Maria Menounos

Maria Menounos is an American television presenter, journalist, actress, and professional wrestling personality. She gained national prominence as a correspondent for Entertainment Tonight and later as a co-anchor of E! News. Menounos has also hosted programs for NBC, The Today Show, and Access Hollywood, while maintaining a parallel career in acting and sports entertainment.

Early life and education

Born in Medford, Massachusetts to Greek immigrant parents, she grew up immersed in the local Greek-American community. Her father, Constantinos Menounos, worked as a janitor, and her early life involved helping to support the family. She attended Medford High School where she was an honors student and participated in various extracurricular activities. Menounos later pursued higher education at Emerson College in Boston, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in journalism and broadcast journalism. During her college years, she began her media career by winning the title of Miss Massachusetts Teen USA in 1996.

Career

Her professional breakthrough came as a correspondent for the syndicated news magazine Entertainment Tonight, where she covered major events like the Academy Awards and conducted interviews with numerous Hollywood celebrities. This led to a high-profile role as a special correspondent for the NBC network, contributing to The Today Show and Nightly News. In 2005, she joined the team at Access Hollywood, further solidifying her status in entertainment journalism. Menounos later served as the co-anchor of E! News alongside Jason Kennedy and Terrence Jenkins, becoming a familiar face on the E! network. Parallel to her journalism, she pursued acting, with notable roles in films such as Fantastic Four, Kickin' It Old Skool, and a recurring role on the CW series One Tree Hill. She also ventured into sports entertainment, appearing for World Wrestling Entertainment as a host and occasional competitor, including at WrestleMania XXVIII. Beyond television, she co-founded the digital network AfterBuzz TV with her husband, Keven Undergaro.

Health issues

In 2017, Menounos was diagnosed with a benign brain tumor, specifically a meningioma, which was successfully removed at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles. She publicly shared her diagnosis and recovery process to raise awareness about brain health. In a separate health challenge, her mother, Litsa Menounos, was diagnosed with stage 4 brain cancer, leading Menounos to become a vocal advocate for cancer research and patient support. She has worked with organizations like the American Brain Tumor Association and participated in fundraising events for the Glioblastoma Foundation.

Personal life

Menounos married longtime partner and filmmaker Keven Undergaro in a ceremony on New Year's Eve 2017 at their home in Los Angeles. The couple had been engaged for nearly two decades prior. She is a devout member of the Greek Orthodox Church and maintains strong ties to her Hellenic heritage. An avid supporter of philanthropy, she has been involved with charities such as the Special Olympics and the Make-A-Wish Foundation. In 2023, she and her husband welcomed their first child, a daughter, via surrogacy.

Filmography

Her acting credits include feature films like The Fantastic Four (2005), Kickin' It Old Skool (2007), and Tropic Thunder (2008). On television, she guest-starred on series including Without a Trace, The Game, and had a recurring role on One Tree Hill. She has also appeared in reality television, competing on the fourteenth season of Dancing with the Stars and hosting the competition series Chasing Maria Menounos. Her hosting duties extend to specials for NBC and E!, including coverage of the Olympic Games and the Golden Globe Awards.

Category:American television presenters Category:American journalists Category:American actresses