Megyn Kelly is an influential American attorney, journalist, and television personality known for her fearless interviewing style and strong opinions. Born on November 18, 1970, in Champaign, Illinois, Kelly has built a career that spans law and journalism, gaining prominence through her work with Fox News and NBC. Her journey from law to media highlights her resilience, ambition, and ability to pivot when faced with challenges, all of which have made her a notable figure in American media.
Early Life and Education: The Foundation of a Fierce Career
Megyn Kelly was raised in Syracuse and later in Delmar, New York. As the youngest of three children, she experienced an early hardship with the loss of her father, a professor of education, in 1985. This tragic event led her mother to work as a nurse at a Veterans Administration hospital to support the family.
After completing her secondary education, Kelly attended Syracuse University. Although initially rejected by the university’s communications school, she pursued political science and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in 1992.
Kelly’s interest in law soon followed, leading her to Albany Law School, where she distinguished herself academically by serving on the law review and participating in the student senate. Her work on a panel investigating sexual harassment allegations within the school piqued her interest in prosecution, but her professional path ultimately veered toward corporate law.
Transition to Law: Corporate Success and Discontent
Upon graduating from Albany Law School in 1995, Kelly began her legal career at the Chicago-based firm Bickel & Brewer. She later moved to the prestigious international firm Jones Day in 1997, where she represented high-profile clients like Experian.
Despite her success and potential for partnership, Kelly found herself growing weary of the demanding hours and intense work of corporate litigation. Seeking a change, she took a journalism class and interned at NBC News in Chicago, setting the stage for her pivot to media.
Breakthrough in Journalism: A New Path with WJLA-TV
After gaining initial media experience, Kelly relocated to Baltimore, Maryland, in 2003 and secured a job as a freelance reporter for WJLA-TV, the ABC affiliate in Washington, D.C. Despite her inexperience, she impressed her colleagues with her on-air presence and dedication.
During this time, she notably covered the U.S. presidential election in 2004, an assignment that showcased her journalistic talent and paved the way for her next big career move.
Rising Fame at Fox News
Megyn Kelly’s career took a significant turn when she joined Fox News in 2004. Her highlight reel, sent to Fox’s Washington bureau chief, Kim Hume, caught the attention of Fox executives, including Roger Ailes. Initially appearing as a legal analyst on shows like Special Report with Brit Hume and The O’Reilly Factor, Kelly quickly rose through the ranks, displaying a talent for handling tough topics and controversial cases.
One of her most notable early achievements at Fox came in 2006, when she covered the Duke University lacrosse scandal. Kelly’s decision to question the credibility of the accusations drew criticism but later gained vindication when charges against the accused were dropped. Her ability to handle such contentious issues only strengthened her reputation.
In 2007, Kelly co-hosted the morning show America’s Newsroom with Bill Hemmer, and in 2010, she launched her own two-hour news program, America Live.
Her coverage of the 2012 presidential election, particularly her skeptical questioning of Republican strategist Karl Rove, set her apart as a journalist willing to question all sides.
The Kelly File: Commanding the Spotlight
In 2013, Megyn Kelly began hosting her prime-time show, The Kelly File, which solidified her status as one of Fox’s most influential anchors. Known for her incisive questions and rigorous analysis, Kelly tackled a range of topics on the show, from politics to social issues.
Although she diverged from some conservative viewpoints, her criticisms of the Obama administration and support for various conservative causes left her political stance ambiguous to some viewers.
Throughout her time at Fox, Kelly maintained that she was an independent, committed to delivering news analysis rather than editorial commentary.
Her prominence on Fox News continued into the 2016 election season. As a moderator in Republican primary debates, her questioning of then-candidate Donald Trump regarding his past comments about women became a flashpoint in the campaign. This confrontation highlighted her tough interviewing style and drew both admiration and criticism.
Allegations Against Roger Ailes and Departure from Fox
Kelly’s tenure at Fox News became more complex when, in 2016, she publicly alleged that Fox News chairman Roger Ailes had sexually harassed her. Her experience became a part of a broader scandal that ultimately led to Ailes’s resignation.
In her memoir, Settle for More, Kelly discussed the allegations and her contentious relationship with Trump during the election cycle. By the end of 2016, Kelly announced her departure from Fox, signaling a new chapter in her career.
Transition to NBC: A Challenging Move
In January 2017, Kelly joined NBC News, a move that marked a departure from her established image at Fox. Her NBC career began with the Sunday night news program Sunday Night with Megyn Kelly, but the show was short-lived due to low ratings.
Later, NBC launched Megyn Kelly TODAY, a daytime show designed to showcase her versatility as a journalist. However, Megyn Kelly TODAY faced mixed reviews and struggled to attract a consistent audience.
In October 2018, Kelly faced backlash for comments made during a segment about Halloween costumes, where she questioned criticism of blackface. The remarks sparked a firestorm of controversy, leading to the cancellation of her show and her eventual departure from NBC in early 2019.
The Megyn Kelly Show: Reinventing Herself Through Podcasting
After leaving NBC, Kelly launched The Megyn Kelly Show, a podcast where she continues to explore current events and interview prominent figures.
Free from network constraints, Kelly has found a platform that allows her to maintain her independent voice and tackle issues on her own terms. The podcast has allowed her to rebuild her career in a format that suits her style and audience preferences.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Who is Megyn Kelly?
Megyn Kelly is an American attorney, journalist, and television personality known for her work with Fox News and NBC, as well as her current podcast, The Megyn Kelly Show.
2. What did Megyn Kelly do before journalism?
Before transitioning to journalism, Megyn Kelly practiced corporate law. She worked at major firms, including Bickel & Brewer and Jones Day, where she represented high-profile clients like Experian.
3. Why did Megyn Kelly leave Fox News?
Kelly left Fox News in 2016 after alleging that then-chairman Roger Ailes had sexually harassed her. She detailed her experiences in her memoir Settle for More.
4. What controversy surrounded Megyn Kelly at NBC?
During her time at NBC, Kelly faced backlash for comments she made about blackface in Halloween costumes, which ultimately led to the cancellation of her show Megyn Kelly TODAY.
5. Where can I listen to Megyn Kelly now?
After leaving NBC, Kelly launched her own podcast, The Megyn Kelly Show, where she continues to discuss current events and interview notable figures.
Conclusion: A Legacy of Resilience and Reinvention
Megyn Kelly’s journey from law to journalism is a testament to her adaptability, tenacity, and dedication. She has navigated controversy, professional challenges, and high-stakes environments while maintaining her commitment to bold journalism.
Despite her setbacks, Kelly remains a prominent voice in American media, now reaching audiences through her podcast. Her career reflects the complexities of navigating media, law, and personal ethics in a highly public arena.