Laura Ingraham has established herself as one of America's most prominent conservative voices, building an impressive media career that spans decades. The Fox News Channel host of The Ingraham Angle has become a household name in political commentary, with a personal story that includes overcoming breast cancer and raising three children as a single parent.
From Humble Beginnings to Media Stardom
Born on June 19, 1963, in Glastonbury, Connecticut, Laura Anne Ingraham came from modest beginnings. Her mother worked as a waitress while her father owned a car wash. Standing at an impressive 6 feet 3 inches tall, Ingraham attended Glastonbury High School before pursuing higher education at Dartmouth College, where she graduated in 1985.
During her college years, she served as editor-in-chief of The Dartmouth Review, showcasing early leadership in media. She continued her education at the University of Virginia School of Law, earning her Juris Doctor in 1991.
Building a Media Empire
Ingraham's professional journey began in the late 1980s when she worked as a speechwriter for the Reagan administration. After law school, she clerked for federal judge Ralph Winter and later for US Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas. She practiced law at the prestigious Wall Street firm Skadden Arps from 1993 to 1996 before fully transitioning to media.
Her broadcasting career took off in 1996 when she began hosting for MSNBC, eventually launching her own program Watch It. In 2001, she started her nationally syndicated radio show The Laura Ingraham Show, which remained on air until 2018.
Her major breakthrough came when she joined Fox News Channel as a contributor in 2007. She briefly hosted Just In with Laura Ingraham in 2008 before launching The Ingraham Angle in 2017, which became her signature program.
Personal Life and Family
Despite her public profile, Ingraham has maintained a private personal life. The 62-year-old media personality has never married but has been romantically linked to several high-profile figures including Dinesh D'Souza, George Conway, and Keith Olbermann.
She experienced two engagements that didn't lead to marriage, including one with Chicago real estate tycoon James V. Reyes. Their relationship ended around the time she was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2005, which she successfully overcame through treatment.
Ingraham is a devoted mother to three adopted children. She adopted her daughter Maria Caroline from Guatemala in 2008, followed by son Michael Dmitri from Russia in 2009, and another son, Nikolai Peter, also from Russia in 2011. Her daughter Maria is now 20 years old and attending Texas A&M University.
Professional Achievements and Net Worth
Beyond television, Ingraham has authored several books including The Hillary Trap, Power to the People, and The Obama Diaries. She also co-founded the LifeZette website in 2015 and currently hosts a podcast version of her show.
Her successful career has translated into significant financial success. According to financial reports, Ingraham has accumulated a net worth of approximately $40 million, with an annual salary at Fox News estimated at $15 million.
Throughout her career, Ingraham has interviewed numerous prominent political figures, including former presidents, and has become known for her conservative commentary and support for Donald Trump. Her journey from speechwriter to one of America's most recognizable media personalities demonstrates her enduring influence in conservative politics and media.