In the fast-paced world of cable news, where heated debates and sharp-witted commentary dominate the airwaves, moments of genuine camaraderie and heartfelt surprises are rare gems that capture the public’s imagination. Such was the case when the beloved hosts of Fox News’ The Five orchestrated a clandestine visit to the home of their co-host Greg Gutfeld, joining forces with his wife, Elena Moussa, to plan a surprise birthday celebration that left the sharp-tongued libertarian comedian visibly moved. This behind-the-scenes act of friendship not only showcased the tight-knit bond among the The Five panelists but also offered fans a glimpse into the softer side of a man known for his biting humor and unapologetic takes.
Greg Gutfeld, the irreverent host of Gutfeld! and a cornerstone of The Five, has built a reputation as a provocateur who thrives on pushing boundaries. His quick wit and libertarian-leaning commentary have made him a polarizing yet undeniably influential figure in American media. Off-screen, however, Gutfeld is a private individual who values his personal life, particularly his relationship with Elena, a fashion stylist and former photo editor whom he married in 2004 after a whirlwind romance. The couple, who recently welcomed their first child, a daughter named Mira, in December 2024, have kept much of their personal lives out of the spotlight, making this surprise birthday plot all the more special.
The idea for the surprise began as a lighthearted discussion among the The Five hosts—Dana Perino, Jesse Watters, Jeanine Pirro, and Jessica Tarlov—during a break from their daily roundtable debates. Known for their on-air chemistry, the panelists share a unique dynamic that blends professional respect with playful banter. According to insiders, it was Perino, a longtime friend of Gutfeld’s, who first suggested doing something special for his birthday. Gutfeld, who turned 60 in September 2024, had been juggling his duties on The Five and Gutfeld! while adjusting to fatherhood, and the hosts felt he deserved a moment of celebration that matched his larger-than-life personality.
The plan quickly took shape, with Elena playing a pivotal role as the inside collaborator. Elena, known for her elegance and creative flair, was eager to create a memorable experience for her husband. She coordinated with the hosts to ensure the surprise remained under wraps, no small feat given Gutfeld’s knack for sniffing out stories as a seasoned media figure. The hosts decided to visit the couple’s new $10.5 million SoHo loft in Manhattan, a spacious and modern home purchased in July 2024, which provided the perfect setting for a covert planning session.
On the day of the visit, the hosts arrived under the guise of a casual drop-by, each bringing their own flair to the operation. Perino, ever the organizer, carried a notebook filled with ideas for the party’s theme, suggesting a nod to Gutfeld’s love of comedy and satire. Watters, known for his mischievous streak, proposed incorporating humorous elements, like a mock “roast” of Gutfeld featuring lighthearted jabs at his on-air persona. Pirro, with her bold and festive spirit, advocated for a lively atmosphere with music and decorations, while Tarlov, the group’s resident liberal, pitched inclusive touches to ensure the event reflected Gutfeld’s diverse circle of friends and colleagues. Elena, meanwhile, focused on the logistics, from catering to decor, ensuring the event would be both intimate and extravagant.
The planning session was filled with laughter and brainstorming, as the hosts and Elena huddled around the couple’s sleek kitchen island, sipping coffee and sketching out the details. They settled on a surprise party to be held at a private venue in New York City, with a guest list that included Gutfeld’s Fox News colleagues, close friends, and even a few surprise appearances from his Gutfeld! panelists, like Kat Timpf and Tyrus. The theme would blend Gutfeld’s quirky humor with heartfelt tributes, featuring a custom cake shaped like a microphone—a nod to his late-night show—and a playlist of his favorite rock and punk tunes. Elena suggested adding personal touches, like a photo montage of Gutfeld’s career highlights and family moments, including snapshots of their French bulldog, Gus, who has become a fan favorite on social media.
As the planning unfolded, the hosts took extra precautions to keep Gutfeld in the dark. They communicated via a private group chat, using code names for the event to avoid arousing suspicion. Watters, ever the jokester, dubbed the plan “Operation Gut-Buster,” a name that elicited chuckles from the group. Elena played her part masterfully, casually deflecting Gutfeld’s questions about her recent meetings with his co-hosts. The secrecy paid off, as Gutfeld remained blissfully unaware of the elaborate scheme brewing behind his back.
The night of the surprise party arrived, and the hosts executed their plan with precision. Gutfeld was lured to the venue under the pretense of a low-key dinner with Elena, only to walk into a room filled with cheering friends, colleagues, and a dazzling setup that reflected his personality. The sight of his The Five co-hosts, who had gone to such lengths to honor him, brought a rare moment of vulnerability to the typically stoic Gutfeld. Witnesses described him as visibly emotional, his trademark smirk giving way to a genuine smile as he took in the scene. Elena, standing by his side, beamed with pride, knowing the surprise had hit its mark.
The party itself was a blend of humor and heart, much like Gutfeld himself. Perino kicked off the evening with a toast that highlighted Gutfeld’s impact on The Five, crediting him with bringing levity to their debates. Watters followed with a playful roast, poking fun at Gutfeld’s penchant for controversial one-liners while acknowledging his loyalty as a friend. Pirro led the crowd in a spirited rendition of “Happy Birthday,” and Tarlov presented Gutfeld with a tongue-in-cheek gift—a framed photo of the The Five panel, captioned “The Family That Argues Together, Stays Together.” The photo montage, projected on a screen, drew laughter and applause, with images of Gutfeld’s early days at Fox News juxtaposed with recent photos of him and Mira.
For Gutfeld, the event was more than just a birthday celebration; it was a reminder of the bonds he’s forged over his nearly two-decade career at Fox News. Known for his contrarian streak, Gutfeld has often described himself as an outsider in the media world, a former magazine editor who stumbled into television. Yet, the outpouring of affection from his co-hosts and friends underscored his central role in the The Five family, a show that has topped cable news ratings for years thanks to its unique blend of perspectives.
The surprise also resonated with fans, who caught wind of the event through social media posts and behind-the-scenes snippets shared by the hosts. On platforms like X, viewers praised the The Five crew for their thoughtfulness, with many noting how the gesture humanized Gutfeld, a figure often seen as larger-than-life. The event sparked discussions about the camaraderie behind the scenes of The Five, with fans speculating about the dynamics among the hosts and expressing admiration for Elena’s role in pulling off the surprise.
In the days following the party, Gutfeld returned to The Five with his usual swagger, but those close to him noticed a subtle shift. He spoke more openly about the importance of friendship and family, even weaving anecdotes about the surprise into his Gutfeld! monologues. For a man who thrives on satire, the experience was a rare chance to embrace sincerity, and it left a lasting impression on both him and his audience.
The surprise birthday bash for Greg Gutfeld was more than just a party; it was a testament to the power of connection in an industry often defined by competition. For the hosts of The Five, it was an opportunity to celebrate one of their own, while for Gutfeld, it was a moment of gratitude that cut through the noise of his high-profile career. As fans continue to buzz about this heartwarming story, it’s clear that the bonds forged on The Five extend far beyond the studio, creating memories that resonate long after the cameras stop rolling.
