Will Kelly Ripa ever forgive Michael Strahan?
Four4Four: Kelly Ripa a no-show on 'Live' after co-host Michael Strahan leaves her for 'GMA' gig
Don’t expect to see Michael Strahan’s handsome face on any more commercials. As part of his deal to join “Good Morning America” full time, Strahan — who’s hawked brands from Pizza Hut to Metamucil — will have to drop his endorsement deals, Page Six has learned.
The move to dump his advertising efforts is being made because, when Strahan jumped from ABC’s “Live With Kelly and Michael” to “GMA,” he effectively became an employee under the ABC News division, which forbids staffers from endorsements. On his former Disney/ABC Domestic Television show with Kelly Ripa, Strahan wasn’t subject to the same rules. (Ripa does ads for brands including Colgate toothpaste and Electrolux appliances.)
The hunky former Giants player has been a one-man branding machine, previously starring in commercials for products from Subway, Pizza Hut, Metamucil, Snickers, Dr. Pepper and Right Guard, among others.
But an ABC rep said Strahan’s endorsement deals will end “in the next few months” and will not be renewed.
However, he will be able to continue working on a line of suits designed with J.C. Penney that he launched in 2015. In May, the chain said Strahan would create a new “activewear line,” MSX.
An ABC spokesperson told us of the move: “Michael’s endorsements are set to expire in the next few months and won’t be renewed. His clothing line [with J.C. Penney] will continue, and he’s held to the same disclosure standard as anyone else at ABC News.”
The rep added, “If there is a story we’re reporting that involves a conflict of interest or a perception of conflict, Michael won’t cover it, or it will be disclosed on-air.”
Either way, busy Strahan can make up any cash loss with a new gig hosting relaunched game show “The $100,000 Pyramid.”
Current Giants star Victor Cruz recently said of Strahan at Cannes Lions, “Michael Strahan is the template for everything now, and the deals and opportunities will only get bigger for athletes.”
This article originally appeared in the New York Post's Page Six.
Trending
Who's making headlines in television, music, movies and more from Hollywood to the Heartland.