Does Bill O’Reilly Have a Wife? Inside the Former Fox News Host’s Personal Life
Bill O’Reilly has long been a prominent figure in American media—known for his sharp opinions, commanding on-screen presence, and decades-long career as a political commentator and television host. From his time anchoring The O’Reilly Factor on Fox News to his work as an author and podcaster, he has remained a consistent voice in the ever-evolving landscape of conservative media. Yet for all his public visibility, one question continues to spark curiosity among fans and followers: Does Bill O’Reilly have a wife?
The short answer is no—as of 2025, Bill O’Reilly does not currently have a wife. He was previously married to Maureen E. McPhilmy, but their marriage ended in a highly publicized and contentious divorce in 2011. Since then, O’Reilly has not remarried and has kept his personal life relatively private, focusing instead on his career, writing, and family.
To understand where things stand today, it helps to look back at O’Reilly’s marriage, his family life, and how his personal experiences have shaped the man behind the headlines.
Who Is Bill O’Reilly?
Before diving into his personal life, it’s important to understand who Bill O’Reilly is and why his life story draws such attention.
Born William James O’Reilly Jr. on September 10, 1949, in New York City, O’Reilly grew up in a middle-class Catholic family in Levittown, Long Island. After graduating from Marist College with a degree in history, he earned master’s degrees from Boston University (in broadcast journalism) and Harvard University (in public administration).
O’Reilly’s broadcasting career began in local news, where he worked as a reporter and anchor in cities such as Dallas, Denver, and Boston. His sharp delivery and assertive interview style quickly caught attention, eventually leading to national exposure.
In 1996, O’Reilly joined the newly founded Fox News Channel, where he launched The O’Reilly Factor. The show became a massive success, dominating cable news ratings for over 15 years and turning him into one of the most influential figures in American media. Known for his “No Spin Zone” slogan, O’Reilly developed a reputation for challenging guests and voicing strong, often controversial opinions.
While his professional achievements are well-documented, his personal life—particularly his marriage and divorce—has often been the subject of public scrutiny.
Bill O’Reilly’s Marriage to Maureen McPhilmy
Bill O’Reilly married Maureen Elizabeth McPhilmy on November 2, 1996. McPhilmy, born in 1966, worked as a public relations executive, and the couple’s union initially appeared stable and traditional. They lived in Manhasset, New York, and shared two children—a daughter, Madeline, born in 1998, and a son, Spencer, born in 2003.
For many years, the couple seemed to enjoy a relatively private and quiet life despite O’Reilly’s growing fame. His rise at Fox News coincided with his role as a bestselling author, and McPhilmy largely stayed out of the public eye.
However, behind the scenes, tensions were reportedly mounting. Their marriage began to deteriorate in the late 2000s, and by 2010, the couple had separated. A year later, their divorce became official—but it would soon become one of the most discussed celebrity divorces in the media.
The Contentious Divorce
Bill O’Reilly’s divorce from Maureen McPhilmy was far from smooth. The separation led to years of legal disputes and public controversy. McPhilmy accused O’Reilly of controlling behavior, and court records revealed allegations of domestic conflict, though O’Reilly has always denied wrongdoing.
One of the central issues in their post-divorce proceedings was child custody. Both parties sought primary custody of their children, resulting in a prolonged and highly publicized legal battle. In 2016, after years of litigation, McPhilmy was ultimately awarded full custody.
Throughout the process, O’Reilly maintained that his primary concern was protecting his children’s privacy and well-being. Despite the media attention, he continued to host The O’Reilly Factor and insisted that the personal challenges did not interfere with his professional responsibilities.
Who Is Maureen McPhilmy?
Though she became widely known due to her marriage to Bill O’Reilly, Maureen McPhilmy is an accomplished professional in her own right. She has built a successful career in public relations, managing communications and client relations for private firms.
After her divorce from O’Reilly, McPhilmy remarried. She is now married to Jeffrey Gross, a widowed detective from Long Island. Together, they live a relatively private life away from the spotlight, focusing on family and community.
Despite the turbulence of her previous marriage, McPhilmy has maintained discretion, rarely speaking publicly about her relationship with O’Reilly.
Life After Divorce: Bill O’Reilly Today
Since his divorce, Bill O’Reilly has not remarried and has generally avoided discussing his romantic life publicly. Instead, he has focused his energy on his work as a writer, commentator, and media entrepreneur.
After leaving Fox News in 2017 amid sexual harassment allegations—which he has also denied—O’Reilly reinvented his career through independent media ventures. He launched the “No Spin News” program, available through his website and various streaming platforms, where he continues to discuss politics and current events.
In addition, O’Reilly remains a prolific author. His Killing series of historical books—including Killing Lincoln, Killing Kennedy, and Killing the Mob—has sold millions of copies worldwide, cementing his reputation as a bestselling writer.
Personally, O’Reilly has maintained close ties with his children, though he keeps details about his family life strictly private. He has spoken occasionally about the importance of fatherhood, faith, and resilience, suggesting that his family remains a central part of his life despite past hardships.
Does Bill O’Reilly Have a Wife Now?
As of 2025, Bill O’Reilly is not married. Since his divorce from Maureen McPhilmy, he has not announced or confirmed any new romantic relationships.
O’Reilly’s decision to remain single may reflect his preference for privacy after years of intense media attention. It may also indicate his focus on professional pursuits and family rather than seeking a new marriage.
He continues to reside in New York, maintaining a low-profile personal life while staying active in the public arena through his writing, podcasting, and speaking engagements.
Bill O’Reilly’s Views on Marriage and Family
In various interviews and writings, O’Reilly has expressed traditional views on marriage and family. As a devout Catholic, he has often spoken about the moral and social importance of family structure.
However, his own experiences appear to have given him a more reflective perspective. Since his divorce, O’Reilly has acknowledged the challenges of balancing career and family, particularly in high-pressure industries like broadcasting.
He often discusses values such as discipline, respect, and personal accountability—principles that he says guide his parenting and professional life.
Balancing Public Image and Private Life
For someone who spent decades at the center of American media, O’Reilly’s ability to maintain some semblance of privacy post-divorce is noteworthy. He rarely discusses his personal affairs publicly and instead focuses on his professional brand.
Still, his personal life has shaped public perception of him. While some critics see his contentious divorce and other controversies as defining moments, others view his resilience and career longevity as a testament to his determination.
Either way, O’Reilly’s story underscores the complexity of life under constant public scrutiny—and the human challenges that even the most confident television personalities face.
Final Thoughts
So, does Bill O’Reilly have a wife? No—he does not currently have one. His marriage to Maureen McPhilmy ended in 2011 after nearly 15 years together, and he has remained single since then.
Though his personal life has at times been turbulent, O’Reilly continues to thrive professionally as a writer, commentator, and media figure. His life story reflects both the pressures and privileges of fame, as well as the private struggles that come with balancing career, family, and public perception.
For now, Bill O’Reilly appears content living a quieter life—devoted to his work, his faith, and his children. And while the spotlight may always follow him, his focus seems firmly set on the future rather than revisiting the past.
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