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Entertainment • TV Host

Maria Menounos

Maria Menounos is an American television host, journalist, actress, and producer of Greek descent.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Maria Menounos is an American television host, journalist, actress, and producer of Greek descent. She became known for entertainment reporting and hosting roles on programs including *Entertainment Tonight*, *Extra*, and *E! News*. She has also appeared in film and television, co-founded the digital network AfterBuzz TV, and published bestselling books.

Early life and education

Menounos was born in Medford, Massachusetts, and is a first-generation Greek American. She studied broadcast journalism and film at Emerson College.

Broadcasting career

She became known for entertainment journalism and hosting work on major television programs, including *Entertainment Tonight*, *Today*, *Extra*, and *E! News*. She was among the youngest people to host *Entertainment Tonight*.

Acting and other media work

Menounos has appeared in film and television in supporting roles and has worked as a producer and writer. She also co-founded AfterBuzz TV and has been linked to other digital media ventures.

Personal life and health

Menounos married Keven Undergaro in 2017 and has one child. She underwent surgery in 2017 to remove a benign brain tumour.

Key facts

  • Born June 8, 1978, in Medford, Massachusetts.
  • Known for hosting *Entertainment Tonight*, *Extra*, and *E! News*.
  • Co-founded AfterBuzz TV, a digital broadcast and podcast network.
  • Married Keven Undergaro in 2017; has one child.
  • Authored bestselling books, including *The EveryGirl’s Guide to Life*.
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Canadian context

Maria Menounos is relevant to Canadian readers through international entertainment television, celebrity reporting, and her co-hosting of the Eurovision Song Contest 2006 in Athens, which drew broad Canadian coverage.

Frequently asked questions

Who is Maria Menounos?
Maria Menounos is an American television host, journalist, actress, and producer known for entertainment news broadcasting.
When was Maria Menounos born?
She was born on June 8, 1978.
What is Maria Menounos best known for?
She is best known for hosting and reporting on entertainment programs such as *Extra* and *E! News*.
Is Maria Menounos married?
Yes. She married Keven Undergaro in 2017.
Does Maria Menounos have children?
Yes. She has one child.
What companies or projects has she co-founded?
She co-founded AfterBuzz TV, a digital broadcast and podcast network.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maria_Menounos
    Supports: Career overview, hosting roles, and move to E! Entertainment.
  2. IMDb — https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1172764/
    Supports: Birth date, birthplace, occupation, spouse, child, and selected acting credits.
  3. IMDb — https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1172764/bio/
    Supports: Biographical details including birth name and birthplace.
  4. TV Insider — https://www.tvinsider.com/people/maria-menounos/
    Supports: Hosting career, E! News role, and 2017 benign brain tumour surgery.
  5. MariaMenounos.com — https://www.mariamenounos.com/my-story
    Supports: Career timeline, reported work on major TV programs, books, and personal projects.
  6. On This Day — https://www.onthisday.com/people/maria-menounos
    Supports: Greek-American background, AfterBuzz TV co-founding, and WWE involvement.