George Stephanopoulos’ return to Good Morning America was short-lived, as the co-host was missing again during the June 26 broadcast. So, where is George Stephanopoulos on Good Morning America, and when can he be expected to return? Here’s everything we know about his absence.
Stephanopoulos was absent from his regular spot at the GMA desk last week but returned to the morning show on June 24. Now, just two days later, he is out again, leading viewers to wonder about his whereabouts.
His absence last week was likely due to the passing of his father, Rev. Dr. Robert G. Stephanopoulos, who died on June 19 at the age of 89. The death was announced by Stephanopoulos’ wife, Ali Wentworth. “Reverend Robert George Stephanopoulos, PhD, Dean Emeritus Archdiocesan Cathedral of the Holy Trinity, passed away on June 19th. He was my father-in-law and I loved him dearly,” Wentworth wrote, sharing several black-and-white photos from her and Stephanopoulos’ wedding. “He married us. He laughed with us. He debated our daughters. He praised my Thanksgiving turkey. He loved ice cream. He was everyone’s council. He married or baptized almost every Greek on the eastern seaboard. He was held in the highest regard. He will be missed by so many. Sagapo Father Bob.”
The GMA co-host has yet to address his father’s death on the show or on social media, but he did take some time off in the days following the reverend’s death. Stephanopoulos returned to the air on June 24 but was the only main anchor present. While it’s unclear where Michael Strahan is, Robin Roberts has been out of the country since last week, reporting live from Portugal. Her wife, Amber Laign, accompanied her on the trip. In their absences, Stephanopoulos was joined by Gio Benitez, Rebecca Jarvis, and Linsey Davis.
Just two days after Stephanopoulos returned to the show, all three main anchors were missing, replaced by Benitez, Jarvis, and Davis. Stephanopoulos has not given any indication as to where he is or why he missed another taping, but fans suspect that he might be attending his father’s funeral or spending time with his family.
He has also been busy promoting his bestselling book, “The Situation Room,” over the past few months. His most recent event was at the Springfield Public Forum on June 6 in Massachusetts, where he discussed his book and recounted some of the crises he faced while working in the White House. “Thank you @springfeildpublicforum and @hoophall for having me to talk about #TheSituationRoom!” he wrote on Instagram.
Stephanopoulos began his career in politics, becoming a senior advisor for policy and strategy for President Clinton before moving to journalism. Since joining ABC News, he has co-anchored Good Morning America, which has thrived under his and Robin Roberts’ partnership, becoming the No. 1 morning talk show.