Giorgos Papadakis, Greek journalist and broadcaster, dies at 74 after heart attack
Source: NEOS KOSMOS
Greek media world is mourning the loss of Giorgos Papadakis, who died on Sunday, 4 January 2026, at the age of 74 after suffering a major heart attack.
According to an official statement from Laiko General Hospital, Papadakis was transferred by ambulance from Kolonaki in a state of cardiorespiratory arrest at 5.42pm. Emergency responders arrived within minutes and immediately began CPR. Despite prolonged and intensive resuscitation efforts by medical and nursing staff, in line with international emergency protocols, doctors were unable to revive him. His death was confirmed at 6:26pm.
“The hospital’s administration and staff extend their sincere condolences to the family and loved ones of the deceased,” the statement said.
A career that shaped Greek television mornings
Papadakis was a defining figure of Greek broadcast journalism, shaping generations of viewers through his flagship morning program Good Morning Greece (Kalimerа Ellada), the longest-running show in Greek television history. He presented the program for 34 consecutive years, leaving an indelible mark on the country’s morning news landscape.
Born in Halandri on 4 February 1951 and originally from Crete, Papadakis discovered his passion for journalism at a young age. Before entering the media, he worked a range of jobs—from construction sites and kiosks to carrying wreaths at cemeteries—to help support his family.
He began his journalism career in radio with the program Every Day Everywhere, having also worked in print media. Although his name became synonymous with ANT1, where he achieved his greatest success, his television debut dates back to the 1980s on public broadcaster ERT with the program Three in the Air, alongside Nasos Athanasiou and Semina Digeni.
Throughout his career, Papadakis presented and contributed to numerous influential programs, including Hellas, Your Greatness, Red Card—where he famously interviewed Aliki Vougiouklaki—Ten with an Accent, and Arena. From 1992 onward, he became the undisputed anchor of Greece’s morning information zone, setting the standard for political interviews and live current-affairs broadcasting.
Family life
Papadakis is survived by his wife, Tina Papadeli, and their two sons, Iasonas and Phoivos. Iasonas is a radio producer with a strong passion for music, while Phoivos studied journalism at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens and has begun following in his father’s footsteps in television. From a previous marriage, Papadakis also had a son, Konstantis, who made him a grandfather twice.
His final farewell on air
A historic moment in Greek television unfolded on Friday, 4 July, when Papadakis presented his final episode of Good Morning Greece. Visibly moved, he bid farewell to viewers after 34 years at the helm of the program that defined his legacy.
“Help me not to get emotional,” he told his colleagues at the start of the broadcast—though he ultimately could not hold back tears as he said “Good morning, Greece” for the last time. The program closed to the sound of Arleta’s Xana Mazi (Avlaia kai Pame).
“I want to thank ANT1, my colleagues—my brothers—and you, the viewers, for making me feel not important, but human; someone you welcomed into your homes every morning,” he said.
Tributes from across the political spectrum
Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis expressed his sorrow, saying Papadakis “left an unmistakable imprint on Greek television for more than three decades,” extending condolences to his family and friends.
Parliament Speaker Nikitas Kaklamanis described him as a pioneer who shaped the morning news format and became a mentor to younger journalists. “From today, the phrase ‘Good Morning Greece’ will sound different to all of us,” he said.
Tributes also poured in from senior ministers, opposition leaders, and political parties across the spectrum, all highlighting Papadakis’ integrity, professionalism, and deep connection with everyday citizens. Many noted his role in turning morning television into a trusted space for public dialogue and accountability
The original article: belongs to NEOS KOSMOS .
