Maureen Elizabeth McPhilmy is an American public relations executive best known to the public for her past marriage to television host Bill O’Reilly, but her life story goes far beyond that chapter. Born on May 11, 1966, in Chittenango, New York, she has built a career marked by professionalism, discretion, and the ability to navigate challenging situations with grace. Over the years, she has faced intense media attention, personal challenges, and a highly publicized divorce, yet she has remained focused on her family, her work, and living on her own terms. Today, Maureen is admired for her resilience, independence, and quiet strength, qualities that have shaped both her personal life and professional path.
Quick Bio Maureen E. McPhilmy
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Maureen Elizabeth McPhilmy |
| Date of Birth | May 11, 1966 |
| Age | 59 years (as of 2025) |
| Birthplace | Chittenango, New York, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Education | St. Peter’s School, New York |
| Profession | Public Relations Executive |
| Marital Status | Married |
| Current Husband | Jeffrey Gross |
| Ex-Husband | Bill O’Reilly (m. 1996 – div. 2011) |
| Children | Madeline O’Reilly, Spencer O’Reilly |
| Residence | Manhasset, New York, USA |
| Net Worth (Approx.) | $4 million |
Early Life and Background
Maureen was born on May 11, 1966, in Chittenango, a small village in New York. She grew up in a modest home, where life was not always easy. Her parents’ separation when she was young brought changes that many children find difficult to navigate. Yet, those early experiences helped shape her into someone who understood the value of perseverance and hard work. She learned that life often presents challenges that can only be overcome with patience and determination. These early life lessons would stay with her and influence the way she approached her career and personal relationships later in life. Maureen attended St. Peter’s School, where she completed her education before stepping into the professional world.
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Maureen McPhilmy’s Age and Looks
Maureen McPhilmy was born on May 11, 1966, making her 59 years old in 2025. She is known for her graceful and professional appearance, often presenting herself with a calm and confident presence that reflects her work in public relations. While she keeps details such as her height and weight private, she is often described as elegant and composed, with a simple yet polished style that adds to her poised and respectable image.
Career in Public Relations
Maureen McPhilmy built her professional life in the field of public relations, working as an executive responsible for helping clients manage their public image and communicate effectively with the media. Her role involved creating clear messages, guiding public perception, and handling sensitive situations with care, all while maintaining strict discretion. Known for her professionalism and ability to remain composed under pressure, she earned respect in the industry for putting her clients’ needs first and staying out of the spotlight herself, focusing instead on ensuring others could present their best image to the public.
Relationship and Marriage with Bill O’Reilly
In 1992, during her career in public relations, Maureen met Bill O’Reilly, who at the time was hosting the television program A Current Affair. Their professional paths crossed, and the connection between them soon developed into a personal relationship. They married in 1996, and Maureen found herself stepping from a life behind the scenes into the public eye as the wife of a well-known television personality.
The couple had two children together — a daughter, Madeline, and a son, Spencer. While Maureen continued her professional work, she also dedicated herself to raising their children and supporting her husband’s career. Life as part of a high-profile couple meant balancing her own goals with the demands of a public image, but she managed to maintain her own identity and stay grounded despite the attention their family often received.
Who Is Bill O’Reilly?
Bill O’Reilly is an American television host, political commentator, and author who gained national fame as the host of The O’Reilly Factor on Fox News from 1996 to 2017, where his direct and often confrontational style made the show one of the most-watched programs in cable news history. Born on September 10, 1949, in New York City, he began his career as a reporter and anchor for networks like CBS and ABC before moving into syndicated programs such as Inside Edition. While his career brought him significant influence and a large audience, it also faced major controversy when multiple sexual harassment allegations surfaced, leading to his departure from Fox News. Since then, O’Reilly has continued to write best-selling books and produce political commentary through his own media platforms.
Divorce and Custody Battle
After more than a decade of marriage, Maureen and Bill O’Reilly separated in 2010, and their divorce was finalized in 2011. The process was anything but private, as media outlets closely followed the proceedings. Allegations of domestic abuse emerged during the divorce, and in 2015 court transcripts became public in which Maureen accused O’Reilly of physically assaulting her, allegations that he denied. The custody battle over their children was intense and highly publicized, with both parents seeking primary custody.
Ultimately, the court awarded Maureen full residential custody, a decision that reflected its view of what was in the best interest of the children. This period was marked by emotional strain and public scrutiny, but Maureen faced it with dignity, focusing on providing a safe and loving home for her children while moving forward from the challenges of her marriage.
Maureen McPhilmy’s Children
Maureen McPhilmy is the mother of two children from her marriage to former television host Bill O’Reilly — a daughter named Madeline and a son named Spencer. She has always been dedicated to giving them a safe and supportive home, especially after her divorce, when she was granted full residential custody. Maureen keeps their lives private to protect them from public attention, focusing on their well-being and raising them in a stable family environment alongside her husband, Jeffrey Gros,s and his two children from a previous marriage.
New Marriage and Blended Family
Following her divorce, Maureen found love again with Jeffrey Gross, a Nassau County Police detective. Gross, a widower with two teenage children from his previous marriage, shared many of the same values as Maureen, including a strong commitment to family. Their relationship grew into marriage, and together they created a blended household where Maureen’s two children and Jeffrey’s two children were raised in a supportive and loving environment. The family settled in Manhasset, New York, where they built a life centered on stability, privacy, and mutual respect. This new chapter allowed Maureen to focus on her family and career without the intense public attention that had once surrounded her.
Choosing a Private Life
One of the most defining aspects of Maureen’s life after her divorce has been her deliberate choice to live privately. She does not maintain a public presence on social media, rarely attends public events, and avoids interviews. In a world where many people willingly share their personal lives online, Maureen’s decision to keep her private life truly private is significant. She has chosen to direct her time and energy toward her family, her home, and her work rather than toward maintaining a public image. This commitment to privacy has allowed her to heal from past public challenges and create a peaceful, fulfilling life away from the spotlight.
Financial Stability
Maureen’s career in public relations, along with the financial arrangements following her divorce, has provided her with stability and independence. Her estimated net worth is around $4 million, a figure that allows her to maintain a comfortable lifestyle and provide for her family. Unlike many public figures who capitalize on their notoriety, Maureen has not pursued media appearances or business ventures for the sake of visibility. Instead, she has focused on steady, meaningful work and careful financial management, ensuring long-term security for herself and her children.
Public Perception and Legacy
Over time, Maureen McPhilmy’s public image has shifted from being mainly recognized as the former wife of Bill O’Reilly to being respected for her strength, independence, and ability to handle personal challenges with dignity. Many people view her as a private yet determined woman who managed to protect her family and rebuild her life away from the spotlight after a highly publicized divorce and custody battle. Her choice to live quietly, focus on her children, and maintain a successful career in public relations has earned her admiration as someone who values integrity and resilience over fame.
Life Today
Today, Maureen McPhilmy lives in Manhasset, New York, with her husband Jeffrey Gross and their blended family, which includes her two children and his two children from a previous marriage. She continues to work in public relations, using the skills and experience she has built over the years, but she keeps her professional life low-profile and separate from public attention. Maureen focuses on family life, privacy, and creating a stable and happy home, choosing to live away from the media spotlight while enjoying a more peaceful and fulfilling chapter of her life.
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Conclusion
Maureen E. McPhilmy’s story is one of quiet strength, resilience, and the courage to build a life rooted in personal values rather than public opinion. From her modest beginnings in Chittenango to her accomplished career in public relations, through the challenges of a very public divorce and the joys of a blended family, she has shown grace under pressure and determination in the face of adversity. By choosing privacy over publicity and focusing on family, stability, and meaningful work, she has created a life that reflects authenticity and inner peace, proving that true success is measured by how well you stay true to yourself when life tests you most.
FAQs About Maureen McPhilmy
1. Who is Maureen McPhilmy?
Maureen McPhilmy is an American public relations executive who became widely known for her marriage to and divorce from former Fox News host Bill O’Reilly.
2. When was Maureen McPhilmy born?
She was born on May 11, 1966, in Chittenango, New York.
3. What is Maureen McPhilmy’s profession?
She works as a public relations executive, helping clients manage their image and handle communications with the public and media.
4. Who is Maureen McPhilmy married to now?
She is married to Jeffrey Gross, a Nassau County Police detective and widower.
5. How many children does Maureen McPhilmy have?
She has two children, Madeline and Spencer, from her first marriage to Bill O’Reilly.
6. Where does Maureen McPhilmy live now?
She lives in Manhasset, New York, with her husband, Jeffrey Gros,s and their blended family.
7. What is Maureen McPhilmy’s net worth?
Her net worth is estimated at around $4 million, earned from her career in public relations and the financial settlement from her divorce.
