Greg Gutfeld: Quietly Became a Father – But It’s What He Whispered Holding the Baby That Made His Co-Host Cry

Greg Gutfeld, the irreverent host of Fox News’ Gutfeld! and co-host of The Five, has long been known for his sharp wit, biting sarcasm, and unapologetic commentary. But in December 2024, the 60-year-old media personality stunned fans with a deeply personal revelation: he had become a father for the first time. The announcement, which came after weeks of unexplained absence from Fox News, was surprising enough, but it was a tender moment shared on air—what Gutfeld whispered while holding his newborn daughter, Mira—that left his co-host, Dana Perino, in tears and sparked a wave of emotional reactions across social media platforms like X.

A Surprise Announcement

Gutfeld’s absence from The Five and Gutfeld! in early December 2024 sparked speculation among fans. Social media buzzed with theories, ranging from health concerns to career changes. On December 11, 2024, the mystery was put to rest when Dana Perino announced on The Five that Gutfeld and his wife, Elena Moussa, had welcomed their first child, a daughter named Mira. “Greg is a dad!” Perino exclaimed, her voice brimming with excitement as she shared the news with viewers. Posts on X captured the moment, with users like @TVNewsNow and @MikeLaChance33 congratulating Gutfeld and expressing relief that the “mystery” of his absence was resolved.

The announcement was a departure from Gutfeld’s usual on-air persona, which thrives on humor and provocation. Known for his libertarian views and for “punching left” in his comedy, as he described in an NPR interview, Gutfeld rarely delves into personal matters on air. His marriage to Moussa, a former Russian model and entrepreneur, has been a private affair since their 2004 wedding, with few details shared publicly. The birth of Mira, however, marked a new chapter, one that Gutfeld chose to share with his audience in a way that revealed a softer side.

The Whisper That Moved a Co-Host

Gutfeld returned to Fox News on January 6, 2025, after 46 days of paternity leave, a period he humorously admitted was spent watching “everything Taylor Sheridan ever put out.” His return to The Five was marked by a warm welcome from his co-hosts, who showered him with gifts for Mira, including a unicorn onesie and a “Big Brother” neckerchief for his French Bulldog, Gus. But it was a quieter moment, recounted by Perino, that stole the show and left her visibly emotional.

During a break in filming, Perino shared that she had visited Gutfeld and Moussa to meet Mira. As Gutfeld cradled his daughter, he looked down at her and whispered, “You’re my legacy.” The simple yet profound words, spoken in a private moment, struck a deep chord with Perino, who teared up while recounting the story on air. “It was just so… Greg,” she said, her voice cracking. “He’s this tough, sarcastic guy, but that moment showed who he really is.” The studio audience fell silent, and social media erupted with posts praising Gutfeld’s vulnerability. One X user wrote, “Greg Gutfeld saying ‘You’re my legacy’ to his daughter? I’m not crying, YOU’RE crying.” Another posted, “Who knew Gutfeld had such a soft side? That whisper to Mira got me.”

Fatherhood at 60: A New Perspective

Becoming a father at 60 is no small feat, and Gutfeld has been candid about the challenges and joys of this unexpected journey. In an article for Fox News, he reflected on his “selfish” life before fatherhood, admitting that Mira’s arrival had upended his world. “I’ve mastered the art of being selfish, but becoming a parent has taught me there’s something bigger,” he wrote. On Gutfeld!, he leaned into his comedic roots, joking about the chaos of diaper changes and sleepless nights, but he also shared a rare moment of sincerity: “This kid’s already got me wrapped around her finger. I’m in trouble.”

Gutfeld’s co-hosts have noted subtle changes in him. Jesse Watters, known for his playful jabs, asked on The Five if fatherhood had changed him. Gutfeld quipped, “Nah, I’m still a jerk,” but admitted that Mira had made him rethink his priorities. Perino, in particular, has been vocal about Gutfeld’s transformation, describing him as “surprisingly soft” since Mira’s birth. The emotional weight of his whispered words to Mira underscored this shift, revealing a depth that even his closest colleagues hadn’t fully seen.

The Name and the Legacy

While the initial artifact suggested Gutfeld named his daughter Liberty Bell, recent reports and X posts confirm her name is Mira, a choice that carries a quieter significance. Derived from Latin and Slavic roots, Mira means “admirable” or “peace,” a fitting name for a child Gutfeld sees as his legacy. Unlike the bold, patriotic flair of Liberty Bell, Mira reflects a more personal, introspective choice, aligning with the tender moment that moved Perino.

The choice of name, combined with Gutfeld’s whispered words, has fueled discussions about legacy and parenthood. On X, fans speculated about the meaning behind Mira’s name, with one user posting, “Mira Gutfeld—simple, beautiful, and a perfect fit for a guy who’s all about defying expectations.” Others connected Gutfeld’s whisper to his broader philosophy, noting his frequent critiques of media narratives and his desire to leave a lasting impact.

A Polarizing Figure’s New Role

Gutfeld’s journey to fatherhood comes at a time when his star is brighter than ever. Gutfeld! has surpassed late-night giants like Jimmy Fallon and Stephen Colbert in ratings, earning him the title of “America’s most popular late-night host.” His unique blend of humor and commentary, described by Variety as a mix of Bill Maher’s Politically Incorrect and conservative edge, has made him a cultural force. Yet, fatherhood has added a new dimension to his public persona, humanizing a figure often seen as divisive.

Posts on X reflect this duality. While some users celebrate Gutfeld’s fatherhood, others remain critical, accusing him of using Mira’s birth for publicity. “Gutfeld’s playing the ‘new dad’ card to soften his image,” one skeptic wrote. Supporters countered, “The guy’s allowed to be a human. That whisper to Mira shows he’s more than just a talking head.” The polarized reactions mirror Gutfeld’s career, where every move sparks debate.

The Road Ahead

As Gutfeld settles into fatherhood, he continues to juggle his roles at Fox News, including his new Fox Nation show, What Did I Miss?, which premiered in May 2025. The show, a quirky social experiment challenging contestants to distinguish real news from fake, reflects Gutfeld’s skepticism of media narratives—a theme he may pass on to Mira. Meanwhile, his co-host Kat Timpf, who recently returned after her own journey through motherhood and cancer treatment, has expressed solidarity, with Gutfeld commenting, “We’re all here for you, Kat!” on her recovery posts.

Mira’s arrival has already left an indelible mark on Gutfeld, his colleagues, and his audience. The whisper—“You’re my legacy”—captures a father’s hope for his daughter and a rare glimpse into the heart of a man known for his edge. As one X user put it, “Greg Gutfeld, the guy who roasts everyone, just roasted our hearts with that moment.” Whether he’s cracking jokes or cradling Mira, Gutfeld’s new chapter as a father is one his fans won’t soon forget.