Greg Kelly Bio, Age, Height, Wife, Family, Career, Net Worth, Controversies

Greg Kelly stands as one of conservative media’s most recognizable voices, transitioning from local New York news anchor to national primetime host on Newsmax TV. The son of legendary NYPD Commissioner Raymond Kelly, this former Marine Corps fighter pilot has built a career spanning combat journalism, White House correspondence, and provocative political commentary that continues to generate headlines in 2026.

Quick Facts

Early Life & Education

Gregory Raymond Kelly was born on December 17, 1968, in Garden City, New York, a wealthy suburb on Long Island. He grew up in the shadow of his father’s remarkable law enforcement career—Raymond W. Kelly served as New York City Police Commissioner for a total of 14 years (1993-1994 under Mayor David Dinkins and 2002-2013 under Mayor michael bloomberg), making him the longest-serving commissioner in NYPD history with over 45 years of service.

Kelly attended Garden City High School before enrolling at Fordham University in the Bronx, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in political science. During his college years, he gained early broadcasting experience working at WFUV, Fordham’s public radio station, as an on-air reporter. This foundation would prove invaluable for his future career in journalism.

Military Career (1991–2000)

Before entering media, Kelly pursued a distinguished military career that would shape his worldview and later reporting style. He joined the United States Marine Corps in 1991 and served nine years on active duty as an attack pilot, specializing in flying the AV-8B Harrier jet—a vertical/short takeoff and landing (V/STOL) aircraft known for its complexity and danger.

Military Service Highlights:

• Aircraft: AV-8B Harrier II jump jet
• Carrier Landings: 158 arrested landings on aircraft carriers
• Operations: Flew over Iraq during Operation Southern Watch, enforcing the UN-imposed “No-Fly Zone”
• Rank Achieved: Lieutenant Colonel (in the Marine Corps Reserve)
• Retirement: 2000 from active duty; continues as reservist

Kelly maintains his military connections and often draws upon this experience in his commentary, particularly regarding foreign policy and national security issues. He is a licensed commercial pilot.

Media Career Journey

Early Broadcasting (2000–2002)

Following his military retirement, Kelly launched his journalism career at the local level:

• News Channel 34: Anchor and reporter at the ABC affiliate in Binghamton, New York
• NY1 News: Political reporter covering New York City politics and the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks

His coverage of 9/11 proved formative, establishing his credentials as a serious journalist capable of handling breaking news crises.

Fox News Channel (2002–2008)

Kelly joined Fox News Channel in 2002, quickly rising through the ranks:

• War Correspondent: Embedded with the U.S. Army’s 3rd Infantry Division, 2nd Brigade during the 2003 invasion of Iraq
• Historic Reporting: First television journalist to broadcast live pictures of U.S. forces reaching Saddam Hussein’s presidential palace in Baghdad
• Injury: Sustained minor shrapnel wound to the face from a mortar explosion near his position
• White House Correspondent: Served as Fox News’ White House correspondent from 2005–2007, covering the Bush administration

Good Day New York (2008–2017)

Kelly’s breakthrough into mainstream New York media came when he became co-host of “Good Day New York” on Fox 5 (WNYW) in 2008, alongside Rosanna Scotto. The morning news program became one of the highest-rated local morning shows in the nation’s largest media market.

Timeline at Fox 5:

• 2008–2012: Co-host of “Good Day New York”
• June 2012: Briefly moved to 6 and 10 PM news slots, replaced by Dave Price
• January 2013: Returned to “Good Day New York” after Price’s departure
• September 2017: Left Fox 5, replaced by lori stokes

During his nearly decade-long run, Kelly interviewed numerous political figures, law enforcement officials, and celebrities, establishing himself as a prominent voice in New York media.

Newsmax TV & WABC Radio (2020–Present)

In January 2020, Kelly made the move to Newsmax TV, the conservative cable network that saw explosive growth following the 2020 election. He launched “Greg Kelly Reports” in the primetime 7 PM slot, becoming one of the network’s flagship hosts.

Current Roles:

• “Greg Kelly Reports” (Newsmax TV, 2020–present): Primetime nightly news and opinion show
• “The Greg Kelly Show” (WABC Radio, March 2021–present): Weekday talk radio program from 1–3 PM
• “The Greg Kelly Podcast”: Digital podcast extension of his radio and TV content

Kelly has positioned himself as a staunch defender of law enforcement and conservative values, often echoing themes from his father’s policing philosophy while embracing the populist politics of the Trump era.

Book: “Justice for All”

In 2022, Kelly published his first book, “Justice for All: How the Left Is Wrong About Law Enforcement” (Simon & Schuster/Threshold Editions). The book serves as both a defense of American policing and a critique of progressive criminal justice reform movements.

Book Details:

• Publisher: Threshold Editions (Simon & Schuster)
• Release Date: January 10, 2023
• ISBN: 978-1-6680-0203-2
• Themes: Law enforcement advocacy, criticism of “defund the police” movements, personal stories from his father’s NYPD career

The book received mixed reviews, with conservative outlets praising its “relevant” perspective (Military Press) while critics noted its partisan approach to complex policing issues.

Personal Life

Marriage to Judith Grey

Greg Kelly married Judith Grey, an Australian creative director in advertising, on November 12, 2017. The wedding took place at The University Club in New York City in an intimate ceremony reflecting their shared values.

Family Details:

• Wife: Judith Grey Kelly (Australian, advertising creative director)
• Marriage Date: November 12, 2017
• Children: Two daughters
• Annaliese Kelly: Born February 2020
• Second child: Name and birth date not widely publicized

The couple maintains a relatively private family life despite Kelly’s public persona, though he occasionally references his wife and children on air.

Family Background

As the son of Raymond W. Kelly, Greg grew up in a household defined by public service and law enforcement. His father’s tenure as NYPD Commissioner spanned the 9/11 attacks and their aftermath, giving Greg unique insight into counterterrorism and urban policing.

Raymond Kelly’s Career Highlights:

• Longest-serving NYPD Commissioner (14 years total)
• Oversaw NYPD during 9/11 and subsequent counterterrorism buildup
• Previously served as Commissioner under Mayor Dinkins (1993-1994)
• U.S. Marine Corps veteran (shared military background with son)
• 45+ years of NYPD service

Greg is third-generation Irish-American, with all four great-grandparents born in Ireland (Counties Roscommon, Longford, and Cavan).

Controversies

2012 Rape Investigation

In January 2012, Manhattan District Attorney Cyrus Vance Jr. opened an investigation into allegations that Kelly had raped a woman in her Lower Manhattan office in October 2011. The accuser claimed Kelly made her pregnant, though she later had an abortion.

Investigation Outcome:

• February 7, 2012: District Attorney’s office announced no charges would be filed
• Official Statement: The DA determined that under New York state criminal law, “the incident did not constitute a crime”
• Kelly’s Response: Denied all wrongdoing, cooperated fully with investigation
• Return to Work: Kelly returned to “Good Day New York” in February 2012

The case generated significant media attention given Kelly’s prominence and his father’s position as NYPD Commissioner. To avoid conflict of interest, the investigation was handled directly by the District Attorney’s office rather than NYPD detectives.

2021 Racial Controversy

In June 2021, Kelly generated significant backlash for tweets regarding race and the military:

The Controversy:

• Kelly tweeted (and later deleted): “Military life had its Perks, but it was also a major pain. I will tell you what took ‘the sting out of it’—that when I was flying around the Pacific Ocean off of ships, I knew there was a Secretary of Defense who was white, just like me! Made a big difference with ‘morale’.”

Aftermath:

• Kelly claimed the tweets were sarcastic and meant to indicate his opposition to racism
• Follow-up tweet stated: “Now the TRUTH: being a MARINE had nothing to do with RACE. It didn’t matter. It wasn’t ‘a thing’—the EXPERIENCE brought us together, no matter what we were.”
• Newsmax reportedly investigated the incident
• Vanity Fair and other outlets covered the controversy extensively

2022 Smithsonian Comments

In September 2022, Kelly sparked additional controversy on his Newsmax program when discussing the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture:

Comments:

• Accused the museum of “creating more division”
• Asked: “How much can we learn about Harriet Tubman?”
• Suggested the museum’s approach was excessive

These comments were criticized by media watchdogs and civil rights advocates as dismissive of African American history.

2026 FBI Criticism

As recently as February 2026, Kelly made headlines for criticizing President Trump’s FBI, suggesting it should be renamed the “Federal Bureau of Indolence” due to “inactivity resulting from a dislike of work.” This criticism of a Republican administration’s law enforcement agency demonstrated Kelly’s willingness to critique institutions regardless of political alignment.

Awards & Recognition

While specific journalism awards are not extensively documented in public sources, Kelly’s career includes:

• Military Decorations: Various service medals from Marine Corps career (specific awards not publicly detailed)
• Broadcasting Milestones: First live broadcast from Baghdad presidential palace (2003)
• Media Presence: Consistent primetime hosting presence since 2020

Physical Statistics

Kelly maintains a professional appearance consistent with his military background and news anchor career.

Quotes

“Being a MARINE had nothing to do with RACE. It didn’t matter. It wasn’t ‘a thing’—the EXPERIENCE brought us together, no matter what we were.”

“The FBI. We used to call it the Federal Bureau of Investigation. I think Federal Bureau of Indolence, indolence, is far more appropriate.” (February 2026)

“Justice for All delivers a passionate defense of service, and an impossible to ignore examination of how critical law enforcement is for America’s survival.”

Salary & Net Worth

As of 2026, Greg Kelly’s estimated net worth ranges between $2 million and $5 million, derived from multiple income streams:

Income Sources

1. Newsmax TV Salary: Estimated $500,000–$1 million annually as primetime host
2. WABC Radio: Additional six-figure income from weekday radio program
3. Book Royalties: “Justice for All” (2022) continues to generate sales
4. Speaking Engagements: Corporate and political event appearances
5. Podcast Revenue: Advertising and sponsorship deals

Comparison to Industry Standards

Kelly’s earnings place him in the upper-middle tier of conservative media personalities—below figures like Sean Hannity or tucker carlson but significantly above local news anchors. His dual presence in television and radio provides financial stability and audience reach.

Interesting Facts

1. Carrier Landings: Kelly logged 158 arrested landings on aircraft carriers during his Marine Corps career—a feat requiring exceptional skill and nerve.
2. Father-Son Service: Both Greg and his father Raymond served in the U.S. Marine Corps, creating a multi-generational military tradition.
3. Irish Heritage: All four of Kelly’s great-grandparents immigrated from Ireland, making him third-generation Irish-American.
4. 9/11 Coverage: Kelly covered the September 11 attacks for NY1, giving him early experience with national trauma reporting.
5. Harrier Jet Specialist: The AV-8B Harrier Kelly flew is one of the most difficult aircraft to pilot due to its vertical landing capabilities.
6. Wedding Location: Kelly married Judith Grey at The University Club of New York, an exclusive private club founded in 1865.
7. Commercial Pilot License: In addition to his military qualifications, Kelly holds a commercial pilot’s license.
8. White House Access: As Fox News’ White House correspondent (2005-2007), Kelly covered the Bush administration during the Iraq War’s most intense period.
9. Newsmax Growth: Kelly joined Newsmax in January 2020, just before the network’s viewership exploded during the 2020 election and its aftermath.
10. Radio Expansion: His WABC radio show launched in March 2021, giving him presence on the same station that launched the careers of Rush Limbaugh and Sean Hannity.

Did You Know Already?

• Greg Kelly has been married only once, to Judith Grey in 2017 at age 48—relatively late for a first marriage
• He was investigated but never charged in a 2012 rape allegation that generated tabloid headlines across New York
• Kelly’s father Raymond served as NYPD Commissioner longer than anyone in history—14 years across two non-consecutive terms
• He was the first TV journalist to broadcast live from Saddam Hussein’s presidential palace in 2003
• Kelly took a pay cut to leave Fox 5 for Newsmax in 2020, betting on the smaller network’s growth potential
• His book “Justice for All” was published by Threshold Editions, Simon & Schuster’s conservative imprint
• Kelly maintains his Marine Corps Reserve status as a Lieutenant Colonel despite his full media career

Social Media Links

• Twitter/X: @gregkellyusa
• Instagram: @gregkellyusa
• Facebook: Greg Kelly Official
• Newsmax: Greg Kelly Reports
• WABC Radio: The Greg Kelly Show
• Podcast: The Greg Kelly Show on iHeart

Frequently Asked Questions

How old is Greg Kelly?
Greg Kelly was born on December 17, 1968, making him 57 years 1 month old years old as of 2026.

Who is Greg Kelly’s wife?
Greg Kelly is married to Judith Grey, an Australian creative director in advertising. They wed on November 12, 2017, and have two daughters together.

Who is Greg Kelly’s father?
Greg Kelly’s father is Raymond W. Kelly, the longest-serving Commissioner of the New York City Police Department (14 years total across two terms).

Was Greg Kelly in the military?
Yes, Kelly served nine years as an active duty Marine Corps attack pilot (1991-2000), flying the AV-8B Harrier jet. He retired with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel and continues in the Marine Corps Reserve.

What happened with Greg Kelly’s rape accusation?
In 2012, Kelly was investigated for an alleged rape from October 2011. The Manhattan District Attorney declined to file charges, stating the incident did not constitute a crime under New York law. Kelly denied all allegations and returned to work.

What is Greg Kelly’s show on Newsmax?
“Greg Kelly Reports” airs weeknights at 7 PM ET on Newsmax TV, featuring political commentary, news analysis, and guest interviews from a conservative perspective.

Does Greg Kelly have children?
Yes, Greg and Judith Kelly have two daughters. Their first daughter, Annaliese, was born in February 2020.

What is Greg Kelly’s book about?
“Justice for All: How the Left Is Wrong About Law Enforcement” (2022) defends American policing and critiques progressive criminal justice reform movements, drawing on Kelly’s family background in law enforcement.

Where did Greg Kelly go to college?
Kelly graduated from Fordham University with a Bachelor of Arts in political science. He also worked at the university’s radio station, WFUV, as a student.

Why did Greg Kelly leave Fox 5?
Kelly left “Good Day New York” and Fox 5 in September 2017 after nearly a decade. He joined Newsmax TV in January 2020, seeking a national platform for his conservative commentary.

Conclusion

Greg Kelly’s career trajectory—from Marine Corps fighter pilot to embedded war correspondent to primetime conservative commentator—reflects a life defined by service, ambition, and controversy. As the son of New York’s most famous police commissioner, he has carved his own path in media while maintaining deep connections to law enforcement and military communities.

His 2026 presence across Newsmax TV and WABC Radio ensures his voice remains influential in conservative circles, even as past controversies continue to shadow his reputation. Whether defending police departments, critiquing the FBI, or drawing upon his military experience, Kelly represents a specific strand of conservative media personality: the authoritative male voice validated by service and family legacy.

As media landscapes shift and Newsmax continues competing with Fox News for conservative viewership, Kelly’s established presence and multi-platform approach position him for continued relevance—controversies and all.

Enjoyed this comprehensive Greg Kelly biography? Share this article with friends interested in conservative media, military veterans in journalism, or New York broadcasting history!