At 60 years old, Greg Gutfeld, the sharp-witted host of Fox News’ late-night show Gutfeld! and co-host of The Five, has built a reputation as a television personality who thrives on humor, controversy, and quick retorts. Known for his irreverent take on politics and culture, Gutfeld has long been a polarizing figure, loved by fans for his biting sarcasm and criticized by detractors for his provocative commentary. But in December 2024, Gutfeld stepped away from the spotlight, leaving viewers speculating about his absence. The reason? A life-altering event that reshaped his world: the birth of his first child, a daughter named Mira, with his wife, Elena Moussa. Becoming a father at 60 was a joyous milestone, but as Gutfeld recently revealed, returning to the high-pressure world of Fox News was far from easy. His journey—marked by sleepless nights, emotional highs, and the challenge of balancing fatherhood with fame—offers a rare glimpse into the softer, more vulnerable side of a man known for his tough exterior.
A New Chapter at 60: Welcoming Mira
Gutfeld’s path to fatherhood was unconventional, to say the least. At an age when many are settling into retirement or doting on grandchildren, Gutfeld and his wife, Elena Moussa, a 43-year-old stylist and former model, welcomed their daughter Mira into the world. The couple, married since 2004 after a whirlwind romance that began in Portugal, had kept the pregnancy under wraps, surprising fans when the news broke during a live broadcast of The Five. Gutfeld’s co-host Dana Perino shared a statement from him, revealing that Mira was born healthy, with “a real set of lungs” and her mother’s “beautiful eyes.” The announcement was classic Gutfeld, laced with humor about teaching his newborn three languages and putting her through a “rigorous workout routine.” But behind the jokes lay a profound shift in Gutfeld’s life—one that would test his resilience in ways he hadn’t anticipated.
Fatherhood at 60 is rare, and for Gutfeld, it came with unique challenges. The physical demands of caring for a newborn are taxing at any age, but for a man in his sixth decade, they were especially daunting. Sleepless nights, diaper changes, and the constant vigilance required of new parents took a toll. Gutfeld, who has always projected an image of unflappable confidence, admitted that the transition wasn’t seamless. “It’s not easy,” he said, reflecting on the early days of parenthood. The exhaustion was compounded by the emotional weight of becoming a father later in life, a time when many grapple with their legacy and mortality. For Gutfeld, Mira’s arrival was a chance to rewrite his story, erasing what he once described as “60 years of regret” for past mistakes and reckless behavior.
The Pull of Fox News and a Reluctant Return
While Gutfeld embraced his new role as a father, his professional life loomed large. As the host of Gutfeld!, a late-night show that has outperformed traditional giants like The Tonight Show and The Late Show, Gutfeld has carved out a unique niche in the competitive world of television. The show’s blend of conservative commentary, comedy, and panel discussions has made it a ratings powerhouse, and Gutfeld’s multi-year contract with Fox News, signed in January 2025, underscores his value to the network. His absence from Gutfeld! and The Five during his paternity leave sparked curiosity among viewers, with some speculating about his health or career plans. When he returned to the airwaves on February 11, 2025, after a six-week hiatus, the warm welcome from his co-stars and audience was palpable, but Gutfeld’s candid remarks about his struggle to return revealed a deeper story.
The decision to step back into the studio wasn’t straightforward. Gutfeld’s life had changed dramatically in those few weeks. His home, once a quiet sanctuary shared with Elena and their French bulldog, Gus, was now filled with the chaos and joy of a newborn. The late-night schedule of Gutfeld!, which airs at 10 p.m., clashed with the unpredictable rhythms of parenthood. Long hours in the studio, preparation for segments, and the mental energy required to deliver sharp commentary felt overwhelming when juxtaposed with his desire to be present for Mira. Gutfeld spoke openly about the tug-of-war between his career and family, a sentiment that resonates with many working parents, regardless of age. “You want to be there for every moment, but the job doesn’t stop,” he shared, highlighting the universal challenge of balancing ambition with personal life.
A Transformational Experience
Gutfeld’s return to Fox News wasn’t just a physical reentry into the studio; it was a psychological and emotional journey. Fatherhood had softened the edges of a man known for his combative on-screen persona. Colleagues noticed a change in him—a warmth that hadn’t always been evident. During a segment on Gutfeld!, co-host Kat Timpf, who had recently returned from her own maternity leave after battling breast cancer, remarked on the “transformational experience” of parenthood, a sentiment Gutfeld echoed. “You can’t explain it to your old self,” he said, reflecting on how Mira’s arrival had reframed his priorities. The man who once thrived on stirring the pot now found himself cherishing quiet moments with his daughter, even as he navigated the demands of a high-profile career.
The public got a glimpse of this softer side during Gutfeld’s vacation in June 2025, when he and Elena shared rare photos of Mira on social media. Snaps of the family on a tropical beach, with Mira dressed in a strawberry-adorned onesie or strapped to Elena’s chest in a makeshift carrier, captivated fans. Gutfeld’s playful captions, like joking about Elena’s “baby weight,” showed his signature humor, but the images revealed a man reveling in fatherhood. These moments contrasted sharply with his on-air persona, offering fans a window into the personal growth he was experiencing. Mira’s infectious smile even sparked a viral moment during a Gutfeld! episode, when a brief mention of her stole the show, proving that even in the fast-paced world of news, a baby’s charm can dominate the headlines.
The Broader Context: Fatherhood Later in Life
Gutfeld’s story is part of a broader trend of men embracing fatherhood later in life. Advances in healthcare, changing social norms, and the increasing prevalence of age-gap relationships have made it more common for men in their 60s to start families. Celebrities like Al Pacino, Robert De Niro, and Mick Jagger have made headlines for welcoming children in their later years, but the reality is less glamorous than the tabloids suggest. Older fathers often face societal skepticism, health concerns, and the daunting prospect of raising a child well into their retirement years. Gutfeld, however, has approached these challenges with his characteristic optimism, joking that babies “practically take care of themselves” while acknowledging the profound responsibility he’s taken on.
For Gutfeld, fatherhood has also been a way to honor his late mother, Jackie, who passed away in 2014. In a heartfelt essay, he wrote about the bittersweet timing of Mira’s birth, noting that his mother would have adored her granddaughter. This loss added an emotional layer to his journey, making his return to Fox News not just a professional obligation but a way to carry forward his family’s legacy. By sharing these reflections, Gutfeld has connected with viewers on a deeper level, showing that even public figures grapple with grief, joy, and the search for meaning.
Looking Ahead: A New Normal
As Gutfeld settles back into his role at Fox News, he’s navigating a new normal—one that balances late-night tapings with lullabies and diaper runs. His colleagues, including Dana Perino, who filled in during his absence, and Tyrus, who welcomed him back with a mix of humor and camaraderie, have rallied around him, creating a supportive environment. The network has also embraced Gutfeld’s evolving narrative, with Gutfeld! continuing to draw strong ratings and his new Fox Nation game show, What Did I Miss?, showcasing his versatility as a host.
For fans, Gutfeld’s story is a reminder that life’s biggest changes often come when least expected. At 60, he’s not slowing down but rather redefining what it means to live fully—on air and at home. His struggle to return to Fox News after welcoming Mira wasn’t just about logistics; it was about rediscovering himself in the glow of his daughter’s smile. As he continues to entertain millions, Gutfeld’s journey as a father proves that even the toughest critics can be softened by love, making his story one that resonates far beyond the studio lights.
