Who is Megyn Kelly? Megyn Kelly is a well-known journalist, attorney, and television host. She gained fame as a news anchor on Fox News, where she hosted "The Kelly File." Her career took a significant turn when she moved to NBC News, hosting "Megyn Kelly Today." Kelly's sharp interviewing skills and fearless approach have made her a prominent figure in American media. Beyond her professional life, she is also a mother of three and an author. Her journey from law to journalism showcases her versatility and determination. Want to know more? Here are 53 fascinating facts about Megyn Kelly.
Key Takeaways:
- Megyn Kelly's diverse background in law and journalism, along with her fearless reporting and impactful interviews, has made her a prominent figure in the media industry.
- Despite facing controversies, Megyn Kelly's legacy as a trailblazer in journalism and advocate for women's rights continues to inspire aspiring journalists and contribute to important societal conversations.
Early Life and Education
Megyn Kelly's journey to becoming a prominent media figure began long before she appeared on television screens. Her early life and education played a significant role in shaping her career.
- Megyn Kelly was born on November 18, 1970, in Champaign, Illinois.
- Her full name is Megyn Marie Kelly.
- She grew up in a Catholic family with Irish and Italian heritage.
- Kelly attended Tecumseh Elementary School in Syracuse, New York.
- She later moved to Albany, New York, where she attended Bethlehem Central High School.
- Kelly earned an undergraduate degree in political science from Syracuse University.
- She obtained her Juris Doctor degree from Albany Law School in 1995.
Legal Career
Before entering the world of journalism, Megyn Kelly had a successful career in law. Her legal background provided her with a strong foundation for her future endeavors.
- Kelly worked as an associate at Bickel & Brewer LLP in Chicago.
- She later joined Jones Day, an international law firm, where she practiced for nine years.
- During her time at Jones Day, she specialized in commercial litigation and employment law.
- Kelly's legal expertise helped her transition smoothly into journalism, where she often covered legal issues.
Transition to Journalism
Megyn Kelly's shift from law to journalism marked a significant turning point in her career. Her legal background and sharp analytical skills made her a natural fit for the world of news.
- Kelly began her journalism career in 2003 at WJLA-TV, an ABC affiliate in Washington, D.C.
- She covered major events such as the 2004 presidential election and the Beltway sniper attacks.
- In 2004, she joined Fox News as a Washington-based correspondent.
- Kelly quickly gained recognition for her work on Fox News, becoming a prominent face on the network.
Rise to Prominence
Megyn Kelly's rise to prominence in the media industry was marked by her hard-hitting interviews and fearless reporting. She became a household name through her work on various news programs.
- Kelly co-hosted "America's Newsroom" with Bill Hemmer from 2006 to 2010.
- She hosted her own show, "America Live," from 2010 to 2013.
- In 2013, Kelly became the host of "The Kelly File," a prime-time news program on Fox News.
- "The Kelly File" quickly became one of the highest-rated cable news programs.
- Kelly's interview with then-presidential candidate Donald Trump during the 2016 election cycle garnered significant attention.
Controversies and Challenges
Throughout her career, Megyn Kelly faced numerous controversies and challenges. Her willingness to tackle tough issues often put her in the spotlight.
- Kelly's questioning of Donald Trump during a 2015 Republican debate led to a public feud between the two.
- She faced criticism for her comments on race and blackface during her time at NBC.
- Kelly's departure from NBC in 2018 was partly due to the backlash from her controversial remarks.
- Despite the controversies, Kelly remained a respected figure in journalism.
Personal Life
Megyn Kelly's personal life has also been a topic of interest for many of her fans. Her experiences outside of work have shaped her perspective and approach to journalism.
- Kelly married Daniel Kendall, an anesthesiologist, in 2001, but they divorced in 2006.
- She married Douglas Brunt, a novelist and former CEO, in 2008.
- Kelly and Brunt have three children together: Yates, Yardley, and Thatcher.
- She has been open about her experiences with motherhood and balancing her career.
Awards and Recognition
Megyn Kelly's contributions to journalism have not gone unnoticed. She has received numerous awards and accolades for her work.
- Kelly was included in Time magazine's list of the 100 most influential people in 2014.
- She received the Matrix Award from New York Women in Communications in 2015.
- Kelly was honored with the Gracie Award for Women in Media in 2016.
- She has been recognized for her coverage of major news events and her impact on the media industry.
Current Endeavors
After leaving NBC, Megyn Kelly continued to pursue new opportunities and projects. Her career remains dynamic and ever-evolving.
- Kelly launched her own media production company, Devil May Care Media, in 2020.
- She hosts "The Megyn Kelly Show," a podcast where she discusses current events and interviews notable figures.
- Kelly remains active on social media, engaging with her audience and sharing her perspectives.
- She continues to be a sought-after commentator on various news programs and platforms.
Interesting Facts
Beyond her professional achievements, there are many interesting and lesser-known facts about Megyn Kelly that showcase her diverse interests and talents.
- Kelly is an avid runner and has completed several marathons.
- She has a passion for cooking and often shares her favorite recipes.
- Kelly is a fan of country music and enjoys attending concerts.
- She has a pet dog named Thunder, who often appears in her social media posts.
- Kelly is a supporter of various charitable organizations, including Stand Up to Cancer.
- She has written an autobiography titled "Settle for More," which was published in 2016.
- Kelly has made guest appearances on popular TV shows such as "The Tonight Show" and "The Ellen DeGeneres Show."
- She is known for her distinctive voice and often does voiceover work for documentaries and commercials.
- Kelly is a strong advocate for women's rights and has spoken out on issues such as workplace harassment and gender equality.
Legacy and Impact
Megyn Kelly's legacy in journalism is marked by her fearless approach to reporting and her dedication to uncovering the truth. Her impact on the media industry continues to be felt.
- Kelly's interviews with high-profile figures have often made headlines and sparked important conversations.
- She has been a role model for aspiring journalists, particularly women, who look up to her for her tenacity and professionalism.
- Kelly's work has contributed to the ongoing dialogue about media bias and the role of journalism in society.
- She has been a vocal critic of both political parties, emphasizing the importance of holding all leaders accountable.
- Kelly's ability to navigate complex and controversial topics has earned her respect from colleagues and viewers alike.
- She has been a trailblazer in the industry, breaking barriers and challenging the status quo.
- Kelly's influence extends beyond journalism, as she continues to be a prominent voice in public discourse.
- Her career serves as a testament to the power of perseverance and the impact of fearless journalism.
Final Thoughts on Megyn Kelly
Megyn Kelly's career is nothing short of fascinating. From her early days as a lawyer to becoming a household name in journalism, she's shown resilience and adaptability. Her journey through Fox News, NBC, and her own media ventures highlights her ability to navigate the ever-changing media landscape. Kelly's interviews, often hard-hitting and controversial, have made her a standout figure. Despite facing criticism and challenges, she continues to be a prominent voice in media. Her story is a testament to perseverance and the power of reinvention. Whether you agree with her or not, there's no denying her impact on journalism. Kelly's career offers valuable lessons on staying true to oneself while evolving with the times. As she continues to shape her legacy, one thing's for sure: Megyn Kelly remains a force to be reckoned with in the world of media.
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