Megyn Kelly Biography: Age, Height, Husband, Career, Why She Is Famous, Recent Works & Facts

Megyn Kelly is a prominent American journalist, attorney, and political commentator who has reshaped the landscape of modern broadcasting. Known for her incisive interviewing style and transition from corporate news to independent media, this Megyn Kelly biography explores the life of a woman who remains one of the most influential voices in US public discourse. From her early days as a litigator to her current status as the host of a massive independent media empire, Kelly’s trajectory offers a masterclass in professional resilience and ideological evolution.

Quick Facts

Early Life & Education

Childhood

Megyn Marie Kelly was born on November 18, 1970, in Syracuse, New York. She was the youngest of three children in a family that valued education and debate. Her father, Edward Kelly, was a professor at the State University of New York at Albany, while her mother, Linda, was a homemaker. The family eventually moved to Delmar, New York, a suburb of Albany, where Megyn spent her formative years.

A defining moment in Kelly’s childhood was the sudden death of her father from a heart attack when she was just 15 years old. This tragedy significantly impacted her perspective on life, instilling a sense of urgency and self-reliance that would later define her career.

School Years

During her time at Bethlehem Central High School, Kelly was active in various extracurriculars, though she was not initially focused on journalism. She was known for her sharp wit and ability to argue complex points, a trait her teachers often noted. Despite the grief of losing her father, she remained academically focused, eventually graduating with honors.

University & Training

Kelly attended Syracuse University, where she pursued an undergraduate degree in Political Science. After graduating in 1992, she applied to several law schools, eventually choosing Albany Law School. She excelled in the legal environment, serving as an associate editor of the Albany Law Review.

In 1995, she earned her Juris Doctor (J.D.) and moved to Chicago to begin her legal career. She spent nearly a decade practicing law, including a prestigious stint at the international law firm Jones Day. Her legal training—specifically her ability to dissect testimony and identify inconsistencies—became the bedrock of her future interviewing style in broadcast journalism.

Career Journey

The career of Megyn Kelly is often categorized into four distinct eras: her legal career, her rise at Fox News, her high-profile transition to NBC, and her current era of digital independence.

The Legal Foundations (1995–2003)

Before becoming a household name, Kelly was a formidable litigator. At Jones Day, she represented major corporate clients and honed her ability to work under immense pressure. However, after several years in the legal trenches, Kelly felt a calling toward journalism. In 2003, she moved to Washington, D.C., where she was hired by the ABC affiliate WJLA-TV as a freelance reporter. Her legal expertise allowed her to cover local and national legal stories with a depth that many seasoned reporters lacked.

The Fox News Era (2004–2017)

In 2004, Brit Hume of Fox News spotted Kelly’s work and brought her to the network as a general assignment reporter. Her rise was meteoric.

• The Kelly File: After hosting America’s Live, she was given her own primetime slot, The Kelly File, in 2013. The show became one of the highest-rated programs on cable news, often rivaling The O’Reilly Factor.
• The 2015 Debate: Kelly’s career reached a fever pitch during the August 2015 Republican primary debate. Her direct questioning of Donald Trump regarding his past comments about women sparked a year-long public feud and catapulted her into the global spotlight.

The NBC Transition (2017–2018)

In 2017, Kelly made a much-publicized move to NBC News for a reported $69 million contract. She hosted a Sunday night newsmagazine, Sunday Night with Megyn Kelly, and a 9:00 AM weekday hour of Today titled Megyn Kelly Today. This transition was challenging, as the “hard news” persona Kelly built at Fox struggled to mesh with the “soft news” requirements of morning television. Her tenure ended abruptly in late 2018 following a controversial segment regarding Halloween costumes and blackface.

The Digital Independence Move (2020–Present)

After a brief hiatus, Kelly launched her own media company, Devil May Care Media. In September 2020, she debuted The Megyn Kelly Show podcast. By 2021, she signed a major deal with SiriusXM to broadcast her show live daily.

As of 2026, her show has become a cornerstone of independent media, boasting millions of subscribers across YouTube and podcasting platforms. Free from the constraints of corporate editorial boards, Kelly has redefined herself as a “pro-free speech” journalist, tackling topics ranging from gender ideology to governmental overreach.

Career Stats & Significant Works

Net Worth & Earnings

As of 2026, Megyn Kelly’s net worth is estimated to be between $45 million and $50 million.

• NBC Payout: A significant portion of her wealth came from the settlement of her NBC contract, where she reportedly received the full remaining value of her $69 million deal (roughly $30 million) upon her exit.
• Fox News Salary: At her peak at Fox, she was earning approximately $15 million to $20 million annually.
• Independent Media: Her current earnings come from her multi-year deal with SiriusXM and advertising revenue from her YouTube channel and podcast. Experts estimate her annual income from these independent ventures exceeds $10 million.
• Real Estate: Kelly owns a luxury estate in Connecticut and an apartment in New York City.
• Book Deals: Her 2016 memoir, Settle for More, included a reported $10 million advance.

Personal Life

Family Background

Megyn Kelly was raised in a middle-class Catholic household. She remains close with her mother, Linda, and her siblings, Pete and Amy. Her Irish-Italian heritage often informs her perspectives on family and resilience.

Relationships & Marriage

Kelly’s first marriage was to Dan Kendall, an anesthesiologist, in 2001. The couple divorced amicably in 2006, citing the pressures of their respective high-intensity careers.

In 2008, she married Douglas Brunt, a novelist and former CEO of a cybersecurity firm. Brunt is a frequent guest on her podcast and is often credited by Kelly as her biggest supporter during her career transitions.

Children

The couple has three children:

1. Edward Yates Brunt (born 2009)
2. Yardley Evans Brunt (born 2011)
3. Thatcher Bray Brunt (born 2013)

Kelly is vocal about her “mama bear” instincts, frequently discussing how her children’s education and well-being have influenced her shift toward covering cultural and educational issues in recent years.

Hobbies & Lifestyle

Outside of the studio, Kelly is an avid reader and fitness enthusiast. She advocates for the “F-Factor” diet and enjoys high-intensity interval training. She is also a fan of country music and spends much of her free time at her home in Connecticut.

Controversies & Legal Issues

Throughout her career, Megyn Kelly has been a magnet for controversy, often stemming from her refusal to adhere to “political correctness.”

The Donald Trump Feud (2015–2016)

After her questioning at the GOP debate, Trump famously told CNN that Kelly had “blood coming out of her eyes, blood coming out of her wherever.” The ensuing harassment from Trump supporters forced Kelly to use private security for over a year.

The Roger Ailes Scandal (2016)

Kelly played a pivotal role in the downfall of Fox News CEO Roger Ailes. Following Gretchen Carlson’s lawsuit, Kelly spoke with investigators, confirming that she, too, had been harassed by Ailes earlier in her career. Her testimony was seen as the “tipping point” that led to Ailes’ resignation.

The Blackface Controversy (2018)

During a panel discussion on Megyn Kelly Today, Kelly questioned why it was considered “racist” for white people to wear blackface as part of a Halloween costume if they were playing a character. The backlash was immediate. Despite an on-air apology the following day, NBC cancelled her show shortly thereafter.

Independent Media Pivot (2021–2026)

In her independent era, Kelly has faced criticism from the left for her views on gender-affirming care for minors and her critiques of “woke” culture, while receiving praise from the right for her stance on free speech and parental rights.

Awards & Achievements

Physical Statistics

Megyn Kelly is often noted for her professional and polished appearance, which she maintains through a disciplined lifestyle.

• Height: 5 ft 6 in (168 cm)
• Weight: 128 lbs (58 kg)
• Body Measurements: 35-25-35 inches
• Dress Size: 4 (US)
• Shoe Size: 8 (US)
• Fitness Routine: Focused on fiber-rich nutrition and strength training to maintain bone density and cardiovascular health.

Quotes

“Be afraid, but do it anyway. Focus on the work. Use your brain. Use your voice.” — Settle for More (2016)

“I’m not a person who dwells in the past. I’m a person who looks at the current reality and tries to make the best of it.” — The Megyn Kelly Show (2021)

“The truth is, I’m a bit of a fighter. I don’t like being bullied, and I don’t like seeing other people bullied.” — Interview with People (2017)

Favorites

• Favorite Book: The Fountainhead by Ayn Rand
• Favorite Food: Cheeseburgers and high-fiber crackers (F-Factor style)
• Favorite Movie: Dirty Dancing
• Favorite Travel Destination: The Jersey Shore (childhood nostalgia)
• Favorite Sport: Tennis

Interesting Facts

• Legal Pro: Before journalism, she was a lawyer for 9 years and was once told by a judge that she was “the most organized lawyer” he had ever seen.
• Secret Talent: She is a trained singer and performed in various choirs during her youth.
• Aerobics Instructor: During law school, she worked as an aerobics instructor to help pay her tuition.
• Syracuse Rejection: She was initially rejected from the Syracuse University school of journalism (Newhouse), which led her to study Political Science instead.
• Movie Portrayal: She was portrayed by Academy Award winner Charlize Theron in the 2019 film Bombshell.
• Bipartisan Reach: At Fox, she had a higher percentage of Democratic viewers than almost any other host on the network.
• Animal Lover: She has owned several dogs, including a beloved Shih Tzu named Bleecker.
• Speed Reader: Her legal background allows her to digest 500-page briefing books in a single evening before a major interview.
• Fitness Advocate: She is a vocal proponent of the “Step” workout and uses a treadmill desk for part of her show prep.

Did You Know?

• Did you know Megyn Kelly was a cheerleader in high school and remains a staunch advocate for competitive cheer as a sport?
• Did you know she once worked as a waitress at a Friendly’s restaurant to save money for college?
• Did you know that Charlize Theron had to use prosthetic eyelids to look more like Megyn Kelly in the movie Bombshell?
• Did you know Kelly’s move to SiriusXM in 2021 was part of a trend of major journalists leaving legacy networks for creative freedom?

Social Media

• Instagram: @megynkelly
• X (Twitter): @megynkelly
• YouTube: The Megyn Kelly Show
• Facebook: Megyn Kelly Official

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: How old is Megyn Kelly?
Megyn Kelly was born on November 18, 1970. As of 2026, she is 55 years 6 months old years old.

Q2: Why did Megyn Kelly leave NBC?
Megyn Kelly left NBC in 2018 following internal and external backlash regarding comments she made about the historical use of blackface in Halloween costumes. She later settled her contract for the full remaining value.

Q3: Is Megyn Kelly still married?
Yes, Megyn Kelly has been married to novelist Douglas Brunt since 2008. They have three children together and reside in Connecticut.

Q4: Where can I watch Megyn Kelly now?
You can watch The Megyn Kelly Show on her official YouTube channel or listen to it live on SiriusXM Triumph Channel 111. It is also available on all major podcast platforms.

CONCLUSION

The Megyn Kelly biography is a testament to the power of reinvention in the digital age. Whether she is challenging a presidential candidate or building a massive independent media company from the ground up, Kelly has remained consistent in her sharp, legalistic approach to the truth. Her legacy is one of breaking barriers—first in the male-dominated world of corporate law, then in cable news, and finally by proving that a journalist can thrive outside the traditional network system. As she continues to influence the national conversation through 2026 and beyond, Megyn Kelly remains a figure who demands attention, regardless of one’s political leaning.

Source Data:

• Settle for More by Megyn Kelly (HarperCollins)
• SiriusXM Press Room
• The Hollywood Reporter Media Archives
• Albany Law School Alumni Records