Megyn Kelly
Full Name and Common Aliases
Full Name: Megyn Marie Kelly
Common Aliases: Megyn Kelly
Birth and Death Dates
Birth Date: November 18, 1970
Death Date: N/A
Nationality and Profession(s)
Nationality: American
Profession(s): Journalist, News Anchor, Political Commentator, Author
Early Life and Background
Megyn Marie Kelly was born on November 18, 1970, in Champaign, Illinois, to parents Edward Kelly, a college professor, and Linda Kelly, a homemaker. Raised in a Catholic household, Megyn was the youngest of three children. Her family moved to Delmar, New York, a suburb of Albany, when she was nine years old. Tragedy struck when her father passed away from a heart attack when she was just 15, an event that profoundly impacted her life.
Kelly attended Bethlehem Central High School, where she was an active student, participating in various extracurricular activities. She went on to study at Syracuse University, earning a degree in Political Science. Her academic journey continued at Albany Law School, where she obtained a Juris Doctor degree in 1995. During her time in law school, she served as an editor for the Albany Law Review, showcasing her early aptitude for writing and analysis.
Major Accomplishments
Megyn Kelly's career trajectory took a significant turn when she transitioned from practicing law to pursuing journalism. Initially, she worked as an associate at the Chicago office of Bickel & Brewer LLP and later joined Jones Day, where she practiced law for nine years. However, her passion for storytelling and current events led her to switch careers.
In 2004, Kelly began her journalism career at ABC affiliate WJLA-TV in Washington, D.C., where she covered major national and local events. Her big break came when she joined Fox News in 2004 as a Washington-based correspondent. Kelly quickly rose through the ranks, becoming a prominent figure on the network. Her sharp interviewing skills and incisive commentary earned her a reputation as a formidable journalist.
Notable Works or Actions
Megyn Kelly is perhaps best known for her tenure at Fox News, where she hosted several successful programs, including "America Live" and "The Kelly File." "The Kelly File," which aired from 2013 to 2017, became one of the highest-rated cable news programs, solidifying her status as a leading voice in American media.
One of Kelly's most notable moments came during the 2016 presidential election cycle when she moderated a Republican primary debate. Her pointed questioning of then-candidate Donald Trump regarding his treatment of women garnered widespread attention and sparked a public feud with Trump, further elevating her profile.
In 2017, Kelly made a high-profile move to NBC News, where she hosted "Megyn Kelly Today," a segment of the "Today" show. Although her time at NBC was shorter than anticipated, it demonstrated her versatility and willingness to tackle new challenges.
Impact and Legacy
Megyn Kelly's impact on journalism is marked by her fearless approach to interviewing and her ability to navigate complex political landscapes. She has been a trailblazer for women in media, often addressing issues of gender equality and workplace harassment. Her willingness to confront powerful figures and ask tough questions has set a standard for journalistic integrity.
Kelly's career has not been without controversy, but her resilience and adaptability have allowed her to remain a relevant and influential figure in the media industry. Her work has inspired a new generation of journalists to pursue truth and accountability in their reporting.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Megyn Kelly is widely quoted and remembered for her incisive interviews and her role in shaping political discourse in the United States. Her ability to ask challenging questions and hold public figures accountable has made her a respected and sometimes polarizing figure in journalism. Quotes by and about Kelly often reflect her commitment to journalistic principles and her impact on the media landscape.
Her public feud with Donald Trump and her subsequent discussions on gender and power dynamics have made her a prominent voice in conversations about media ethics and the role of women in journalism. As a result, Megyn Kelly's words and actions continue to resonate with audiences, ensuring her place in the annals of American media history.
Quotes by Megyn Kelly
I didn't have a lot of the advantages Donald Trump had, but I had the most important ones you can get, which are loving parents who cared about me and helped me develop a sense of self.
You have to understand that Roger Ailes was a king. He was on the cover of multiple industry publications as the most powerful man in news. And at Fox News, there was no one else with power. So you didn't want to get on the wrong side of him because he was actually beloved inside the building and very well-liked in the industry.
What should matter is whether I stand for female empowerment, and I don't think there are many women out there who have any doubts about that.
I think we have gone too far into the PC culture, but there's a limit to how far we can take that.
What people don't realize about Donald Trump - and I don't even know if Donald Trump realizes it - is that every tweet he unleashes against you... creates such a crescendo of anger.
I was not the only journalist to whom Trump offered gifts clearly meant to shape coverage. Many reporters have told me that Trump worked hard to offer them something fabulous - from hotel rooms to rides on his 757.
My dad died of a heart attack when I was 15. I was bullied mercilessly in middle school. I went through a divorce - those not-so-great things are all a part of me, and they give me a place to go when I cover those stories on the news. I'm more empathetic, more relatable because of them.