Introduction
William James O’Reilly Jr., more commonly known as Bill O’Reilly, is recognized as an American journalist, television host, political commentator, and author, who has positioned himself among the most prominent names in American broadcasting history. With a career spanning around 40 years, Bill has achieved an impressive level of success and has amassed a significant net worth.
Early life and Education
Bill O’Reilly was born on September 10, 1949, in the Washington Heights neighborhood of Manhattan, New York City, to Winifred Angela and William James O’Reilly Sr. Growing up in a classic Irish-American family in Levittown, Long Island, Bill enrolled in Marist College in Poughkeepsie, New York, after graduating from high school. He was influenced in his early years by his father, a currency accountant, who instilled in him a love for history and writing.
While at Marist, O’Reilly played punter in the National Club Football Association and also wrote for the school’s newspaper, The Circle. He graduated in 1971 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in History. Post his graduation, he shifted to Miami, Florida, where he taught History and English for two years at Monsignor Pace High School.
Profile Summary
Full name: William James O’Reilly Jr.
Age: 75 (as of 2025)
Birthday: September 10, 1949
Nationality: American
Hometown: Levittown, Long Island, New York, United States
Occupation: Journalist, Television host, Author, and Political Commentator
Known For: Hosting the political commentary program The O’Reilly Factor on Fox News
Net Worth: Around $85 million
Career Overview
Following his stint as a teacher, O’Reilly returned to school to study broadcast journalism, which sparked his illustrious career in television. He began as a reporter and anchor on various stations across the United States before working as a correspondent for CBS News and ABC News.
O’Reilly later joined the Fox News Channel in 1996, where he gained nationwide recognition for his show, “The O’Reilly Factor.” The program, which catered political commentary, became the highest-rated show on cable news, with millions of viewers tuning in nightly. His confrontational interview style and conservative views made him both a popular and controversial figure in American media.
Despite his popularity, O’Reilly’s career was not without its lows. In April 2017, he was ousted from Fox News after multiple allegations of sexual harassment were filed against him, leading to advertiser boycotts.
Alongside his broadcasting career, O’Reilly has also penned several best-selling books, including a series known as the “Killing series,” which features historical events with O’Reilly’s signature storytelling approach.
What always distinguishes O’Reilly is his in-your-face style and his penchant for calling out the high-powered individuals in politics and media, thereby solidifying his legacy as one of the influential and pioneering figures in American media.
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