Bill O’Reilly is a well-known American TV host, writer, and reporter. He’s most famous for his show “The O’Reilly Factor” on Fox News, which ran for almost 20 years. People knew him for his strong opinions and tough interviews, where he talked to everyone, from movie stars to politicians.
Besides TV, Bill also wrote some popular books about America’s past and what’s happening now. He’s also written some popular books about U.S. history and current events. While many people respect his work in journalism, he’s also had his share of critics because of things he’s said on TV. Love him or not, there’s no denying Bill has made a significant mark on TV news in America.
Contents of this Article
- Facts About Bill O’Reilly
- Bill O’Reilly’s Appearance
- Bill O’Reilly’s Net Worth
- Bill O’Reilly’s Personal Life
- Bill O’Reilly’s Career
- Bill O’Reilly’s Controversy
Facts About Bill O’Reilly
| Nationality | American |
| Estimate Net Worth | $85 million |
| Religion | Christian |
| Zodiac Sign | Virgo |
| Birthplace | Manhattan, New York City |
| Birthday | September 10, 1949 |
Bill O’Reilly’s Appearance (Height, Hair, Eyes & More)
| Height | 6 ft 3 in |
| Weight | 98 kg |
| Hair Color | Gray |
| Eye Color | Hazel |
| Body Type | Average |
| Sexual Orientation | Straight |
Bill O’Reilly’s Net Worth
As of 2023, Bill O’Reilly’s net worth is estimated to be $85 million. His primary source of income is his profession as a television news reporter. Bill started his TV reporting journey in the late ’70s and ’80s. First, he worked at local TV stations and then moved up to big names like CBS and ABC News. From 1989 to 1995, he was the main guy on “Inside Edition.”
Then, in 1996, he joined Fox News and started his show, “The O’Reilly Factor,” which was a hit for a whopping 16 years. Some people even said he was the biggest star Fox News ever had. He’s also written a bunch of books and had his own radio show from 2002 to 2009 called “The Radio Factor.”
But in 2017, things took a turn. The New York Times said Bill and Fox News had paid about $13 million to settle some serious claims made by five women. Because of this, Fox News decided to let him go. Later, there was another big story about him paying a lady named Lis Wiehl a huge amount of money over some serious accusations. This news cost him some of his professional relationships, like with talent agencies. After all that, Bill started his own podcast called “No Spin News.”
Bill O’Reilly’s Personal Life
Bill O’Reilly was married to Maureen E. McPhilmy, a PR executive, from 1996 to 2011. They have two children: Madeline and Spencer. They separated in 2010 and divorced in 2011. After their split, issues arose over child custody and allegations of domestic violence, which O’Reilly denied.
Following their divorce, it was reported that O’Reilly employed their children’s therapist, leading to more legal disputes. There were claims that McPhilmy faced repercussions from her church due to her second marriage, possibly influenced by O’Reilly’s donations. Additionally, O’Reilly reportedly sought to annul their marriage and had previously prompted an investigation into McPhilmy’s new husband.
Bill O’Reilly’s Early Life
Bill O’Reilly, born September 10, 1949, in Manhattan, has roots in both Brooklyn and Teaneck, New Jersey, tracing back to Irish and some English ancestors. Growing up in Fort Lee, New Jersey, his family shifted to Levittown on Long Island in 1951. He has a sister named Janet.
Bill went to St. Brigid School and later Chaminade High School. Despite preferring a public school, he attended Chaminade, where he played baseball and was a hockey goalie. During this time, he met Billy Joel, whom he recalls as a “hoodlum.” Post-high school, Bill studied at Marist College in New York. There, he played football, wrote for the school newspaper, and majored in history.
He also spent a year in London at Queen Mary College. Graduating in 1971, he briefly played semi-pro baseball and later taught in Miami. O’Reilly furthered his studies with a Master’s in journalism from Boston University and another in public administration from Harvard. However, Marist later revoked an honorary degree they gave him due to sexual abuse allegations.
Bill O’Reilly’s Career
Bill O’Reilly is a prominent American TV news figure with a career spanning various media outlets. He started in local news stations like WNEP-TV in Scranton and WFAA-TV in Dallas, where he was recognized for investigative reporting. O’Reilly won awards, including local Emmys, for stories like a skyjacking coverage in Denver and investigations in New York.
By 1982, O’Reilly had stepped onto the national scene as a CBS News correspondent, covering significant events, including the wars in El Salvador and the Falkland Islands. However, he left CBS after a dispute about uncredited footage. O’Reilly then worked in Boston TV, and by 1986, he was with ABC News, receiving multiple awards for his reporting.
In 1989, he joined “Inside Edition,” a tabloid-gossip TV program, later becoming its anchor. By 1996, O’Reilly began anchoring “The O’Reilly Factor” on Fox News, a highly rated show that often stirred controversy for its bold opinions. Critics have both praised and questioned his journalistic approach.
His career faced challenges when, in 2017, following multiple sexual harassment allegations and settlements, Fox News parted ways with O’Reilly. After leaving Fox, O’Reilly launched a podcast, made guest appearances on various shows, and even did a speaking tour with former president Donald Trump. Over the years, O’Reilly has been a significant, if sometimes controversial, figure in American broadcast journalism.
Bill O’Reilly’s Controversy
George de Mohrenschildt Claim
Bill O’Reilly, a well-known TV reporter, said in his 2013 book “Killing Kennedy” and on “Fox and Friends” that he was right outside George de Mohrenschildt’s daughter’s house when Mohrenschildt killed himself. He claimed he heard the suicide gunshot. However, Jefferson Morley, a former editor from the Washington Post, used audio recordings by Gaeton Fonzi to show that O’Reilly wasn’t in Florida on that day.
War Coverage Claims
In 2015, David Corn of “Mother Jones” questioned Bill O’Reilly’s claims about his coverage of the 1982 Falklands War. O’Reilly stated on his show and in his book that he was in Argentina’s “war zone” during the conflict. Corn pointed out that O’Reilly was in Buenos Aires, not the Falkland Islands, and no American reporters were on the islands during the war. O’Reilly countered, saying he never claimed to be on the islands, and described covering a riot in Buenos Aires when Argentina surrendered. Corn responded by highlighting discrepancies between O’Reilly’s statements and actual events.
In 2009, O’Reilly said he covered the Buenos Aires riots after the surrender. This claim was challenged by former CBS colleague Eric Engberg, who described it as a “moderate riot” without gunfire or tanks. O’Reilly later showed CBS footage of the riot, including police actions against the crowd. Separately, O’Reilly’s claims about witnessing violence in El Salvador and Northern Ireland also came under scrutiny. He said he had seen soldiers shoot civilians and nuns in El Salvador and bombings in Belfast. However, O’Reilly and Fox News later clarified that he had seen photographs of these events, not witnessed them firsthand.
Sexual Harassment Lawsuits
In 2004, Bill O’Reilly and Andrea Mackris, a former producer on his show, sued each other over claims of extortion and sexual harassment. They settled privately, with reports later suggesting O’Reilly paid Mackris around $9 million.
In 2016, after Fox News boss Roger Ailes faced a harassment lawsuit, O’Reilly initially defended him but then stayed silent. That year, Fox News settled another harassment claim against O’Reilly by former host Juliet Huddy for $1.6 million. In 2016, Andrea Tantaros also accused O’Reilly of inappropriate comments, but her lawsuit was dismissed in 2018.
By 2017, The New York Times revealed O’Reilly and Fox News had settled five harassment lawsuits since 2002, costing about $13 million. In the same year, it was reported that O’Reilly paid Fox analyst Lis Wiehl $32 million to settle her claim of a forced relationship. This revelation led to O’Reilly losing representation from the United Talent Agency and WME.
Net Worth of Other Notable TV News Reporters
Don Lemon’s Net Worth
Don Lemon is a renowned American television journalist and author best known for anchoring on CNN. Over his long career, which began in the early ’90s, Lemon has established himself as a trusted voice in American news, bringing crucial moments in recent history to viewers nationwide. From 2014 to 2022, he captivated audiences with his CNN show “Don Lemon Tonight.” Apart from his journalistic ventures, he’s an outspoken advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and opened up about his own sexuality in his 2011 memoir, “Transparent.” Notably, Don Lemon’s net worth is currently estimated to be $12 million.
Brooke Baldwin’s Net Worth
Brooke Baldwin is a distinguished American news reporter celebrated for her anchoring role at CNN, where she presented vital news stories to a global audience. Renowned for her unbiased reporting and ability to remain composed under pressure, Baldwin’s work has earned her widespread respect in the world of TV journalism. With a career spanning from local stations to CNN, Brooke has covered crucial events, navigated challenges, and remained committed to delivering transparent news. Her work on “CNN Newsroom with Brooke Baldwin” and various other projects, combined with her involvement in community and charity events, has contributed significantly to her professional achievements. As of 2023, Brooke Baldwin’s net worth is estimated at $10 million.