George Kurdahi
George Kurdahi (Arabic: جورج قرداحي; born May 1, 1950 in Faitroun, Lebanon) is a Lebanese TV presenter and ex-host of the Arabic version of Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?.
George Kurdahi | |
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George Kurdahi in 2007 | |
Born | George Gabriel Kurdahi 1 May 1950 |
Nationality | Lebanese |
Years active | 1970–present |
Spouse(s) | Ida Kassar |
Children | 3 |
Education
Kurdahi was educated at the Notre Dame de Louayzeh College (Keserwan). He studied Political Science and Law in Lebanon.
Career
Kurdahi started his career with the newspaper Lisan al Hal in 1970, then he worked for Télé Liban in 1973 until the start of the Lebanese civil war, when he immigrated to France.[1] In 1979, he joined Radio Monte Carlo in Paris, where he was appointed Editor-in-chief.
In 1992, Kurdahi moved on to run Sharq Radio Station in Paris and remained there for around two years.
In 1994, he was recruited to head MBC FM in London.[2]
In 2004, Kurdahi moved to the Lebanese Broadcasting Corporation for one year, before being asked by MBC to return as the presenter of his old program and several other programs. In his move to LBC to present “Iftah Albak”, Kurdahi became one of the prominent TV presenters in the Arab World.[3] Furthermore, advertising spots on his shows reached record proportions, both in popularity as well as ratings.
Throughout his career, Kurdahi used his stardom to support charities in advancing their efforts for the public good. He notably partnered with "Tamkeen" which operates under the umbrella of the Knowledge and Human Development Authority in Dubai. He provided Tamkeen's visually impaired students with new educational Tools.[4]
Kurdahi was chosen as a UN Goodwill Ambassador.[5]
In 2011, he departed MBC after making a statement in which he supported the Syrian government during the Syrian civil war, and stated that "there was a conspiracy against the Syrian government from Arab TV station." Subsequently, his shows were canceled from MBC and he eventually joined Al Mayadeen TV station.[6]
In 2012, Kurdahi joined Al Hayat TV to present the TV-show “ Who Wants to be A Millionaire”,[7] "Al-Mosameh Karim" and "Hafez wala Fahem".[8]
George Kurdahi has also launched his own brand of perfume called G.K.[9]
Personal life
George Kurdahi is married to Ida Kassar with three children. Kurdahi, after living in Europe and other Arab Countries for many years, he returned to his home town of Feitroun.
He speaks four languages: Arabic, French, English and Italian.
References
- "جورج قرداحي: أنا عنيد وثقتي بنفسي لا تتبدل". alkhaleej.ae (in Arabic). 10 August 2014.
- "George Kurdahi On Who Wants To Be A Millionaire - Egypt Today". www.egypttoday.com. Retrieved 2017-04-08.
- "Al Danah KWD 1 million winner to be announced live by George Kurdahi on January 4". Al Bawaba. 2010-12-29. Retrieved 2017-04-07.
- "Tamkeen". www.tamkeen.ae. Retrieved 2017-04-11.
- "George Kirdahi a UN ambassador for the environment; Also the host of a new political talk show early next year". Al Bawaba. 2002-11-28. Retrieved 2017-04-08.
- "George Kurdahi resigns from MBC, joins Mayadeen". Arab News. 2011-09-07. Retrieved 2017-04-07.
- "George Kurdahi takes his millions to Al Hayat TV". Al Bawaba. 2012-07-24. Retrieved 2017-04-07.
- "شاهد.. انطلاق أولى حلقات برنامج "حافظ ولا فاهم" مع جورج قرداحى على شاشة الحياة". youm7.com (in Arabic). 6 March 2020.
- "Al Hawaj launches George Kordahi perfume". 24x7 News. Retrieved 2017-04-05.