Where Are They Now? The 7 Most Iconic Good Morning America Hosts From The Past And Their Shocking New Careers

Few television programs have shaped the American media landscape quite like Good Morning America (GMA). Since its debut in 1975, the ABC News flagship morning show has been the starting point for millions of viewers, and the launchpad for some of the biggest names in journalism. The anchors who have graced the GMA desk are more than just reporters; they became trusted members of the American family.

As of late 2025, the careers of these former hosts continue to evolve, with some finding new success in unexpected places, from podcasting empires to commercial real estate. We dive deep into the biographies and current activities of the most iconic GMA hosts from the past, including the latest, most talked-about updates on the anchors who recently departed the show.

The Legends: Full Biographical Profiles of GMA's Most Iconic Former Anchors

The history of Good Morning America is defined by its long-running co-hosts who established the show's format and tone. Here is a detailed look at the four legends who collectively anchored the show for over three decades.

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• David Hartman
  • Full Name: David Downs Hartman
  • Born: May 19, 1935
  • Education: Duke University (B.A. in Economics), American Academy of Dramatic Arts
  • GMA Tenure: November 3, 1975 – February 20, 1987
• Joan Lunden
  • Full Name: Joan Elise Blunden
  • Born: September 19, 1950
  • Education: California State University, Sacramento (B.A. in Liberal Arts)
  • GMA Tenure: 1980 – September 5, 1997 (the longest-running host in the show's history)
• Charles "Charlie" Gibson
  • Full Name: Charles deWolf Gibson
  • Born: March 9, 1943
  • Education: Princeton University (A.B. in History)
  • GMA Tenure: 1987–1998 and 1999–2006 (two separate runs)
• Diane Sawyer
  • Full Name: Lila Diane Sawyer
  • Born: December 22, 1945
  • Education: Wellesley College (B.A.)
  • GMA Tenure: January 1999 – December 2009

From The GMA Desk to New Ventures: Where Are They Now?

The career paths of former GMA hosts are as varied as the news they once covered. Many have leveraged their high-profile morning show experience into new roles across different media, while others have stepped away from the daily grind entirely.

The Pioneers: David Hartman and Joan Lunden

David Hartman: The Original Anchor

As the first host of Good Morning America, David Hartman set the standard for the program, co-anchoring the debut broadcast on November 3, 1975, alongside Nancy Dussault. His tenure of nearly 12 years established GMA as a formidable competitor to NBC’s Today Show.

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After leaving the daily morning show, Hartman shifted his focus to documentary work. He has anchored and hosted numerous acclaimed documentary programs for PBS and The History Channel, covering topics from space exploration to American history. His commitment to in-depth storytelling showcases a transition from the fast-paced morning news cycle to a more contemplative form of journalism.

Joan Lunden: The Mother of Morning TV

Joan Lunden’s 17-year run is the longest of any GMA host, making her a cultural icon. She helped redefine morning television by openly discussing her personal life, including marriage, divorce, and motherhood, famously giving birth to her second child while on the job.

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Today, Lunden is a prominent author, motivational speaker, and health advocate. She has candidly shared her journey battling breast cancer, using her platform to inspire others and raise awareness. In recent interviews, Lunden has reflected on her controversial 1997 exit from GMA, acknowledging that being "pushed out" was a difficult transition but ultimately allowed her to pursue her passion for women's health and wellness advocacy.

The Transition Era: Charlie Gibson and Diane Sawyer

Charlie Gibson: From Morning to Evening News

Charlie Gibson is one of the few journalists to successfully transition from the morning show desk to the coveted evening news anchor chair, serving as anchor of World News with Charles Gibson from 2006 to 2009.

Since his retirement from daily broadcasting, Gibson has remained active in media. He launched a new podcast, "The Book Case," which focuses on books, writing, and literature, demonstrating his continued intellectual curiosity. Additionally, he has become an advocate for cancer awareness, a cause close to his heart following his own health experiences.

Diane Sawyer: The Documentary Powerhouse

Diane Sawyer joined GMA after a distinguished career that included being a co-anchor on Primetime and a correspondent for 60 Minutes. Her decade on the morning show cemented her status as one of the most respected figures in journalism.

Sawyer has not retired from ABC News but has instead shifted her focus entirely to producing in-depth, high-impact documentaries and interview specials. Her investigative work, often focusing on social issues and poverty, continues to be a staple of ABC's primetime lineup, proving her dedication to long-form journalism remains strong.

The Most Recent and Shocking Departures: Amy Robach and T.J. Holmes

No former anchors have generated more headlines recently than Amy Robach and T.J. Holmes, whose departure from GMA3: What You Need to Know in early 2023 following a highly publicized relationship sent shockwaves through the industry. Their swift exit marked a dramatic end to their time as rising stars at ABC News.

A New Media Empire: The 'Amy & T.J.' Podcast

The duo quickly landed on their feet, launching a new chapter in their careers that has proven to be a major success. They now host the "Amy & T.J." podcast, produced by iHeartMedia.

The show, which has become a significant hit, sees the former co-anchors discuss everything from their personal lives and career challenges to current events and pop culture. Their partnership with iHeartMedia has since expanded, with Robach and Holmes taking on executive producer roles for other shows under the iHeartPodcasts umbrella, effectively transitioning from network television anchors to independent media producers and personalities.

Beyond the Main Desk: Other Notable GMA Alumni

The cast of GMA alumni is extensive, filled with talented journalists and broadcasters who contributed to the show's legacy. Their post-GMA careers further illustrate the diverse opportunities available to high-profile ABC News veterans:

• Nancy Dussault (1975–1977): The show's first female co-host, an actress and singer, continues to perform in cabaret and storytelling shows, leveraging her background in the arts.
• Sandy Hill (1977–1980): After her time on GMA, Hill branched out into writing and now works as a commercial real estate broker, a significant pivot from broadcasting.
• Lisa McRee (1997–1999): McRee, who briefly replaced Joan Lunden, is an award-winning journalist who has since worked as an anchor for Spectrum News, demonstrating a continued focus on local and regional news coverage.
• Kevin Newman (Mid-1990s): A former correspondent and co-host, Newman returned to Canada to become the chief anchor of Global National and now works as an anchor/correspondent for CTV News, becoming a major figure in Canadian journalism.

The history of Good Morning America is a rich tapestry of media personalities and journalists. From the foundational work of David Hartman and the cultural impact of Joan Lunden to the latest media entrepreneurship of Amy Robach and T.J. Holmes, the legacy of these former anchors continues to shape the world of television news and digital media. Their stories serve as a powerful reminder that the path after leaving a major network news desk is often just the beginning of a fascinating new career chapter.