Emily Compagno is an American attorney, television host, and former NFL cheerleader best known for co-hosting The Five on Fox News Channel, the most-watched program in cable news.
She joined Fox News in 2018 as a legal analyst and contributor, rising to co-host of Outnumbered in 2021 before landing a permanent seat on The Five in September 2026.
Emily Compagno Quick Facts
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Emily Rose Compagno |
| Born | November 9, 1979, Oakland, California |
| Age | 46 (as of 2026) |
| Nationality | American |
| Profession | TV Host, Legal Analyst, Attorney, Author |
| Education | BA, University of Washington; JD, University of San Francisco School of Law |
| Known For | Co-host of The Five on Fox News |
| Net Worth | $3 million (estimated, as of 2026) |
Who is Emily Compagno?
Emily Compagno is an American attorney, legal analyst, television host, and former NFL cheerleader. Her career spans criminal defense law, federal government service, and national television.
She joined Fox News Channel in 2018 as a legal analyst and contributor. In January 2021, Fox News named her a permanent co-host of the daytime show Outnumbered, where she joined Harris Faulkner and Kayleigh McEnany.
On August 24, 2026, Fox News announced she would join The Five as a full-time co-host beginning September 8, filling the seat left by Jeanine Pirro’s departure.
Fox News CEO Suzanne Scott described her as “a highly accomplished host whose energy and talent have made her a standout across FOX News Media.”
Beyond television, Emily hosts The FOX True Crime Podcast with Emily Compagno on Fox News Radio, which debuted in the top 10 of all true crime podcasts. She also actively supports nonprofits focused on U.S. veterans, law enforcement, and K9 causes.
Her November 2024 book, “Under His Wings: How Faith on the Front Lines Has Protected American Troops,” became an instant #1 New York Times Bestseller.
Early Life of Emily Compagno
Emily Compagno was born on November 9, 1979, at Naval Hospital Oakland, California, where her father served as a Commander in the U.S. Navy. Her family later moved to El Cerrito, California, where she grew up with her two sisters.
Her father, John Compagno, is of Italian descent from Sicily and served as a Commander in the U.S. Navy Medical Service Corps. Her mother, Katherine, whose maiden name is Bertsch, is of English, Bohemian, and German descent.
Emily has two sisters, Natalie Compagno and Julietta Compagno Skoog. Her family carried a deep tradition of military service, with her grandfather, great-grandfather, great-great-aunt, and many other relatives serving in the U.S. military across World War I, World War II, and other conflicts.
Her great-great-uncle, PFC Joseph Lorenz, died in World War I and is buried in Suresnes, France. His sister, Lt. Luella Lorenz, visited that grave during her own deployment in World War II with the U.S. Army Nursing Corps.
This deep family connection to military sacrifice shaped Emily’s later advocacy work on behalf of U.S. service members and veterans.
Emily Compagno Age / Birthday
Emily Compagno is 46 years old as of 2026, born on November 9, 1979.
Her zodiac sign is Scorpio, a sign often linked with intensity, determination, and strong convictions. She joined The Five as a full-time co-host in September 2026, marking a significant step in her television career.
Emily Compagno Ethnicity and Nationality
Emily Compagno holds American nationality. Her father is of Italian and Sicilian descent, while her mother is of English, Bohemian, and German heritage, giving her a mixed European ethnic background.
Her family’s multi-generational military service spans multiple countries and conflicts. That deep-rooted patriotism has shaped her advocacy throughout her professional life.
Emily Compagno Height and Weight
Emily Compagno stands at 5 feet 6 inches tall, which is approximately 1.68 meters. Her weight is not publicly confirmed.
She is known for her athletic build, a quality she maintained throughout her years as an NFL cheerleader and captain. Physical fitness was a professional requirement during her time with the Oakland Raiderettes, and she has remained active since.
Emily Compagno Education
Emily Compagno earned a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the University of Washington, graduating in 2001. While there, she served as a U.S. Air Force ROTC cadet for two years and received the U.S. Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps Cadet of the Quarter Award.
She later earned her Juris Doctor from the University of San Francisco School of Law in 2006. During law school, she served as President of the Federalist Society and as Articles Editor of the Intellectual Property Law Bulletin.
After law school, she passed the California bar, allowing her to begin practicing in San Francisco. She later also passed the Washington State bar, expanding her legal practice across both states.
Emily Compagno Career
Emily Compagno’s career spans three distinct phases: criminal defense law, NFL cheerleading, and national television. Each chapter built on the one before it, expanding her professional reach and public profile.
Her legal background has remained central to her television identity, giving her a credibility as a commentator that few media personalities can match.
Early Legal Career (2006–2018)
After earning her JD in 2006, Emily began her career as a criminal defense attorney in San Francisco. She also worked as a judicial extern under the late Hon. John T. Noonan Jr. of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit.
Her federal government career took her to the Social Security Administration, where she served as a federal managing attorney and Acting Director. Throughout that time, she handled issues spanning fraud, regulatory matters, administrative law, labor and employment, and contracts.
She also gained international legal experience, taking on positions in Cape Town, South Africa, and Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. That global exposure broadened her expertise well beyond California practice.
NFL Cheerleader and NFL Ambassador (2007–2010)
From 2007 to 2010, Emily cheered for the Oakland Raiderettes, the official cheerleading squad of the Oakland Raiders. She became captain of the squad while simultaneously practicing law in San Francisco.
The NFL selected her as an ambassador, and she promoted the NFL brand in Beijing and Shanghai, China.
In addition, the United Service Organizations chose her as one of five NFL cheerleaders to visit U.S. troops stationed in Iraq and Kuwait, an experience she later wrote about in her book “Under His Wings.”
Fox News Career (2018–Present)
Emily joined Fox News in 2018 as a contributor and legal analyst. She quickly became a frequent face on programs including Fox & Friends, Gutfeld!, and The Five.
On March 9, 2020, she debuted as host of Crimes That Changed America on Fox Nation. In January 2021, Fox News named her a permanent co-host of Outnumbered, where she brought legal analysis to the daytime news format five days a week.
In February 2023, Fox News Audio launched The FOX True Crime Podcast with Emily Compagno, which entered the top 10 of all true crime podcasts on its debut.
She also hosted Fox Nation specials including Hero Dogs, Weapons of War, American Vampires, and Under His Wings.
Emily co-hosted the Fox All-American New Year from Times Square in both 2021 and 2022. In 2025, she co-hosted the Army 250 Parade alongside Lawrence B. Jones.
On August 24, 2026, Fox News announced that Emily Compagno would join The Five as a permanent co-host, beginning September 8. She stepped down from Outnumbered to take the seat, which had been filled by rotating personalities since Jeanine Pirro’s departure in May 2025.
The Five averaged 3.6 million viewers in the second quarter of 2026, making it the highest-rated show in cable news for 19 consecutive quarters.
Emily Compagno Book
Emily published “Under His Wings: How Faith on the Front Lines Has Protected American Troops” in November 2024, through Fox News Books and Harper Influence. The book became an instant #1 New York Times Bestseller.
The book explores how faith sustained U.S. military service members across conflicts from World War I to current Middle East deployments. It draws on Emily’s own family history and includes first-hand accounts from veterans.
She also narrated the audiobook version herself, running 7 hours and 16 minutes. The project followed other popular Fox News books including Modern Warriors and Faith Still Moves Mountains.
Emily Compagno Net Worth and Salary
Emily Compagno’s estimated net worth is $3 million as of 2026. Her wealth comes primarily from her long-running television career at Fox News, her legal career, and her work as a published author.
Salary
Emily’s income as a Fox News co-host forms the core of her earnings. As co-host of Outnumbered and then The Five, two of the network’s flagship programs, her role placed her among the network’s prominent on-air personalities.
Her salary at Fox News has not been publicly disclosed. Her elevation to The Five in September 2026, a show that generates over 3.6 million viewers daily, likely reflects a stronger contract compared to her Outnumbered tenure.
Other Income
Her book “Under His Wings” reached #1 on the New York Times Bestseller list in 2024, adding publishing and royalty income to her earnings. She also hosts The FOX True Crime Podcast and several Fox Nation specials, which represent additional income streams within the Fox News Media umbrella.
Overall, Emily’s income comes mainly from her work at Fox News, with book royalties and podcast hosting forming secondary revenue streams.
Emily Compagno Relationship
Emily Compagno married Peter Riley on September 13, 2017. The private ceremony took place at Villa Cimbrone in Ravello, Italy, in a setting described as intimate and elegant.
Peter Riley worked as a data analyst before transitioning into real estate. He maintained a low public profile throughout their marriage.
The couple divorced in 2024. They had no children together. In August 2024, Emily confirmed her engagement to a new partner during an appearance on Fox Business, though she did not publicly name her fiancé.
Emily has been private about the details of her relationships throughout her career.
Emily Compagno Social Media
Emily Compagno is active on Twitter/X at @EmilyCompagno and on Instagram at @emilycompagno. She regularly shares commentary, career updates, and personal content across both platforms.
Her IMDb profile documents her television appearances across Fox News programs.
Frequently Asked Questions
How old is Emily Compagno?
Emily Compagno is 46 years old as of 2026, born on November 9, 1979, in Oakland, California.
What is Emily Compagno’s net worth?
Emily Compagno’s estimated net worth is $3 million as of 2026, built from her Fox News career, legal background, and book sales.
Is Emily Compagno still married?
No. Emily Compagno divorced Peter Riley in 2024. In August 2024, she confirmed she was engaged to a new partner, though she has not publicly named him.
What show is Emily Compagno on?
Emily Compagno joined The Five on Fox News as a permanent co-host in September 2026, after serving as co-host of Outnumbered since 2021.
Did Emily Compagno write a book?
Yes. Her book “Under His Wings: How Faith on the Front Lines Has Protected American Troops” was published in November 2024 and became an instant #1 New York Times Bestseller.
What did Emily Compagno do before Fox News?
Before joining Fox News in 2018, Emily practiced criminal defense law in San Francisco, served as a federal managing attorney at the Social Security Administration, and cheered for the Oakland Raiderettes from 2007 to 2010.
Conclusion
Emily Compagno’s path from criminal defense attorney to NFL cheerleader captain to #1 New York Times bestselling author and Fox News prime-time co-host covers more professional ground than most people achieve in a single career.
Her September 2026 move to The Five, cable news’s most-watched program, places her at the center of national political and legal conversation in a role that draws directly on every chapter of her background.