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Television viewers who regularly tune into CNN will be familiar with Laura Coates.

To find out more about Laura Coates, keep on reading to discover 12 facts about the CNN anchor.

Laura Coates attending the premiere of Christopher Reeve: Super Man in September 2024

And my mom goes, ‘Okay, let’s try it,'" Coates recalled.

“It tells you a lot about my childhood,” she observed.

She then went on to accept a job at a Manhattan law firm.

Laura Coates pictured during 2017 Sirius XM subscriber event

In her latter role, she took on cases involving violent offenses including abuse and assault.

“It was often a secret side,” she told People of her extracurricular work onstage.

“People knew that I was doing theater, but most didn’t believe me.”

Laura Coates posing in an Instagram selfie

For Coates, treading the boards wasn’t just a hobby.

Performing also offered her a respite from the fraught day-to-day reality she faced as a prosecutor.

And you get to walk in them," she explained.

Laura Coates appearing as a legal analyst on CNN

In 2016, she made a big career leap when was hired by CNN as senior legal analyst.

In 2023, she was named CNN’s chief legal analyst.

Alex Trebek identified her as a possible successor to host Jeopardy!

Laura Coates standing at a podium

Laura Coates has garnered a lot of fans over the years.

One of these was Alex Trebek, the longtime host of iconic TV quiz show “Jeopardy!”

After Trebek’s death, producers began bringing in temporary guest hosts in hopes of finding a permanent replacement.

Laura Coates and husband Dale Gordon

Given what Trebek had said,Coates put herself forward only to be completely snubbed.

“I certainly raised my hand and knocked on doors, and found them closed,” she divulged.

“I asked for the opportunity, I was told no.”

Laura Coates being interviewed about her book, Just Pursuit

She must’ve figured it out,'" Coates explained in an interview withEssence.

Suffice to say, that orientation went far better than expected.

“I had first day jitters and in walks this incredibly handsome man,” Coates recalled.

Laura Coates on the set of her Sirius XM radio show

“I never stopped smiling.”

Coates’ book which became a New York Times bestseller also explored her work to enforce voting rights.

“And that, in and of itself, is a lie.”

Laura Coates reporting outside Manhattan courthouse

Yet he kept on insisting that he was not the person named in that warrant.

The judge, Coates recalled, didn’t take his protestations seriously.

“Yes, I understand.

Laura Coates delivering a lecutre

You’re not that person anymore,” the judge responded dismissively, via an excerpt published inRolling Stone.

I’m not that person, period!"

the wrongfully accused man declared.

Laura Coates with coats collected from her charity coat drive

“I guess the exception proved the rule today.

You must be proud of yourself, Ms. Coates,” Coates recalled the judge telling her.

According to Coates, she couldn’t disguise her disgust.

Laura Coates smiling and posing in Sirius XM studios

“‘Proud, Your Honor?’

‘No one should be proud of what happened here today,'” Coates wrote.

Coates immediately turned and began reporting on what was happening behind her.

She’s also hosted lectures, such as one entitled “Race in America.”

That’s evident in the charity that she established, Coats for a Cause.

“This year I wanted to do something especially meaningful and close to my heart.