Oct 19, 2018
Spencer Christian
You Bet Your Life

Spencer Christian has truly lived the American Dream. Growing

up poor and black in the rigidly segregated South, he relied on his

family’s strong values—solid work ethic, commitment to education,

and Christian faith—to overcome adversity and carve out a path

to success and national visibility. As weatherman, feature reporter,

and co-host for ABC’s Good Morning America from 1986 to 1999,

he was a daily presence in the homes of millions of Americans. By

every conventional standard, he had it all—a loving wife and two

wonderful children, a beautiful home, and a rewarding and remarkable

career. He was also viewed by many as a role model—not only

by people of color, but to many other as well.

Yet, he was living a double life that was largely unknown to the

TV-viewing public. For nearly 30 years, he was a compulsive gambler—

and fully addicted to the high-roller lifestyle. By the time he

found the courage to confront his dependence, he had lost over three

million dollars, his home, his job—and most important—his family.

After what seemed like the perfect storm, he found himself divorced,

depressed, drowning in debt, and dumped by his network.