Star Jones

Star Jones. Starlet Marie Jones is an American television personality, lawyer, and author who gained national prominence as a co-host on the popular daytime talk show The View and as a legal analyst for programs on NBC and Court TV. Her career spans the legal world, where she served as a senior assistant district attorney in Brooklyn, and entertainment, where she became a recognizable figure for her commentary on high-profile cases like the O. J. Simpson murder case. Beyond television, she is an active philanthropist and advocate, particularly for health and women's issues.

Early life and education

Born in Badin, North Carolina, she was raised primarily in Trenton, New Jersey, by her mother, a teacher, and her stepfather, a police officer. She demonstrated early academic promise and attended Notre Dame High School in Lawrenceville, New Jersey. For her undergraduate studies, she attended American University in Washington, D.C., where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in administration of justice. She then pursued her legal education at the University of Houston Law Center, obtaining her Juris Doctor degree and becoming a member of the State Bar of Texas.

Legal career

After law school, she began her legal career as a senior assistant district attorney in the Kings County District Attorney's Office in Brooklyn, New York. In this role, she prosecuted a wide range of criminal cases, gaining significant trial experience. Her legal expertise led to a transition into television journalism, where she served as a legal commentator for NBC News during the O. J. Simpson murder case, providing analysis for programs like Today and NBC Nightly News. She later became a principal anchor and senior correspondent for Court TV, covering numerous trials and establishing herself as a trusted legal analyst.

Television career

Her television profile expanded significantly when she became one of the original co-hosts of the ABC daytime talk show The View in 1997, alongside Barbara Walters, Meredith Vieira, Joy Behar, and Debbie Matenopoulos. She remained a co-host for nine seasons, known for her direct opinions and legal perspective on current events. During and after her tenure on the show, she hosted her own syndicated court show, Star Jones, and made frequent guest appearances on programs like Larry King Live and The Oprah Winfrey Show. She has also served as a red carpet host for awards shows like the Academy Awards for ET.

Personal life

She has been married twice, first to investment banker Ricardo Lugo and later to banker Al Reynolds; both marriages ended in divorce. Her personal health journey became public when she underwent open-heart surgery in 2010, a experience she has discussed openly to raise awareness. She is a member of the Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority and has been recognized with honors including an honorary doctorate from North Carolina Central University. She has authored several books, including the memoir Shine: A Physical, Emotional, and Spiritual Journey to Finding Love.

Philanthropy and advocacy

She is a dedicated advocate for health education, particularly concerning heart disease and weight-loss surgery, drawing from her own experiences. She has worked extensively with the American Heart Association, serving as a national spokesperson for their Go Red for Women campaign. Her advocacy extends to women's empowerment and mentoring, often speaking at events for organizations like the National Association of Black Journalists and the Girl Scouts of the USA. She also supports various charitable initiatives focused on education and social justice.

Category:American television personalities Category:American lawyers Category:American legal commentators Category:1962 births Category:Living people