Megyn Kelly Net Worth

Megyn Kelly has solidified her position as one of the most influential figures in modern media. From her roots as a corporate lawyer to her rise as a fearless journalist and television personality, Kelly’s career reflects resilience and excellence. Known for her commanding presence, sharp storytelling, and unflinching approach to interviews, Megyn Kelly net worth is a testament to her years of hard work and strategic career moves. This article takes a deep dive into Kelly’s life, career milestones, and finances.

Early Life and Upbringing

Megyn Marie Kelly was born on November 18, 1970, in Champaign, Illinois, to Edward Kelly, a college professor, and Linda Kelly, a homemaker. She was the youngest of three children and was raised in DeWitt, New York, before moving to Delmar, a suburb of Albany, New York. However, tragedy struck the Kelly family when Megyn’s father passed away from a heart attack when she was just 15 years old.

From an early age, Kelly displayed ambition and leadership qualities. A natural athlete, she was the captain of her high school cheerleading squad at Bethlehem Central High School. After graduating in 1988, she enrolled at Syracuse University, where she initially aspired to study journalism. Although the university’s School of Communications did not accept her, Kelly pivoted to political science and earned her undergraduate degree in 1992. She later pursued law at Albany Law School, graduating with a Juris Doctor in 1995.

Career Highlights

From Law to Journalism

Megyn Kelly started her professional life as a corporate attorney, working with prominent law firms such as Bickel & Brewer and Jones Day. She spent nine years as a litigator before deciding to shift gears. Dissatisfied with her legal career, Kelly created a TV news demo tape in 2003 and began reaching out to broadcasters. This bold move resulted in her first journalism job as a freelance assignment reporter for an ABC affiliate in Washington, D.C.

The Fox News Years

Kelly’s career soared when she joined Fox News in 2004 as a legal correspondent and Washington-based reporter. Known for her sharp analysis and legal expertise, she soon became a network staple. Programs like America Live and The Kelly File offered Kelly a platform to explore political and social issues, cementing her role as one of the most dynamic figures in conservative media.

Her run at Fox News was not without controversy. Notably, during the 2016 GOP presidential debate, Kelly challenged candidate Donald Trump on his treatment of women, prompting a highly publicized feud that drew both support and criticism. By 2017, The Kelly File was one of the network’s highest-rated shows.

NBC Tenure and Controversy

Kelly joined NBC News in 2017 with a lucrative contract rumored to be worth $69 million over three years. Her show, Megyn Kelly Today, and her appearances on NBC’s breaking news coverage were much anticipated. However, Kelly’s time at the network was fraught with challenges. A controversial comment about blackface in Halloween costumes led to her show’s cancellation in 2018. Despite controversies, Kelly walked away with a severance package that reportedly exceeded $30 million.

Podcasting and Independent Ventures

Since parting ways with NBC, Kelly has focused on independent projects, including her podcast, The Megyn Kelly Show. Launched in 2020, the podcast covers politics, current affairs, and culture. Its success has further contributed to Megyn Kelly net worth, thanks to advertising and sponsorship deals. Additionally, her bestselling memoir Settle for More brought in significant earnings.

Megyn Kelly net worth is currently estimated between $45 million and $93 million, depending on the source. Her wealth primarily comes from high-profile TV contracts, book deals, and podcast revenue. Here’s a detailed breakdown:

Category	Details
Full Name	Megyn Marie Kelly
Date of Birth	November 18, 1970
Place of Birth	Champaign, Illinois, USA
Height	5’6″ (1.68 m)
Professional Title	Journalist, Author, and Podcast Host
Estimated Net Worth	$45–$93 Million
Annual Salary (Peak)	$23 Million
Major Projects	The Kelly File, Megyn Kelly Today,
	The Megyn Kelly Show
Awards	TIME 100 Most Influential People (2014)
Notable Book	Settle for More

Personal Life and Challenges

Megyn Kelly has been open about her personal challenges and triumphs. Her first marriage to Daniel Kendall ended in 2006, and two years later, she married Douglas Brunt, a novelist and former tech executive. The couple has three children together—Yates, Yardley, and Thatcher.

Kelly has faced her share of professional struggles as well. Her departure from NBC after a short tenure was a major public and professional setback. Nonetheless, she navigated the controversy with resilience, using it as a springboard for independent media ventures.

Height, Weight, and Public Persona

Standing at 5 feet 6 inches tall, Kelly has a striking presence, enhanced by her confident demeanor and sharp intellect. Known for her fearless interviewing style, she has tackled pressing issues during some of the most watched TV segments in America.

Philanthropic Contributions

Throughout her career, Kelly has used her platform to support various causes and raise awareness about issues like workplace harassment. She was one of the women to publicly accuse Fox News CEO Roger Ailes of sexual harassment, helping spark conversations about gender equality in the workplace.

Awards and Achievements

Over her career, Kelly has received multiple accolades for her journalistic achievements. Her inclusion in TIME magazine’s “100 Most Influential People in the World” in 2014 marked a career highlight. Additionally, The Kelly File earned top ratings during her tenure, reflecting her impact on political news coverage.

Final Thoughts