Starlet Marie Jones Lugo (born March 24, 1962), better known as Star Jones, is an American lawyer, journalist, television personality, fashion designer, author, and women’s and diversity advocate.
She is best known as one of the first co-hosts on The View’s ABC morning talk show, which she appeared on for nine seasons from 1997-98 through 2005-06.
She was also one of sixteen contestants of the fourth installment of The Celebrity Apprentice in 2011, coming in fifth place.
Star Jones is a well-known American television personality, lawyer, journalist, and author. Here’s an in-depth overview of her career and achievements:
Star Jones:
- Early Life and Education:
- Born: March 24, 1962, in Badin, North Carolina, U.S.
- Star Jones graduated from American University with a degree in the Administration of Justice. She later earned her Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from the University of Houston Law Center.
- Legal Career:
- After completing her law education, Star Jones worked as a prosecutor in the Kings County District Attorney’s Office in Brooklyn, New York.
- Her work as a legal professional provided a foundation for her later career in television, where she often gave legal commentary on high-profile cases.
- Television Career:
- The View: Perhaps most notably, Star Jones was one of the original co-hosts of the ABC daytime talk show “The View.” She joined the show in 1997 and remained a co-host until 2006.
- Other Endeavors: Apart from “The View,” Star Jones has had an extensive career in television. She hosted her own talk show, “Star Jones,” on truTV and has appeared on various other shows as a guest and host. Jones also participated in reality TV programs, including a stint on “The Celebrity Apprentice.”
- Writing:
- Star Jones is also an author. She has written books that delve into her experiences, offering insights and advice. One of her notable books is “Shine… A Physical, Emotional, and Spiritual Journey to Finding Love,” where she discusses her life journey, including her dramatic weight loss and her high-profile career.
- Advocacy and Personal Life:
- Star Jones has been an advocate for heart health, especially after undergoing cardiac surgery in 2010. She has used her platform to raise awareness about cardiovascular diseases, especially among women.
- In terms of her personal life, Jones’s wedding in 2004 to Al Reynolds was highly publicized, though the couple divorced in 2008.
Star Jones’s career has seen a blend of legal expertise and media presence, making her a recognized figure in American television and legal circles.