Simone Cruickshank Rivera is best known as the daughter of Geraldo Rivera, a famous American journalist, TV host, and political commentator. Though she carries a well-known family name, Simone has chosen to live her life largely out of the public eye. Her low-profile lifestyle stands in contrast to the high visibility of her father, making her a subject of curiosity for many. In this article, we will explore her life from early childhood, through her education, career, family dynamics, and personal experiences, offering a comprehensive and friendly look at who Simone is beyond just her family ties.
Quick Bio
| Personal Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Simone Cruickshank Rivera |
| Date of Birth | September 1, 1994 |
| Age (2024) | 29 |
| Place of Birth | New York, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | Mixed (Puerto Rican & Ashkenazi Jewish) |
| Occupation | Lawyer |
| Education | Northwestern University (BA Political Science), Yale Law School (JD) |
| Marital Status | Single |
| Father | Geraldo Rivera |
| Mother | Cynthia Cruickshank |
| Siblings | Gabriel Rivera, Cruz Grant Rivera, Isabella Holmes Rivera, Solita Lilliana Rivera |
| Hair Color | Brown |
| Eye Color | Dark Brown |
| Annual Salary | Over $1 million |
Early Life and Family Background
Simone was born on September 1, 1994, in New York, USA, into a family marked by both fame and complexity. She is the daughter of Cynthia Cruickshank and Geraldo Rivera, whose career in journalism and television has made him a household name. Growing up, Simone was surrounded by the public nature of her father’s life, but managed to keep her personal life private. Her parents’ marriage, which began in 1987 and ended in divorce in 2000, was filled with challenges, including multiple failed IVF attempts. Simone has several siblings: two older brothers, Gabriel and Cruz, a full sister named Isabella, and a younger half-sister, Solita.
The family has a mixed ethnic background, with Puerto Rican and Ashkenazi Jewish roots on Geraldo’s side. Despite the ups and downs in her family, Simone has maintained strong bonds with her siblings and parents in her own way, while preferring privacy and keeping most of her personal details out of the spotlight.
How Old Is Simone Cruickshank Rivera?
Simone Cruickshank Rivera was born on September 1, 1994, making her 29 years old as of 2024. She is the daughter of renowned journalist Geraldo Rivera and his ex-wife Cynthia Cruickshank. Simone has maintained a private lifestyle, focusing on her career and education. Despite her father’s public profile, Simone has chosen to keep her personal life away from the media spotlight.
Simone’s Father: Geraldo Rivera

Geraldo Rivera is Simone’s father and a well-known American journalist, television host, author, and political commentator. Born on July 4, 1943, Geraldo gained fame for hosting the tabloid talk show “Geraldo” from 1987 to 1998 and for his long career at Fox News from 2001 to 2023. He has Puerto Rican and Ashkenazi Jewish roots. Geraldo has been married multiple times and is currently married to Erica Michelle Levy since 2003. Although his relationship with Simone’s mother ended in divorce, Geraldo openly shows pride and affection for Simone through social media.
Simone’s Mother: Cynthia Cruickshank

Cynthia Cruickshank is Simone’s mother. She was married to Geraldo Rivera, but their marriage ended in divorce in 2000. The couple faced many difficulties during their time together, including several unsuccessful rounds of IVF. Cynthia, along with her daughters Simone and Isabella, is known for leading a private life, with the sisters often appearing closer to their mother than to their father.
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Simone’s Siblings
Simone has several siblings, both full and half-siblings. She has an older full sister named Isabella Holmes Rivera, who keeps a low profile similar to Simone. She also has two older half-brothers: Gabriel Rivera, from Geraldo’s third marriage, and Cruz Grant Rivera, whose mother’s identity has not been publicly disclosed. Cruz has had some public issues, including a brief jail term related to assault allegations. Simone also has a younger half-sister, Solita Lilliana Rivera, from Geraldo’s fifth marriage to Erica Levy. Solita is more visible in the media and has even authored a book titled “Restrict.” Overall, Simone’s siblings have varied levels of public exposure, but Simone remains one of the more private members of the family.
Education and Academic Achievements
Simone’s academic journey reflects her dedication and intelligence. She attended The Spence School, a respected private school in Manhattan, which helped prepare her for higher education. She then earned a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science from Northwestern University in 2013. While at Northwestern, Simone was active in campus life, joining the Phi Beta Kappa sorority and volunteering at a charter school, demonstrating a commitment to both academics and community service.
After completing her undergraduate studies, Simone pursued a law degree at Yale Law School, beginning in 2019. At Yale, she took on leadership roles such as feature editor of the Yale Journal of International Law and vice president of communications for the National Security Group. She graduated from Yale in May 2022, well-prepared for a career in law.
Professional Career and Achievements
Simone’s career path shows a clear focus on law and public service. She began as a research assistant at Harvard University in 2014, gaining valuable experience in legal research. Over time, she worked as a summer associate at Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP, a well-regarded law firm, and completed a legal externship at the U.S. Department of Justice, where she further developed her legal skills. In 2023, Simone began working as a judicial law clerk at the United States District Court for the Eastern District of New York. This role is a significant step in the legal field, involving supporting judges with research and case preparation. Simone’s work reflects her ambition and competence, and her reported annual salary of over a million dollars indicates her growing success in the profession.
Significant Life Events and Experiences
Simone has faced extraordinary events beyond the normal scope of daily life. One of the most striking was surviving the 2015 suicide bombing near the Stade de France in Paris. She was attending a soccer match between France and Germany when the attacks occurred nearby. This traumatic experience was deeply impactful for her and her family, with her father publicly expressing relief and gratitude that she was unharmed. Events like this have helped shape Simone’s perspective on life and added to her resilience, proving that despite her private nature, she has encountered moments that tested her strength and courage.
Relationship with Geraldo Rivera
Simone’s relationship with her father, Geraldo Rivera, is a central part of her life. Geraldo, born in 1943, is a veteran journalist and media personality with a career spanning decades. Despite the challenges in his personal life, including multiple marriages and public controversies, he remains a proud father who frequently shares his admiration for Simone on social media. While Simone and her siblings tend to keep their lives private, Geraldo’s occasional posts reveal his deep affection and support for his youngest daughter. The dynamic between Simone, her mother Cynthia, and her father reflects a family that has endured struggles but still values love and connection.
Personal Life and Privacy
Simone is known for maintaining a private personal life, choosing to keep much of her day-to-day existence away from social media and public scrutiny. Her Instagram account is private, and she rarely shares details about relationships or hobbies. This contrasts with some of her siblings, such as Cruz, who has a more public family life. Simone’s decision to stay out of the spotlight in her personal life reflects a desire for normalcy and boundaries, which can be difficult to maintain in a family that is frequently covered by the media. This privacy has added to the mystery around her, making her a figure of quiet strength and independence.
Net Worth and Financial Status
Financially, Simone has made impressive strides on her own merit. While her father, Geraldo Rivera’s a net worth estimated at around $20 million, Simone’s own annual earnings reportedly exceed one million dollars. This is a significant achievement, especially considering her relatively young age and early stage in her legal career. The substantial difference between typical judicial law clerk salaries and her reported income suggests that Simone has worked hard to establish herself professionally and financially independent from her family wealth. Her career is a testament to her ambition, intelligence, and dedication.
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Public Image and Media Presence
Although connected to a high-profile family, Simone has managed her public image carefully. She avoids media attention and keeps her social media accounts private. This control over her public persona shows maturity and thoughtfulness about what she shares with the world. Unlike many children of celebrities who embrace the spotlight, Simone’s reserved approach has earned her respect for valuing privacy and professionalism. Media coverage about her is often focused on her family ties and career milestones rather than personal drama or scandals, which helps maintain her dignified public presence.
Conclusion
Simone Cruickshank Rivera is a fascinating example of someone who has successfully balanced the challenges of being part of a famous family while forging her own identity. From her strong educational background to her promising legal career, and from surviving traumatic events to maintaining a private and grounded personal life, Simone embodies resilience and quiet ambition. Her story is one of dedication, family, and personal strength, offering a glimpse into the life of a woman who has chosen to write her own path despite the pressures of fame surrounding her. As she continues to grow professionally and personally, Simone remains a figure worth watching for those interested in the lives of prominent families and inspiring young professionals.
FAQs About Simone Cruickshank Rivera
1. Who is Simone Cruickshank Rivera?
Simone Cruickshank Rivera is the daughter of famous journalist Geraldo Rivera. She is a lawyer known for her private lifestyle and strong academic and professional achievements.
2. How old is Simone Cruickshank Rivera?
Simone was born on September 1, 1994, which makes her 29 years old in 2024.
3. What does Simone Cruickshank Rivera do for a living?
Simone is a lawyer. She graduated from Yale Law School and currently works as a judicial law clerk in the Eastern District of New York.
4. Who are Simone’s parents?
Her father is Geraldo Rivera, a well-known American journalist and TV personality. Her mother is Cynthia Cruickshank.
5. Does Simone have any siblings?
Yes, Simone has several siblings, including brothers Gabriel Rivera and Cruz Grant Rivera, a full sister named Isabella Holmes Rivera, and a younger half-sister named Solita Lilliana Rivera.
6. Is Simone Cruickshank Rivera married?
Simone keeps her personal life private, and there is no confirmed information about her being married.
7. What is Simone Cruickshank Rivera’s estimated net worth?
Simone’s annual salary reportedly exceeds one million dollars, reflecting her successful legal career. Her father’s net worth is estimated at around $20 million.
