Megyn Kelly net worth is a topic that interests many people, especially since she has become one of the most recognized media personalities in the world. From her time at Fox News to her controversial exit from NBC News, Megyn Kelly’s career has had many twists and turns. In this article, we’ll explore how she built her fortune, her salary history, career achievements, and much more.
What Is Megyn Kelly’s Net Worth and How Did She Build It?
Megyn Kelly net worth is estimated to be around $45 million. Her wealth didn’t come overnight; it was built through a combination of her media career, book deals, endorsements, and business ventures. Kelly first gained fame as a sharp, fearless journalist at Fox News, where she quickly became one of the most recognized anchors in the industry. As her career progressed, she expanded her reach with successful ventures, such as launching The Megyn Kelly Show, a podcast, and other media projects.
Her success at Fox News laid the foundation for many of her wealth-building opportunities. Over time, Kelly’s reputation as a media personality grew, and her ability to tackle tough subjects made her a go-to figure in broadcasting. She continues to earn from her media ventures, which is a testament to her resilience and adaptability in an ever-changing industry.
Megyn Kelly’s Salary Throughout the Years
Megyn Kelly’s salary history shows a remarkable rise. Early in her career, she worked as a lawyer before making her way into journalism. By 2013, Kelly had already reached an $8 million salary at Fox News, which was impressive for a journalist. However, her NBC deal marked a significant jump. When she signed her contract with NBC in 2017, she secured a three-year deal worth $69 million, equating to around $23 million per year.
Despite the large paycheck, her time at NBC was controversial, especially after the NBC contract termination due to poor ratings and backlash over comments she made on air. This contract had a major impact on her salary history but also highlighted her ability to navigate the media industry and maintain financial success even amid challenges.
Megyn Kelly’s Career: From Law to Broadcast Journalism
Megyn Kelly’s career path is unique, starting with her early life in law. After graduating from Albany Law School, she worked as a corporate litigator, honing her skills in debate and public speaking. However, Kelly always had a passion for broadcast journalism, and in 2003, she transitioned to a career in media. She joined an ABC affiliate in Washington D.C. before landing her role at Fox News in 2004.
At Fox News, Kelly’s career quickly took off. She became a prominent anchor, hosting shows like America Live and later The Kelly File. This show was incredibly successful, and it was on this platform that she gained national attention for her sharp interviews and powerful political debates, such as the Donald Trump debate during the 2016 presidential campaign.
Pivotal Career Moves & High-Profile Interviews
Throughout her career, Megyn Kelly has made some pivotal career moves that significantly contributed to her growth and net worth. One of her most important moves was leaving Fox News for NBC in 2017. This transition came with a significant contract and high expectations. Another major moment came when Kelly interviewed prominent figures like Vladimir Putin, which added to her profile as a serious journalist.
However, it was her high-profile interviews that truly defined her career. Her direct approach to interviewing political figures and celebrities allowed her to stand out. These interviews contributed not only to her fame but also helped increase her audience and, by extension, her media career earnings.
NBC Contract Debacle and Its Impact on Her Net Worth
In 2017, Megyn Kelly signed a $69 million contract with NBC News to host shows like Sunday Night with Megyn Kelly and Megyn Kelly Today. While the financial aspects of the deal were enormous, the shows struggled with ratings. The most damaging incident came when Kelly made controversial comments about blackface, which sparked widespread criticism. As a result, NBC canceled her shows in 2018.
Despite the NBC contract debacle, Kelly’s net worth did not take a major hit. She managed to secure a generous severance package and shifted to independent media. Her move to podcasts and digital platforms allowed her to maintain relevance and continue generating income, showing how adaptable she was in the changing media landscape.
Megyn Kelly’s Book Advance and Publishing Success
In 2016, Megyn Kelly published her autobiography, Settle for More, which became a bestseller. The book dealt with her experiences in the media world, including her rise to fame, challenges, and her public persona. Kelly’s book advance was reported to be over $10 million, adding significantly to her net worth.
The success of her book and its widespread attention not only increased her wealth but also solidified her place in the media landscape. She was able to use the book to further expand her brand as an influential political commentator and media figure.
The Rise of Megyn Kelly in Broadcast Journalism
Megyn Kelly’s journey to becoming a broadcast journalism leader is a story of determination and hard work. Starting from her time at Fox News, where she rose through the ranks quickly, Kelly became a leading figure in the industry. Her ability to ask tough questions and address controversial topics helped her become the face of some of the highest-rated shows in cable news.
Her success on The Kelly File proved her to be a highly effective broadcaster who wasn’t afraid to challenge powerful figures. She maintained her relevance and media career earnings by constantly adapting to the evolving media landscape.
Megyn Kelly’s Personal Life: Family, Relationships, and Hobbies
Megyn Kelly’s personal life is closely followed by the public. She married Douglas Brunt, a successful businessman, in 2008. Together, they have three children. Kelly’s relationship with her family plays a big part in her public image as a grounded and relatable figure. Despite her busy career, Kelly emphasizes the importance of spending time with her loved ones.
In addition to family life, Kelly has various personal interests. She is known to be an avid reader and enjoys golf. Her personal life has shaped her as a more well-rounded individual in the public eye.
Megyn Kelly’s Controversies and How They Shaped Her Brand
Megyn Kelly has had her fair share of controversies throughout her career. From her comments about Santa Claus and Jesus being white to her fallout with Donald Trump during the 2016 debates, Kelly has been at the center of many heated discussions. Her most notable controversy occurred during her time at NBC News, when she made remarks about blackface that led to her exit from the network.
Despite these setbacks, Kelly has managed to retain a significant following. Her ability to bounce back from controversies and continue in the media shows her resilience and adaptability. These controversies only served to shape her brand as a bold and fearless media figure.
Personal Branding & Future Endeavors
Over the years, Megyn Kelly has built a personal brand that is strong and recognizable. She has positioned herself as an independent voice in a world where mainstream media is often seen as biased. Her move to independent journalism with her podcast, The Megyn Kelly Show, has been an example of her ability to pivot and remain relevant outside of traditional networks.
Looking ahead, Kelly is likely to continue expanding her media career, possibly focusing more on digital media. As the media landscape shifts, her brand will likely evolve to reflect the changing needs of her audience.
Megyn Kelly’s Endorsements and Business Ventures
In addition to her media career, Megyn Kelly has ventured into various business ventures. She has signed lucrative endorsements with brands like Nike, Coca-Cola, and McDonald’s, all of which contributed to her wealth. These endorsements helped her maintain a strong financial position while diversifying her income.
Her business success extends beyond endorsements, as Kelly has also invested in several entrepreneurial projects. These ventures have contributed to her overall net worth, proving that Kelly’s ability to manage money extends well beyond her salary.
How Megyn Kelly’s Wealth Compares to Other Media Personalities
Megyn Kelly net worth of $45 million places her among the wealthiest media personalities. When compared to other figures in the industry, such as Tucker Carlson and Sean Hannity, her wealth is considerable but not the highest. Carlson and Hannity have managed to parlay their broadcasting careers into even larger fortunes, largely due to their long-standing roles at Fox News.
Despite this, Kelly’s ability to diversify her income through business ventures, endorsements, and independent media ensures that her financial success is long-lasting and well-balanced.
Megyn Kelly’s career achievements, salary history, and ability to adapt in the changing media environment have helped her accumulate a substantial net worth. Her journey from Fox News to NBC News and beyond proves that success in media doesn’t come solely from big contracts—it also comes from a strong personal brand and the willingness to take risks in new ventures. Whether it’s her book deal, controversial moments, or podcast success, Megyn Kelly has proven to be a resilient and influential figure in the media world.
FAQs about Megyn Kelly Net Worth
Q1. How much does Megyn Kelly make a year?
Megyn Kelly made around $23 million per year during her time at NBC, though her earnings may vary with her current ventures.
Q2. Why has Megyn Kelly lost so much weight?
Megyn Kelly has not publicly discussed any specific reasons for her weight loss, but it could be due to lifestyle changes and focusing on her health.
Q3. Does Megyn Kelly have a husband?
Yes, Megyn Kelly is married to Douglas Brunt, a businessman, and they have three children together.
Q4. What was Grace Kelly’s net worth when she died?
Grace Kelly’s net worth at the time of her death was estimated to be around $40 million, mainly from her acting career and royal life.
Q5. What was Vivien Leigh’s net worth when she died?
Vivien Leigh’s net worth at her death was estimated at $5 million, earned from her acting career, including her role in “Gone with the Wind.”
Q6. Who paid for Grace Kelly’s wedding?
Grace Kelly’s wedding to Prince Rainier of Monaco was paid for by Prince Rainier himself and the Monaco government, as it was a significant public event.