5 Shocking Updates On Sam Champion: Skin Cancer Battle, Disney HQ Move, And His Triumphant 2025 Return

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One of America’s most recognizable and beloved weather anchors, Sam Champion, is currently making headlines not just for his expert meteorological forecasts on *Good Morning America* (*GMA*) and WABC-TV, but for significant, deeply personal changes in his life. As of December 21, 2025, the Emmy and Peabody Award-winning journalist is navigating a major move in New York City and has recently spoken out about a serious health battle, cementing his status as a resilient and transparent public figure. This deep dive reveals the freshest updates on his career, his personal life with husband Rubem Robierb, and his inspiring journey back to the anchor desk.

From tracking life-threatening weather events like the Pacific Northwest's flooding and the Arctic blast to hosting major LGBTQ+ advocacy events, Champion's 2025 has been a whirlwind of professional and personal challenges. His recent return to the *GMA* weather desk following a health scare has been a powerful moment for fans, and his upcoming move to be closer to the new Disney headquarters marks a new chapter in his decades-long career in broadcast journalism.

Sam Champion: Complete Biography and Professional Profile

Samuel James Champion, known universally as Sam Champion, has built a formidable career spanning over 35 years, becoming one of the most trusted voices in American weather reporting. His ability to communicate complex science with genuine warmth has made him a fan favorite across multiple networks.

  • Full Name: Samuel James Champion
  • Born: August 13, 1961 (Currently 64 years old)
  • Birthplace: Paducah, Kentucky, U.S.
  • Education: Eastern Kentucky University (B.A. in Broadcast News)
  • Current Role (2025): Weather Anchor for ABC’s *Good Morning America* (*GMA*) and WABC-TV’s *Eyewitness News*. He also serves as the Weather Editor for ABC News.
  • Spouse: Rubem Robierb (Married 2012)
  • Key Career Highlights:
    • WABC-TV, New York (1988–2006, and since 2016): Served as the primary weatherman for *Eyewitness News*.
    • Good Morning America (2006–2013, and since 2019): Became the main weather anchor, achieving national fame.
    • The Weather Channel (2014–2016): Co-anchored *AMHQ: America's Morning Headquarters* and hosted *23.5 Degrees With Sam Champion*.
    • Accolades: Multiple Emmy Awards and a prestigious Peabody Award.

The Skin Cancer Battle and Triumphant Return to GMA

The most significant and recent personal update for Sam Champion involves his ongoing, yet private, battle with skin cancer, which became a public "health scare" in late 2024 and early 2025. Champion has been remarkably candid about his journey, turning a medical challenge into a public health advocacy moment.

In October 2024, Champion underwent Mohs micrographic surgery to remove a Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC), a common but serious form of skin cancer. This was not his first encounter with the disease; he has been managing skin cancer since his 20s, often sharing unflinching selfies and updates on social media to raise awareness.

His absence from the *GMA* weather desk during the recovery period sparked concern among fans, but his triumphant return was a testament to his resilience. He spoke openly about the procedure, showing the scar as proof of the successful operation. The experience served as a powerful wake-up call, with Champion urging the public to prioritize regular skin checks and diligent sun protection.

Champion's transparency about his recovery, including the emotional and physical toll, resonated deeply with viewers. His willingness to share the details of the Mohs surgery and the subsequent healing process provided a fresh, unique perspective on a common health issue, strengthening his bond with his audience and reinforcing his role as a trusted communicator, even on a personal level.

Saying Goodbye to the Rooftop Garden: Champion’s Big NYC Move

A major life change for Sam Champion and his husband, renowned visual artist Rubem Robierb, is their impending move from their long-time New York City residence. This transition is directly linked to a significant corporate relocation: ABC's move to Disney's new headquarters in Hudson Square.

The new ABC News headquarters is now situated in the Robert A. Iger Building at 7 Hudson Square. This massive new complex is also home to other major Disney-owned productions like *The View* and *Live with Kelly and Mark*. Champion and Robierb are relocating to be closer to this new professional hub, a practical decision that marks the end of an era for their current home.

The emotional centerpiece of this move is Champion's beloved rooftop garden. This sanctuary, which he and Robierb meticulously cultivated, has been a frequent feature on his social media and a cherished part of their life. Saying goodbye to the garden, a place of peace and beauty amid the bustle of New York City, is an emotional process that Champion has shared with his followers, highlighting the personal cost of professional demands.

Rubem Robierb, a Miami-based fine-arts photographer, has been actively involved in the apartment search, signifying a commitment to their life together in the new downtown Manhattan area. Their move underscores the dynamic nature of a high-profile media career and the necessary adjustments required to maintain a balance between work and their 12-year marriage.

Advocacy, Accolades, and Hosting the 2025 Out100 Special

Beyond the weather desk, Sam Champion remains a powerful voice for the LGBTQ+ community and a respected host for major industry events. His visibility and advocacy continue to earn him accolades and high-profile hosting gigs.

A major professional highlight for Champion in 2025 is his role as co-host for the prestigious *2025 Out100 Special*. The annual event, hosted by *Out Magazine*, celebrates the year’s most impactful and influential LGBTQ+ people, recognizing their contributions as artists, disruptors, educators, and innovators. Champion, a Peabody and Emmy winner, is co-hosting the special alongside Emmy-winning anchor Sonia Baghdady, solidifying his status as a leader in the community and the media industry.

Champion's continuous presence on *Good Morning America*, alongside co-stars like Robin Roberts, Amy Robach, and Michael Strahan, keeps him at the forefront of national news. His ability to pivot from tracking major weather crises—such as the recent life-threatening flooding and the next Arctic blast—to discussing personal health and hosting celebratory events demonstrates his versatile talent and broad topical authority.

His long-term career, spanning major networks like ABC and The Weather Channel, has made him an authoritative figure not just in meteorology, but in American culture. Champion’s willingness to share his personal life, from his marriage to Rubem Robierb to his skin cancer journey, makes him a uniquely relatable and inspiring figure for millions of viewers across the country.

sam champion
sam champion

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