From Emmy honoree to birthday boy — Kopi Sotiropulos, pictured with wife Elaine, has had plenty of reasons to celebrate a career that made the Central Valley smile for more than five decades. Photo composite

More than five decades after his start forecasting Valley weather — becoming one of Fresno’s most beloved local celebrities in the process — longtime KMPH FOX 26 weather reporter and Great Day host Kopi Sotiropulos announced his retirement during Wednesday morning’s show, with his last day set for March 27.

“After all these years it’s time to take a break,” he said. “This has been a great run; I’ve been thrilled to work here at [FOX]26.”

Kopi’s path to becoming the Valley’s 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: “FRRRREEESNO!”

“Thankfully for all of us, that’s exactly where he landed,” according to an announcement to KMPH staff.

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 — 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.

Kopi was there at the very beginning of KMPH, hired in October 1971 — the same month the station first began broadcasting. He wrote, produced, shot, edited and starred in commercials and promos, and hosted “Dialing for Dollars.” 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 “The Incredible Hulk” to “General Hospital.”

But home called him back.

Kopi returned to Fresno and assumed the role of weatherman for the KMPH FOX 26 Ten O’Clock 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 — at school visits, local events, and anywhere that needed a smile.

He even had a Great Day van wrapped in his own image, and would rope event attendees into helping him announce the “exclusive 10-day forecast” live on air.

“What job can you be wrong about 25 percent of the time and still get a paycheck?” Kopi has long joked. 

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 — 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.

In a statement, KMPH said it plans to celebrate Kopi’s career before his departure: “We will share plans soon to celebrate Kopi’s incredible career and honor his impact on our station and our community.”

The statement closed the way Kopi himself might have: “Until then, please join me in congratulating him — and as he would say… ‘Start your day with a smile!'”

Kopi said he plans to spend his retirement with Elaine and their children Anastasia and Vasili.

“As tough as it is — it’s time,” he said. “I’ve been blessed.”