| Full Name | George Robert Stephanopoulos |
|---|---|
| Birthday | February 10, 1961 (age 62) |
| Birth Place | Fall River, Massachusetts, U.S. |
| Height | 5‘ 7" |
| Net Worth | $40 million |
| Social Media | Facebook, Twitter, Instagram |
Formative Years
Born in 1961 to Greek immigrant parents, George Stephanopoulos grew up in the suburbs of Cleveland and Boston. Even as a child, Stephanopoulos was interested in politics, serving on the student council and reading up on political history. He graduated as valedictorian from Orange High School in Massachusetts before attending Columbia University. There, he earned his bachelor‘s degree in political science, graduating summa cum laude in 1982.
White House Years
Stephanopoulos first gained national attention with his work on the 1988 presidential campaign of Greek-American Democrat Michael Dukakis. But his star rose even higher in 1992 when he became communications director for Bill Clinton‘s winning presidential bid at just 30 years old. Stephanopoulos went on to serve as the White House Communications Director, gaining a reputation as one of Clinton‘s most loyal advisors and defenders during the many political battles and scandals of the Clinton presidency.
Former colleagues describe Stephanopoulos as hard-working, intelligent, and possessing a great sense of humor behind the scenes. He worked closely with James Carville and other members of Clinton’s inner circle to enact their political agenda while fending off opposition attacks. Though the stressful, high-pressure environment took a toll, Stephanopoulos ultimately relished his time in the White House before departing in 1996 after Clinton’s re-election.
Becoming an Anchor
Stephanopoulos switched gears from politics to journalism after leaving the Clinton administration, becoming an analyst for ABC News and co-host of This Week alongside Sam Donaldson. He covered the 2000 presidential election and controversial Florida recount firsthand while establishing himself as an incisive voice. His skills as an interviewer and political insider were well-suited to This Week, and upon Donaldson‘s retirement in 2002, Stephanopoulos became the show‘s host.
In 2009, Stephanopoulos reached a new level of visibility when he was named co-anchor of Good Morning America after Diane Sawyer‘s departure. Quickly developing an easy rapport with Robin Roberts and others, Stephanopoulos brought his quick wit, compassion, and expertise to America‘s most popular morning show. His contributions were recognized with three Daytime Emmy awards as GMA became the #1 morning show.
Interviewing the Powerful
Throughout his journalism career, Stephanopoulos has interviewed every U.S. president since Bill Clinton as well as numerous other heads of state and political leaders. He has moderated presidential debates, anchored ABC’s coverage of election nights, and reported on political conventions and scandals. Stephanopoulos employs a polite yet persistent interview style, pressing his subjects for answers but allowing them space to share their perspectives.
Notable interviews include Vladimir Putin, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, Benjamin Netanyahu, Elizabeth Warren, and all presidential candidates from the 2008, 2012, and 2016 campaigns. His skilled questioning helps cut through political spin while his sense of humor and humanity put subjects at ease.
Life Outside Politics
Beyond his successful career, Stephanopoulos maintains a happy family life with his wife, actress Alexandra Wentworth, who he met on a blind date in 2001. They have two daughters, Elliott and Harper, and live in Manhattan. An avid sports fan, Stephanopoulos enjoys attending baseball games as well as competing in triathlons and swimming in his free time. He also released the #1 New York Times best-selling memoir All Too Human in 1999 recounting his years in the Clinton administration.
An Authority for the Ages
In over two decades anchoring This Week and Good Morning America, George Stephanopoulos has established himself as one of America‘s most trusted voices in political broadcasting. His insights into the corridors of power combined with journalistic integrity have made him indispensable through numerous news cycles. Even as media evolves in the 21st century, it‘s clear Stephanopoulos will remain a key figure informing the electorate on politics for years to come.