Quick Bio
| Full Name | Maureen Elizabeth McPhilmy |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | May 11, 1966 |
| Age | 58 years old (as of 2024) |
| Birthplace | Chittenango, New York, USA |
| Profession | Public Relations Executive |
| Famous For | Ex-wife of Bill O’Reilly |
| Children | Two (Madeline and Spencer) |
| Current Husband | Jeffrey Gross (Police Detective) |
| Residence | Manhasset, New York, USA |
| Nationality | American |
Early Life and Background
Maureen Elizabeth McPhilmy was born on May 11, 1966, in Chittenango, a small town in New York. She grew up in a regular middle-class family. Her mother worked as a gardener, and her father had a job at a local market. When Maureen was just five years old, her parents separated. This early experience taught her to be strong and independent.
During her childhood, Maureen attended St. Peter’s School. She was a quiet student who focused on her studies. Unlike many people who later become famous, Maureen never wanted public attention. She simply wanted to build a good life for herself through hard work and dedication.
Career in Public Relations
After finishing her education, Maureen started working as a waitress in a local restaurant. However, she had bigger dreams. In 1992, she began her career in public relations. This job involves helping people and companies build a good public image.
As a public relations executive, Maureen’s work included several important tasks. She helped clients communicate clearly with the media. She managed how the public saw different businesses and individuals. She also created plans to solve problems when they appeared.
Maureen was very good at her job. People who worked with her said she was professional, trustworthy, and kind. She knew how to stay calm even in difficult situations. Her career success came from her own talent and hard work, not from being married to a famous person.
Meeting Bill O’Reilly
In 1992, while working in public relations, Maureen met Bill O’Reilly. At that time, Bill was hosting a television show called “A Current Affair.” They worked together, and soon their friendship turned into romance.
After four years of dating, Maureen and Bill got married on November 2, 1996. The wedding took place at St. Brigid Parish in Westbury, New York. More than 100 guests attended the ceremony. For many people, it seemed like a perfect match.
Family Life and Children
Maureen and Bill had two children together. Their daughter Madeline was born in 1998, and their son Spencer was born in 2003. During these years, Maureen focused on being a good mother while also managing her professional life.
Being married to one of America’s most famous television hosts was not easy. Bill O’Reilly worked at Fox News and had a very popular show. This meant that Maureen’s life was sometimes in the public eye, even though she preferred to stay private.
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The Difficult Divorce
After 14 years of marriage, Maureen and Bill separated in April 2010. Their divorce became final in September 2011. However, this was not a simple or quiet separation. The divorce became very public and difficult.
During the court proceedings, serious problems came to light. Maureen accused Bill of physical abuse. According to court documents, she told the judge that Bill once dragged her down the stairs by her neck. Their daughter Madeline witnessed this incident and confirmed her mother’s statement to a court expert.
Bill O’Reilly denied these accusations. He said through his lawyer that all claims against him were “100% false.” However, the court heard all the evidence and made its decision.
The Custody Battle
The fight for custody of their children lasted three years. Both parents wanted to have their children live with them. The court listened to what the children wanted, especially since they were teenagers by then.
In 2015, the court made its final decision. Maureen received full residential custody of both children. This meant that Madeline and Spencer would live with their mother. Bill was given visitation rights, which allowed him to spend time with his children at specific times.
Later, Bill filed a lawsuit against Maureen for $10 million. He claimed that she had lied to him during their divorce agreement. He said she used the divorce money to support a relationship with another man. However, the court dropped this lawsuit because there was not enough evidence to support his claims.
Finding Love Again
During her separation from Bill, Maureen met Jeffrey Gross. Jeffrey works as a detective for the Nassau County Police Department in New York. He is a widower who lost his first wife, Kathleen McBride, to cancer in 2006. Jeffrey has two teenage children from his first marriage.
Maureen and Jeffrey started dating after her separation. When Bill learned about this relationship, he reportedly tried to cause problems. According to news reports, he used his influence to have police investigate Jeffrey at work. Despite these difficulties, Maureen and Jeffrey’s relationship stayed strong.
After the divorce was final, Maureen married Jeffrey Gross. Together, they created a blended family with four children. They now live quietly in Manhasset, New York, focusing on family life and staying away from media attention.
Life Today
Today, Maureen continues to work in public relations, though she keeps her professional life very private. She has chosen to live a quiet life, away from cameras and reporters. Her main focus is on her children and her new family.
Maureen rarely gives interviews or appears in public. She does not use social media to share her life. This choice shows that she values her privacy and wants to protect her family from unwanted attention.
People who know her describe Maureen as a strong and dignified woman. Despite facing many challenges, including a difficult marriage, a public divorce, and constant media attention, she has managed to rebuild her life successfully.
Financial Status
According to various sources, Maureen’s estimated net worth is around $4 million. This money comes from her career in public relations and her divorce settlement. While she is not extremely wealthy, she lives comfortably and can provide well for her family.
Public Image and Legacy
Maureen E. McPhilmy represents strength and resilience. She faced one of the most famous and difficult divorces in recent American media history. Despite this, she protected her children, won custody, and found happiness again.
Many people respect Maureen for how she handled herself during tough times. She never sold her story to magazines or wrote a tell-all book. She never appeared on television to discuss her private life. Instead, she chose dignity and silence.
Her story reminds us that life can be difficult, but it is possible to overcome challenges. She proves that a person can rebuild their life after heartbreak and find peace again.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Who is Maureen E. McPhilmy?
She is an American public relations executive best known as the ex-wife of television host Bill O’Reilly.
2. When was Maureen McPhilmy born?
She was born on May 11, 1966, making her 58 years old as of 2024.
3. What does Maureen do for work?
She works as a public relations executive, helping clients manage their public image and media communications.
4. How many children does Maureen have?
She has two children: a daughter named Madeline (born 1998) and a son named Spencer (born 2003).
5. Who is Maureen married to now?
She is currently married to Jeffrey Gross, a detective with the Nassau County Police Department.
6. When did Maureen divorce Bill O’Reilly?
They separated in April 2010 and finalized their divorce in September 2011 after 14 years of marriage.
7. Did Maureen win custody of her children?
Yes, the court awarded her full residential custody of both children in 2015.
8. Where does Maureen live now?
She lives in Manhasset, New York, with her husband Jeffrey Gross and their blended family.
9. What is Maureen’s net worth?
Her estimated net worth is around $4 million from her career and divorce settlement.
10. Does Maureen use social media?
No, she maintains a very private life and does not have public social media accounts.
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