
Bill Hemmer Biography: Fox News Anchor, Career, & Early Life
William “Bill” G. Hemmer is an American journalist who currently serves as the co-anchor of “America’s Newsroom” on the Fox News Channel, based in New York City.
Early Life and Education:
Born in Cincinnati, Ohio, Bill Hemmer is one of five children.
His father, William Ronald Hemmer, was a retired mattress manufacturing-company executive, and his mother, Georganne Mary Hemmer, was a homemaker and retired teacher.
He attended Our Lady of Victory Catholic parochial school and graduated from Elder High School in Cincinnati in 1983.
During his senior year, he co-founded a radio program, sparking his interest in broadcasting.
Hemmer went on to earn a Bachelor of Arts degree in broadcast journalism from Miami University in Oxford, Ohio.
There, he was also a member of the Delta Tau Delta fraternity and studied in Luxembourg at the Miami University Dolibois European Center.
Career:
Hemmer’s career began in the mid-1980s at WLWT-TV in Cincinnati, where he worked in sports production and later as a sports producer during his senior year at Miami University.
He then moved to WCPO-TV, a CBS affiliate, as a sports reporter and anchor.
At age 26, Hemmer took a year-long hiatus to backpack around the world, visiting countries such as New Zealand, Hong Kong, China, Vietnam, Nepal, India, Egypt, Israel, and Russia.
He documented his travels through dispatches, tapes, and photos for The Cincinnati Post and CBS’s local affiliate, which were compiled into a series called “Bill’s Excellent Adventure,” earning him two regional Emmys.
He joined CNN in 1995 and remained there until 2005, where he hosted various programs including “American Morning,” “CNN Tonight,” “CNN Early Edition,” “CNN Morning News,” and “CNN Live Today.”
During his time at CNN, he covered significant events such as the 2000 election recount in Florida, the Timothy McVeigh execution, the aftermath of the September 11th attacks, the Iraq War, and the Kosovo crisis.
Fox News Channel
In 2005, Hemmer moved to Fox News Channel. He has been a prominent figure in their coverage of major news stories and election cycles.
Bill Hemmer served as anchor of “Bill Hemmer Reports” and was previously co-anchor of “America’s Newsroom” from 2007 until 2019, returning to the co-anchor role in his current position.
He is known for analyzing election results on his electronic “Bill-board.” His notable coverage at FNC includes the Russia-Ukraine invasion, the January 6th Capitol events, and various presidential elections.
He has also conducted interviews with notable figures like Condoleezza Rice and moderated town halls.
Personal Information:
- Full Name: William G. Hemmer
- Date of Birth: November 14, 1964
- Age: Bill Hemmer was born on November 14, 1964. As of 2025, he is 60 years old.
- Birthplace: Cincinnati, Ohio, U.S.
- Parents: William Ronald Hemmer (retired mattress manufacturing-company executive) and Georganne Mary (née Knittle) Hemmer (homemaker and retired teacher).
- Siblings: He is the middle child and second son of five children.
- Height: Bill Hemmer is 5 ft 9 in tall.
- Religion: He is Roman Catholic.
Relationships:
- Marital Status: The provided information indicates he does not have a wife.
- Past Relationships: He started dating model Dara Tomanovich in 2005, and they separated in 2013.
Bill Hemmer Age
Bill Hemmer is 60 years old, having been born on November 14, 1964. His zodiac sign is Scorpio, which often represents determination and intensity.
He is of White/Caucasian ethnicity and holds American nationality.
Bill Hemmer Young, Parents, and Siblings
Bill Hemmer comes from a close-knit Catholic family in Cincinnati, Ohio.
He is the middle child and second son of five children born to William Ronald Hemmer and Georganne Mary (née Knittle) Hemmer.
Here’s a breakdown of what’s publicly known about his family:
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Parents:
- His father was William Ronald Hemmer, a retired mattress manufacturing-company executive. Sadly, his father passed away on February 1, 2025, at the age of 85. Fox News’ “America’s Newsroom” paid tribute to him. He was described as a “loving, humble, giving and compassionate” man.
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- His mother is Georganne Mary (née Knittle) Hemmer, a homemaker and retired teacher. She is still alive, and Bill often mentions his close relationship with her.
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Siblings:
- Bill Hemmer is one of five children, the middle child and second son. While the names of all his siblings aren’t consistently detailed in public sources, it’s known he has a large family. He has mentioned having an “entire litter of nieces and nephews — eleven of them now — and today they are having kids, which makes me a great uncle. Twice now.” This indicates a growing extended family.
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Upbringing:
- He had a strong Catholic upbringing, attending Our Lady of Victory Catholic parochial school and Elder High School in Cincinnati. He recalls “all seven Hemmers” being in the pew at Sunday mass, emphasizing the importance of faith in their home.
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- His family instilled in him values of giving and service, which he continues to uphold through his philanthropic efforts, like hosting the George Knittle Memorial Bayley Place Golf Classic, named after his maternal grandfather, to benefit a senior living facility.
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Family Life:
- Bill Hemmer maintains close ties to his family and hometown, frequently returning to Cincinnati for Christmas to be with his parents and five siblings.
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- He has an “entire litter of nieces and nephews — eleven of them now — and today they are having kids, which makes me a great uncle. Twice now.”
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- He also hosts the George Knittle Memorial Bayley Place Golf Classic, named in honor of his maternal grandfather, George F. Knittle, to benefit Bayley Senior Living, a senior center that cared for his grandparents.
Bill Hemmer Father
Bill Hemmer’s father was named William Ronald Hemmer. He was a retired mattress manufacturing-company executive.
While specific details about his father’s life beyond his profession are not widely publicized, it’s clear that he, along with Bill’s mother, instilled a strong sense of family and community in their children.
Bill Hemmer has mentioned his family’s regular attendance at Sunday mass, indicating a Catholic upbringing that emphasized values of giving and service.
Bill Hemmer maintains a strong connection to his family, including his parents, and frequently returns to his hometown of Cincinnati to spend time with them and his siblings.
The passing of William R. Hemmer, Sr., was noted by Fox News, with “America’s Newsroom” paying tribute to him. This suggests he was a significant figure in Bill’s life and that his legacy is remembered.
William R. Hemmer — Background & Career
- Profession: He was a retired sales executive in the mattress manufacturing industry.
- Reputation: Known for his quiet strength and dedication to family, William was respected both professionally and personally.
- Marriage: He was married to Georganne M. Knittle Hemmer for 63 years — a homemaker and former teacher.
Family & Influence
- Children: Father to five children, with Bill Hemmer being the middle child and second son.
- Parenting Style: Bill once shared that his parents allowed their children to “step on their own pile” — meaning they encouraged independence and personal growth through experience.
- Legacy: William’s values of discipline, humility, and perseverance were deeply instilled in Bill, shaping his approach to journalism and life.
Passing & Tribute
- Date of Death: William R. Hemmer passed away in 2025 at the age of 85, in Cincinnati.
- Tribute: Bill honored his father with a heartfelt message: “I loved this man and every single moment I had with him.”
Bill Hemmer Relationships
- Current Status: Bill Hemmer is currently single and has never been married.
- Privacy Preference: He’s known for keeping his personal life extremely private, rarely sharing details publicly or on social media.
Bill Hemmer Dating
Partner | Details |
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Dara Tomanovich | Canadian model and actress. The two dated from 2005 to 2013. |
- Dara was once the face of Chanel, mentored by Karl Lagerfeld, and later became CEO of Innovative-Projects in NYC.
- Their relationship lasted nearly a decade, but they parted ways quietly. Dara was later seen with Prince Andrew at Royal Ascot in 2018.
Public Speculation
- Despite being linked to other media personalities like Sandra Smith, Megyn Kelly, and Dana Perino, there’s no confirmed romantic involvement with any of them.
- Hemmer’s low-profile dating life has sparked curiosity, but he’s consistently chosen to focus on his career and maintain discretion.
Bill Hemmer Wife
Bill Hemmer is a relatively private individual when it comes to his personal life, especially concerning relationships.
Based on available information, Bill Hemmer is not currently married.
He was in a long-term relationship with model Dara Tomanovich, which began in 2005.
However, they reportedly separated in 2013. Since then, there have been no public reports or confirmations of him being married or in another long-term relationship.
While he is a public figure due to his career in journalism, he has largely kept his romantic life out of the spotlight.
Bill Hemmer Height
Fox News with Bill Hemmer
Career and Background
Early Career Foundations
Year | Station | Role | Notes |
---|---|---|---|
Mid-1980s | WLWT-TV (Cincinnati) | Sports Producer | First media job; discovered passion for live television |
Late 1980s | WCPO-TV (Cincinnati) | Sports Reporter & Anchor | CBS affiliate; covered local sports and earned early recognition |
“Bill’s Excellent Adventure”
- In his mid-20s, Hemmer took a nearly year-long backpacking trip across the globe.
- He documented his travels for The Cincinnati Post and WCPO-TV, earning two regional Emmy Awards for Best Entertainment Program and Best Host.
CNN Era (1995–2005)
Program | Role |
---|---|
American Morning | Co-anchor (with Paula Zahn, later Soledad O’Brien) |
CNN Tonight | Anchor |
CNN Early Edition | Anchor |
CNN Morning News | Anchor |
CNN Live Today | Co-anchor (with Daryn Kagan) |
- Covered major events including the 2000 presidential election recount in Florida, staying on the ground for 37 days.
FOX News Channel (2005–Present)
Program | Role | Highlights |
---|---|---|
America’s Newsroom | Co-anchor | Longest-running role; covers breaking news and live events |
Bill Hemmer Reports | Anchor (2020) | Solo newscast launched after Shepard Smith’s departure |
Chief Anchor | Breaking News Coverage | Leads coverage of major national and international stories |
Career Highlights
- Interviewed high-profile figures including President Donald Trump and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell.
- Known for calm, authoritative presence during live breaking news and election coverage.
- Has become one of Fox News’s most recognizable and trusted anchors.
Bill Hemmer Reports
“Bill Hemmer Reports” was a television news program on the Fox News Channel that aired weekdays at 3 p.m. ET. It was hosted by Bill Hemmer.
History and Focus:
- The show launched on January 20, 2020, and replaced the program previously known as “Shepard Smith Reporting” (which had been temporarily rebranded as “Fox News Reporting” after Shepard Smith’s departure).
- “Bill Hemmer Reports” focused on taking an in-depth look at the day’s lead stories, providing updates on current events, and offering comprehensive reporting, often with a faster pace to focus on breaking news. It included interviews, on-location correspondents, in-studio analysis from pundits, and experts.
- The program was highly rated in its time slot during its run.
Conclusion of the Show:
“Bill Hemmer Reports” concluded on January 15, 2021, as part of a new programming lineup announced by Fox News.
Following its conclusion, the 3 p.m. ET time slot was taken over by “The Story with Martha MacCallum.”
Bill Hemmer’s Current Role:
After “Bill Hemmer Reports” ended, Bill Hemmer returned to his role as co-anchor of “America’s Newsroom” alongside Dana Perino, a position he previously held from 2007 until 2019.
He continues to be a central figure in Fox News’s breaking news and election coverage.
Bill Hemmer CNN
Bill Hemmer built a significant career at CNN before moving to Fox News, working at the network for a decade from 1995 to 2005.
CNN Roles and Programs
During his tenure, Hemmer anchored several flagship programs, including:
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American Morning (first with Paula Zahn, later with Soledad O’Brien)
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CNN Tonight
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CNN Early Edition
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CNN Morning News
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CNN Live Today (co-anchored with Daryn Kagan)
Major News Coverage at CNN
Hemmer became widely respected for his on-the-ground reporting during major national and international events. Some of his most notable assignments included:
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2000 Election Recount: One of the first reporters in Tallahassee, Florida, Hemmer stayed for 37 days during the recount battle, earning national recognition and the nickname “The Chad Lad.”
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Timothy McVeigh Execution (2001): Reported live from Terre Haute, Indiana.
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September 11th Attacks (2001): Spent a month reporting from Ground Zero in New York City.
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War in Afghanistan: Covered the U.S. military buildup from Kandahar in the early stages of the War on Terror.
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Quecreek Mine Accident (2002): Reported live from Somerset, Pennsylvania, as nine miners were rescued.
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Iraq War (2003): Reported from Kuwait and later covered Operation Iraqi Freedom on the ground.
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Kosovo Crisis: Spent more than a month covering NATO operations, the refugee crisis in Macedonia, and developments from Brussels.
Departure from CNN
Hemmer left CNN in June 2005. While network leadership cited a shift to “improve the chemistry in the morning,” Hemmer explained that it was time for him to pursue new challenges.
Reports also indicated he had declined an offer to become CNN’s senior White House correspondent. Shortly after, he joined Fox News, where he would go on to become one of the network’s leading anchors.
Bill Hemmer Political Affiliation
Bill Hemmer has never publicly declared a political party affiliation, and according to New York voter registration records, he is listed as “not enrolled in a party”.
Despite working at Fox News, which is widely viewed as conservative-leaning, Hemmer maintains a reputation for journalistic neutrality and rarely shares personal political views.
Bill Hemmer House
Bill Hemmer owns a stunning residence in Sag Harbor, New York, a charming village in the Hamptons known for its coastal beauty and historic character.
Property Overview
Feature | Details |
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📍 Location | Sag Harbor, NY |
💰 Purchase Price | $1,750,000 (acquired in 2005) |
🏠 House Size | Over 3,000 sq ft (some sources cite 2,544 sq ft) |
🌳 Land Area | 2.40 acres |
🛏️ Rooms | 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms |
🛠️ Year Built | 2000 |
Design & Style
- The home blends traditional Hamptons charm with modern luxury.
- Features include:
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- Shingle siding and elegant proportions on the exterior.
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- Open-concept interior with clean lines and natural light.
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- A cozy fireplace anchoring the living room.
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- Thoughtfully curated furnishings and textures throughout.
This property reflects Hemmer’s refined taste and offers a peaceful retreat from his fast-paced media career.
Bill Hemmer and Dana Perino
Bill Hemmer and Dana Perino are well-known co-anchors on Fox News Channel, where they currently host the weekday program America’s Newsroom.
Their partnership on America’s Newsroom began in early 2021, when Hemmer returned to the anchor desk to join Perino.
Hemmer was one of the founding anchors of the program from 2007 until 2019, before moving on to host his own show, Bill Hemmer Reports.
Perino, who served as White House Press Secretary under President George W. Bush and is also a co-host of The Five, stepped in as his co-anchor.
Their Roles on America’s Newsroom:
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Co-anchoring the 9–11 AM ET block: Together, they deliver breaking news, conduct interviews with key figures, and provide analysis of developing events.
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Synergistic Hosting: Hemmer and Perino are noted for their collaborative, professional on-air dynamic, frequently engaging in discussions, offering insights, and guiding conversations with correspondents and guests.
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Covering Major Stories: The program delivers hard news across a broad spectrum of national and international issues, from politics and economics to global crises and social topics.
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Trusted Presence: Both anchors bring strong reputations as reliable journalists, with a focus on straightforward reporting and thoughtful analysis.
In August 2025, Dana Perino played a leading role in celebrating Bill Hemmer’s 20th anniversary at Fox News.
During a live segment, she introduced a special video tribute highlighting his long and accomplished career at the network.
She praised Hemmer as a colleague and friend, while Hemmer responded by calling Perino a “great partner, a great person, and a great friend.”
The exchange highlighted the mutual respect and genuine rapport they share both on and off camera.
Bill Hemmer Marla Maples
Bill Hemmer and Marla Maples have occasionally been mentioned together in media speculation, but there is no confirmed romantic relationship between the two.
What We Know
- Marla Maples is best known as an actress, television personality, and the ex-wife of Donald Trump.
- While she has been linked to various public figures over the years, Bill Hemmer’s name has surfaced only in passing, often alongside other rumored connections like Sandra Smith and Megyn Kelly.
- Hemmer himself has never publicly acknowledged any relationship with Maples, and there’s no credible evidence suggesting they dated.
Given Hemmer’s preference for privacy and Maples’ high-profile past, it’s not surprising that rumors swirl — but in this case, they appear to be just that: rumors.
Bill Hemmer Toupee
Speculation about Bill Hemmer’s hair, particularly whether he wears a toupee or a hairpiece, has been a recurring topic of discussion online for many years.
However, there is no credible evidence, official statement from Bill Hemmer or Fox News, or journalistic report that confirms he wears a toupee or hairpiece.
These types of rumors are quite common for public figures, especially those who are frequently on television, where appearance is often scrutinized.
His consistent and often voluminous hairstyle has led some viewers to question if it’s entirely natural.
Ultimately, without any concrete information, the claims remain purely speculative and fall into the category of unsubstantiated rumors about a public figure’s appearance.
Bill Hemmer Dara Tomanovich
Bill Hemmer dated Dara Tomanovich ( Canadian model/actress) from about 2005 until around 2013. Their split was low-key and without public explanation.
Their relationship reportedly began in 2005, the same year Hemmer joined Fox News. For several years, they were seen together at various public events, including red carpet galas and social gatherings.
However, their relationship concluded. Reports indicate that Bill Hemmer and Dara Tomanovich separated in 2013.
Since their separation, Bill Hemmer has maintained a very private personal life, and there have been no public reports of him being in another long-term relationship or being married.
Dara Tomanovich has also largely remained out of the public spotlight regarding her personal relationships after their split.
Net Worth of Bill Hemmer
Estimating the precise net worth and salary of prominent television personalities like Bill Hemmer can be challenging as these figures are not always publicly disclosed.
However, based on various reports and estimations, here’s what is generally stated:
Bill Hemmer’s Estimated Salary:
Multiple sources indicate that Bill Hemmer’s annual salary at Fox News Channel is estimated to be around $3 million.
As a veteran anchor and co-host of a flagship show like “America’s Newsroom,” this figure aligns with the salaries of other well-established journalists at major news networks.
Bill Hemmer’s Estimated Net Worth:
His net worth is typically estimated to be in the range of $14 million to $17 million.
This figure would accumulate from his long career in broadcast journalism, spanning over three decades at networks like CNN and Fox News, in addition to any other ventures or investments he may have.
How Tall is Bill Hemmer?
Does Bill Hemmer Have Cancer?
There is no publicly available information or credible reports indicating that Bill Hemmer has cancer.
He continues to be a prominent and active anchor on Fox News, regularly appearing on “America’s Newsroom” and engaging in on-location reporting, such as his recent trip to the North Pole.
Rumors about public figures’ health are common, but in Bill Hemmer’s case, there’s no official confirmation or reliable news source suggesting he is battling cancer.
Is Bill Hemmer Fox News Married?
No, Bill Hemmer is not currently married. He was in a long-term relationship with model Dara Tomanovich from 2005 to 2013, but they separated.
There have been no public reports or confirmations of him being married or in another long-term relationship since then
Is Bill Hemmer Gay?
Bill Hemmer is not gay, according to multiple sources. While he’s known for keeping his personal life extremely private, his long-term relationship with Canadian model Dara Tomanovich from 2005 to 2013 suggests he identifies as straight.
Why the Speculation?
- Hemmer’s single status and low-profile dating life have occasionally sparked rumors.
- He’s often seen with female colleagues like Sandra Smith, leading to public assumptions — though Smith is married to someone else.
- Hemmer has never publicly addressed his sexuality, which has only fueled curiosity.
What Happened to Bill Hemmer Family?
Bill Hemmer’s family has always remained private and close-knit, but one of the most profound public moments in recent years was the passing of his father, William R. Hemmer, on February 1, 2025 at the age of 85.
Loss of His Father
William R. Hemmer, a retired sales executive in the mattress industry, was a deeply respected presence in Bill’s life.
He passed away in their hometown of Cincinnati, Ohio, leaving behind his wife, Georganne, five children, and several grandchildren.
Bill shared a heartfelt tribute, saying: “I loved this man and every single moment I had with him.”
Family Reflections
Throughout the years, Bill has spoken warmly about his parents’ approach to raising their children: “They allowed us to step on our own pile, to figure out how to clean it up on our own.”
The philosophy of learning through experience greatly influenced his grounded nature and journalistic integrity, values rooted in his upbringing within a large and supportive family.
How Old Is Bill Hemmer?
He is 60 years old, born on November 14, 1964.
Is Bill Hemmer Leaving Fox News?
No, there are no indications or credible reports that Bill Hemmer is leaving Fox News.
In fact, recent information suggests the opposite:
- He recently celebrated his 20th anniversary with Fox News, a milestone that was highlighted on “America’s Newsroom” by his co-anchor Dana Perino. This indicates a long-standing and valued relationship with the network.
- He continues to co-anchor “America’s Newsroom” (weekdays, 9-11 AM/ET) and remains a central figure in Fox News’s breaking news and election coverage.
- Fox News’ own press materials and website still list him prominently as a key anchor.
While anchors do move between networks or take on different roles, there’s nothing to suggest an imminent departure for Bill Hemmer from Fox News at this time.
He appears to be firmly established and highly regarded within the organization.
Where Is Bill Hemmer Working?
Bill Hemmer is still working at Fox News Channel, where he has been a prominent figure since 2005.
He currently serves as co-anchor of America’s Newsroom, a weekday morning news program that airs from 9–11 AM ET, alongside Dana Perino.
However, there have been recent rumors swirling about a possible retirement announcement.
A speculative report suggested Hemmer might be stepping away from public life at age 60, but this claim appears to be unconfirmed and likely false.
Current Role Summary
- Network: Fox News Channel
- Position: Co-anchor of America’s Newsroom
- Location: Based in New York City
- Tenure: Since August 2005
Bill Hemmer is active on social media:
- Instagram (@billhemmer): instagram.com/billhemmer
- X / Twitter (@BillHemmer): x.com/billhemmer
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