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Maureen E McPhilmy is an American public relations executive who became known through her marriage to television host Bill O’Reilly. But her story goes far beyond that single chapter. She built her own career, raised two children, and rebuilt her life after a highly publicized divorce.
Today, she lives quietly in New York, focused on family and privacy. Here’s what you need to know about her journey.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Maureen Elizabeth McPhilmy |
| Date of Birth | May 11, 1966 |
| Age | 59 years (as of 2025) |
| Birthplace | Chittenango, New York, USA |
| Profession | Public Relations Executive |
| Known For | Public relations work, former marriage to Bill O’Reilly |
| Current Husband | Jeffrey Gross (Nassau County Detective) |
| Children | Two (Madeline and Spencer) |
| Net Worth | Estimated $1-4 million |
| Residence | Manhasset, New York |
Maureen was born in Chittenango, a small village in upstate New York. Her father worked in a local market while her mother was a gardener. The family was working class, and life was simple.
When Maureen was five years old, her parents divorced. This early experience shaped her understanding of family challenges. Despite the difficulties, she remained focused on her education and future.
She attended St. Peter’s School locally and completed her education there. Her path wasn’t filled with privilege or shortcuts. She learned the value of hard work early on.
After finishing school, Maureen started working as a waitress in a restaurant. This wasn’t her dream job, but it helped her pay bills while she figured out her next steps.
In 1992, she transitioned into public relations work. As a PR executive, she became responsible for managing and maintaining public perception of individuals, companies, products, and services.
The role required excellent communication skills, strategic thinking, and the ability to handle pressure. Maureen proved capable in all these areas. She worked with clients to develop campaigns, manage media relations, and protect reputations.
Her colleagues remember her as professional and committed. She understood how to shape public narratives and handle sensitive situations with care. This expertise would become particularly relevant in her own life later.
Maureen met Bill O’Reilly in 1992 when they both worked on the show ‘A Current Affair’. He was the host. She handled public relations behind the scenes. Their professional connection grew into something personal.
After dating for several years, they married on November 2, 1996. The ceremony took place at St. Brigid Parish in Westbury. More than 100 guests attended, including celebrities and business professionals.
The couple had two children together: daughter Madeline (born in 1998) and son Spencer (born in 2003). For over a decade, they appeared to have a stable family life.
But being married to one of America’s most recognized media figures came with challenges. Maureen valued privacy, yet she was constantly in the public eye. She worked to maintain normalcy for her children while her husband’s career soared at Fox News.
The pressure of living in the spotlight took its toll. What seemed perfect from the outside was far more complicated behind closed doors.
In 2010, Maureen and Bill separated. Their divorce was finalized on September 1, 2011. The split was far from amicable.
A custody battle followed that lasted three years. Both parties made accusations: Bill claimed Maureen was unfaithful, while Maureen stated she experienced physical abuse. She testified that Bill once dragged her down the stairs by her throat, a statement her daughter Madeline corroborated in court.
Eventually, Maureen was awarded sole custody of their children. The legal battles continued even after that. Bill filed a $10 million lawsuit claiming Maureen misused divorce settlement funds, but the court dropped the case due to lack of evidence.
This period tested Maureen’s strength. She protected her children while managing intense media scrutiny. Rather than seek publicity or retaliate publicly, she stayed focused on rebuilding their lives.
Maureen’s net worth is estimated between $1 million and $4 million. The exact figure varies across sources, but she’s financially comfortable.
Her wealth comes primarily from her public relations career and the financial settlement from her divorce. Unlike some who might capitalize on fame, Maureen hasn’t pursued media deals or public speaking.
She manages her finances carefully. Her priority is providing stability for her children and maintaining the private life she values. Her professional skills in PR continue to serve her well, though she keeps her current work low-profile.
After her divorce, Maureen began dating Jeffrey Gross, a detective with the Nassau County Police Department. They later married.
Jeffrey is a widower whose first wife, Kathleen McBride, passed away from cervical cancer in 2006. He has two teenage children from that marriage.
The couple now lives together in Manhasset, New York, with their blended family. Maureen’s two children and Jeffrey’s children all live under one roof.
By all accounts, this chapter of her life is much calmer. She’s deliberately stayed out of the media. There are no social media accounts or public appearances. She focuses on family time, her relationship, and personal peace.
This choice shows what matters most to her. After years in the spotlight, she’s chosen quiet normalcy.
Maureen E McPhilmy’s life shows the importance of resilience. She faced a difficult childhood when her parents divorced. She worked her way up from waiting tables to building a PR career. She endured a public, painful divorce and custody battle.
Through it all, she prioritized her children and her own well-being. She didn’t seek revenge or publicity. She moved forward with dignity.
Her story also reminds us that being connected to someone famous doesn’t define you. Maureen had her own career and identity before, during, and after her marriage. She’s more than just “Bill O’Reilly’s ex-wife.”
Today, she lives on her own terms. That’s perhaps her greatest achievement.
If you’re interested in Maureen E McPhilmy’s story, remember that she’s chosen privacy. While public records exist about her past, respecting her current desire for a quiet life is important. Her journey from public scrutiny to personal peace is complete.
Ready to learn more about public figures who’ve rebuilt their lives? Check out other inspiring biographies and success stories on our site.
