Greg Gutfeld’s Paternity Leave: Welcoming Baby Mira and What’s Next

For weeks, fans of Fox News’ Gutfeld! and The Five have been puzzled by the absence of their sharp-witted host, Greg Gutfeld. Speculation swirled among viewers, with some even wondering if the 60-year-old had quietly parted ways with Fox News Channel. The mystery was finally put to rest on a recent episode of The Five, where cohost Dana Perino shared the heartwarming news: Greg Gutfeld and his wife, Elena Moussa, have welcomed their first child, a baby girl named Mira. Gutfeld is currently on paternity leave, taking time to bond with his newborn daughter, and viewers can expect him back in the new year.

A Joyful Announcement

The announcement came during a segment on The Five, where Perino, joined by the show’s other panelists, revealed the reason behind Gutfeld’s absence. “America has been wondering where Greg has been,” said Kat Timpf, a regular Gutfeld! panelist who stepped in as guest host for the late-night show. “Well, the mystery’s been solved.” The news was met with enthusiasm from both the panelists and the audience, as they celebrated Gutfeld’s new role as a father.

Later, on Gutfeld!, the show’s signature humorous tone shone through as panelists shared the news and offered playful advice for the first-time dad. Gutfeld himself provided a statement that was quintessential Greg: witty and irreverent. “Mira is healthy with a real set of lungs,” he said. “She has Elena’s beautiful eyes and my rock-hard abs. We have been hard at work teaching her three languages and putting her through a rigorous workout routine.” The tongue-in-cheek remark underscored Gutfeld’s knack for blending humor with heartfelt moments, even as he steps into fatherhood.

Gutfeld also took to Twitter/X to address his fans directly, writing, “See, that’s how you keep a secret. Thanks to all the nice words! See ya in a few!” The post, which quickly garnered thousands of likes and congratulatory messages, clarified that his absence was planned and purposeful. According to The Wall Street Journal reporter Joe Flint, Gutfeld’s “few” refers to weeks, not days, with the host expected to remain on paternity leave until early 2025.

A New Chapter for Gutfeld

At 60, Greg Gutfeld is embracing fatherhood for the first time, a milestone that marks a significant personal chapter for the television personality. Known for his quick wit, libertarian-leaning commentary, and unapologetic humor, Gutfeld has built a loyal following through his work on The Five and Gutfeld!, the latter of which has become a ratings powerhouse in late-night television. His ability to tackle political and cultural topics with a comedic edge has made him a unique figure in the media landscape, but his current focus is far more personal.

Gutfeld and his wife, Elena Moussa, a former Russian model and entrepreneur, have kept their personal lives relatively private, making the announcement of Mira’s birth all the more special. The couple, married since 2004, welcomed their daughter with joy, and Gutfeld’s decision to take extended leave reflects the importance he places on this new role. In an era where public figures often share every detail of their lives, Gutfeld’s ability to keep the pregnancy under wraps until after Mira’s arrival speaks to his preference for discretion in personal matters.

The Fox News Landscape Without Gutfeld

Gutfeld’s absence has been noticeable on both The Five and Gutfeld!, where his distinctive voice and humor are central to the shows’ appeal. The Five, a roundtable-style program featuring a rotating cast of cohosts, has continued with its usual blend of political debate and camaraderie, with guest hosts filling in for Gutfeld. Meanwhile, Gutfeld!, which airs at 10 p.m. ET and competes with traditional late-night shows, has relied on regular panelists like Timpf to maintain its irreverent tone. While the shows have carried on successfully, fans have expressed their eagerness for Gutfeld’s return, with many taking to social media to share their congratulations and well-wishes.

The timing of Gutfeld’s leave comes as Gutfeld! continues to perform strongly in the ratings, often outperforming network late-night staples like The Tonight Show and Jimmy Kimmel Live! in key demographics. The show’s success is a testament to Gutfeld’s ability to connect with viewers who crave an alternative to the more conventional late-night fare. His absence, while temporary, has underscored his importance to Fox News’ lineup and the unique niche he occupies in the industry.

What’s Next for Gutfeld in 2025

As Gutfeld prepares to return to Fox News in the new year, he faces a busy and exciting 2025. In addition to his hosting duties on The Five and Gutfeld!, he has a packed schedule of live tour dates across the United States. The “Gutfeld! Live” tour, which combines stand-up comedy, political commentary, and audience interaction, has become a popular extension of his television persona. With a dozen shows planned, Gutfeld will bring his signature humor to cities nationwide, offering fans a chance to see him in person.

Balancing these professional commitments with fatherhood will undoubtedly be a new challenge for Gutfeld, but his track record suggests he’s up to the task. Over the years, he has juggled multiple roles at Fox News, from cohost to executive producer, while also authoring several books, including bestsellers like The Gutfeld Monologues and The Plus. His ability to manage a demanding career while maintaining his distinctive voice has earned him respect from colleagues and viewers alike.

A Moment of Reflection

Gutfeld’s paternity leave also offers a moment to reflect on the evolving nature of work and family in the public eye. For decades, television hosts were expected to maintain a relentless on-air presence, often at the expense of personal milestones. Gutfeld’s decision to step away for several weeks to focus on his family signals a shift in priorities, one that resonates with many working parents. By choosing to prioritize bonding with his daughter, Gutfeld is setting an example for others in high-profile roles, demonstrating that even the most driven professionals can make space for what matters most.

The outpouring of support from fans and colleagues alike highlights the connection Gutfeld has forged with his audience. His humor, often polarizing, has a way of cutting through the noise, and his authenticity shines through in moments like these. As he navigates the joys and challenges of fatherhood, Gutfeld is likely to bring his trademark wit to the experience, perhaps even incorporating stories of late-night diaper changes or Mira’s “real set of lungs” into his monologues.

Looking Ahead

As 2025 approaches, fans can look forward to Gutfeld’s return to Fox News, where he’ll undoubtedly pick up where he left off, delivering sharp commentary and plenty of laughs. In the meantime, he’s savoring the early days of fatherhood, a role that promises to bring new perspectives to his work and life. For now, the Gutfeld! and The Five audiences will continue to tune in, eagerly awaiting the moment when Greg Gutfeld reclaims his spot behind the desk, ready to tackle the headlines—and maybe share a dad joke or two.

Congratulations to Greg Gutfeld and Elena Moussa on the arrival of baby Mira. Here’s to new beginnings, both at home and on the air.