Veteran Greek journalist and television presenter Giorgos Papadakis has died at the age of 74 after suffering a massive heart attack, prompting an outpouring of tributes from across Greece’s political and media landscape.
Papadakis collapsed at his home in central Athens on Sunday and was rushed by ambulance to Laiko General Hospital, where doctors made prolonged efforts to resuscitate him, but were unable to save his life. Hospital officials confirmed emergency services were alerted shortly after 5:15 pm, with a rapid-response unit arriving within minutes.
One of the most recognisable figures in Greek television, Papadakis was closely associated with morning news broadcasting for more than three decades. Born in Athens in 1951, he began his career in print journalism before transitioning to television in the 1980s.
In 1992, he rose to national prominence as the host of Kalimera Ellada (Good Morning Greece) on ANT1 – the first and longest-running morning news programme on Greek television – a role he held until his retirement last year.
Political leaders paid tribute to his legacy and influence. Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis wrote: “The sudden loss of Giorgos Papadakis brings only sadness. A journalist who, in his own way, left a strong imprint on Greek television for 30 years. My condolences to his family and his many friends.”
PASOK leader Nikos Androulakis described Papadakis’ career as being “synonymous with struggle and with highlighting the daily problems and anxieties of citizens,” adding that his programme “was, for decades, a favorite with millions of viewers precisely because of its authenticity.”
SYRIZA leader Sokratis Famellos said Papadakis served his journalistic duty “with consistency, ethics and respect for the truth,” while the New Left party noted that he not only fronted a long-running programme but also “created a school of journalism, highlighted personalities and contributed decisively to shaping the morning news as we knew it,” adding that his death “leaves an irreplaceable void in the Greek media.”
ANT1 also honoured Papadakis, describing him as a journalist who “left an indelible mark on Greek television” and combined journalistic rigour with a strong sense of public responsibility.
Papadakis’ family has announced that relatives and friends will bid him farewell on Thursday at the Ritsona Crematorium, with the funeral service to take place at 10:30 am.
Source: Ekathimerini
