“It seems like such a simple thing to say, but it meant everything to me,” Strahan said as Roberts and George Stephanopoulos received their Hollywood Walk of Fame stars on Nov. 5.

NEED TO KNOW

• Michael Strahan recalled the three words Robin Roberts told him early in his broadcasting career
• “It seems like such a simple thing to say, but it meant everything to me,” Strahan said during Roberts’ Hollywood Walk of Fame star ceremony 
• GMA co-anchors Roberts and George Stephanopoulos were honored with stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on Thursday, Nov. 5

When Michael Strahan started in broadcasting, Robin Roberts shared three simple words that have stuck with him ever since. 

On Thursday, Nov. 5, Roberts, 65, and George Stephanopoulos were honored with stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Their Good Morning America co-anchor, Strahan, 54, hosted the ceremony. 

Introducing Roberts, Strahan reflected on their time together at GMA and the friendship they’ve developed throughout their decade as co-anchors. 

“Robin has built a career defined by authenticity, courage and heart… [She’s] always leading with compassion,” Strahan said. “As important as Robin’s career has been, what makes her so special to me, I got to say goes far beyond everything that we see and that she’s accomplished on television.”

Strahan recalled his transition from professional football to broadcasting and how he felt like the “new guy in Hollywood trying to figure it out.” Strahan recalled crossing paths with Roberts at the Oscars, where she asked if he was nervous. When he admitted he was, she offered three words of encouragement: “Michael, you belong.”

“It seems like such a simple thing to say, but it meant everything to me because it reminded me that nobody starts out knowing everything, and it’s okay to learn on the way,” Strahan continued. “But that’s who Robin is. She has this incredible ability to make everyone around her feel comfortable, feel seen, and feel like they belong.”

“I’ve been lucky enough to experience that firsthand, and I experience that every single day,” he added. “Robin, you’re not just an incredible broadcaster, you’re an incredible friend. And I am so grateful I get to share the desk with you every day.”

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Strahan transitioned into broadcasting after retiring from the NFL in 2008, joining Fox NFL Sunday as an analyst. From there, he co-hosted Live! with Kelly and Michael alongside Kelly Ripa. In 2016, Strahan joined Roberts and Stephanopoulos, 65, as a co-anchor on Good Morning America.

Speaking about Stephanopoulos, Strahan commended the anchor for his decades-long career in journalism, his dedication to storytelling, and his deep care for people. 

“He’s such a class guy. A remarkable man. He’s had a remarkable career in television, but before becoming a TV journalist and all this other stuff, George was working in the White House as President Bill Clinton’s communications director,” Strahan said. “For nearly three decades, he’s brought that same intelligence, his curiosity, his dedication to the world of journalism.”

“What’s even more impressive is that with everything George has accomplished, every day, every single day, he shows up with the same level of preparation and passion,” he continued. “It’s truly something that I admire about you. You take your work seriously, but most importantly, you care deeply and dearly about people. That shows in the work you do. That shows in the way you handle yourself and how you come into the studio.”

Along with Strahan, Michael J. Fox and Niecy Nash-Betts were guest speakers at the ceremony. 

In a press release from the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce, Walk of Fame producer Ana Martinez shared that Roberts and Stephanopoulos were honored with stars because “they have become trusted voices in American journalism, connecting with audiences through their integrity, compassion, and commitment to storytelling.” 

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