Image via KMPH Fox 26

Fresno media personality Kopi Sotiropulos is being honored with a prestigious award for his lifetime broadcasting career.

Sotiropulos will be inducted into the Gold Circle for the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences — the organization that produces the television news Emmy Awards.

The award is reserved for media professionals whose career in television began at least 50 years ago.

Born in the Peloponnesian Peninsula area of Greece, Sotiropulos attended Fresno High School and Fresno City College before graduating from San Francisco State with a degree in broadcast journalism.

After graduating, Sotiropulos began his television career with KMPH-TV in 1971 — the inaugural year of the station.

After six years at KMPH, Sotiropulos and his wife spent 10 years in Hollywood where he pursued a career in acting.

During his time in Hollywood, he worked with television and film stars including Eddie Murphy, David Letterman, Michael Keaton and more, appearing in “Beverly Hills Cop II,” “The Incredible Hulk,” “Three’s Company,” as well as other features.

Since returning to the Valley in 1992, Sotiropulos has been at KMPH FOX 26, acting as weatherman and host for KMPH’s “Great Day morning show.

Sotiropulos is known for his signature red sneakers, upbeat and energetic attitude and one of his most well known sayings, encouraging viewers to “start your day with a smile!”