Bill O’Reilly is a well-known American conservative commentator and author. He was born on September 10, 1949, in New York City. He is 76 years old in 2026. He is famous for hosting The O’Reilly Factor on Fox News.
He stands 6 feet 4 inches tall. His weight is reported around 210 to 225 pounds. He hosted the highest-rated cable news show for 16 years. He has written numerous #1 New York Times bestselling books.
His estimated net worth is $75 million. His income comes from book deals and television salaries. He earned roughly $25 million per year at his peak. His Killing series has sold over 17 million copies.
Bill O’Reilly Wiki/Bio
| Field | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name / Real Name | William James O’Reilly Jr. |
| Stage Name | Bill O’Reilly |
| Date of Birth | September 10, 1949 |
| Age in 2026 | 76 |
| Birthplace | New York City, New York, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Profession | Author, Political Commentator, Former TV Host |
| Category | Author / Broadcaster |
| Education | Marist College (BA), Boston University (MA), Harvard University (MPA) |
| Partner / Spouse | Maureen McPhilmy (m. 1996; div. 2011) |
| Children | 2 (Madeline and Spencer) |
| Career Start | 1975 |
| Company / Label / Team | Fox News (former), No Spin News |
| Major Works | The O’Reilly Factor, Killing Lincoln, Killing Kennedy |
| Achievements | 3 Emmy Awards, 17M+ “Killing” books sold |
| Net Worth | Estimated $75 million (2026) |
| Primary Income Source | Book royalties, TV salary, digital subscriptions |
| Social Media Presence | Active on X (@billoreilly) |
Bill O’Reilly Real Name
Bill O’Reilly was born William James O’Reilly Jr. He uses Bill O’Reilly professionally and publicly. He does not write under a pen name. He is universally known as Bill O’Reilly.
His full legal name appears on official documents. Fans and critics simply call him Bill. The O’Reilly surname is now a bestselling brand. He was born at Columbia Presbyterian Hospital in Manhattan.
The author’s identity is closely tied to his combative on-air persona. His name is synonymous with “The No-Spin Zone.” He is a multiple-time #1 New York Times bestselling author. His work has been translated into multiple languages.
| Name Type | Full Name / Version |
|---|---|
| Birth Name | William James O’Reilly Jr. |
| Pen Name | None (uses real name) |
| Common Name | Bill O’Reilly |
| Nickname | The Factor, Papa Bear |
Bill O’Reilly Early Life and Education
Bill O’Reilly was born in Manhattan, New York. His family moved to Levittown on Long Island in 1951. He is of Irish descent. He attended Chaminade High School, a private Catholic school.
He enrolled at Marist College in Poughkeepsie, New York. He majored in history and wrote for the school newspaper. He spent his junior year at Queen Mary College in London. He graduated with a BA in 1971.
He later earned a master’s degree from Boston University. He also earned a master’s in public administration from Harvard University in 1996. His education shaped his analytical mind and communication skills.
| Institution | Qualification | Graduation Year |
|---|---|---|
| Chaminade High School | High school diploma | 1967 |
| Marist College | BA in History | 1971 |
| Boston University | MA in Broadcast Journalism | 1976 |
| Harvard University (Kennedy School) | Master of Public Administration | 1996 |
Bill O’Reilly Parents and Siblings
Bill O’Reilly was born to William James O’Reilly Sr. and Winifred Angela O’Reilly. His father worked as an accountant. His mother managed the household. The family lived in a small apartment in Fort Lee, New Jersey.
He has one younger sister named Janet. He keeps his family life mostly private. His parents were strict and hardworking. His upbringing instilled a strong work ethic in him.
His family background is Irish Catholic. His father’s ancestors lived in County Cavan, Ireland. His mother’s family had roots in Northern Ireland. His heritage remains central to his identity.
| Family Member | Relationship |
|---|---|
| William James O’Reilly Sr. | Father (accountant) |
| Winifred Angela O’Reilly | Mother (homemaker) |
| Janet O’Reilly | Sister |
| Maureen McPhilmy | Ex-wife (m. 1996; div. 2011) |
| Madeline O’Reilly | Daughter (b. 1998) |
| Spencer O’Reilly | Son (b. 2003) |
Bill O’Reilly Before Fame
Bill O’Reilly began his broadcasting career in the late 1970s. He worked at WNEP-TV in Scranton, Pennsylvania. He reported the weather and news there. He later moved to WFAA-TV in Dallas.
He won a Dallas Press Club Award for investigative reporting. He then worked at KMGH-TV in Denver. He won a local Emmy Award for covering a skyjacking. He joined CBS News in 1982 as a correspondent.
He later moved to ABC News. He worked on Good Morning America and Nightline. He persisted through many local markets. His early career built his on-air skills.
| Year | Early Career Milestone |
|---|---|
| 1970s | Reported for WNEP-TV in Scranton |
| Late 1970s | Won Dallas Press Club Award for investigative reporting |
| 1980s | Won local Emmy Award at KMGH-TV in Denver |
| 1982 | Joined CBS News as a correspondent |
| 1986 | Joined ABC News after delivering a eulogy for a friend |
Bill O’Reilly Career
Bill O’Reilly hosted Inside Edition from 1989 to 1995. He then joined Fox News in 1996. He launched The O’Reilly Factor. The show became the highest-rated cable news program for 16 years.
He interviewed President Barack Obama in 2014. He debated Jon Stewart in a charity event in 2012. He co-wrote the Killing series with Martin Dugard. The series has sold over 17 million copies.
He was fired from Fox News in 2017 amid sexual harassment allegations. He denied the allegations. He launched No Spin News as a podcast and TV program. His career has spanned over four decades.
| Year | Career / Achievement |
|---|---|
| 1989–1995 | Anchored Inside Edition |
| 1996–2017 | Hosted The O’Reilly Factor on Fox News |
| 2011 | Published Killing Lincoln |
| 2012 | Debated Jon Stewart at “The Rumble in the Air-Conditioned Auditorium” |
| 2014 | Interviewed President Barack Obama |
| 2017 | Departed Fox News; launched No Spin News |
Bill O’Reilly Family
Bill O’Reilly lives on Long Island, New York. He was married to Maureen McPhilmy. They married in 1996 and divorced in 2011. The couple has two children together.
His daughter is Madeline, born in 1998. His son is Spencer, born in 2003. He keeps his family life private. His children are an important part of his life.
He balances his public career and private family time. His home life is stable. His family remains central to his world. He values his role as a father.
| Family Member | Relationship |
|---|---|
| Maureen McPhilmy | Ex-wife (public relations executive) |
| Madeline O’Reilly | Daughter |
| Spencer O’Reilly | Son |
| Janet O’Reilly | Sister |
Bill O’Reilly Wife and Married Life
Bill O’Reilly was married to Maureen McPhilmy. She is a public relations executive. They married on November 2, 1996. Their marriage ended in divorce on September 1, 2011.
He has not remarried since his divorce. He keeps his personal life guarded. He focused on co-parenting his two children. His marriage and divorce received public attention.
He values his privacy now. His family life is quiet. His children remain his priority. His personal journey has had ups and downs.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Spouse | Maureen McPhilmy (m. 1996; div. 2011) |
| Spouse Profession | Public Relations Executive |
| Children | 2 (Madeline and Spencer) |
| Residence | Long Island, New York |
Bill O’Reilly Age, Height, Weight and Physical Appearance
Bill O’Reilly was born on September 10, 1949. In 2026, he is 76 years old. He stands 6 feet 4 inches (193 cm) tall. His weight is reported between 210 and 225 pounds.
He has gray hair. His eye color is reported as blue. He has an average to large build. He is known for his towering height and commanding presence.
He keeps his personal appearance professional. He often wears suits and ties on air. His author image reflects his serious and authoritative style. He is a recognizable figure in American media.
| Physical Attribute | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Height | 6 ft 4 in (193 cm) |
| Weight | ~210–225 lb (95–102 kg) |
| Hair Color | Gray |
| Eye Color | Blue |
| Body Type | Average to Large |
Bill O’Reilly Social Media Presence
Bill O’Reilly has an active social media presence. He is active on X (@billoreilly). He shares political commentary and book updates. He engages with his followers regularly.
He also has a YouTube channel with over 1.1 million subscribers. He uses these platforms to promote his No Spin News program. His online presence keeps him relevant in digital media. He values direct communication with his audience.
He shares selective personal details. His fans appreciate his consistency. His influence remains significant in conservative circles. He is a respected voice for his audience.
| Platform | Presence |
|---|---|
| X (Twitter) | @billoreilly |
| YouTube | 1.1M+ subscribers |
| Official Website | billoreilly.com |
Bill O’Reilly Awards and Achievements
Bill O’Reilly has won major journalism awards. He won 3 Emmy Awards for excellence in reporting. He won 2 National Headliner Awards. He received a Dallas Press Club Award for investigative reporting.
He has written numerous #1 New York Times bestsellers. His Killing series has sold over 17 million copies. He was described as “the biggest star” in Fox News history by Howard Kurtz. His achievements reflect his impact.
He has been polarizing but influential. His legacy in cable news is secure. He is a trailblazer for opinion journalism.
| Award / Recognition | Year(s) | Category |
|---|---|---|
| Emmy Awards (3) | — | Excellence in Reporting |
| National Headliner Awards (2) | — | Journalism |
| Dallas Press Club Award | — | Investigative Reporting |
| #1 New York Times Bestsellers | Multiple | Killing series, others |
Bill O’Reilly Net Worth
Bill O’Reilly has an estimated net worth of $75 million. Estimates range from $70 million to $85 million. At his peak, estimates reached $120 million to $150 million.
His income came from his Fox News salary, which was about $25 million per year. He also earned from book deals and speaking engagements. His financial success is secure. He continues to earn from digital subscriptions and books.
He lives comfortably on Long Island. His income sources are diverse. His net worth remains substantial. He is a wealthy media figure.
| Income Source | Estimated Contribution |
|---|---|
| Fox News salary (former) | ~$20–25 million per year |
| Book royalties | Tens of millions over career |
| Speaking engagements | Significant income |
| Digital subscriptions (No Spin News) | Ongoing revenue |
Bill O’Reilly Nationality and Religion
Bill O’Reilly is an American citizen. He was born in New York, USA. He is of Irish descent. His nationality is American.
He was raised in a Roman Catholic family. He attended Catholic schools like Chaminade High School. His religious background influenced his values. He keeps his personal beliefs private.
He lives in New York. His heritage shapes his identity. His faith remains a private matter. His nationality is American.
| Attribute | Information |
|---|---|
| Nationality | American |
| Religion | Roman Catholic (raised) |
| Ethnicity | Irish descent |
| Residence | Long Island, New York |
Bill O’Reilly Public Image
Bill O’Reilly is a polarizing public figure. He is known for his combative interview style. He is praised by supporters for his directness. He is criticized by detractors for his aggressive approach.
He faced major controversy in 2017. Sexual harassment allegations led to his dismissal from Fox News. He has denied all allegations. The controversy defined the end of his Fox era.
He remains influential in conservative media. His public image is complex. He is a survivor in the media landscape. His legacy is debated but undeniable.
| Image Trait | Public Perception |
|---|---|
| Style | Combative, direct, aggressive |
| Reputation | Polarizing, influential, controversial |
| Post-Fox Career | Resilient, independent, digital-first |
Bill O’Reilly Legacy and Impact
Bill O’Reilly has left a lasting mark on cable news. He helped define the opinion-driven format. His show was the highest-rated for 16 years. He influenced a generation of commentators.
He inspired a wave of opinion hosts. His success opened doors for partisan media. He showed that personality can drive ratings. His impact on television is significant.
He continues to write and comment. His books educate millions on history. His legacy extends beyond TV. He is a trailblazer for media personalities.
| Impact Area | Legacy |
|---|---|
| Cable News | Defined opinion-driven prime-time format |
| Publishing | Sold millions of history books |
| Media | Demonstrated power of personality-driven news |
| Community | Influenced a generation of conservative commentators |
Bill O’Reilly Future Plans and Goals
Bill O’Reilly plans to continue writing and commenting. He released Confronting Evil in 2025. He continues his No Spin News program. He wants to keep educating his audience.
He will continue his book series. He plans to mentor new commentators. He aims to expand his digital reach. He wants to inspire conservative thinkers.
He will focus on his family and his health. He plans to stay in New York. His future is active and purposeful. Fans await his next book.
| Future Plan | Goal |
|---|---|
| Writing | Continue publishing Killing and Confronting series |
| Media | Expand No Spin News digital platform |
| Mentorship | Help new conservative voices succeed |
| Family | Focus on health and family time |
Bill O’Reilly Books
Bill O’Reilly has written over 20 books. His debut was Those Who Trespass in 1998. He wrote The O’Reilly Factor in 2000. He launched the Killing series with Killing Lincoln in 2011.
Killing Kennedy followed in 2012. Killing Jesus was published in 2013. Killing Reagan was released in 2015. He wrote the Legends & Lies series.
He published Confronting the Presidents in 2024. Confronting Evil was released in 2025. His books are bestselling and controversial. He is a prolific and consistent author.
| Book Title | Release Year | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Those Who Trespass | 1998 | Novel |
| The O’Reilly Factor | 2000 | Political Commentary |
| Killing Lincoln | 2011 | History |
| Killing Kennedy | 2012 | History |
| Killing Jesus | 2013 | History |
| Killing Reagan | 2015 | History |
| Confronting the Presidents | 2024 | Political Commentary |
| Confronting Evil | 2025 | Political Commentary |
Bill O’Reilly Controversies and Major Public Events
Bill O’Reilly has been involved in major controversies. In 2004, a sexual harassment lawsuit was filed by Andrea Mackris. He settled the case for an undisclosed sum. In 2017, The New York Times reported five settlements totaling $13 million.
He was fired from Fox News in April 2017. The advertiser boycott followed the reports. He has consistently denied the allegations. He said the settlements were to protect his family.
He also faced controversy over his “We’ll do it live!” rant. The 1993 outtake became a viral video. The controversies have shaped his public image. He remains a divisive figure.
| Controversy | Year(s) | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Andrea Mackris sexual harassment lawsuit | 2004 | Settled out of court |
| New York Times report on five settlements | 2017 | Fired from Fox News |
| “We’ll do it live!” viral video | 2008 (surfaced) | Became a cultural meme |
Bill O’Reilly Hobbies
- Reading history and biography
- Writing daily
- Playing golf
- Spending time with his children
- Watching baseball
- Traveling for research
Bill O’Reilly Favorite Things
- Favorite Activity: Reading and writing
- Favorite Genre: History and biography
- Favorite Hobby: Golf
- Favorite Charity: Literacy organizations
- Favorite Book: Not publicly confirmed
- Favorite TV Show: Not publicly confirmed
Bill O’Reilly Lesser-Known Facts
| Fact No. | Lesser-Known Fact |
|---|---|
| 1 | He was born William James O’Reilly Jr. on September 10, 1949. |
| 2 | He grew up in Levittown, Long Island, New York. |
| 3 | He attended Chaminade High School, a private Catholic school. |
| 4 | He played semi-professional baseball as a pitcher. |
| 5 | He taught English and history at Monsignor Pace High School in Miami. |
| 6 | He earned a master’s degree from Boston University. |
| 7 | He earned a master’s in public administration from Harvard in 1996. |
| 8 | He anchored Inside Edition from 1989 to 1995. |
| 9 | He joined Fox News in 1996 to host The O’Reilly Factor. |
| 10 | His show was the highest-rated cable news program for 16 years. |
| 11 | He interviewed President Barack Obama before Super Bowl XLVIII. |
| 12 | He debated Jon Stewart in a charity event in 2012. |
| 13 | His Killing series has sold over 17 million copies. |
| 14 | He was fired from Fox News in 2017 amid sexual harassment settlements. |
| 15 | He has denied all allegations against him. |
| 16 | He launched No Spin News as a podcast and TV program after Fox. |
| 17 | He has two children, Madeline and Spencer. |
| 18 | His net worth is estimated at $75 million. |
FAQs
What is Bill O’Reilly’s net worth in 2026?
Answer: His estimated net worth is $75 million. His income came from Fox News and book deals.
Is Bill O’Reilly married?
Answer: He is divorced from Maureen McPhilmy. They divorced in 2011.
How old is Bill O’Reilly?
Answer: He was born on September 10, 1949. In 2026, he is 76 years old.
What is Bill O’Reilly’s most famous book?
Answer: Killing Lincoln is one of his most famous books. It launched the Killing series.
Does Bill O’Reilly have children?
Answer: Yes, he has two children, Madeline and Spencer.
How many books has Bill O’Reilly written?
Answer: He has written over 20 books. He is best known for the Killing series.
Why was Bill O’Reilly fired from Fox News?
Answer: He was fired in 2017 after sexual harassment settlements were reported. He denied the allegations.
Conclusion
Bill O’Reilly is a polarizing American media figure. He was born on September 10, 1949, in New York City. In 2026, he is 76 years old. He is a former Fox News host.
He created The O’Reilly Factor and the Killing book series. He won 3 Emmy Awards. His legacy in cable news is significant. He remains a bestselling author.
He stands 6 feet 4 inches tall. His estimated net worth is $75 million. His income came from television and books. His impact on American media is undeniable.
