In the world of late-night television and sharp-witted political commentary, Greg Gutfeld stands out as a force of unfiltered humor and unapologetic candor. As the host of Fox News’ Gutfeld! and a co-host on The Five, Gutfeld has built a career on turning the absurdities of life into comedic gold. But even for a man who thrives on satire and sarcasm, some stories from his personal life outshine the scripts he delivers on air. One such tale is the story of how he proposed to his wife, Elena Moussa—a narrative that begins with classic romance and spirals into a sidesplitting fiasco that still brings tears of laughter to their eyes nearly two decades later.

In an exclusive interview with this publication, Gutfeld opened up about the proposal, sharing details that reveal a softer, more vulnerable side to the man known for his biting monologues. “Look, I’m not one for mushy stuff on TV,” Gutfeld admitted with his trademark grin. “But when it comes to Elena, everything changes. That proposal night? It was supposed to be perfect, like something out of a rom-com. Instead, it turned into a comedy of errors that we still laugh about today. It’s one of those memories that reminds you life isn’t scripted—and thank God for that.”

To understand the full hilarity of the moment, we must first rewind to how Greg and Elena’s love story began. It’s a tale that could itself be fodder for a Hollywood script: a chance encounter in the high-stakes world of international publishing. Back in 2004, Gutfeld was the editor-in-chief of Maxim UK’s edition, a role that took him across the pond from his American roots. At a Maxim editors’ conference in Portugal, fate intervened. Elena, then a 21-year-old photo editor for Maxim Russia, was attending the same event. Gutfeld, who was 39 at the time, recalls the instant spark.

“I walked into that conference room, and there she was,” Gutfeld recounted. “Beautiful, poised, with this effortless style that made everyone else look like they were trying too hard. I turned to the editor of Maxim Russia and said, ‘Who is that woman?’ I spent the next three days hitting on her relentlessly. She was cold at first—probably thought I was just another loud American. But persistence paid off. I asked her out, and the rest is history.”

Their whirlwind romance unfolded quickly. After five months of dating, which included Elena moving to London to be with him, the couple tied the knot in a simple civil ceremony in New York City. But before the vows came the proposal—a moment Gutfeld planned meticulously, drawing on his creative flair to craft what he hoped would be an unforgettable evening of romance.

It was a crisp autumn evening in 2004, shortly after they had relocated to New York. Gutfeld, ever the planner when it came to matters of the heart, decided to propose at a secluded spot in Central Park, a place that symbolized the blend of urban energy and natural serenity that mirrored their relationship. “I wanted it to be classic,” he explained. “Candles, flowers, the works. I’d arranged for a private picnic under the stars, with her favorite Russian delicacies—blini, caviar, and a bottle of vintage champagne. I even hired a violinist to play softly in the background, something soft and romantic like Tchaikovsky to honor her heritage.”

Elena, unaware of the impending question, dressed elegantly for what she thought was just a special date night. “She looked stunning,” Gutfeld said, his voice softening. “A simple black dress that hugged her figure, her hair cascading in waves. We walked hand-in-hand through the park, the leaves crunching under our feet. The air was cool, but there was this warmth between us. I remember thinking, ‘This is it. This is the woman I want to spend my life with.'”

As they arrived at the setup—a blanket spread out near the Bethesda Terrace, overlooking the fountain—the scene was straight out of a fairy tale. The violinist began playing, the candles flickered gently in the breeze, and Gutfeld led Elena to sit down. He poured the champagne, clinked glasses, and began his heartfelt speech. “I started with how she changed my life,” he recalled. “How meeting her in Portugal felt like destiny. I told her she was the smartest, most beautiful woman I’d ever known, and that I couldn’t imagine a future without her. Then, I got down on one knee, pulled out the ring—a diamond solitaire I’d chosen because it reminded me of her sparkle—and said, ‘Elena, will you marry me?'”

The moment hung in the air, charged with emotion. Elena’s eyes welled up, her hand covering her mouth in surprise. But just as she was about to respond, disaster struck—or rather, waddled in. From the shadows emerged a family of ducks, drawn perhaps by the scent of the food or the flickering lights. Central Park is famous for its wildlife, but on this night, one particularly bold duck decided the picnic was an open invitation.

“This duck comes charging in like it’s auditioning for a role in my show,” Gutfeld laughed, slapping his knee at the memory. “It quacks loudly, flaps its wings, and dives straight for the blini. Elena screams in surprise, I jump up to shoo it away, but then the whole flock joins in. Feathers everywhere, quacking chaos. The violinist stops playing and starts laughing hysterically. I’m on my feet, waving my arms like a madman, yelling, ‘Get out of here, you feathered thieves!’ Meanwhile, the wind picks up, knocks over a candle, and sets the edge of the blanket on fire. Elena’s grabbing a bottle of water to douse it, and I’m stomping out the flames while ducks are pecking at my shoes.”

The romantic ambiance shattered in an instant. What was meant to be a tender proposal devolved into a slapstick comedy routine. Elena, initially startled, burst into uncontrollable laughter. “She was doubled over, tears streaming down her face—not from emotion, but from laughing so hard,” Gutfeld said. “I finally got the ducks to scatter, put out the fire, and sat back down, ring still in hand. I looked at her and said, ‘Well, that didn’t go as planned. But hey, life with me won’t be boring. So, what do you say?'”

Through her giggles, Elena managed a resounding “Yes.” The couple embraced amid the remnants of their disrupted picnic, the violinist resuming his tune with a chuckle. “It was perfect in its imperfection,” Elena shared in a rare comment during our interview. “Greg’s proposals are like his jokes—unexpected and full of surprises. That night showed me his true self: someone who can turn any mishap into a memory.”

The interruption, while comical, added a layer of depth to the moment. For Gutfeld, known for his quick wit on television, the duck debacle became a metaphor for their relationship. “Life throws curveballs—or in this case, ducks—at you,” he reflected. “But if you can laugh through it together, you’re golden. Elena and I have always had that chemistry. She’s the straight woman to my comedic antics, grounding me when things get crazy.”

This story isn’t just a funny anecdote; it’s a cornerstone of their enduring marriage. Over the years, Gutfeld and Elena have navigated the challenges of public life with the same humor and resilience. Gutfeld’s career took off after their wedding, from hosting Red Eye on Fox News to becoming a staple on The Five and launching his eponymous late-night show. Elena, meanwhile, pursued her passion in fashion, graduating from Parsons School of Design in 2015 and working as a stylist for magazines like Venice, Design Scene, and L’Officiel. Her keen eye for style has even earned her spots on best-dressed lists at New York Fashion Week.

Despite their busy schedules, the couple has kept their bond strong. They share a French Bulldog named Gus, adopted in 2022, who often makes cameo appearances on Gutfeld’s shows. “Gus is like our practice kid,” Gutfeld joked. “Stubborn, cute, and always stealing the spotlight—just like me.”

In late 2024, their family expanded with the arrival of their daughter, Mira. Gutfeld, at 60, embraced fatherhood with his characteristic blend of sarcasm and sincerity. “When Elena told me she was pregnant, mine was the first diaper she had to change,” he quipped on air upon his return from paternity leave. But privately, he admits it’s transformed him. “Mira has Elena’s eyes and my… well, let’s say my energy. Teaching her three languages and workout routines? That’s just the start. But seriously, it’s the best thing that’s ever happened to us.”

The proposal story has become family lore, retold at gatherings and even referenced in Gutfeld’s monologues. “Every anniversary, we joke about it,” he said. “We’ll go to Central Park, feed the ducks, and remember that night. It’s a reminder that the best moments aren’t the polished ones—they’re the ones where life interrupts and you roll with it.”

Experts in relationship psychology often point to shared laughter as a key to long-term success. Dr. Sarah Thompson, a marriage counselor based in New York, notes, “Couples who can find humor in adversity build stronger resilience. Greg and Elena’s story exemplifies that. The interruption didn’t derail the proposal; it enhanced it, creating a unique bond.”

For fans of Gutfeld, this peek behind the curtain humanizes the man behind the microphone. He’s not just the guy skewering politicians; he’s a devoted husband who once battled a flock of ducks for his future wife’s hand. “If I could go back, I wouldn’t change a thing,” Gutfeld concluded. “That night was romantic, chaotic, and hilarious—just like our life together. And Elena? She’s still the best decision I ever made.”

As Gutfeld continues to dominate late-night TV, with Gutfeld! outperforming rivals like The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, his personal life remains a source of grounded joy. The proposal may have been interrupted, but their love story marches on, quack-free and full of laughter.

In a world where celebrity marriages often crumble under scrutiny, Greg and Elena’s enduring partnership stands as a testament to authenticity. From Portugal to parenthood, theirs is a journey marked by unexpected twists, unwavering support, and yes, a healthy dose of hilarity. As Gutfeld himself might say, “Who needs a perfect proposal when you’ve got ducks and true love?”