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Celebrity Info

Maria Menounos

Actress Film

Characteristics

Adaptable Curious Communicative Witty Sociable Intellectual

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Country
Born
1978-06-08
Zodiac Sign

MiniBio

Maria Menounos has long been a familiar name in the world of entertainment journalism, thanks to her dynamic presence and versatile career. As a host, broadcast journalist, and occasional actress, Maria Menounos first gained widespread recognition through her work as an entertainment news correspondent, where her lively personality truly shined—especially on the red carpet. Before stepping into the spotlight, she made a name for herself as Miss Massachusetts Teen USA, showcasing early signs of her confidence and charisma.

While pursuing her passion for broadcast journalism at Emerson College, Maria Menounos began building her media resume by reporting for “Channel One News,” an educational satellite program that gave students nationwide their daily dose of current events. Her talent didn’t go unnoticed, and shortly after graduation, she landed a role with the iconic “Entertainment Tonight” in 2002—a major milestone in Maria Menounos’s career. She brought energy and insight to the show for several years before making a high-profile move to “Access Hollywood” in 2005, further solidifying her status as a top-tier entertainment reporter.

But Maria Menounos didn’t stop there. Alongside her journalism career, she explored acting with memorable appearances on popular TV series like “One Tree Hill,” where she had a recurring role. She also stepped into the world of big-screen comedy and action, appearing in films such as “Fantastic Four” (2005) and the hilarious “Tropic Thunder” (2008). These roles showed another side of Maria Menounos—one with comedic timing and screen presence beyond the reporter’s mic.

In 2009, Maria Menounos achieved a historic moment by becoming the first journalist to conduct a joint interview with the Obama family during NBC’s “Dateline: Presidential Inauguration Special.” It was a defining achievement that highlighted her credibility and reach as a trusted media figure. Later, in 2014, she joined E! News, quickly becoming the face of the network and a favorite among audiences who appreciated her warmth and professionalism.

However, in 2017, Maria Menounos faced a personal health challenge when she underwent surgery to remove a benign brain tumor. During her recovery, she made the difficult decision to step down from her role at E!, focusing on her well-being. Despite this setback, Maria Menounos continues to be admired not just for her looks, but for her resilience, intelligence, and wide-ranging accomplishments across media and entertainment. Truly, Maria Menounos is much more than a familiar face—she’s a trailblazer with enduring impact.

Trivia

Maria Menounos has had her fair share of projects over the years, and when it comes to her highest rated film, fans and critics alike often point to Kickin’ It Old Skool (2007). Interestingly enough, that same movie—Kickin’ It Old Skool (2007)—also happens to be considered her lowest rated work. Yeah, it’s a bit of a paradox, but that’s how it goes sometimes in the world of entertainment. Maria Menounos certainly gave it her all in that role, and while opinions are divided, there’s no denying the film holds a unique place in Maria Menounos’s career. Whether you love it or find it lacking, Kickin’ It Old Skool remains a standout moment for Maria Menounos in the spotlight.

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Mabel King was, without a doubt, one of those unforgettable performers who brought joy to countless fans throughout her remarkable career. With a legacy rooted in laughter-inducing roles, Mabel King made a lasting mark on both film and television. Her rich movie career began with standout performances in comedies that showcased her incredible comedic timing and vibrant energy. Early on, Mabel King made her presence known in projects like *Don't Play Us Cheap* (1972), where she starred alongside Esther Rolle, delivering laughs and charm in equal measure. She continued building momentum with roles in films such as *The Bingo Long Traveling All-Stars and Motor Kings* (1976), sharing the screen with legends like Billy Dee Williams and James Earl Jones—talk about impressive company! While making waves in movies, Mabel King also found success on the small screen. During the mid-to-late '70s, she appeared in series television, including a memorable role on the popular ABC sitcom *What's Happening!* (1975–79). It was clear that Mabel King had a unique ability to connect with audiences, whether through song, humor, or heartfelt moments. As her career progressed, Mabel King took on more diverse and exciting roles. One of her most iconic appearances came in the 1978 musical *The Wiz*, where she performed alongside Diana Ross in a dazzling adaptation of *The Wizard of Oz*. Then came *The Jerk* (1979), a classic comedy starring Steve Martin, in which Mabel King added depth and humor to the ensemble cast. She kept the momentum going with a role in *The Gong Show Movie* (1980), further proving her versatility in offbeat comedies. She didn’t slow down there—Mabel King also appeared in *Getting Over* (1981) and later lent her talents to the TV movie *The Jerk, Too* (NBC, 1983–84), showing that her comedic spark hadn’t dimmed. Her final acting role came in the quirky Elliott Gould-led comedy *Dead Men Don't Die* (1991), wrapping up a career filled with memorable performances. Sadly, Mabel King passed away in November 1999 at the age of 67, leaving behind a legacy defined by laughter, talent, and an enduring presence on screen. Even today, when people think of powerhouse performers who could light up a scene with humor and heart, Mabel King is definitely among them.

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