Greek-American entertainment reporter, television personality, actress, and author, Maria Menounos has delightedly announced that she has officially become a Greek citizen. She shared the news on social media, accompanied by a photo of herself at the Panathenaic Stadium in Athens, Greece, proudly displaying her Greek passport.
In her caption, Menounos expressed her pride and gratitude, thanking the Greek consulates in Boston and Los Angeles, particularly Elena Meletiou and Maria Koukoutsi, for their assistance in making her and her family’s dual citizenship possible. With this development, Menounos will now hold citizenship in both the United States and Greece, connecting her to her ancestral homeland.
This joyous announcement comes after Menounos faced a challenging year, marked by a Stage 2 pancreatic cancer diagnosis and subsequent surgery, all while eagerly anticipating the arrival of her baby through surrogacy.
In an interview with People magazine, Menounos shared her initial shock and devastation upon receiving the cancer diagnosis. She described her emotional turmoil, stating that she screamed out loud and felt inconsolable. Last year, she was also diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes, a condition that runs in her family. However, she managed her health effectively through prescribed insulin and a strict diet, feeling great by October. Sadly, she faced further health issues in November, including intense abdominal pain and diarrhea, leading to hospitalization and inconclusive test results.
Determined to seek answers, Menounos pursued additional medical examinations, which revealed a 3.9 cm cancerous mass on her pancreas through a whole-body MRI. The discovery left her stunned, questioning how she could have both a brain tumor and pancreatic cancer. However, the cancer was detected at Stage 2, allowing Menounos to undergo surgery. The procedure involved removing the tumor, along with a portion of her pancreas, spleen, a large fibroid, and 17 lymph nodes. Although the recovery process was extremely painful, the support of her loved ones provided solace. Her doctors have assured her that no further treatment is necessary, apart from regular scans over the next five years.
Grateful for the miraculous outcome, Menounos expressed her deep appreciation and plans to cherish her baby girl even more as a result of this challenging journey. Alongside her husband Keven Undergaro, she eagerly awaits the arrival of her daughter this summer.
Born on June 8, 1978, in Medford, Massachusetts, Menounos rose to prominence as a correspondent and host on the entertainment news program “Entertainment Tonight” from 2002 to 2005. She has since appeared on various television shows and networks, including co-hosting “Extra” and hosting the reality TV competition series “Chasing Maria Menounos.” Menounos has also contributed as a correspondent for networks such as NBC, E!, and the WWE (World Wrestling Entertainment).
Beyond her television work, Menounos has showcased her acting talent in films like “Fantastic Four” and “Tropic Thunder,” and made guest appearances on popular TV shows like “One Tree Hill” and “Scrubs.” Furthermore, she has authored several books, including “The EveryGirl’s Guide to Life” and “The EveryGirl’s Guide to Diet and Fitness.”
Maria Menounos is known for her vibrant hosting style, enthusiastic personality, and versatility across different realms of the entertainment industry. Her official Greek citizenship adds another layer to her connection with her Greek heritage and cultural identity.
