Sunrise’s ‘Man in Hollywood’ Nelson Aspen reveals the REAL reason he quit after 20 years: ‘It was relentless’
Sunrise’s Nelson Aspen has revealed why he quit his job as a showbiz correspondent on the breakfast show after almost 20 years in the role.
The longtime US entertainment reporter, 59, resigned in June to the shock of his co-hosts and viewers.
He told New Idea he was feeling “burned out” after struggling to maintain his workload from home during the Covid lockdown.
Sunrise’s Nelson Aspen has revealed why he quit his job as a showbiz correspondent on the breakfast show after almost 20 years in the role
“I had worked non-stop for over 100 consecutive weeks [because] The Covid circumstances had basically turned all of my work into long distance/home broadcasting via my phone and Zoom,” explained Nelson.
“It was relentless, and for the first time in my life I felt burned out because there was never a break.”
He went on to admit that there were “other parts” of his life that he had to take care of, including caring for his mother, who had just moved into assisted living.
The longtime US-based entertainment reporter quit in June, to the shock of his co-hosts Natalie Barr (left) and Michael Usher (center).
Nelson quit while delivering his morning show business news bulletin live from New York City.
“After 19.5 years at Sunrise, I’m giving you my two-week notice,” he told co-hosts Natalie Barr and Michael Usher, who seemed surprised by the news.
He continued, “I’m going to go and finish my new book [Your Home Is Your Castle]… and I will be doing a book tour, a question and answer show that will cover Australian cities.’
Nelson’s last day was July 15.
He told New Idea he was feeling “burned out” after struggling to maintain his workload from home during the Covid lockdown. (Pictured with Sunrise presenter Melissa Doyle)
An angry Natalie said at the time: “Nelson, it was a wonderful ride. We will miss you but it’s not goodbye because we have two weeks to say it.’
Nelson has been a Sunrise fixture over the past two decades, reporting to a number of hosts including Natalie, Samantha Armytage and Melissa Doyle.
He was living in Los Angeles when he joined the team and remained Sunrise’s “man in Hollywood” after moving to New York City.
Nelson (pictured in one of his first appearances on Australian television) also left to finish his new book Your Home Is Your Castle. His last day was July 1st
The reporter marked his 15th anniversary with Sunrise in 2018 and said he was grateful to “have the opportunity to interview so many stars.”
“Just having the experience of being a part of the Sunrise family and coming to Australia and meeting you guys and the fans…these are extraordinary opportunities,” he added.
He recently received the 2020 International Media Journalist of the Year award from the Publicists Guild of America from none other than Jennifer Aniston.
Throughout his career, Nelson has interviewed the likes of Julie Andrews, Harrison Ford and Rose Byrne, and has covered all of Sunrise’s major awards, including the Oscars
He was recently awarded the 2020 International Media Journalist of the Year award by the Publicists Guild of America by none other than Jennifer Aniston (right).