Elisabeth Hasselbeck

Elisabeth Hasselbeck is an American television personality, author, and conservative commentator. She gained national prominence as a contestant on the reality series Survivor: The Australian Outback before co-hosting the daytime talk show The View for a decade. Her tenure on the program was marked by her outspoken conservative political views, often creating lively debate with her co-hosts. Hasselbeck later served as a co-host on the morning show Fox & Friends on the Fox News Channel.

Early life and education

Elisabeth DelPadre was born in Cranston, Rhode Island, and raised in Providence. Her mother, a former teacher, and her father, an architect, instilled a strong work ethic. She attended St. Mary Academy – Bay View in Riverside before enrolling at Boston College. At Boston College, she was a standout softball player, earning a scholarship and playing as an outfielder for the Boston College Eagles. She graduated in 1999 with a Bachelor of Science degree in fine arts, having also studied at the University of Notre Dame's architecture program in Rome.

Career

Hasselbeck's career began unexpectedly when she was cast on the second season of the CBS reality competition Survivor: The Australian Outback in 2001. She finished in fourth place, gaining public recognition for her tenacity. This exposure led to a role as a designer for the accessory company Puma, where she created the "Gear For Girls" line. In 2003, she joined the panel of the ABC talk show The View, replacing Lisa Ling. During her decade on the program, she became known for her conservative perspective, frequently debating co-hosts like Joy Behar, Whoopi Goldberg, and Barbara Walters. In 2013, she left The View and shortly after joined the Fox News Channel as a co-host of Fox & Friends, a position she held until 2015. She has also contributed to ESPN coverage, particularly relating to the National Football League.

Personal life

In 2002, she married former NFL quarterback Tim Hasselbeck, whom she met through mutual friends at Boston College. The couple resides in Greenwich, Connecticut, and has three children. Hasselbeck has been open about her personal health struggles, including her diagnosis with celiac disease. Her experience with the autoimmune disorder led her to become a prominent advocate for gluten-free living, authoring books on the subject. The family is actively involved in their local Catholic Church community and various charitable endeavors.

Political views and activism

Hasselbeck is a vocal conservative and has supported numerous Republican Party candidates and causes. She has been a strong advocate for members of the United States Armed Forces and has participated in USO tours to Iraq and Afghanistan. Her political commentary, especially during the 2012 presidential election, often centered on fiscal conservatism and pro-life stances. She has been a featured speaker at events for organizations like the Susan B. Anthony List and has publicly supported figures such as former Alaska Governor Sarah Palin. Her debates on The View frequently addressed topics like the War on Terror, the Affordable Care Act, and appointments to the Supreme Court of the United States.

Media appearances and publications

Beyond her daily television roles, Hasselbeck has made guest appearances on programs such as Late Show with David Letterman, Jimmy Kimmel Live!, and Hannity. She is also a published author, having written several books. Her first, "The G-Free Diet: A Gluten-Free Survival Guide," became a New York Times bestseller. She followed this with "Deliciously G-Free," a gluten-free cookbook, and "Point of View: A Fresh Look at Work, Faith, and Freedom," which intertwines personal memoir with her philosophical and political outlook. Her media work often blends her personal health advocacy with her broader commentary on culture and politics.

Category:American television personalities Category:American conservative political commentators Category:1977 births Category:Living people