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.
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.