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Megyn Kelly
United States
Net Worth
$45M
Source of Wealth
The Megyn Kelly Show / SiriusXM
Global Rank
#124 of 157
About Megyn Kelly
Megyn Marie Kelly is a journalist, attorney, and media personality who has been one of the most prominent figures in American news media for over two decades. Born in Syracuse, New York in 1970, Kelly earned a law degree from Albany Law School and practiced corporate law for nearly a decade before pivoting to journalism — a career change that would take her to the very top of cable news.
Kelly joined Fox News in 2004 and quickly rose through the ranks, eventually anchoring The Kelly File, which became one of the highest-rated shows on cable television with over 2.5 million nightly viewers. Her sharp legal mind, poised on-camera presence, and willingness to ask tough questions of figures across the political spectrum made her one of the most respected and watched journalists in America.
After a high-profile move to NBC News in 2017, Kelly eventually departed and reinvented herself as an independent media personality. The Megyn Kelly Show, broadcast on SiriusXM and distributed as a podcast on YouTube, has become one of the most popular shows in its time slot, demonstrating Kelly's ability to build audiences across multiple platforms and media eras. Her career trajectory — from corporate lawyer to Fox News star to NBC anchor to independent media powerhouse — reflects a relentless drive to evolve and grow.
Key Achievements
Anchored Top-Rated Cable News Show
The Kelly File on Fox News regularly drew over 2.5 million nightly viewers, making it one of the highest-rated cable news programs and establishing Kelly as a dominant force in television journalism.
Successful Career Reinvention
After departing NBC News, reinvented herself as an independent media personality on SiriusXM and YouTube, building The Megyn Kelly Show into one of the most popular programs in its category.
Bestselling Memoir
Published Settle for More in 2016, which debuted as a New York Times bestseller and provided an unflinching look at her career, the challenges she faced, and the principles that guided her decisions.
Career Pivot from Law to Journalism
Successfully transitioned from nearly a decade in corporate law at Jones Day and Bickel & Brewer to becoming one of the most recognized journalists in America — a rare and remarkable career pivot.
Defining Moments in Debate Moderation
Her moderation of the first 2015 Republican presidential primary debate, including her now-famous exchange with Donald Trump, became one of the most-watched and discussed moments in debate history.
Notable Quotes
“Settle for more. It's okay to want more. It's okay to demand more from yourself and from the people around you.”
— Megyn Kelly
“The truth is not mean. It's the truth.”
— Megyn Kelly
“I've always believed that toughness and empathy are not mutually exclusive.”
— Megyn Kelly
Key Decisions
Graduated from Albany Law School and joined Jones Day, one of the largest law firms in the world, practicing corporate litigation and building the analytical skills that would define her journalism career.
Made the bold decision to leave a successful legal career to pursue journalism, joining a local ABC affiliate in Washington, D.C. as a general assignment reporter.
Joined Fox News Channel as a correspondent, rapidly rising through the network by combining legal expertise with sharp interviewing skills.
Launched The Kelly File in Fox News' coveted 9 PM time slot, quickly building it into one of the most-watched shows on cable television.
Made a high-profile move to NBC News with a reported $23 million annual salary, seeking to broaden her audience beyond cable news.
After departing NBC, launched The Megyn Kelly Show as an independent production on SiriusXM and as a podcast, betting on the growing power of independent media.
Early Life
Born in Syracuse, New York, Kelly grew up in a middle-class family in the Albany suburb of Delmar. Her father, Edward Kelly, was a professor at the State University of New York at Albany, and her mother was a homemaker. She attended Syracuse University, graduating with a degree in political science, before earning her J.D. from Albany Law School in 1995. She practiced law for nine years at Jones Day and Bickel & Brewer before making her career-defining pivot to journalism.
Life Lessons & Insights
It's Never Too Late to Pivot
Kelly left a successful legal career in her early 30s to start over in journalism. Her legal training became an asset, not a sunk cost, giving her analytical skills that set her apart.
Ask the Hard Questions
Kelly's willingness to ask tough, direct questions — regardless of the political affiliation of her subject — earned her respect and credibility across the ideological spectrum.
Own Your Independence
After navigating corporate media at both Fox News and NBC, Kelly found her greatest creative and professional satisfaction in independent media, where she controls the editorial direction.
Resilience Through Reinvention
Each career setback — leaving Fox, the NBC departure — became a springboard to something new. Kelly's career demonstrates that resilience means not just surviving but actively evolving.
Deep Dives
Go deeper into what makes Megyn Kelly exceptional.
Explore More
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