George Stephanopoulos, born February 10, 1961, is a prominent American television host, political commentator, and former Democratic advisor. At 64 years old, he is best known as the co-anchor of Good Morning America and host of This Week on ABC News. His net worth is estimated at $40 million, with an annual salary of $15 million. Married to actress Ali Wentworth since 2001, they have two daughters. Standing at 5 feet 5 inches and weighing 65 kg, Stephanopoulos has transitioned from politics to media stardom. This article explores his biography, career, personal life, and recent updates.
Early Life and Education: Roots of a Political Mind
Born in Fall River, Massachusetts, George Robert Stephanopoulos grew up in a Greek-American family with strong ties to the Greek Orthodox Church. His father, a Greek Orthodox priest, and his mother, a director at the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America, instilled a deep sense of cultural identity. As a young man, Stephanopoulos considered entering the priesthood, reflecting his early spiritual inclinations. His academic journey took him to Columbia University, where he graduated summa cum laude in political science in 1982, and later to Oxford University as a Rhodes Scholar, earning a Master’s in Theology in 1984.
This blend of political and theological study shaped his nuanced perspective on governance and ethics, which later defined his career. Unlike many peers, his theological background gave him a unique lens to analyze political motives, a perspective rarely highlighted in mainstream biographies.
Political Career: From Clinton’s Inner Circle to Media
Stephanopoulos’s political career began in 1988 with Michael Dukakis’s presidential campaign. His pivotal role came in 1992 as a key strategist for Bill Clinton’s campaign, later serving as White House Communications Director and Senior Advisor for Policy and Strategy. His memoir, All Too Human (1999), offers a candid look at the pressures of the Clinton administration, revealing personal struggles like depression and hives from stress. This raw honesty, rare in political memoirs, provides readers with a humanized view of high-stakes politics.
Reflecting on his time in the White House, Stephanopoulos once said, “The intensity of that environment shapes you, but it also breaks you if you’re not careful.” His exit in 1996 marked a shift to journalism, a move driven by a desire to analyze rather than shape policy.
Transition to Journalism: Rising Star at ABC News
Joining ABC News in 1997, Stephanopoulos quickly became a household name. He started as a political analyst, became the host of This Week in 2002, and joined Good Morning America as co-anchor in 2009. His salary of $15 million reflects his value as ABC’s chief anchor, covering major events and interviewing figures like Barack Obama and Vladimir Putin. His ability to ask incisive questions while maintaining composure has earned him three Emmys and a reputation for journalistic integrity.
A unique insight: Stephanopoulos’s theological training informs his interviewing style, allowing him to probe deeper into the moral underpinnings of political decisions, a skill that sets him apart from peers like Lester Holt or David Muir.
Personal Life: Married to Ali Wentworth, Family, and Health
George Stephanopoulos married actress and comedian Ali Wentworth in 2001 after a whirlwind romance sparked by a blind date. The couple, who reside in Manhattan, have two daughters, Elliott (born 2002) and Harper (born 2005). Their marriage, celebrated at the Archdiocesan Cathedral of the Holy Trinity, has weathered challenges, including both testing positive for COVID-19 in 2020. Wentworth’s heartfelt tribute to Stephanopoulos’s father, who passed in June 2024, highlighted their close-knit family dynamic.
Stephanopoulos’s commitment to Transcendental Meditation, introduced by Jerry Seinfeld, underscores his focus on mental health, a topic he openly discusses. “Meditation keeps me grounded,” he shared in a Good Morning America segment, emphasizing its role in managing stress.
Net Worth and Investments: A Financial Snapshot
With a net worth of $40 million, Stephanopoulos’s wealth stems from his ABC salary, book sales, and real estate ventures. He and Wentworth own properties in Manhattan, East Hampton, and Southampton, with transactions like a $6 million Southampton home sale in 2018 showcasing their savvy investments. His financial acumen, rarely discussed, reflects a strategic approach to wealth-building, balancing high-profile media work with property flips.
Physical Stats: Height, Weight, and Public Image
At 5 feet 5 inches tall and weighing 65 kg, Stephanopoulos’s compact stature contrasts with his towering presence on screen. Often towered over by co-anchors like Michael Strahan (6’5”), he embraces his height with confidence, focusing on intellectual heft over physical. His dark brown hair and eyes, paired with a polished demeanor, enhance his approachable yet authoritative image.
Recent Updates: Career and Philanthropy in 2025
As of August 2025, Stephanopoulos remains a fixture on Good Morning America and This Week, with no signs of slowing down. His recent coverage of the 2024 election cycle showcased his ability to navigate polarized media landscapes. Off-screen, his work with The Michael J. Fox Foundation since 2014 highlights his commitment to Parkinson’s research, a cause tied to personal connections. In 2024, he donated $25,000 to the foundation, reinforcing his philanthropic streak.
A case study: His 2023 interview with a Parkinson’s patient on Good Morning America drew 2 million viewers, raising awareness and funds, demonstrating his influence beyond politics.
Biography Table: George Stephanopoulos at a Glance
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | George Robert Stephanopoulos |
| Date of Birth | February 10, 1961 |
| Age | 64 years old (as of 2025) |
| Birthplace | Fall River, Massachusetts, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | Greek-American |
| Religion | Greek Orthodox |
| Education | B.A. in Political Science (Columbia, 1982), M.A. in Theology (Oxford, 1984) |
| Occupation | Television Host, Political Commentator, Former Democratic Advisor |
| Current Roles | Co-anchor, Good Morning America; Host, This Week |
| Salary | $15 million annually |
| Net Worth | $40 million |
| Height | 5 feet 5 inches (1.65 m) |
| Weight | 65 kg (143 lbs) |
| Marital Status | Married to Ali Wentworth (since 2001) |
| Children | Two daughters: Elliott (born 2002), Harper (born 2005) |
| Notable Works | All Too Human (1999), The War Room (1993) |
| Awards | Three Emmys, DuPont, three Murrows, two Cronkite Awards |
| Philanthropy | The Michael J. Fox Foundation, Clinton Foundation |
| Social Media | Twitter, Instagram |
Why George Stephanopoulos Stands Out
Stephanopoulos’s journey from a political strategist to a media icon is a testament to adaptability and resilience. His theological background, rarely emphasized in profiles, offers a unique angle on his analytical depth. Unlike many anchors, his openness about mental health and meditation resonates with audiences seeking authenticity. His ability to balance a high-profile career, family life, and philanthropy makes him a role model for aspiring journalists.
For more on his career, visit ABC News or Wikipedia. Follow him on Twitter for real-time updates.
