The question of "Who is the GMA weather guy?" has become more complex than ever, shifting from a single name to a revolving cast of beloved personalities. As of late December 2024, the world of Good Morning America weather has been marked by significant, and often dramatic, changes, including a major health scare for a veteran anchor, a high-profile firing, and a sudden, necessary break for the Chief Meteorologist. This deep dive uncovers the current status of the three most prominent figures in the GMA weather team—Sam Champion, Ginger Zee, and the recently departed Rob Marciano—providing the most recent updates on their careers and personal lives.
The topical authority of the ABC News weather desk is currently centered on its Chief Meteorologist, Ginger Zee, but the legacy and ongoing presence of Sam Champion cannot be overstated. Meanwhile, the abrupt departure of weekend anchor Rob Marciano created a void that has since been filled, leaving fans curious about his next move. These are the fresh, unique details you need to know about the faces of Good Morning America's weather coverage.
Biography and Career Timeline: The Pillars of GMA Weather
To understand the current dynamics of the GMA weather team, it is essential to know the backgrounds of the main figures who have shaped its identity for years. Their professional journeys and personal lives are intrinsically linked to the stories they report.
Sam Champion: The Veteran Anchor
- Full Name: Samuel James Champion
- Date of Birth: August 13, 1961
- Birthplace: Fairfax, Virginia, U.S.
- Current Role: Weather Anchor for WABC-TV and Good Morning America (GMA)
- Career Highlights: Champion is one of the most recognized weather personalities in American television. He first joined WABC-TV in 1988 as a weatherman. He became the weather anchor for the flagship Good Morning America program on ABC News in 2006, a role he held until 2013 when he briefly left to join The Weather Channel, where he co-anchored AMHQ: America's Morning Headquarters. He returned to ABC News and GMA in 2019, much to the delight of longtime viewers.
- Personal Life: He is married to Rubem Robierb, an artist.
Ginger Zee: The Chief Meteorologist
- Full Name: Ginger Renée Colonomos (née Zuidgeest)
- Date of Birth: January 13, 1981 (some sources list January 16)
- Birthplace: Orange, California, U.S.
- Current Role: Chief Meteorologist for ABC News, appearing primarily on Good Morning America. She is the first female Chief Meteorologist at a U.S. news network.
- Career Highlights: Zee holds the prestigious American Meteorological Society (AMS) Seal of Approval. She joined ABC News in 2011 as the weekend meteorologist for GMA, taking over from Marysol Castro. She was promoted to Chief Meteorologist in 2013, succeeding Sam Champion. She is also a New York Times best-selling author and a former contestant on Dancing with the Stars.
- Personal Life: She is married to television personality Ben Aaron, and they have two sons. She is also a vocal advocate for mental health awareness.
Rob Marciano: The Former Weekend Face
- Full Name: Robert "Rob" Marciano
- Date of Birth: June 25, 1968
- Birthplace: Glenville, New York, U.S.
- Former Role: Senior Meteorologist for ABC News, primarily on the weekend editions of Good Morning America.
- Career Highlights: Marciano worked for CNN, Entertainment Tonight, and was a co-anchor for America's Morning News on The Weather Channel before joining ABC News in 2014. He was a familiar face for a decade before his departure.
Major Health Scares and Career Moves: The Latest 2024 Updates
The year 2024 has been a period of intense personal and professional news for the GMA weather team, with stories ranging from serious medical procedures to unexpected career transitions, keeping the public constantly engaged with the anchors' lives. These fresh developments are what truly define the current state of the GMA weather desk.
Sam Champion’s Courageous Battle and Return to Air
One of the most significant and recent stories involves veteran anchor Sam Champion. In October 2024, Champion shared a deeply personal and challenging update with his fans: he underwent a lengthy and serious surgery for skin cancer.
The popular meteorologist, who has always been open about his health, received an outpouring of support and prayers from his co-stars and the public. His return to the airwaves in mid-October 2024 was met with relief and celebration, as he offered fans a positive update on his recovery and his commute back to the studio. This health scare provided a powerful reminder of the importance of sun safety and reinforced Champion's role as a resilient and beloved figure in broadcast journalism. His ongoing presence on WABC-TV and occasional appearances on Good Morning America continue to anchor the team with a sense of familiarity and expertise.
Champion’s willingness to share his journey has turned a personal health crisis into a public service announcement, resonating deeply with viewers who appreciate his transparency and dedication to his work.
Ginger Zee’s Health Update and Social Media Hiatus
Chief Meteorologist Ginger Zee, the powerhouse behind ABC News’ severe weather coverage, has also been in the news with recent personal updates. In December 2024, Zee shared a health update following an "important test" related to a diagnosis she received years ago.
Known for her tireless work ethic and dedication to reporting from the front lines of major storms, Zee announced a sudden "hiatus" from social media around Christmas 2024. This break, while temporary, sparked significant fan reaction and highlighted the intense pressure and constant visibility faced by high-profile broadcast personalities. As the Chief Meteorologist, Zee's role is critical, covering everything from routine forecasts to major weather events, often collaborating with the Severe Weather Team 2. Her brief step back was a necessary measure to prioritize her well-being during the holiday season.
Zee’s career continues to be a benchmark for meteorological excellence. She is a New York Times best-selling author, and her estimated net worth and substantial ABC salary reflect her status as a top-tier media personality.
The Firing of Rob Marciano and His Unexpected New Chapter
The most dramatic event on the GMA weather desk in 2024 was the firing of weekend meteorologist Rob Marciano. After nearly a decade with ABC News, Marciano was let go in April 2024, a move that stunned many viewers.
Troubling details surrounding his departure emerged, with reports suggesting the firing was due to an alleged "screaming match" with a GMA colleague, pointing to brewing problems behind the scenes. Marciano had been off-air for a period before the official announcement, leading to speculation among fans and media observers.
However, the story does not end there. In a significant and fresh update from October 2024, Marciano announced his return to broadcast television with a rival network. He landed a new weatherman role at CBS News, specifically at CBS News 6, just six months after his high-profile exit from ABC. This swift return to a major network demonstrated his continued value as a seasoned meteorologist and immediately answered the question of "Where is Rob Marciano now?" for his dedicated following.
Marciano’s transition is a prime example of the competitive nature of broadcast news and the rapid turnaround possible for veteran talent. He is now part of the CBS News team, covering forecasts and contributing to their overall weather coverage, marking a definitive new chapter in his career following his tumultuous departure from Good Morning America.
The Evolving Landscape of GMA Weather Coverage
The collective stories of Sam Champion, Ginger Zee, and Rob Marciano highlight the high-stakes, high-pressure environment of national morning news. The "GMA weather guy" is no longer a single, consistent male figure, but a diverse team led by Chief Meteorologist Ginger Zee, supported by the veteran presence of Sam Champion, and occasionally featuring other ABC News meteorologists like Somara Theodore and Dani Beckstrom on the weekend or during severe weather events.
The program’s core hosting team, including Robin Roberts, George Stephanopoulos, and Michael Strahan, continues to rely on their weather experts to deliver critical, timely information. Whether it is an update on a major storm, a health scare, or a career move, the personal and professional lives of the GMA weather team remain a major topic of interest for the millions of viewers who tune in every morning.
The latest updates from late 2024—Champion’s recovery, Zee’s temporary hiatus, and Marciano’s new role at CBS—all confirm that the weather desk is one of the most dynamic and closely watched segments of the entire Good Morning America broadcast.
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