50 Facts About Geraldo Rivera

Early Life and Education

Geraldo Rivera's journey began in New York City, where his diverse heritage and early experiences shaped his future.

1. Geraldo Rivera was born on July 4, 1943, in New York City to a Puerto Rican father and a Russian Jewish mother. His full name is Gerald Miguel Rivera, but he is commonly known as Geraldo Rivera.
2. Rivera's family moved to Long Island when he was young. He attended West Babylon High School before enrolling in the State University of New York Maritime College from 1961 to 1963.
3. He later transferred to the University of Arizona, where he graduated with a B.S. in Business Administration in 1965.

Law School and Early Career

Rivera's path to journalism was unconventional, starting with a legal background that laid the foundation for his investigative skills.

4. After completing his business degree, Rivera enrolled at Brooklyn Law School in 1966.
5. During his time as a law student, he held internships with the New York County District Attorney under Frank Hogan and Harlem Assertion of Rights.
6. He received his J.D. in 1969 and was admitted to the New York State Bar later that year.

Activism and Journalism

Rivera's activism led him to journalism, where he quickly made a name for himself with hard-hitting reports.

7. Rivera's work as an attorney for Puerto Rican activists in New York led to television interviews that became his break into journalism.
8. He was hired by WABC-TV in 1970 as a reporter for Eyewitness News and quickly gained national attention for his reports.
9. In 1972, Rivera won a Peabody Award for his report on the neglect of patients with intellectual disabilities at Staten Island's Willowbrook State School and Rockland County's Letchworth Village.

Television Career

Rivera's television career is marked by both groundbreaking reports and controversial moments.

10. Rivera hosted Good Night America, a late-night newsmagazine that aired from April 1974 to June 1977.
11. After Rivera's report on the patients at Willowbrook, John Lennon watched the segment and decided to organize a benefit concert called "One to One" at Madison Square Garden in New York City.
12. In 1986, Rivera hosted a live two-hour television special titled The Mystery of Al Capone’s Vaults, which ended up being a major disappointment when no significant discoveries were made.

Talk Show Host

Rivera's talk show career brought him both fame and notoriety, with memorable moments that defined daytime television.

13. Rivera began hosting his own daytime talk show, Geraldo, in 1987. The show ran for 11 years and featured controversial guests and theatricality.
14. During an episode of Geraldo featuring racist skinheads and white supremacists, an on-air brawl occurred, and Rivera’s nose was broken.
15. In 1988, Rivera produced a prime-time special titled Devil Worship: Exposing Satan’s Underground, which sensationalized the subject of Satanic ritual abuse.

Fox News and War Correspondence

Rivera's tenure at Fox News showcased his versatility and willingness to report from dangerous locations.

16. In 2001, Rivera joined the Fox News Channel and became a war correspondent.
17. His tenure at Fox was marked by several controversies, including an inaccurate report from Afghanistan and a map-drawing incident during a military operation in Iraq.
18. From 2005 to 2007, Rivera hosted At Large with Geraldo Rivera, a syndicated show that featured exclusive interviews with prominent figures.

Controversies and Apologies

Rivera's career has not been without its controversies, but he has also shown a willingness to apologize and reflect.

19. In 2012, Rivera sparked controversy when he commented on the fatal shooting of unarmed African American teenager Trayvon Martin.
20. Rivera suggested that Martin had been shot because of his seemingly threatening clothing, which was widely perceived to play upon stereotypes. He subsequently apologized for his comments.

Acting and Writing

Rivera's talents extend beyond journalism, with notable contributions to film and literature.

21. Rivera has made several acting appearances, often as himself. He appeared in movies such as The Bonfire of the Vanities (1988) and Natural Born Killers (1994).
22. Rivera has written several autobiographies, including Exposing Myself (1992) and The Geraldo Show (2018).
23. He has also written other books, such as The Great Progression: How Hispanics Will Lead America to a New Era of Prosperity (2009).

Awards and Honors

Rivera's contributions to journalism have been recognized with numerous awards and honors.

24. Rivera has won numerous awards throughout his career, including a Peabody Award in 1972 for his report on the neglect of patients at Willowbrook State School.
25. He has also received several other accolades for his outstanding work in journalism.

Philanthropy and Social Advocacy

Rivera has used his platform to advocate for social justice and support various philanthropic efforts.

26. Rivera has been involved in various philanthropic efforts throughout his career.
27. He has used his platform to advocate for social justice and equality, often focusing on issues affecting marginalized communities.

Personal Life

Rivera's personal life, marked by his iconic mustache and family, has also been a subject of public interest.

28. Rivera is known for his mustache, which he has never appeared without over five decades.
29. He has been married twice and has two children.
30. His personal life has been subject to media scrutiny, but he remains a private individual despite his public persona.

Legacy and Influence

Rivera's legacy in journalism and media continues to inspire and influence future generations.

31. In 2020, Rivera celebrated his 50th anniversary in television with a docuseries titled I Am Geraldo.
32. Rivera has served as a mentor to many aspiring journalists.
33. His dedication to his craft and his willingness to take risks have inspired a generation of reporters to follow in his footsteps.

Reality TV and Continued Presence

Rivera's participation in reality TV and his ongoing presence in media keep him relevant and influential.

34. Rivera has also participated in reality TV shows like Dancing with the Stars and The Celebrity Apprentice.
35. These appearances have helped him reach new audiences and showcase his versatility as a media personality.

Impact on Journalism and Media

Rivera's career has had a lasting impact on journalism and the media landscape.

36. Rivera has had a significant impact on the media landscape.
37. His investigative reporting style and his ability to cover a wide range of topics have influenced many other journalists and media personalities.
38. Throughout his career, Rivera has been involved in numerous controversial interviews.

Books and Writing

Rivera's writing provides deeper insights into his views and experiences.

39. Rivera has written several books throughout his career, including his autobiography Exposing Myself.
40. His writing has provided insights into his personal life and professional experiences.

Television Specials and Exclusive Interviews

Rivera's television specials and interviews have provided unique insights and memorable moments.

41. Rivera has produced and hosted several television specials throughout his career.
42. One notable example is The Mystery of Al Capone’s Vaults, which although disappointing, remains a memorable moment in his career.
43. One of the highlights of Rivera’s career was an exclusive interview with pop star Michael Jackson before his trial on child molestation charges.

Coverage of Major Events

Rivera's coverage of major events has showcased his dedication to journalism.

44. After the tragic events of September 11, 2001, Rivera provided on-the-ground coverage of the aftermath.
45. His dedication to reporting live from the scene showcased his commitment to journalism during times of crisis.

Social Justice and Advocacy

Rivera's advocacy for social justice has been a consistent theme throughout his career.

46. Rivera has been vocal about various social justice issues throughout his career.
47. He has used his platform to advocate for justice and equality, often challenging the status quo and giving a voice to the marginalized.

Legacy and Continued Influence

Rivera's legacy and influence in journalism and media continue to be felt.

48. Rivera’s legacy in journalism is significant.
49. He has inspired many aspiring journalists to pursue their passions fearlessly and has paved the way for future generations of Hispanic journalists.
50. Despite his controversies, Rivera remains an influential figure in the media landscape.

Geraldo Rivera: A Media Maverick

Geraldo Rivera's career is nothing short of remarkable. From his early days as a lawyer to becoming a household name in investigative journalism, he's seen it all. His fearless reporting on Willowbrook State School earned him a Peabody Award, while his controversial moments, like the Al Capone's vault fiasco, kept audiences hooked. Rivera's stint at Fox News and his daring war correspondence showcased his versatility. Despite controversies, his impact on journalism is undeniable. He's inspired many, mentored budding journalists, and used his platform for social advocacy. Whether breaking his nose on live TV or interviewing Michael Jackson, Rivera's career is a testament to his resilience and dedication. His legacy in media will continue to influence and inspire future generations.