George Stephanopoulos Discloses Most Cherished Moment in 16-Year ‘GMA’ Tenure
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As Good Morning America commemorated its 50th anniversary on November 3, both current and former anchors joined in the celebration. Post the special broadcast, George Stephanopoulos, a veteran anchor with 16 years on the ABC morning show, shared his standout moment from the show exclusively with PEOPLE.
Stephanopoulos, who is nearing his 20th year as a Good Morning America anchor, effortlessly highlighted a poignant moment from the show’s history. The remarkable occasion saw the presence of past anchors like Diane Sawyer, Charlie Gibson, Joan Lunden, and Nancy Dussault, alongside current anchors Stephanopoulos, Michael Strahan, and Robin Roberts, commemorating half a century of the morning show’s legacy.
Reflecting on his distinguished tenure, Stephanopoulos remarked, “My favorite moment, if I had to say, was the day that Robin came back from a bone-marrow transplant and said, ‘Good morning, America’ for the first time.” The emotional moment harked back to August 2012 when Robin Roberts, after a leave of absence for five months due to a bone-marrow transplant to treat her rare blood disorder, returned triumphantly to the show in February 2013.
Recalling Roberts’ resilience, Stephanopoulos noted the profound impact of her return, saying, “For her to come back and greet the audience again — and greet all of us again — it was just a proud moment, a joyful moment.” He went on to describe the moment as not just fulfilling but also a promising toast to the future on the morning show.
Having transitioned from his role as Bill Clinton’s advisor to co-anchor on Good Morning America, Stephanopoulos initially hesitated to accept the offer. However, his persistence paid off, thanks to the unwavering persuasion of David Westin, the president of ABC News at the time. Ultimately, making the decision to become a co-anchor alongside Robin Roberts turned out to be one of the most rewarding professional choices for Stephanopoulos.
The ABC morning show, Good Morning America, continues to air daily on ABC, keeping viewers informed and engaged with the latest news and stories. The show’s rich history, coupled with memorable moments like Robin Roberts’ triumphant return post-treatment, serves as a testament to the enduring legacy of Good Morning America.
In conclusion, George Stephanopoulos’ disclosure of his cherished moment from his tenure on Good Morning America sheds light on the personal and emotional connections that anchors build with both their colleagues and the audience over the years. With each passing episode, the show continues to create memorable and heartwarming moments that resonate with viewers worldwide.
Overall, Stephanopoulos’ favorite moment serves as a poignant reminder of the resilience and spirit that underpins the success of Good Morning America over the past five decades.