George Stephanopoulos is a distinguished journalist and political commentator renowned for his role as the host of This Week, ABC’s premier Sunday morning current events program. He also co-anchors Good Morning America alongside Robin Roberts and Michael Strahan. His illustrious career spans decades as a political advisor and media personality, cementing his place as a leading voice in American journalism.
Birth
Born on February 10, 1961, in Fall River, Massachusetts, George Robert Stephanopoulos is the son of Robert George Stephanopoulos, a revered Greek Orthodox priest and Dean Emeritus of the Archdiocesan Cathedral of the Holy Trinity in New York City, and Nickolitsa Gloria, the director of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America National News Service.
Education
George’s academic journey began at Orange High School in Pepper Pike, Ohio, where he graduated in 1978. He then attended Columbia University, earning a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science summa cum laude in 1982 and was elected to Phi Beta Kappa. At Columbia, he also honed his skills as a sports broadcaster for WKCR-FM. Stephanopoulos furthered his education at Balliol College, Oxford, where he obtained a Master of Arts in Theology in 1984 as a Rhodes Scholar.
Political Career
In 1992, Stephanopoulos played a pivotal role in Bill Clinton’s presidential campaign, working alongside David Wilhelm and James Carville. As a senior advisor for policy and strategy in the Clinton administration, he tackled significant issues such as crime legislation, affirmative action, and health care. Stephanopoulos also served as the de facto press secretary, gaining recognition for his early insight into the potential impact of the Lewinsky scandal on Clinton’s presidency.
After resigning from the administration in 1996, Stephanopoulos transitioned to journalism, bringing his political expertise to ABC News.
Journalism Career
Stephanopoulos’s journalism career took off with his role as a political analyst and correspondent on ABC’s This Week, World News Tonight, and Good Morning America. In 2002, he became the host of This Week, and by 2005, he was named Chief Washington Correspondent for ABC News. His prominence continued to grow as he co-moderated the final Democratic Party presidential debate in 2008 and rejoined Good Morning America in 2009. Stephanopoulos returned as the host of This Week in 2011, securing his position with ABC until 2021. In 2012, he moderated a significant debate featuring Mitt Romney, Ron Paul, and Rick Santorum, famously pressing Romney on the implications of overturning the 1965 privacy ruling.
Family
In 2001, Stephanopoulos married Ali Wentworth, a talented writer, actress, and comedian. Together, they have two daughters, Elliott Anastasia Stephanopoulos and Harper Andrea Stephanopoulos, enriching their family life with creativity and joy.
George Stephanopoulos’s dynamic career in journalism and politics exemplifies a dedication to uncovering truth and providing insightful commentary. From his influential role in the Clinton administration to his esteemed position at ABC News, Stephanopoulos remains a formidable figure in the media landscape.