52 Facts About Megyn Kelly

Early Life and Education

Megyn Kelly's journey to becoming a prominent media figure began with her early life and education. Here are some fascinating facts about her formative years.

1. Born on November 18, 1970, in Champaign, Illinois, Megyn Marie Kelly grew up in a middle-class family.
2. Her father, Edward Kelly, was a professor at the State University of New York at Albany, while her mother, Linda, was a homemaker.
3. Kelly's father passed away when she was just 15, a tragedy that deeply affected her.
4. She attended Tecumseh Elementary School in Syracuse, New York, before moving to Albany.
5. Kelly graduated from Bethlehem Central High School in Delmar, New York.
6. She earned an undergraduate degree in Political Science from Syracuse University in 1992.
7. Kelly then pursued a Juris Doctor degree from Albany Law School, graduating in 1995.

Legal Career

Before stepping into the world of journalism, Kelly had a successful career in law. Here are some key points about her legal journey.

8. Kelly began her legal career at Bickel & Brewer LLP in Chicago.
9. She later joined Jones Day, an international law firm, where she worked for nine years.
10. Her legal expertise was in corporate litigation, handling high-stakes cases for major clients.
11. Kelly's experience as a lawyer honed her analytical skills, which later benefited her journalism career.
12. She decided to switch careers after realizing her passion for journalism.

Transition to Journalism

Kelly's move from law to journalism marked a significant turning point in her career. Here are some interesting facts about this transition.

13. In 2003, Kelly moved to Washington, D.C., and started working as a general assignment reporter for WJLA-TV.
14. Her coverage of the 2004 presidential election caught the attention of Fox News.
15. Kelly joined Fox News in 2004 as a Washington-based correspondent.
16. She quickly rose through the ranks, becoming a co-anchor of "America's Newsroom" with Bill Hemmer.
17. Kelly also hosted her own legal segment, "Kelly's Court," on "Weekend Live."

Rise to Prominence

Kelly's career at Fox News saw her rise to prominence as a leading news anchor. Here are some notable milestones.

18. In 2010, Kelly began hosting "America Live," a two-hour afternoon show.
19. Her coverage of major events, including the 2012 presidential election, earned her widespread acclaim.
20. Kelly's tough interviewing style and sharp questioning became her trademarks.
21. In 2013, she was given her own prime-time show, "The Kelly File."
22. "The Kelly File" became one of the highest-rated cable news programs.
23. Kelly's interview with Donald Trump during the 2016 presidential campaign drew significant attention.
24. She moderated the first Republican presidential debate in 2015, where her questioning of Trump made headlines.

Controversies and Challenges

Kelly's career has not been without controversies and challenges. Here are some key moments.

25. Her questioning of Trump during the 2015 debate led to a public feud with the then-presidential candidate.
26. Kelly faced criticism for her comments on race and ethnicity, including a segment on Santa Claus's race.
27. Despite controversies, she remained a prominent figure in the media landscape.
28. Kelly left Fox News in January 2017 to join NBC News.
29. Her NBC show, "Megyn Kelly Today," faced mixed reviews and was eventually canceled in 2018.
30. Kelly's comments on blackface during a Halloween segment led to her departure from NBC.

Personal Life

Beyond her professional achievements, Kelly's personal life has also been a subject of public interest. Here are some personal facts.

31. Kelly married Daniel Kendall, an anesthesiologist, in 2001, but they divorced in 2006.
32. She married Douglas Brunt, a novelist and former CEO of Authentium, in 2008.
33. The couple has three children: Yates, Yardley, and Thatcher.
34. Kelly has been open about her experiences with motherhood and balancing career and family life.
35. She has spoken about the challenges of being a working mother in the media industry.

Awards and Recognition

Kelly's work has earned her numerous awards and recognition. Here are some highlights.

36. She was included in Time magazine's list of the 100 most influential people in 2014.
37. Kelly received the 2015 Matrix Award from New York Women in Communications.
38. She was named one of Fortune's Most Powerful Women in 2015.
39. Kelly's book, "Settle for More," became a New York Times bestseller.
40. She has been recognized for her contributions to journalism and media.

Current Endeavors

Kelly continues to be an influential figure in media and beyond. Here are some of her current endeavors.

41. She launched her own production company, Devil May Care Media, in 2020.
42. Kelly hosts "The Megyn Kelly Show," a podcast that covers news, politics, and culture.
43. She remains active on social media, engaging with her audience on various platforms.
44. Kelly frequently appears as a guest on other news programs and talk shows.
45. She continues to advocate for free speech and open dialogue.

Fun Facts

Here are some fun and lesser-known facts about Megyn Kelly.

46. Kelly is an avid runner and has completed several marathons.
47. She has a black belt in taekwondo.
48. Kelly is a fan of the New York Yankees.
49. She enjoys reading historical fiction in her spare time.
50. Kelly has a pet dog named Thunder.
51. She is known for her love of cooking and often shares recipes with her followers.
52. Kelly has a strong presence on social media, where she shares insights into her personal and professional life.

Final Thoughts on Megyn Kelly

Megyn Kelly's career is a fascinating mix of journalism, law, and media. From her early days as a corporate lawyer to becoming a household name on Fox News, she's shown resilience and adaptability. Her move to NBC and subsequent ventures into podcasting and independent media highlight her ability to reinvent herself. Kelly's interviews with high-profile figures and her fearless approach to controversial topics have cemented her place in media history. Despite facing criticism and challenges, she continues to influence public discourse. Whether you agree with her or not, there's no denying her impact on the media landscape. Her story is a testament to the power of perseverance and staying true to one's beliefs. As she continues to evolve, it'll be interesting to see what new paths she carves out in the ever-changing world of media.