1960s.
Spending 60 years in the broadcasting industry, the contributions of Ed Arnold will forever be etched in the heart of LA.
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The Dodgers wish to extend their condolences to the family and friends of longtime Los Angeles sports anchor Ed Arnold, who has passed away at age 86.
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) April 14, 2025
Mr. Arnold studied at Santa Ana College and then transferred to California State University, Long Beach, to complete his bachelor’s degree in speech with a radio/TV/film emphasis. Imagine finding your destiny at the young age of 14 years. That’s what happened with Ed Arnold when he started his broadcasting journey in his hometown of Texarkana, Arkansas.
After being a part of several radio stations in Los Angeles and Orange County, he joined KTLA in the late 1960s. First, as an announcer and then as a sportscaster till 1975.
After that, Ed Arnold became an integral part of the KABC-TV’s “Eyewitness News” team, where he stayed till 1986.
Other than that, Arnold was one of the top sports personalities at the radio stations KMPC, KHTZ, and KRLA. He was even the managing editor and co-host of PBS SoCal and was an announcer on the internationally televised religious program, Hour of Power, too. But then, in 1986, his real passion brought him back to KTLA, where he continued until his retirement – 1999.
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Did Ed Arnold's voice define an era for Dodgers fans, or was it his passion for sports?
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The entire baseball world and the Los Angeles Dodgers are extending their deepest condolences. Ed Arnold, being their voice in the 1960s, is an unforgettable name for them. Not only had he helped the Dodgers gain recognition, but also united fans from all over, pushing their interest in the sport.
So, now, the Dodgers Nation is mourning his absence, paying tribute to their legendary narrator.
Fans mourn the death of the Los Angeles legend
Ed Arnold’s death didn’t just leave the fans to mourn – it left them with a lot of memories, mostly for all the good reasons.
One of the fans commented, “Rest in peace,” on his journey to the heavenly abode, joining voices with others who also shared their heartfelt messages.

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Now, seeing the massive collapse in the Dodgers’ lineup in their last game, fans cannot help but think that Arnold never would have wanted to experience this. “16-0 was the final straw,” shedding light on the Dodgers’ humiliating loss against the Chicago Cubs. As a sportscaster and commentator for the Dodgers for a long time, it wouldn’t have been a great sight for Ed Arnold to watch the Dodgers facing a defeat, which no one ever thought of, maybe.
One admirer recalled some sweet memories of him meeting with the Emmy-winning Los Angeles legend. In his post, he wrote, “Got to meet him about maybe 15 years ago. Loved him on KTLA (Channel 5). May he Rest in Peace,” praising the way he carried out his work on KTLA. The legend’s passion for the sport and his love for commentating led him back on KTLA, where he continued until his retirement.
Irrespective of the Chicago Cubs’ victory over the Dodgers, a Cubs fan also shared his condolences. And why not? Baseball may divide fans due to the teams that we support, but not a personality whom we all love. “Condolences from a Cubs fan. May he have eternal peace,” indicating how much the fan loved his language and commentary.
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Another sports enthusiast, who worked with him, remembers some great moments she shared with Ed Arnold. She recalls when Arnold joked about her obsession with the Dodgers and Mike Scioscia, former Dodgers catcher and Angels manager. She wrote on the post, “RIP, dearest Ed. We worked together on many auctions for the MS Society. He always teased me about my Dodgers obsession and my favorite player (at the time) Mike Scioscia. That was a long time ago but I’ve always remembered him fondly and will continue to do so.” Grief, sadness are all part of life; however, she would definitely like to cherish the memories and continue to remember Ed Arnold throughout her life.
And as we bid goodbye to the legendary commentator, we all wish for his soul to find peace as he lives forever in our hearts! Adieu, Ed Arnold…
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Did Ed Arnold's voice define an era for Dodgers fans, or was it his passion for sports?