Greg Gutfeld’s Touching Tribute to His Mother: A Son’s Heartfelt Goodbye Reveals the Woman Behind His Wit and Wisdom! Fans Left in Tears as Gutfeld Shares the Personal Story of the Woman Who Shaped His Life and Career. What Happens When the Icon of Comedy Opens Up About His Family? This Emotional Moment Will Change the Way You See Gutfeld—Discover the Unexpected Journey That Made Him Who He Is Today
Greg Gutfeld, known for his sharp wit and biting humor, recently revealed a side of himself that many had never seen before. In an emotional tribute to his late mother, Jacqueline “Jackie” Gutfeld, he opened a window into the family life that shaped his career and personality. Far from the loud, sarcastic television persona many are familiar with, Greg became a son sharing his gratitude, love, and sorrow, leaving fans deeply moved by the heartfelt story of the woman who had the greatest influence on his life.
Jackie Gutfeld was no ordinary mother. In the early 2000s, readers of Stuff magazine were introduced to her through the hilariously candid column “Ask Greg’s Mom,” where her voice—raw, honest, and often laugh-out-loud funny—offered a refreshing counterpoint to the magazine’s glossy pages. The column, which originated from Jackie’s voicemail messages to her son, became a cult favorite. She offered advice with the wisdom of someone who had weathered life’s storms, unafraid to speak her mind. Whether she was commenting on the models in the magazine or giving no-nonsense life advice, her authenticity and humor stood out. For Stuff readers, she became as much of a reason to pick up the magazine as the celebrity interviews and photo spreads.
But behind her humor was a story of resilience. Raised in San Mateo, California, Jackie faced the hardships of raising four children largely on her own. Her husband, Alfred Jack Gutfeld, battled cancer throughout their marriage, leaving her to shoulder much of the family’s day-to-day life. When Alfred passed away, Jackie not only lost her partner but also the plans for a peaceful retirement they had once dreamed about. Despite the challenges, she raised her children with a combination of humor, grit, and unconditional love, creating a household where laughter was not just encouraged—it was essential for survival.
Greg recalls how his mother didn’t follow the conventional parenting playbook. Instead of soothing him with comic books when he was home sick, she brought him issues of Mad Magazine. This unconventional gift planted the seed of satire and irreverence that would later define his career. Jackie’s parenting was about preparing her children for a world where adults could and should be questioned, poked fun at, and not always taken seriously. Later, she introduced him to National Lampoon, continuing to shape his worldview with humor that was equal parts daring and smart.
Throughout Greg’s career—from his early editorial work to his rise on Fox News—Jackie remained a steady, influential presence. She wasn’t just a figure in the background; she was a contributor. When Greg became editor-in-chief at Stuff, he gave his mother a column not as a favor, but because her voice was one people wanted to hear. She offered frank advice to men struggling with relationships and insecurities, often telling them to stop complaining and grow up. Her perspective reflected a lifetime of challenges far greater than the trivial problems her readers presented, and her straightforward approach earned both laughs and admiration.
When Greg transitioned to television, Jackie followed in her own way. On his late-night show Red Eye, she appeared as a “senior correspondent,” phoning in commentary that was as unpredictable as it was authentic. Her humor, sometimes hesitant and shy on-air, nonetheless gave the show some of its most memorable and human moments. She remained his first and most honest critic, a reminder of the values and humor that shaped him from the very beginning.
Jackie’s passing in 2014 left a profound void in Greg’s life. He spoke candidly about the pain of losing his mother, describing the bittersweet reflex of reaching for his phone to call her after landing in New York, only to remember she was no longer there to answer. “Maybe I don’t have to call her anymore because she’s here with me,” he reflected during an emotional segment on The Five. His colleagues, including Kimberly Guilfoyle, remembered Jackie as a spirited woman who had done a remarkable job raising her son.
The legacy Jackie left behind was not one of wealth or fame, but of wisdom, humor, and a fierce love for her family. She taught Greg to see the absurdities of life with a smile and to face adversity with resilience. Even in death, her humor lingered—on the day she passed away, a DMV driver’s license renewal arrived in the mail, a moment Greg knew she would have found hilarious. That detail, absurd and poignant all at once, captured the spirit of a woman who found humor in life’s ironies.
Greg Gutfeld’s tribute to his mother offered a rare glimpse behind the curtain of television fame. He showed his audience that beneath his often acerbic humor lies a heart shaped by love, loss, and the enduring influence of a remarkable woman. Jackie Gutfeld was more than just a mother; she was his muse, his collaborator, and his anchor. She lives on in every sharp joke, every witty retort, and every honest moment he shares on television.
Today, as Greg continues to lead one of the most-watched late-night shows on television, topping the ratings with his unique blend of comedy and commentary, Jackie’s spirit remains present. He dedicated his first book to her, and her influence echoes through his writing and performances. She is there, quietly reminding him to stay grounded, to question authority, and to never lose sight of the joy in making others laugh. Somewhere, perhaps, she is still telling him to tell those magazine editors to make sure their models put on some more clothes. And Greg, with a smile and a wink, keeps her spirit alive in everything he does.
