Dagmar Midcap puts in her notice at WGCL-TV
Dagmar Midcap in 2008. CREDIT: Hyosub Shin/AJC
Dagmar Midcap, the popular weather reader on CBS affiliate WGCL-TV, turned in her notice with the TV station this morning.
Her bosses weren’t there so she’s not sure when her last day will be. Reached Friday afternoon, Steve Schwaid, WGCL-TV news director, said she is still under contract and had no other comment.
Midcap, who arrived at WGCL in 2007, said the death of her boyfriend, who took his own life in July 2009, precipitated this departure. (For respect for the family, she requested we not release his name.)
She has been meeting with a grief counselor and therapists to grapple with her loss. She has nightmares and has been unable to sleep soundly. She said she takes medication and sleep aids.
“I can’t keep doing that,” she said. “It’s starting to affect me on the air. I can’t think on the air.”
She said she also may have some stress-related vocal cord damage she’s worried might be permanent.
“Doctors told me my body is breaking down,” she said in an emotional interview at the Silver Skillet in Midtown Friday just minutes after she had handed in her resignation. “I can’t stay here. It’s too difficult for me to move forward.”
She said WGCL has been a wonderful opportunity, but she said she can’t cope with being in the city where she fell in love, where everything reminds her of her late boyfriend.
In March 31, 2008, just a year after arriving at the station, she signed a four-year contract through 2012. (She said the station wanted her to stay five.) The station and viewers embraced her. After moving her to evenings, management plastered her face on billboards.
“My job has been to make people happy,” she said. The notes she’s gotten, from the 100-year-old man to the 20-year-old woman, say “I gave them joy at the end of the day, a smile. That was my job.” After his death, “it was difficult to find that joy.”
She said she has been negotiating the past few months to get out of her contract early but had been unable to come up with a date both sides could mutually agree on.
Midcap met her boyfriend in 2007 soon after she arrived. He was a neighbor. They fell in love almost immediately. Their first date was Martinis & Imax at the Fernbank Museum of Natural History. They visited Stone Mountain Park, a favorite spot for him.
“We were inseparable,” she said. “He was everything to me. He was my best friend.”
But she sensed his fragility and tried to open up his world. They traveled to Charleston, S.C., Asheville, N.C., Seaside, Fla, and the North Georgia mountains. She bought a home just outside Decatur in hopes he would join her.
The last time she saw him, she said, he had arrived at her home, flowers and an apple pie from Whole Foods in hand. He apologized to her for his negativity and promised they’d always be together. “I thought he was making a breakthrough,” she said. “I didn’t understand what he was really saying.”
Midcap found out about his death July 2009, during the 4 p.m. newscast in her news director’s office. She collapsed in shock. She stayed off air for 11 days.
Coming back, she said, was incredibly difficult. But she put on a happy face and viewers hardly noticed until six months later. “I had one bad night. I wasn’t as perky. I was on the verge of tears on the air,” she said.
Colleagues, though, noticed her withdrawn behavior off air. She’d sometimes cry at her desk, she said.
Two weeks ago, she visited R. Thomas, a restaurant she and her boyfriend enjoyed. It was an attempt to try to get past the pain, she said. Instead, she got sick.
She isn’t sure what her plans are next. She said she has no job in hand and isn’t sure where she is going, though the West Coast is likely. She had worked in Los Angeles and her hometown of Vancouver before coming to Atlanta.
“I have no manager,” she said. “I’ve got nothing.”
Later, in a moment of humor, she added, “I may be picking grapefruits out there. But I’ll do what I need to do that’s right for me. I have to take my health into account.”
One thing she knows she’ll do is work with animals. “They have no malice,” she said, her face lighting up momentarily. “They need our help. They do what they do.”
[I've been moderating comments the past few days. I have shut down comments now though I may open it up again later. ]
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304 comments Add your comment
Michael
September 3rd, 2010
3:46 pm
I’m gay. Dagmar is hot. I had NO idea about her loss. So, she’s a great professional. And it’s clear…she’s just a lady. Thanks for the nice interview with her. Thanks Dagmar for being transparent. All the best in the future. Heal and carry on.
Alatsea
September 3rd, 2010
3:48 pm
My American Bulldog Neeshee just had her first litter. 5 females and 2 males. One of the females is now named Dagmar. Good luck and great fortune. You made me look forward to 11:00pm.
The Real Fan
September 3rd, 2010
3:48 pm
Sorry to see you go.
Channel 46 is trying to play contract hardball and that doesn’t look good for them.
Recon
September 3rd, 2010
3:50 pm
I am so sorry for your loss, Dagmar. I was a part of Atlanta media many years ago and suffered a personal loss that did exactly the same thing to me.me. I had to give up the business, I am in retirement now considering a second career. Hoping the world blossoms for you and you find happiness again. God bless.
Gordy Powell
September 3rd, 2010
3:50 pm
Dagmar,
You will be missed. For the past fifteen years I have helped families through such losses. Though I cannot understand exactly what you are going through, I can sympathize with you. There is no doubt that you will succeed wherever you make home. Our prayers and thought are with you.
She She
September 3rd, 2010
3:51 pm
I don’t watch CBS news but I can sympathize with someone falling in love and then losing that love. In a world where finding your true love is near impossible I applaud her decision to take time off and to get herself and health back in sync. Best wishes and much success!
Jason T
September 3rd, 2010
3:51 pm
Sooo sorry to hear about this. Hope everything works out for you Dagmar.
shoeshoe
September 3rd, 2010
3:52 pm
We love you Dagmar and will miss you. Best of luck to you.
Luv 2 Hate Me
September 3rd, 2010
3:52 pm
That’s sad when a beautiful can’t make you happy. Wish you well Miss Midcaff I hope you find peace in your heart and learn to love again. ATL will miss U.
meh
September 3rd, 2010
3:53 pm
keep on keepin on Dagmar. best wishes and God bless.
Kristen
September 3rd, 2010
3:53 pm
Dagmar, I’m so sorry for your loss and I wish you the best in the future. Your love for animals was always evident on air when you’d cover stories about them. I am sure you won’t end up picking grapefruits, girl! Best wishes to you and take good care of yourself.
Brad Steel
September 3rd, 2010
3:53 pm
Very sad situation and very sympathetic and kind article.
Been through some of the same stuff. I also enjoy working with pet rescue organizations. It takes time. And a lot of it.
Lin
September 3rd, 2010
3:53 pm
If God brings you to it, God will see you through it.
pmuckle
September 3rd, 2010
3:53 pm
Oh I’m going to miss that smile but you have to take care of yourself! Trust God and he will make it right! Best of luck to you
Eddie43
September 3rd, 2010
3:54 pm
Noooooooooooooooooooo!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Crap. She was the only reason I tuned in to CBS 46. Otherwise, they are just unwatchable. Good luck Dagmar!
SMS
September 3rd, 2010
3:54 pm
Oh so so sad. I feel for Dagmar and understand how she needs to get away from the place that reminds her so much of her lost Love. One must do what it takes to move on with their life. But she will certainly be missed. God bless you, Dagmar…
Judy
September 3rd, 2010
3:54 pm
WOW. What a shock! Dagmar covered up her pain so well. I’m so sorry for her loss. Healing takes time and a each person knows best what’s going to make them heal. Dagmar, wishing you the best and know that you will find your happiness and peace. Time is a great healer of pain.
Joanna
September 3rd, 2010
3:54 pm
God Bless her. I know how it is to go through emotional devastation. May she find peace.
Mel
September 3rd, 2010
3:54 pm
We’re sad to see her go. Anytime a clip of her would come on TV, my husband and I would say “It’s Dagmar Midcap!” It was an in-joke and she became a household name in our home. I had no idea she was going through such heartache. I lost my best friend of 19 years in early 2009 in a tragic accident and can sympathize with what she’s going through. Atlanta will miss you, Dagmar! Best of luck in your future!
Tony
September 3rd, 2010
3:55 pm
I enjoyed your spunk before you were popular..hope things work out..good luck to you in the future
AreYouSerious
September 3rd, 2010
3:56 pm
I wish Dagmar the best in her endeavors, and in her grieving process. May God Bless her, and grant her peace of mind!
Thanks, Rodney Ho for handling this sensitive matter with respect. People can be so cruel with their remarks, and that’s the last thing she needs.
Jeanette
September 3rd, 2010
3:57 pm
I cannot even imagine what you’re going through. I think it’s good for you to change your scenary and give yourself the time to mourn your loss. You haven’t been able to do that. Take care and best wishes for the future.
TPM
September 3rd, 2010
3:57 pm
That is a very sad story
Jamie Allen
September 3rd, 2010
3:57 pm
So sorry to see her leave. Was not aware of her personal pain. Best wishes, thoughts & prayers with you. Jamie Allen McDonough Ga
davis
September 3rd, 2010
3:59 pm
Frequent reader and occasional poster…..
Kudos to you and your professionalism for moderating the comments Rodney. Very good to do that on a topic like this. Keep up the great work!
-dave
itpdude
September 3rd, 2010
3:59 pm
I was hoping Dagmar was leaving for nicer reasons like an upgrade to a bigger program or something. I had no idea about this situation.
It goes to show what depression does to a person. The guy was with Dagmar and still could not overcome his demons. God rest his soul.
Alan Powell
September 3rd, 2010
4:01 pm
I live in a pressure cooker environment and Dagmar is a daily breath of fresh air. Perky , positive, a real ray of sunshine that will be missed. God doesn’t put more on you than you can handle so do what is necessary to get your life in order. Thanks for the uplift and hope to see you again doing what you do so well…….
janie
September 3rd, 2010
4:02 pm
Dagmar,May God comfort you and bring you peace. i think that you are very wise to try to take care of your emotional and physical health. i am sorry for the pain you are experiencing. you were a great addition to atlanta!
RLM
September 3rd, 2010
4:03 pm
I HAVE PROBLEMS WITH DEPRESSION BUT FEEL STRONGLY THAT SUICIDE IS NOT AN OPTION. KNOW THIS THOUGH. THE SUICIDE HAD NOTHING TO DO WITH DAGMAR. IT IS SOMETHING ELSE. IT HAD NOTHING TO DO WITH THINGS IN HIS LIFE. IT IS A PROBLEM THAT IS HELPED WITH MEDICATION AND OTHER THINGS NOT THE PEOPLE AROUND YOU. YOU WERE THERE AND DID NOTHING THAT COULD HAVE HELPED.
Jim M.
September 3rd, 2010
4:03 pm
My heart goes out to you, Dagmar. Thanks for brightening up the newscasts while here in Atlanta. (And thanks, Rodney, for a sensitively written article about the subject.)
RLM
September 3rd, 2010
4:03 pm
Sorry for shouting. Forgot my caps were on.
Bill Lee
September 3rd, 2010
4:05 pm
Your not alone..let heaven hold you and you hold on out of all the stations you made made people stop and smile keep that
matt b
September 3rd, 2010
4:05 pm
I hope everyone that was making disparaging remarks about Dagmar a few weeks ago on this site will see how wrong they were to do so.
Kat
September 3rd, 2010
4:06 pm
I am impressed on so many levels with this article – the reporting, the sensitivity, her courage, and people’s lovely responses. God bless and good luck in your future endeavors!
Mark
September 3rd, 2010
4:06 pm
Dagmar, loss is overcome with love. When you light up while talking about your care for animals, when you’re sad because you lost your love, know that your viewers really do love you, and I dare say some of us have fallen in love with you because you make us feel that love. So as you go through the stages of grief, remember to love yourself.
Kyle
September 3rd, 2010
4:07 pm
Dagmar, my heart goes out to you. This article brought tears to my eyes, I cannot possibly understand the emotions you are feeling. I only wish that I knew what to say or do to make life better for you.
You will always have a home in our hearts and in our communities.
breakfast.
September 3rd, 2010
4:08 pm
I know what I am eating for breakfast tomorrow. Grapfruit. Best of luck Dagmar, you are my dads favorite. Back to channel 2 and 11 for the news and weather.
Atlanta Native
September 3rd, 2010
4:10 pm
Rodney – Good job (as usual) at covering the story while showing class. And keep the hat!
Dagmar – Best of luck. We’ll miss you.
lecha
September 3rd, 2010
4:10 pm
You are in my prayers. Though It may be difficult, God will definitely see you through this. I understand the Lost of a love one can be difficult to bare but time and prayer heals all wounds.Just remember the good times you shared together.God Bless
Altieri
September 3rd, 2010
4:11 pm
I’m really going to miss Dagmar. She was a ray of positivity in the Atlanta news market and it speaks to her professionalism that she is able to project that even in the midst of such anguish. We’ll miss you, Dagmar.
Norvee Michelle
September 3rd, 2010
4:12 pm
My heart goes out to Dagmar and her boyfriend’s family. It is always hard to lose someone close to you, but especially hard when it is sudden and its the one you love. I don’t think many people realized how much pain she must’ve endured this last year. I will personally miss her smiling face on the tubes, but she has to do what is best for her right now. I wish her the best as she moves on with her life.
jj
September 3rd, 2010
4:13 pm
It was easy to make fun of Dagmar – the chirpy pretty face, the physique, lack of weather credentials – but it was never mean. She seemed so cheerful, she just swept you along. I didn’t know this story, and assumed she was back on track to try acting again.
But this is really sad, like it happened to a favorite friend. We all hope she finds the strength to recover. And wish her further success – hopefully onscreen.
Cindy
September 3rd, 2010
4:13 pm
Dagmar,
My heart is with you. You have clearly been a concientious professional needing time to grieve and heal. You’ve shown yourself well througout and even in this decision. I wish you nothing but the best. What a beautiful special person you are.
Scott
September 3rd, 2010
4:14 pm
Good luck to you. Anyone who loves animals will land on his or her feet. God sees to that.
tigeradman
September 3rd, 2010
4:14 pm
This is a great article, but a heartbreaking story. I hope God can help Ms. Midcap find the peace she is seeking.
Chris
September 3rd, 2010
4:15 pm
I am so sorry for Dagmar. My heart and prayers go out to her! I wish all peace wherever she may go
Brent L
September 3rd, 2010
4:15 pm
God Speed Dagmar, and Good luck where ever you may go.
Ellie
September 3rd, 2010
4:16 pm
Whatever charm it is that t.v. personalities OUGHT to have, Dagmar had it in spades. She was amazing. I respect her for dealing with her grief rather than imploding.
chris
September 3rd, 2010
4:19 pm
So sorry for your loss. Our prayers are with you.
Patrick
September 3rd, 2010
4:20 pm
Dagmar, I have a srelative who is not very internet savvy so I am saying thank you on their behalf. They watch your weather reports quite fanatically and it has made them more connected not only to whether it’s going to rain or not, but also to the news in general, and ultimately enhanced their life.
So thank you for the sacrifice you have been asked to make. It certainly has not been fair to you and even your fans will understand the need to do what you must.
Good luck!