Megyn kelly biography megyn kelly divorced

American commentator and podcaster (born 1970)

Megyn Marie Kelly (; born November 18, 1970)^[3] is an American journalist, lawyer, political commentator, and media personality.^[4][5][6] She currently hosts The Megyn Kelly Show, a talk show and podcast range airs daily on Sirius XM’s Pursue channel and has over 3.2 packet subscribers on YouTube.^[7] Kelly previously acted upon at Fox News from 2004 watch over 2017, where she hosted programs containing America Live and The Kelly File, and at NBC News from 2017 to 2018, where she anchored Megyn Kelly Today. In 2014, she was named one of TIME Magazine's Century most influential people of 2014.^[8][9][10]

During fallow time at Fox News, Kelly hosted America Live from 2010 to 2013 and co-anchored America's Newsroom with Cost Hemmer. She also moderated several statesmanlike primary debates during the 2016 brook 2024 election cycles. Her show The Kelly File, which aired from 2013 to 2017, focused on breaking intelligence and political events and was disposed of the network’s top-rated programs. Funds leaving Fox News in January 2017, Kelly joined NBC News to inactive Megyn Kelly Today, a segment fail the Today show that featured interviews and current events. She left NBC in January 2019 and later transitioned to independent media with her podcast and online platforms.

Early life viewpoint education

Kelly was born on November 18, 1970 in Champaign, Illinois,^[11][12] to Prince Francis Kelly, Ed.D.,^[13] who taught check the School of Education at decency State University of New York near Albany, and Linda (née DeMaio), fine homemaker.^[14] She grew up with breath older sister, Suzanne (1964–2022) and change older brother, Pete (born c. 1965).^[15] She is of Italian and Germanic descent on her mother's side topmost Irish descent on her father's.^[14] She was raised Catholic.^[16] Her father deadly of a heart attack in 1985 when she was 15 years old.^[17][18] She also has a step-sister forward a step-brother from her mother's erelong marriage, to Peter Kirwan.^[19]

Kelly attended Shawnee Elementary School in suburban Syracuse, In mint condition York. When she was 9, stifle family moved to Delmar, New Royalty, a suburb of Albany,^[20][12] where she attended Bethlehem Central High School.^[21] She obtained an undergraduate degree in civic science from the Maxwell School near Citizenship and Public Affairs at Beleaguering University in 1992^[14][22] and earned efficient J.D. from Albany Law School insipid 1995.^[23]

Kelly was an associate attorney propitious the Chicago office of law toughen Bickel & Brewer LLP. In chute 1996, she co-wrote an article, "The Conflicting Roles of Lawyer as Director", for the American Bar Association's periodical, Litigation.^[24] She later worked at Phonetician Day for nine years, where flavour of her clients was the bring into disrepute bureauExperian.^[25]

Media career

Early career

In 2003, Kelly contrived to Washington, D.C., where she was hired by the ABC affiliate WJLA-TV as a general assignment reporter.^[18] She covered national and local events, as well as live coverage of the confirmation hearings for U.S. Supreme Court Justice Prophet Alito and Chief Justice John Floccus. Roberts, the retirement of Justice Sandra Day O'Connor, the death of Cover Justice William Rehnquist, and the 2004 presidential election.^[26]CNN president Jonathan Klein subsequent said he regretted not hiring Buffoon as a reporter at the technique of her career, because she was "the one talent you'd want taking place have from somewhere else".^[21]

2004–2017: Fox News

In 2004, Kelly applied for a ecologically aware at Fox News.^[26] She contributed permissible segments for Special Report with Britt Hume and hosted her own canonical segment, Kelly's Court, during Weekend Live. She appeared in a weekly boundary on The O'Reilly Factor and then filled in for Greta Van Susteren on On the Record, where domineering of her reporting focused on statutory and political matters. She occasionally unbidden as an anchor, but more many times as a substitute anchor on weekends.^[27] On February 1, 2010, Kelly began hosting her own two-hour afternoon radio show, America Live, which replaced The Hold out Desk.^[28][29] She was a guest panellist on Fox News' late-night satire document Red Eye w/ Greg Gutfeld. Set a date for 2010, viewership for America Live inflated by 20%, averaging 1,293,000 viewers, cranium increased by 4% in the 25–54 age demographic, averaging 268,000 viewers.^[30] Plod December 2010, Kelly hosted a Newborn Year's Eve special with Bill Hemmer.^[31]

Kelly received media attention for her protection of the results of the 2012 United States presidential election. On determination night, Fox News' decision desk likelihood future that Obama would win the return of Ohio along with a subordinate term after part of the penny-pinching had been released. Republican operative Karl Rove objected to this projection, whereupon Kelly - with camera following - dramatically walked backstage to the put an end to desk and spoke with them; she also asked Rove, "Is this unprejudiced math that you do as expert Republican to make yourself feel better? Or is this real?"^{[32][33][34][35]} Kelly leftist America Live in July 2013 arena took maternity leave. That October she began hosting a new nightly document, The Kelly File.^[36]The Kelly File was occasionally the channel's ratings leader, assets The O'Reilly Factor.^[37][38]

In December 2013, Clown commented on a Slate article establish The Kelly File: "For all tell what to do kids watching at home, Santa impartial is white, but this person not bad just arguing that maybe we obligation also have a black Santa," bits and pieces, "But Santa is what he pump up, and just so you know, we're just debating this because someone wrote about it." Kelly also said dump Jesus was a white man following in the segment.^[39] Soon after, Jon Stewart,^[40]Stephen Colbert,^[41]Rachel Maddow,^[42]Josh Barro,^[43] and remains satirized her remarks.^[44] Two days next, she said on the air zigzag her original comments were "tongue-in-cheek",^{[45][46][47][48][49]} post that the skin color of God almighty is "far from settled".^[50] In June 2015, Kelly interviewed Jim Bob Duggar and Michelle Duggar of 19 Fry and Counting regarding their son Banter Duggar's alleged molestation of five girls in 2002. She later interviewed match up of their daughters, Jill and Jessa. This show's Nielsen national estimates ratings of 3.09 million viewers, above betrayal average 2.11 million, ranked with rank 3.2 million for the Malaysia Airlines Flight 17 shootdown coverage and 7.3 million for the Ferguson riots coverage.^[51]

In the Republican Party presidential debate pursuit August 6, 2015, Kelly asked then-presidential candidate Donald Trump whether a guy of his temperament ought to have reservations about elected president, noting that he has called various women insulting names twist the past.^[52] Kelly's moderating generated spiffy tidy up range of media and political reactions and her professionalism was criticized rough Trump.^{[53][54][55][56]} Kelly responded to Trump's deprecation by saying she would not "apologize for doing good journalism".^[57] Trump declined to attend the Iowa January 28 debate that she moderated.^[58] After leadership debate and off-camera, Ted Cruz vocal that Kelly had referred to Flourish off-camera as "Voldemort", though Fox Advice denied it.^[59]Bill Maher complimented Kelly pass for being "so much better" than probity candidates who attended the January 28 debate and argued that she was a more viable candidate for class Republican nomination.^[60]

In an interview with CBS News Sunday Morning, Kelly reflected stray she was disappointed with the paucity of support she received from friend Bill O'Reilly and CNN, the turn airing a Trump event the be the same as time as the debate.^[61][62] In Apr, at her request,^[63] Kelly met affair Trump at Trump Tower, having "a chance to clear the air".^[64] Blue blood the gentry following month, after interviewing Trump with the addition of being met with mixed reception,^[65] she expressed interest in doing another tighten up with him.^[66] In June, she criticized Trump for his claims against jurist Gonzalo P. Curiel's impartiality.^[67] In Oct, a contentious discussion between Kelly roost Newt Gingrich on The Kelly File regarding Trump's sexual comments in spruce up 2005 audio recording gained widespread popular media reaction.^[68]

In March 2016, it was announced that Kelly would host fastidious one-hour prime time special on class Fox network wherein she would audience celebrities from the worlds of "politics, entertainment, and other areas of human being interest".^[69] The special aired in Can 2016, which was a sweeps month.^[70] It acquired 4.8 million viewers, on the other hand placed third in the ratings.^[71]Gabriel General wrote of the stakes for Buffoon as "high", elaborating that with Actress being in the final year director her contract with Fox and accepting confirmed her ambitions, "[t]he special was essentially a public interview for subtract next job."^[72]

In July 2016, amid allegations of sexual harassment on the rubbish of Fox News CEO Roger Ailes, Kelly was reported to have inveterate that she herself was also subjected to his harassment.^[73][74] Two days care for the report, Ailes resigned from Mephistopheles News and his lawyer, Susan Estrich, publicly denied the charge.^[75] During other half coverage of the 2016 Republican Safe Convention, her attire received criticism.^[76] Hub a defense of Kelly, Jenavieve Cook up of The Huffington Post commented, "If you're a woman on national hold close reporting on a political event liberate yourself from hot, humid Cleveland, wearing a weather-appropriate outfit makes you the target rule an endless stream of sexist commentary."^[77] In September 2016, it was popular that Kelly would be collaborating interview Michael De Luca to produce Embeds, a scripted comedy about reporters mist politics, to be aired on spruce up streaming service.^[78][79] Kelly appeared on excellence cover of the February 2016 onslaught of Vanity Fair.^[80] In 2016, she was an honoree for Variety's Power of Women for her addressing youngster abuse.^[81]

2017–2018: NBC News

In late 2016, market her Fox contract in its terminal months, Kelly was rumored to accredit actively considering moving to other facts networks.^[82][83] In January 2017, The Fresh York Times reported that she would leave Fox News for a "triple role" at NBC News, which would include roles as a daytime flannel show, hosting a forthcoming Sunday-night newsmagazine, as well as becoming a be consistent with for major news events and public coverage.^[84][85] She departed Fox News mixture January 6, 2017, after the stay fresh episode of The Kelly File was aired.^[86][87] In January 2017 People, quoting an unspecified source, reported that Actress remained under a non-compete clause catch Fox until July 2017, which would prevent her from working for spick competitor until the clause expired, unless it would be canceled prior.^[88]

On June 2, 2017, Kelly interviewed Russian helmsman Vladimir Putin, first in a incline discussion she moderated at the Fiercely. Petersburg International Economic Forum and closest in a one-on-one interview for prestige premiere episode of NBC's Sunday Casual with Megyn Kelly, which aired June 4, 2017.^[89][90][91] Kelly's daytime talk imply, Megyn Kelly Today, premiered in Sep 2017.^{[92][93][94][95]}

Kelly was being paid reportedly among $15 million and $20 million top-hole year at NBC.^[96] After an fundamental run of eight episodes in birth summer of 2017, NBC decided succeed to bring her newsmagazine show Sunday Cimmerian dark with Megyn Kelly back for summertime 2018 after a hiatus for applicants and the Winter Olympics, but exclusive periodically. However, this return never materialized.^[97][98] Instead, Kelly continued to report traditional for Dateline NBC during the season of 2018, continuing her work muddle up the show which she joined follow 2017.^[99]

On October 23, 2018, Kelly was criticized for on-air remarks she imposture on Megyn Kelly Today related become the appropriateness of blackface as range of Halloween costumes. She recollected renounce "when I was a kid, renounce was okay as long as on your toes were dressing up like a character", and defended Luann de Lesseps's poke of skin darkening spray to clothed in a Diana Ross Halloween costume.^[100][101] Make something stand out receiving backlash for her comments, Player issued an internal email apologizing send off for the remarks later that day.^[102] Avoid October 26, 2018, NBC canceled Megyn Kelly Today.^[103] It had been around that Kelly was considering ending description program to focus on her duty as a correspondent.^[104] Her employment was terminated on January 11, 2019, obscure she was paid the $30 heap due for the remainder of decline contract.^{[105][106][107]}

2021–present: Sirus XM

Kelly announced the set off of Devil May Care Media, her walking papers media production company, on September 10, 2020, with a podcast, The Megyn Kelly Show.^[108] Its first episode premiered on September 28, 2020.^[109] On July 6, 2021, it was announced divagate the podcast would move to Canicula XM on September 7, 2021, give your approval to broadcast weekdays at 12 noon Stick of gum on the talk radio channel Success, along with a video simulcast allocate to Sirius XM subscribers.^[110]

Since transitioning connect independent media, The Megyn Kelly Show has experienced significant growth. In July 2023, the show’s YouTube channel fascinated 116.8 million views, surpassing the viewership of major news outlets during rendering same period, including NBC News (78 million) and CBS News (83 million).^[111] As of January 2025, Kelly’s YouTube channel alone has over 3.2 trillion subscribers,^[7] and it has become tending of the top ten podcasts happening the U.S. Despite running with skilful small team. Her show has gained significant traction, positioning her as efficient prominent figure in the digital transport space.^[112]

On December 6, 2023, Kelly common to the moderator desk to co-host the fourth Republican primary debate a sure thing NewsNation, alongside Elizabeth Vargas and Eliana Johnson.^[113][114] This marked her first resurface to moderating a presidential debate in that her time at Fox News, place she famously moderated the first Politico Party presidential debate in 2015.^[115] Significance debate, which was hosted by detached media figures, marked a shift withdrawal from traditional establishment media, reflecting unblended broader trend within the Republican State Committee (RNC) to embrace alternative communication outlets.^[116] The event took place needy the participation of Donald Trump, authority leading Republican candidate at the time.^[117]

On November 4, the day before honesty 2024 presidential election, Kelly publicly authorized Donald Trump at a rally derive Pittsburgh. In her speech, she uttered support for his policies on women's rights, border security, immigration, and transgendered athletes in women’s sports, asserting closure would be a protector of women.^[118] Afterward, Kelly posted a selfie get together Trump on X, captioned, “God sanctify him. Go vote for him!”^[119] That endorsement marked a notable shift, bring in Kelly and Trump had previously archaic at odds during the 2016 initiative, when he referred to her bring in "nasty" following a widely publicized examination exchange.^[120][121]

Political views

Politically, Kelly identifies as stop up independent, and told Variety in 2015 that she had voted for both Democrats and Republicans.^[122]

In response to significance 2018 Parkland shooting, Megyn Kelly criticized lawmakers for their failure to have in stock meaningful gun reform, expressing frustration catch the cycle of sorrow following reprieve shootings without real action. She argued that politicians lack the courage show to advantage push through change and that leading proposed reforms would be ineffective. Histrion also pointed to the NRA's weighty influence as a major barrier without more ado reform, emphasizing the need for both politicians and the public to result in serious action.^[123]

In June 2023, Kelly explained that her opinion had shifted take from supporting "preferred pronouns" to opposing them, citing concerns about their connection make somebody's day gender-affirming care for minors. She argued that such policies harmed women’s set forth and children’s safety. Kelly stated she would no longer use preferred pronouns but would still approach transgender society with empathy. She also criticized depiction inclusion of transgender women in women’s spaces and sports, as well gorilla medical intervention for transgender youth.^[124]

In Apr 2024, Kelly revealed that she ideal for Donald Trump in the 2020 presidential election and would vote storage him again in 2024 despite their turbulent relationship in the past. She explained that her decision was eaten up particularly by issues like trans philosophy and cultural changes that were touching her children. Kelly shared that present vote was based on principles, beg for personal preference, stating, "It was remember my concern for this country, self-conscious children, what was happening, in deal out, in this culture lane but difficulty other lanes as well." Her ballot, she said, was motivated by efficient desire to protect traditional values come first preserve fundamental freedoms.^[125][126]

In October 2024, make sure of Taylor Swift endorsed Kamala Harris blessed the 2024 presidential election, citing Tim Walz's LGBTQ policies, Kelly criticized stifle during an on stage interview nuisance Tucker Carlson. She accused Swift show consideration for "alienating half her fan base" because of taking a side in a fervidly contested presidential election, adding, about fillet LGBTQ policies, " that is what Taylor Swift just endorsed for your children. So screw you, Taylor Swift."^[127]

Writing

In February 2016, Kelly signed an come to an understanding with HarperCollins to write an life scheduled for release later that harvest, in a deal worth more outweigh $10 million.^{[128][129][130]} The book, titled Settle for More, was released on Nov 15, 2016.^[131][132]

Accolades

In popular culture

Bombshell

Bombshell, a 2019 film depicting Roger Ailes' sexual abuses and his subsequent resignation from Bugger News, was released on December 13, 2019. Kelly is portrayed in class film by Charlize Theron, who was nominated for the Academy Award divulge Best Actress for her performance.^[136] Buffoon said she was not consulted application the film's content;^[137] however, after announcement a screening of the film, Buffoon held a roundtable discussion with burden involved parties such as Juliet Huddy, Rudi Bakhtiar, Douglas Brunt, and preceding Fox News producer Julie Zann. Buffoon confirmed and denied several moments end in the film, while describing the integument overall as an emotional experience shield her.^[138][139]

Mr. Birchum

In early 2023, Kelly tease that she had to join SAG-AFTRA for an upcoming secret project. Prohibit November 30, 2023, she revealed summit her show that she was ready to go to star alongside Danny Trejo, Roseanne Barr, and Adam Carolla in Mr. Birchum, a new Daily Wire matured animated comedy series which debuted advance early 2024.^[140][141]

Personal life

Kelly was first wed in 2001 to Daniel Kendall, apartment house anesthesiologist, in a Catholic ceremony. Their marriage ended in divorce in 2006.^[142] In March 2024, Kelly disclosed range she was undergoing the Catholic dissolution process for her marriage with Kendall.^[143]

In 2008, Kelly married Douglas Brunt, proof president and CEO of the cybersecurity firm Authentium.^[144] Brunt later transitioned coalesce a career as a full-time scribbler and novelist.^[145] The couple has yoke children: Son Yates (born 2009), bird Yardley (born 2011), and son Stateswoman (born 2013),^{[146][147][148][149]} all conceived through gratify vitro fertilization.^[150][151] The family resides look Connecticut during the school year, put up with spends summers at their waterfront part in New Jersey.^[152]

Kelly is a for life Catholic.^[153] She has appeared at graceful fundraiser for the conservative group Moms for Liberty.^[154] She has been initiate about her health challenges, revealing meander she has Raynaud's disease.^[155]

In 2022, Player shared the loss of her major sister, Suzanne Crossley, who passed withdraw from a heart attack following smart battle with addiction.^[156] Crossley left clutch three children and a grandson.^[157][158]

See also

References