CELEBRITY
Who Is Maureen McPhilmy? The Untold Story of Bill O’Reilly’s Ex-Wife
Maureen is not a celebrity, not a public figure chasing attention, but rather a woman who found herself in the glare of unwanted spotlight because of who she married—and how she chose to leave. Her life story is one of resilience, quiet dignity, and courage in protecting her family.
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at her journey—from her small-town roots to her high-profile marriage, the painful divorce that followed, and where life has taken her today in 2025.
Quick Facts About Maureen McPhilmy
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Full Name: Maureen Elizabeth McPhilmy
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Date of Birth: May 11, 1966 (59 years old in 2025)
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Birthplace: Chittenango, New York, USA
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Current Residence: Manhasset, New York
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Profession: Public Relations Executive
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Height: 5 ft 9 in (175 cm)
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Weight: ~165 lbs (75 kg)
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Religion: Christian (Roman Catholic background)
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Children: 2 (with Bill O’Reilly)
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Marriages: Bill O’Reilly (1996–2011), Jeffrey Gross (current husband, police detective)
Early Life in Chittenango
Maureen grew up in Chittenango, a quiet village in upstate New York best known as the birthplace of The Wizard of Oz author, L. Frank Baum. Far removed from celebrity culture, her early life was modest and grounded.
Her parents divorced when she was just five years old, an experience that shaped her resilience. Her mother worked as a gardener while her father supported the family through a local market job. These working-class beginnings gave Maureen both independence and strength, qualities that would serve her later in life.
Career Path: From Waitress to PR Professional
Before becoming known in connection with O’Reilly, Maureen carved her own career path. Like many young women, she started with everyday jobs—including work as a waitress.
Eventually, she transitioned into public relations, where she helped manage the reputations of businesses and professionals. PR is all about balancing public perception and private reality—skills that proved invaluable when her own personal life became headline news.
Even though she worked in media-adjacent industries, Maureen herself avoided the spotlight. She valued privacy and professionalism over public attention.
Meeting Bill O’Reilly
In 1992, Maureen met Bill O’Reilly, who was then gaining momentum in television as the host of A Current Affair. Their connection grew out of professional circles, and soon, romance blossomed.
On the surface, they were opposites:
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Bill—loud, opinionated, and used to the camera.
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Maureen—calm, private, and understated.
Yet the contrast worked, at least in the beginning. By November 2, 1996, they were married at St. Brigid’s Parish in Westbury, New York.
For many years, they seemed like a power couple: a famous conservative TV host and his elegant, supportive wife raising a family in luxury. But behind closed doors, challenges mounted.
Family Life and Children
Maureen and Bill had two children together:
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Madeline O’Reilly (born 1998)
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Spencer O’Reilly (born 2003)
Maureen dedicated herself to motherhood, shielding her kids from the media glare as much as possible. Friends described her as a hands-on, caring mother who put family above everything else.
But raising children in a household clouded by tension was far from easy.
The Marriage Unravels
By the late 2000s, cracks in the marriage became visible. In 2010, the couple separated, and by September 2011, their divorce was finalized.
Unfortunately, the divorce was anything but quiet. What followed was a highly publicized custody battle, marked by accusations, counter-accusations, and a flood of media attention.
Abuse Allegations and Custody
One of the most shocking moments came during the custody hearings. Their daughter reportedly told a court-appointed therapist that she had witnessed her father, Bill O’Reilly, dragging Maureen down a staircase by her neck.
O’Reilly denied the claims, calling them “100% false,” but the court took them seriously. After reviewing the case, custody was awarded to Maureen.
It was a painful chapter—but also a turning point where she emerged as the stronger, steadier parent.
Life After Divorce
Rather than dwell in bitterness, Maureen chose healing and moving forward.
Not long after the divorce, she began a relationship with Jeffrey Gross, a Nassau County police detective who had also experienced loss. His first wife, Kathleen McBride, passed away from cancer in 2006, leaving him with two children.
Together, Maureen and Jeffrey created a blended family, offering one another comfort, support, and stability. They eventually married and settled in Manhasset, New York, where they continue to live quietly.
Legal Battles with Bill O’Reilly
Even after divorce, the conflicts weren’t over.
In 2016, O’Reilly filed a $10 million lawsuit against Maureen, claiming she had begun her relationship with Jeffrey before their divorce was finalized and had misused settlement funds.
Adding to the drama, O’Reilly reportedly tried to involve the Catholic Church, arguing that Maureen’s remarriage went against religious doctrine. Reports suggest this even affected her ability to receive Communion.
Despite these challenges, Maureen remained composed. She refrained from public mudslinging, relying instead on legal processes while continuing to prioritize her children’s well-being.
Where Is Maureen McPhilmy in 2025?
Today, in 2025, Maureen lives a low-profile, peaceful life in New York with her husband and their blended family. She avoids interviews, social media, and public attention.
Her focus remains on:
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Her children’s well-being.
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Family life with Jeffrey.
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Maintaining privacy and peace.
After years of turbulence, Maureen has achieved what she always wanted—a normal, quiet life far away from media spectacle.
Why Her Story Still Matters
Maureen McPhilmy’s journey resonates because it’s not about fame or fortune. It’s about:
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Standing up in the face of power and influence.
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Protecting children above all else.
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Choosing peace over revenge or publicity.
Her story is a reminder that strength often looks like grace under fire. She didn’t write a tell-all book, stage TV interviews, or seek fame. Instead, she chose silence, dignity, and resilience.
Final Thoughts
Maureen McPhilmy may be best known as Bill O’Reilly’s ex-wife, but her identity is far bigger than that. She is a mother, a professional, and a woman who survived public turmoil with grace.
FAQs About Maureen McPhilmy
Q1: Who is Maureen McPhilmy?
Maureen McPhilmy is a public relations executive best known as the ex-wife of former Fox News host Bill O’Reilly. She became widely recognized during their high-profile divorce and custody battle but has since chosen to live a private life.
Q2: How old is Maureen McPhilmy?
She was born on May 11, 1966, which makes her 59 years old in 2025.
Q3: Where is Maureen McPhilmy from?
Maureen grew up in Chittenango, New York, a small town in upstate New York. Today, she lives with her husband Jeffrey Gross in Manhasset, New York.
Q4: What does Maureen McPhilmy do for a living?
She works as a public relations executive, helping manage the public image of businesses and professionals.
Q5: Was Maureen McPhilmy married to Bill O’Reilly?
Yes. Maureen married Bill O’Reilly in 1996, and they were together for 15 years before divorcing in 2011.
Q6: Does Maureen McPhilmy have children?
Yes. Maureen and Bill O’Reilly share two children—a daughter named Madeline (born 1998) and a son named Spencer (born 2003). She now raises them in a blended family with her husband, Jeffrey Gross.
Q7: Why did Maureen McPhilmy and Bill O’Reilly divorce?
Their marriage ended in 2011 after years of tension. During the custody battle, Maureen accused Bill of abuse—claims that O’Reilly denied but that played a major role in the court awarding her full custody of their children.
Q8: Who is Maureen McPhilmy’s current husband?
Maureen is married to Jeffrey Gross, a police detective from Nassau County, New York. Jeffrey was previously widowed and has two children from his first marriage, making theirs a blended family.
Q9: Did Bill O’Reilly sue Maureen McPhilmy?
Yes. In 2016, O’Reilly filed a $10 million lawsuit against Maureen, alleging that she misused settlement funds and began her relationship with Jeffrey before the divorce was finalized.
Q10: What is Maureen McPhilmy doing now in 2025?
Today, Maureen lives a quiet, private life with her husband Jeffrey and their children. She avoids public appearances and social media, focusing instead on family and personal peace.