Michael Strahan is not only recognized for his achievements as an NFL star and television figure, but his most cherished role is that of a devoted father to his four children: Tanita, Michael Jr., Isabella, and Sophia.
His first marriage to Wanda Hutchins resulted in his two older children, Tanita and Michael Jr., while his second marriage to Jean Muggli brought twins Isabella and Sophia into his life. Though Strahan occasionally shares glimpses of his family on social media, he maintains a generally private approach to his personal life.
Strahan has often expressed how much fatherhood means to him. In 2016, he discussed with PEOPLE how he successfully manages his blended family, saying, “My kids are my source of strength. I love being with them. Family is my priority now more than ever.”
In June 2024, Isabella Strahan was declared cancer-free after completing treatment for medulloblastoma, a malignant brain tumor
Despite being raised in different households, Strahan shared that all four of his children have developed a close bond over the years. “You always wonder how children from different families will connect, but siblings are siblings, no matter what,” he remarked.
In 2017, Strahan was honored with a Father of the Year Award by The National Father’s Day Committee. He expressed his love for parenting to PEOPLE, saying, “Being a father brings the greatest joy, but it also brings the most stress.”
Toward the end of 2023, Strahan and his family faced a challenging period when Isabella was diagnosed with medulloblastoma, a malignant brain tumor. Fortunately, by June 2024, she had completed her final round of chemotherapy and was declared cancer-free.
Here’s a look into the lives of Michael Strahan’s four children: Tanita, Michael Jr., Isabella, and Sophia.
Tanita Strahan, 32
Born to Strahan and his first wife, Wanda Hutchins, Tanita entered the world on November 10, 1991, in Germany. She spent her early years in Houston until her parents divorced, after which she and her brother Michael Jr. moved to Germany with their mother.
In 2016, Tanita reflected on how growing up in Germany kept her grounded. She shared with PEOPLE, “I’ve never been the type to be impressed by celebrity culture. Growing up in Germany, that wasn’t a focus.”
Eventually, Tanita returned to the U.S., completed high school in Houston, and pursued a degree in design and visual communication from the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising in Los Angeles. Later, she moved back to Texas to further her studies in art.
Tanita describes herself as an illustrator on her Instagram profile, where she shares her work in mediums such as acrylic, watercolor, ink, graphic design, and photography.
In a 2013 interview with New York Family, Strahan talked about his daughter, describing her as having a quiet but strong personality. “She’s got her opinions and knows what she wants, which is something I really admire about her,” he said.
In September 2024, Strahan shared exciting news while hosting Fox NFL Sunday, announcing that Tanita had given birth to a baby boy named Onyx, marking his first time as a grandparent.
Michael Strahan Jr., 30
Michael Anthony Strahan Jr., Strahan’s only son, was born on September 12, 1994, with his first wife Hutchins. Much like his sister Tanita, Michael Jr. spent his early years in Germany until moving to Houston at the age of 11. His connection to Germany remains strong, as evidenced by the eagle tattoo he has to honor the country. In a 2016 PEOPLE interview, he mentioned that he was “fluent but rusty” in German.
Strahan has spoken about co-parenting his children across continents, emphasizing the importance of staying active in their lives despite the distance. “I made it a priority to be there for them, constantly flying and making time for them,” he said.
After completing high school, Michael Jr. attended the University of Texas at San Antonio before relocating to New York. Strahan, in a 2013 conversation with New York Family, praised Michael Jr.’s intellect and attention to detail, adding that he’s very particular and fond of maintaining his car. He noted with amusement, “He likes to remind me that while I’m smart, I can’t match him in math and science.”
Unlike his siblings, Michael Jr. leads a more private life, with few photos shared on his Instagram. In 2018, he briefly appeared on Good Morning America with his father, playfully referring to it as his “15 minutes of fame.”
Isabella Strahan, 19
Strahan and his second wife, Jean Muggli, welcomed twin daughters Isabella and Sophia on October 28, 2004. Isabella split her time between North Carolina and North Dakota while growing up. In 2016, Strahan told PEOPLE that his daughters lived an exciting life, ranging from interviewing the First Lady for GMA to riding horses in the countryside.
In a 2013 interview with New York Family, Strahan described Isabella as more laid-back compared to her sister, saying, “She’s very calm, playful, and easygoing.” While attending high school in New York City, Isabella participated in volleyball and horseback riding. In 2021, she won a New York City History Day Award for a website about the last American slave ship.
In 2022, Isabella debuted as a model, walking the runway for Sherri Hill. Her proud father shared photos from the event on Instagram, celebrating her success. Currently, Isabella is signed with Women 360 in New York City. Though she doesn’t post frequently on Instagram, she occasionally shares photos from her travels with friends.
Strahan celebrated Isabella’s high school graduation in June 2023 and revealed she was heading to USC. However, her college plans were put on hold following her medulloblastoma diagnosis, which led to emergency surgery.
Reflecting on her experience, Isabella shared on Good Morning America that she initially thought she had vertigo before discovering the tumor. She continues her treatment at Duke Children’s Hospital.
Sophia Strahan, 19
Born on the same day as her twin sister, Sophia also grew up splitting her time between different states. Strahan has often mentioned the importance of being present for his daughters. He told PEOPLE in 2016 that raising his girls as a single father taught him there was nothing to fear and gave him a deep sense of fulfillment.
In a 2013 interview, Strahan described Sophia as inquisitive and curious, noting how both girls were avid readers who loved exploring topics far beyond their years. Sophia, like Isabella, participated in competitive horseback riding and volleyball. She also chose to pursue higher education at Duke University, where she began in the fall of 2023.
As his daughters prepared for college, Strahan shared his mixed feelings, expressing excitement for their future but also acknowledging how much he would miss them.
Sophia graduated high school in June 2023, and Strahan marked the occasion with an Instagram post celebrating her intelligence and beauty, saying he couldn’t wait to see what she would accomplish at Duke.
