Ben Hensley<\/a><\/p>\nMore than five decades after his start forecasting Valley weather \u2014 becoming one of Fresno\u2019s most beloved local celebrities in the process \u2014 longtime KMPH FOX 26 weather reporter and Great Day host Kopi Sotiropulos announced his retirement during Wednesday morning\u2019s show, with his last day set for March 27.<\/p>\n
\u201cAfter all these years it\u2019s time to take a break,\u201d he said. \u201cThis has been a great run; I\u2019ve been thrilled to work here at [FOX]26.\u201d<\/p>\n
Kopi\u2019s path to becoming the Valley\u2019s most recognizable weatherman began in the Peloponnesian Peninsula of Greece. When his father asked three-year-old Kopi where in America he wanted to go, the boy declared: \u201cFRRRREEESNO!\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThankfully for all of us, that\u2019s exactly where he landed,\u201d according to an announcement to KMPH staff.<\/p>\n
He arrived not knowing a word of English, attended Fremont Elementary, and by the time he reached Hamilton Jr. High, he was already running for student office \u2014 on a platform of removing gum from under desks and instituting a three-day school week. At Fresno High he became a Varsity Yell Leader, trading politics for school spirit. He later majored in broadcasting at San Francisco State, setting the stage for what would become a remarkable career.<\/p>\n
Kopi was there at the very beginning of KMPH, hired in October 1971 \u2014 the same month the station first began broadcasting. He wrote, produced, shot, edited and starred in commercials and promos, and hosted \u201cDialing for Dollars.\u201d After six years, he and his wife Elaine headed to Hollywood, where he spent a decade acting alongside the likes of Eddie Murphy, Michael Keaton, Goldie Hawn and Mary Tyler Moore, appearing in everything from \u201cThe Incredible Hulk\u201d to \u201cGeneral Hospital.\u201d<\/p>\n
But home called him back.<\/p>\n
Kopi returned to Fresno and assumed the role of weatherman for the KMPH FOX 26 Ten O\u2019Clock News, a position that would grow into something far bigger than a forecast. Known for his boisterous personality, signature red sneakers, robust mustache and an energy that filled any room he walked into, Kopi became a fixture not just on television but throughout the community \u2014 at school visits, local events, and anywhere that needed a smile.<\/p>\n
He even had a Great Day van wrapped in his own image, and would rope event attendees into helping him announce the \u201cexclusive 10-day forecast\u201d live on air.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat job can you be wrong about 25 percent of the time and still get a paycheck?\u201d Kopi has long joked.\u00a0<\/p>\n
In 2018 he was inducted into the San Francisco and Northern California Chapter of the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences Silver Circle, and in 2022 he entered the Gold Circle \u2014 an honor reserved for those who have made significant and lasting contributions to the industry. Just weeks ago, the Clovis Chamber of Commerce presented him with their annual Community Impact Award, where he received a standing ovation from hundreds of people in attendance.<\/p>\n
In a statement, KMPH said it plans to celebrate Kopi\u2019s career before his departure: \u201cWe will share plans soon to celebrate Kopi\u2019s incredible career and honor his impact on our station and our community.\u201d<\/p>\n
The statement closed the way Kopi himself might have: \u201cUntil then, please join me in congratulating him \u2014 and as he would say\u2026 \u2018Start your day with a smile!’\u201d<\/p>\n
Kopi said he plans to spend his retirement with Elaine and their children Anastasia and Vasili.<\/p>\n
\u201cAs tough as it is \u2014 it\u2019s time,\u201d he said. \u201cI\u2019ve been blessed.\u201d<\/p>\n
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