David Muir Shows Off Rarely Seen Casual Look After European Vacation

David Muir may be instantly recognizable for his polished suits and carefully styled hair on World News Tonight, but his latest off-duty appearance showed a very different side of the longtime ABC News anchor.

The 52-year-old journalist recently shared a casual photograph featuring his beloved dog Axel after returning from a European getaway that included stops in Spain and Italy. Instead of his familiar television-ready appearance, Muir sported sunglasses and naturally wavy hair while sitting behind the wheel of his car.

For followers accustomed to seeing him reporting on major stories from behind the ABC News desk, the relaxed snapshot offered a rare glimpse at Muir away from work.

David Muir Shows His More Relaxed Side

In the photograph shared on Instagram, Muir sat in the driver’s seat while Axel, his German Shorthaired Pointer, rested his head near the open window.

Muir wore dark sunglasses and appeared considerably more casual than he does during his nightly broadcasts. Most noticeably, his hair was left loose rather than styled into the slicked-back look viewers regularly see on television.

The picture continued a series of personal updates Muir has shared from his time away from the newsroom.

Although his social-media presence frequently includes reporting and professional moments, he occasionally gives followers glimpses into his travels, family life and time with Axel.

His European Vacation Included Italy and Spain

The photograph followed Muir’s return from a vacation that took him through Spain and Italy.

His earlier Instagram posts documented several moments from the trip, including time spent on the water in Italy and other relaxed scenes far removed from the formal surroundings of a television studio.

One photograph showed Muir arranging flowers, while another captured him aboard a boat. Other images featured the journalist embracing a more casual vacation wardrobe.

Summing up his getaway, Muir wrote that his “heart” was “full” and that he was “still smiling.”

The collection prompted plenty of responses from followers who were happy to see the journalist taking time away from his demanding broadcasting schedule.

Deborah Roberts Reacted to His Vacation

Among those responding was Muir’s fellow ABC News journalist and 20/20 co-anchor Deborah Roberts.

Roberts enthusiastically commented that Muir had visited her “happy place,” while viewers filled the comments with messages about missing him on television and hoping he enjoyed his vacation.

The warm response reflects the audience Muir has developed after years as one of ABC News’ most prominent faces.

Muir currently serves as anchor and managing editor of World News Tonight with David Muir and co-anchor of 20/20. ABC News confirms that he has reported extensively from around the world throughout his career, covering wars, natural disasters, political developments and other major international stories.

Muir Has Anchored ‘World News Tonight’ Since 2014

Muir officially succeeded Diane Sawyer as anchor and managing editor of ABC’s evening newscast in September 2014.

His first broadcast as permanent anchor aired September 2 of that year, beginning what has become a lengthy run at the helm of one of American television’s major nightly news programs.

Before taking over World News Tonight, Muir had already established himself at ABC through international reporting and his work on the weekend edition of the evening newscast.

He later expanded his responsibilities as co-anchor of 20/20, giving audiences another opportunity to see his long-form reporting and interviews.

That professional image makes his occasional casual social-media appearances particularly noticeable.

New York Remains Home

When Muir is not traveling internationally for assignments or vacations, New York remains an important part of his life.

He was born in Syracuse and grew up in Onondaga Hill in Central New York. Muir has previously spoken about becoming fascinated with television news while still a child, even contacting a local Syracuse television journalist for advice about pursuing the profession.

He eventually studied journalism at Ithaca College before beginning his broadcasting career.

Muir has maintained his connection to the region and reportedly owns a property on Skaneateles Lake in upstate New York.

A Different Side of a Familiar TV Face

For viewers, Muir’s latest photograph is notable precisely because it is so different from the version of him they see each evening.

On World News Tonight, the journalist is typically dressed in a suit, sitting behind the anchor desk or reporting from the scene of a major news event. On vacation and at home with Axel, the polished television presentation disappears.

The casual hair, sunglasses and canine companion provided a reminder that even one of America’s most recognizable news anchors occasionally trades breaking-news scripts and studio lights for some much-needed downtime.

And judging from his vacation message, Muir returned from his European escape with exactly what he appeared to be looking for: plenty of memories and a full heart.

Featured Image: instagram.com/davidmuirabc