Checking in with MICHAEL STRAHAN
Though he made news himself not that long ago by going into outer space, Michael Strahan still has days when he’s amazed to have his “Good Morning America” seat.
The NFL veteran has been a host along with George Stephanopoulos and Robin Roberts on the weekday edition of the ABC program since 2016, and with all the news there is to cover now, he’s glad to be there. Still, he admits the show is “a beast. It’s the hardest thing I’ve ever done, first and foremost ... but secondly, it’s so interesting, and that’s why I love waking up and going there.
“I never get there and say, ‘I don’t want to be here.’ It is not Groundhog Day there. The news constantly changes, and there are always interesting interviews. It always keeps you engaged, and I have learned so much at ‘GMA.’ It’s all progressively gone in the right direction for me to be ready for it.”
Indeed, after his celebrated NFL career as a New York Giants defensive end, Strahan gained television experience from his work with Fox Sports (which continues) and his tenure as Kelly Ripa’s “Live” co-host. Now, he also operates a production company (which helps make the Strahan-hosted revival of “The $100,000 Pyramid” for ABC) and a clothing line, so his schedule is full.
“I’ve always got more than one thing going,” recent Blue Origin space voyager Strahan confirms, “but the good thing – and maybe I learned this from sports – is knowing how to compartmentalize, and to have a great team. I know what I need to do, where I need to be, and just get it done.”
Birthdate: Nov. 21, 1971
Birthplace: Houston
Current residence: New York
Marital status: Divorced; has a son and three daughters (including twins) from his two previous marriages
Other television credits include: “NFL on Fox,” “Fox NFL Sunday,” “GMA3: Strahan, Sara & Keke,” “Man in the Arena,” “More Than an
Athlete,” “WWE Salute to the Troops,” “black-ish,” “Nightcap,” “Inside
Amy Schumer,” “Nashville,” “Entourage,” “Are We There Yet?,” “Brothers,” “Chuck,” “SpongeBob SquarePants,” “Finding Your Roots With Henry
Louis Gates, Jr.,” “Beat Bobby Flay,” “Fox NFL Kickoff,” “Lip Sync Battle,” “Who Wants to Be a Millionaire,” “Alpha House,” “The Real Housewives of Atlanta,” “America: The Story of Us,” “The Greatest Game Ever Played,” “CNN Heroes: An All-Star Tribute,” “Pardon the Interruption,” “CenterStage”
Movie credits include: “Charlie’s Angels,” “The Lego Ninjago Movie” (voice only), “Ice Age: Collision Course” (voice only), “Magic Mike XXL”
Favorite movie: “‘Gladiator.’ But ‘Top Gun: Maverick’ is pretty good. He’s creeping up there, that Tom Cruise.”
Favorite television show you’re not on: “‘Ted Lasso.’ ”
Favorite singer: “I go through so many genres, but when I think of
music I love, I think of Chris Martin of Coldplay.”