Who is Olivia Nuzzi? Olivia Nuzzi is a name that resonates in the world of political journalism. Born on January 6, 1993, in New York City, she has made significant strides in her career, becoming a prominent political reporter. Known for her sharp insights and tenacity, Nuzzi has covered major political campaigns and secured exclusive interviews with key figures, including President Trump. Her journey from writing political columns as a teenager to being a Washington correspondent for New York magazine showcases her dedication and skill. Recognized by Forbes and Politico, Nuzzi continues to influence the media landscape with her compelling stories and in-depth profiles.
Key Takeaways:
- Olivia Nuzzi's early bold move to drop out of college and pursue journalism led to her successful career, covering presidential campaigns and earning recognition from prestigious media outlets.
- Despite facing challenges and controversies, Olivia Nuzzi's resilience and talent as a journalist have led to significant achievements, including awards, television appearances, and future projects in writing and producing.
Early Life and Education
Olivia Nuzzi's journey into journalism began early, shaped by her upbringing and education. Here are some key facts about her formative years.
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Olivia Nuzzi was born on January 6, 1993, in New York City to Kelly and John Nuzzi. Her father worked for the New York City Department of Sanitation for 20 years before passing away in December 2015.
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She has a brother named Jonathan and grew up in the River Plaza neighborhood of Middletown Township, New Jersey.
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Nuzzi attended Middletown High School South, where she began to develop her interest in writing and politics.
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She enrolled at Fordham University but decided to drop out to pursue a career in journalism. This bold move paid off when she landed a job at The Daily Beast in May 2014.
Early Career
Nuzzi's early career was marked by significant milestones that set the stage for her future success.
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As a teenager in 2011, she began writing monthly political columns for the triCityNews, an alternative weekly based in Asbury Park, New Jersey.
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During her time at Fordham University, she also wrote for NSFWCorp, a digital news magazine, showcasing her versatility and commitment to journalism.
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In May 2014, while still attending Fordham, she was hired by The Daily Beast. This opportunity allowed her to cover presidential campaigns, including those of Rand Paul and Chris Christie.
Breakthrough and Recognition
Nuzzi's work quickly gained recognition, earning her a place among the top journalists of her generation.
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In November 2016, Politico named her one of the "16 Breakout Media Stars" of the presidential election, highlighting her impactful reporting.
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Mediaite listed her as one of 2016's 25 "most influential" people in news media, further solidifying her reputation.
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In 2018, Forbes included her on its annual "30 Under 30" list, recognizing her achievements in media and journalism.
New York Magazine Correspondent
Nuzzi's role at New York magazine marked a significant milestone in her career, allowing her to cover Washington D.C. from a unique perspective.
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In February 2017, she was hired by New York magazine as its Washington correspondent, becoming the first to hold this position.
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She quickly scored three cover stories for the magazine, including one about Trump campaign manager Kellyanne Conway.
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In October 2018, President Trump personally invited her into the Oval Office for an interview, which she documented in a detailed and engaging piece.
Controversies and Challenges
Nuzzi's career has not been without its challenges and controversies, which she has navigated with resilience.
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In 2018, she admitted to entering the home office of Corey Lewandowski, Trump's former campaign manager, without permission and taking a photo. Lewandowski accused her of also taking a photo album, which she denied.
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Barbara Morgan, Weiner’s campaign spokeswoman, responded to Nuzzi’s article about her internship with derogatory language. Nuzzi responded by adding these names to her Twitter bio, highlighting the personal attacks she faced.
Personal Life and Television Appearances
Beyond her journalism career, Nuzzi has made notable appearances on television and in documentaries.
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Nuzzi resides in Washington, D.C., and has been engaged to Politico's chief Washington correspondent Ryan Lizza since September 2022.
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She has appeared on television, including playing herself in the Showtime series "Billions."
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Nuzzi produced a documentary for MSNBC titled "Four Seasons Total Documentary," focusing on Rudy Giuliani’s botched attempt to contest the 2020 election results.
Awards and Future Projects
Nuzzi's contributions to journalism have been recognized through numerous awards and accolades, and she continues to expand her influence.
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In 2019, she was awarded a “NEXT” award by the American Society of Magazine Editors. She was also a finalist for the 2023 National Magazine Award for feature writing.
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In 2022, AMC announced that Nuzzi would write and executive produce "A Message From the State," a black comedy with Gina Mingacci, showcasing her versatility as a writer and producer.
Olivia Nuzzi: A Remarkable Journey
Olivia Nuzzi's career in journalism is nothing short of impressive. From her early days writing political columns as a teenager to becoming a Washington correspondent for New York magazine, she’s shown incredible dedication and talent. Her work at The Daily Beast and New York magazine, along with her exclusive interviews and cover stories, has set her apart in the field. Despite facing controversies and challenges, she’s remained a respected voice in political reporting. Recognized by Forbes and the American Society of Magazine Editors, her contributions have left a significant mark on media. Engaged to Ryan Lizza and residing in Washington, D.C., Nuzzi continues to influence and inspire. Her future projects, including a black comedy for AMC, promise to extend her impact beyond traditional journalism. Olivia Nuzzi’s journey is a testament to her resilience, skill, and unwavering commitment to her craft.
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