At 73, Jeanine Pirro is a force of nature—a woman whose energy, ambition, and resilience seem to defy the very laws of time. “I worry if there comes a day when maybe I can’t do it,” she confesses, her voice tinged with the vulnerability of someone who knows the clock is ticking. Yet, her relentless work schedule—often stretching until 2 a.m.—tells a different story. From her trailblazing career as a prosecutor and judge to her current roles as a Fox News star and, in a stunning twist, the interim U.S. Attorney for Washington, D.C., Pirro’s life is a whirlwind of grit, determination, and unyielding ambition. Add to that her roles as mother, grandmother, and survivor of a high-profile divorce, and you have a woman who doesn’t just spin plates—she juggles flaming torches while tap-dancing on a tightrope.

A Life in Perpetual Motion

Step into Jeanine Pirro’s plush office at News Corp’s midtown Manhattan headquarters, and you’re greeted by a scene that encapsulates her very essence: organized chaos. Her oak desk is a battlefield of research notes, coffee cups, and scattered liquorice candies. A small case of jewelry sits ready for her to select before she hits the set of The Five, Fox News’ top-rated show. Designer outfits by Valentino, Chanel, and Alexander McQueen line the walls, a testament to her polished on-screen presence. Yet beneath the glamour lies a woman who thrives on the grind. “I enjoy it all,” she declares. “You’re on top of every issue. I’m 24/7. I always have been.”

Pirro’s life has always been a study in perpetual motion. Born in Elmira, New York, to Lebanese-American parents, she knew at age six that she wanted to be a lawyer, inspired by the fictional TV attorney Perry Mason. By her early 20s, fresh out of Albany Law School, she was already making waves as Westchester County’s Assistant District Attorney in 1975. Within two years, she convinced her boss to secure federal funding for a groundbreaking domestic violence bureau—the first of its kind in the nation. “Back then, battered women weren’t considered real victims,” she recalls. “Society saw it as a social problem, not a criminal one. But it was my mission.”

Breaking Barriers in Law

Her career skyrocketed from there. In 1990, Pirro became Westchester County’s first female judge—a role she held for three years before realizing, “I don’t belong here. I’m a fighter, not a referee.” So, she ran for District Attorney, winning in 1993 and serving three terms until 2005. Her tenure was marked by fierce advocacy for victims, especially in domestic violence and elder abuse cases. One high-profile case saw her dominating headlines when Anne Scripps Douglas was brutally murdered by her estranged husband in 1993, just hours after Pirro’s inauguration as DA. Her relentless pursuit of justice cemented her reputation as a prosecutor who didn’t back down.

From Courtroom to Camera

Pirro’s transition to television was as bold as her legal career. After an unsuccessful run for New York Attorney General in 2006, where she lost to Andrew Cuomo, Warner Brothers came calling. “I said, ‘Why would you want me on television?’” she laughs, recalling her disbelief. But the move proved prescient. Her show, Judge Jeanine Pirro, debuted in 2008, winning a Daytime Emmy in 2011 for Outstanding Legal/Courtroom Program. That same year, she inked a deal with Fox News for Justice with Judge Jeanine, which ran for 11 years before she joined The Five in 2022.

Her commanding presence and sharp commentary made her a household name, but not without controversy. In 2019, Fox briefly suspended her for inflammatory remarks about Rep. Ilhan Omar, and she was named in a $787.5 million defamation lawsuit by Dominion Voting Systems over false 2020 election claims. Yet, Pirro remained unapologetic, her loyalty to Donald Trump unwavering.

That loyalty paid off in May 2025, when Trump tapped her as interim U.S. Attorney for Washington, D.C., replacing Ed Martin, whose nomination faltered due to his ties to January 6 rioters. Pirro’s appointment sparked partisan firestorms. Democrats decried her as a “Fox News firebrand” with no federal prosecutorial experience, while Republicans like Sen. Thom Tillis praised her extensive legal resume. At her swearing-in, Pirro vowed, “No more tolerance of hatred. No more mercy for criminals,” signaling her intent to bring her trademark tenacity to the nation’s capital.

A Personal Life Under Scrutiny

Pirro’s professional triumphs have often been overshadowed by personal trials. Her 32-year marriage to Albert Pirro, a powerful New York attorney, was a rollercoaster. The couple met at Albany Law School, drawn together by mutual ambition. “He was the most exciting person I knew,” Pirro once said of Albert, whose charm and activism captivated her. They married in 1975 and had two children, Christi and Alex, now 34 and 35. But their union unraveled when Albert was indicted in 1999 on tax evasion and conspiracy charges, convicted, and sentenced to 17 months in prison. The scandal rocked their marriage, leading to a separation in 2007 and divorce in 2013. In one of his final acts as president in his first term, Trump pardoned Albert—a move that underscored Pirro’s long-standing ties to the former president.

Despite the public fallout, Pirro remains philosophical about love. “I’ve dated fabulous men,” she says, “but it hasn’t worked out.” At 73, she yearns for a softer side of life. “I’d like to put on a pretty dress and go to the opera with someone, to be feminine, not always the tough girl.” Yet, she’s not actively seeking a relationship, preferring to keep her heart open while focusing on her whirlwind life.

Grandmother, Fitness Buff, and Dog Mom

Beyond the headlines and courtroom drama, Jeanine Pirro finds balance as a grandmother, fitness enthusiast, and devoted dog mom. She is often spotted walking her dogs in Central Park, attending family gatherings, and sharing moments of joy with her grandchildren. Fitness is a daily ritual for Pirro—she credits her stamina and energy to regular workouts and a disciplined lifestyle.

Her family remains her anchor. “My greatest accomplishment is my children and grandchildren,” Pirro says. “They keep me grounded and remind me what really matters.”

Legacy of Tenacity

Jeanine Pirro’s story is one of perpetual motion—never standing still, always pushing forward. Whether in the courtroom, on television, or in the halls of justice, she brings an unmatched intensity and passion to everything she does. At 73, she shows no signs of slowing down. Her life is a testament to the power of resilience, the importance of advocacy, and the enduring strength of a woman who refuses to be defined by age or adversity.

In a world that often seeks to put limits on women, Jeanine Pirro continues to break barriers, juggle flaming torches, and tap-dance on the tightrope of life. For her, the mission is far from over.