History of Melissa Francis in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: May 27, 2024

Melissa Ann Francis is an American television personality known for her work as a news anchor and commentator. She was prominently featured on Fox Business Network (FBN) and Fox News (FNC) until her departure in 2020. Prior to her career in journalism, Francis was a child actress.

December 12, 1972: Birth of Melissa Francis

Melissa Ann Francis was born on December 12, 1972, marking the beginning of her journey that would see her becoming a notable television news personality and actress.

1986: Appearance in St. Elsewhere

In 1986, Melissa Francis appeared in the television series St. Elsewhere, contributing to her early acting career and gaining further recognition.

1988: Role in Bad Dreams

In 1988, Melissa Francis played the character young Cynthia in the film Bad Dreams, adding to her repertoire of acting roles.

1995: Graduation from Harvard

Melissa Francis graduated from Harvard University in 1995 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in economics, a significant milestone in her academic and professional journey.

January 2012: Joined Fox Business Network

In January 2012, Melissa Francis became an anchor for Fox Business Network, marking the start of her career with the network.

November 2012: Publication of First Book

In November 2012, Melissa Francis authored her first book, Diary of a Stage Mother's Daughter: A Memoir, which detailed her experiences with an overbearing mother.

2014: Co-host of Outnumbered

In 2014, Melissa Francis became a recurring co-host of Fox News Channel's talk and news commentary program, Outnumbered, expanding her role at the network.

April 2017: Publication of Second Book

In April 2017, Melissa Francis published her second book, Lessons from the Prairie, where she related her childhood experiences from the show to her adult life.

October 2020: Pushed Out of Fox

In late October 2020, it was reported that Melissa Francis had been pushed out of Fox. Her contract had expired about a year earlier and had not been renewed, and she had not been seen on the network since early in the month.

2020: Departure from Fox

In 2020, Melissa Francis departed from her roles as an anchor and commentator for the Fox Business Network (FBN) and Fox News (FNC), ending her tenure with the network.

2020: Pay Discrimination Suit Filing

In late 2020, Melissa Francis filed a pay discrimination lawsuit against Fox, claiming she was underpaid compared to her male colleagues.

June 2022: Settlement with Fox

In June 2022, Melissa Francis and Fox reached a settlement in her pay discrimination lawsuit, with Fox agreeing to pay her $15 million.

2022: Pay Discrimination Settlement

In 2022, Melissa Francis reached a settlement with Fox, receiving $15 million in a pay discrimination lawsuit she filed against the network, highlighting issues of gender pay disparity.