In the high-stakes world of broadcast journalism, few personalities shine as brightly—or as boldly—as Julie Banderas. Since joining Fox News in 2005, the 51-year-old anchor has become a household name, known for her razor-sharp interviewing skills, commanding on-air presence, and unapologetic candor. From covering major political events to delivering breaking news with unflinching clarity, Banderas has earned her place as one of the network’s most dynamic figures. But behind the polished exterior lies a story of resilience, unexpected twists, and a deep-rooted passion for animal welfare that reveals a side of Julie Banderas few have seen. What drives this powerhouse journalist, and how has her journey shaped her into the advocate and anchor she is today?

Born Julie Bidwell on September 25, 1973, in Hartford, Connecticut, Banderas grew up in a family that valued hard work and ambition. Her father, Howard Dexter Bidwell, was a Navy veteran and civil engineer, while her mother, Fabiola, a Colombian immigrant, instilled a strong sense of cultural pride. Raised in both Connecticut and Palm Beach, Florida, Julie was drawn to storytelling from a young age. At 11, while attending Rosarian Academy, a private all-girls school in Florida, she decided to become a news anchor after a career day sparked her imagination. “I chose architecture because of my dad, modeling because I was a kid, and news anchor because I loved the idea of telling stories,” she told Dana Perino in a 2024 Fox News interview.

That early ambition led her to Emerson College in Boston, where she majored in broadcast journalism. After graduating, Julie cut her teeth in the industry at WHSV-TV in Harrisonburg, Virginia, starting as a morning and noon anchor in 1997. She quickly rose to evening anchor, honing her ability to deliver news with poise under pressure. Stints at stations in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, and Boston followed, each role sharpening her skills and building her reputation as a tenacious reporter. By 2005, when she joined Fox News as a general-assignment reporter, Julie was ready to take on the national stage.

At Fox, Banderas’ career soared. She covered major events, from presidential elections to natural disasters, earning praise for her ability to ask tough questions and hold powerful figures accountable. Her bold style shone through in moments like her 2024 on-air clash with a guest over political talking points, where she fiercely defended her perspective, exclaiming, “Do you know the guy?” about President-elect Donald Trump. Her willingness to speak her mind, even when controversial, has made her a polarizing yet magnetic figure. In 2023, she stirred headlines by defending Trump’s election challenges, arguing that “hatching schemes to stay in office” wasn’t necessarily criminal—a stance that sparked debate but underscored her fearlessness.

Yet, Banderas’ professional triumphs are only part of her story. Behind the scenes, her personal life has been marked by challenges that have tested her resilience. In 2010, she faced profound loss when her father succumbed to Parkinson’s disease, a week before Thanksgiving. “Today would have been his 81st birthday,” she said tearfully on air in 2011, her voice breaking as she honored his memory. She has since shared glimpses of her father on X, including a 2018 Veterans Day post featuring a black-and-white photo of him in his Navy days, captioned, “My dad, Howard Dexter Bidwell.” The loss deepened her appreciation for family, a theme that runs through her life.

Her personal life took another turbulent turn in 2022 when she announced her divorce from Andrew Sansone, a financial advisor she married in 2009. The split, revealed during a Valentine’s Day segment on Gutfeld!, shocked viewers. “F—k Valentine’s Day,” she declared, adding, “I’m getting a divorce.” The announcement followed a contentious period, including a 2022 incident where Banderas accused Sansone of threatening her with a knife over mashed potatoes, though he was later cleared of criminal charges. Despite the public drama, Banderas has focused on co-parenting her three children—Addison, Avery, and Andrew Jr.—and protecting their privacy. “Motherhood changed everything,” she told Perino, emphasizing the grounding force of her kids.

Amid these personal and professional storms, one constant in Banderas’ life has been her passion for animal welfare. A lifelong animal lover, she has used her platform to advocate for rescue animals, often sharing stories of neglected or abused pets on social media. In a 2023 X post, she highlighted a local shelter’s efforts to find homes for abandoned dogs, writing, “These animals deserve love, not cages.” Her commitment stems from personal experience: Banderas has adopted several rescue dogs, including a Labrador mix named Max, whom she credits with bringing joy during tough times. “Max was there when I felt like the world was falling apart,” she said in a 2024 interview on Fox & Friends, her voice softening. “Animals don’t judge—they just love you.”

Her advocacy goes beyond words. Banderas has volunteered with organizations like the ASPCA and local shelters, promoting spaying and neutering to curb pet overpopulation. In 2024, she partnered with a New York rescue group to host a fundraising event, raising thousands for veterinary care for abused animals. “It’s not just about saving one dog—it’s about changing the system,” she said, her journalist’s instinct for impact shining through. Her efforts have inspired fans, with one X user commenting, “Julie’s love for animals shows her heart. She’s the real deal.” This passion also informs her latest creative endeavor, a children’s book titled A Monumental Mistake, released in April 2025. The story, featuring animal characters like Fiona the lioness and Mobi the bear, teaches respect—a value Banderas links to both human and animal relationships. “Respect is at an all-time low,” she told Fox & Friends. “Kids need to learn it early, for people and for animals.”

Banderas’ animal advocacy is deeply personal, rooted in her belief that compassion for animals reflects broader humanity. “If you can’t be kind to a defenseless creature, what does that say about you?” she asked during a 2025 podcast appearance on Fox Across America. Her home is a testament to this ethos, filled with the chaos and joy of her rescue pets and children. “It’s a zoo sometimes,” she laughed, “but I wouldn’t have it any other way.” Her ability to balance this passion with her demanding career showcases her resilience, a trait forged through years of navigating personal and professional challenges.

What sets Banderas apart is her authenticity. Whether sparring with guests on air, sharing her grief over her father, or championing rescue animals, she doesn’t shy away from vulnerability. This was evident in her 2025 appearance on Fox News Saturday Night, where she offered witty commentary on Bill Belichick’s love life but also slipped in a heartfelt mention of her dogs, calling them “the only men I trust right now.” Her humor and candor make her relatable, even as she tackles polarizing topics. In April 2025, her controversial jab at Whoopi Goldberg over a Trump policy drew backlash, but Banderas stood by her words, framing it as a joke while acknowledging their shared view on the high cost of raising children.

As she looks to the future, Banderas remains a force at Fox News, anchoring with the same fire that drew her to journalism at 11. She’s also expanding her advocacy, planning more children’s books and a potential animal welfare campaign with national reach. “I want to leave a legacy that matters,” she said in a 2025 interview. “Not just as an anchor, but as someone who made a difference for those who can’t speak for themselves.” Her journey—marked by loss, triumph, and an unyielding love for animals—reveals a woman who is as compassionate as she is courageous.

For fans and critics alike, Julie Banderas is more than a news anchor. She’s a mother, a survivor, and a fierce advocate whose untold story continues to unfold. As she balances the chaos of live television with the quiet moments of walking her rescue dogs, Banderas embodies a truth she often shares: “Life’s messy, but it’s the mess that makes you who you are.” In her case, it’s made her one of the boldest voices on air—and a champion for the voiceless off it.