Irv Gikofsky (born May 10, 1945), known professionally as Mr. G, is an American television meteorologist who currently serves as the weatherman for WPIX serving New York City and the surrounding regions.[1]

Biography

Mr. G was born in Brooklyn, New York, and raised in Queens. In 1967, he graduated from Hofstra University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in History. He then attended Yeshiva University, where he received a Master of Arts degree in Secondary Education and pursued doctoral studies.[2]

Shortly after graduating, he began his career as a school teacher at Albert Einstein Intermediate School in the Bronx. During his tenure there, he was notable for creating the first computerized weather program for use by New York City's school system. In 1977, after teaching in public school for a decade, he was hired to become a TV weatherman at CBS New York.[3]

Meteorological career

Mr. G worked as a morning weatherman at CBS from 1977 until 2014, when he retired from the position.[4] In 1993 he became the nightly weeknight weatherman at WPIX11, a position he still holds until this day. For his work as a television meteorologist, he has won five Emmy Awards and an Edward R. Murrow Award. In 2008, he was presented the Friar’s Club Lifetime Achievement Award. During his tenure, WPIX11 has been named Best Newscast by numerous media outlets, including the New York State Associated Press Broadcasters Association and the New York Press Club.[5][6]

In addition to his job as a television weather personality, Mr. G has given motivational speeches at over 500 schools around New York City and has participated in New York City’s “Principal for a Day” program every year since its inception. On January 28, 2016, Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. proclaimed January 28 to be "Mr. G Day" in honor of his work in the community and his famous media presence.[7] He also serves as board member for the R Baby Foundation, which works to improve pediatric care in emergency rooms in the New York metropolitan area. On August 1, 2023, the New York State Broadcasters Association, Inc., announced that Mr. G would be inducted into the New York State Broadcasters Hall of Fame. The induction ceremony took place at the group’s annual luncheon in the Rainbow Room, 30 Rockefeller Plaza, New York City on October 26, 2023.

References

  1. ↑ "Mr. G". PIX11.
  2. ↑ "DISTINGUISHED LEADERS IN EDUCATION 2017: Irv "MR. G" Gikofsky Educator & Weatherman, WPIX 11 News". Education Update.
  3. ↑ Hyman, Vicki (April 13, 2016). "Scarborough, Beutel, Jensen and more: 27 local broadcasters who defined an era". nj.com. NJ Advance Media for NJ.com.
  4. ↑ Hinckley, David (November 4, 2014). "Mr. G, legendary NYC weatherman, steps down from WCBS-FM after 37 years". Daily News. New York.
  5. ↑ Bellucci, Jessica (June 5, 2018). "PIX11 WINS NEW YORK STATE ASSOCIATED PRESS ASSOCIATION AWARD FOR BEST NEWS SERIES". PIX11.
  6. ↑ "2018 Winners" (PDF). The New York Press Club.
  7. ↑ "January 28th Is 'Mr. G Day' in the Bronx". The Bronx Chronicle. January 26, 2016.
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