Life has truly come full circle for broadcaster Nancy O’Dell. The iconic journalist, best known for her work on the entertainment news shows Access Hollywood and Entertainment Tonight, is now back to her roots in true crime. Her new nationally syndicated series, Crime Exposé with Nancy O’Dell, takes viewers deep into the world of investigative journalism. "I started my career on the police beat, diving into investigative and crime reporting when I first entered the world of hard news journalism," Nancy, 58, shared with Closer.
After stepping away from ET in 2019 to focus on her daughter, Nancy is thrilled to explore some of the most infamous American homicides with her audience. "Each episode of our show delves into one murder case," she explains. "We guide viewers through the entire crime, solving it step by step. You'll discover who the perpetrator was and the justice that was ultimately served. We don’t leave you hanging with unanswered questions." It’s clear that Nancy is bringing her signature style and passion for storytelling to this new venture.
Getting Her Start in Journalism
How did you begin your journey in journalism?
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Nancy recalls her early days with fondness. "I was covering true crime in Charleston, South Carolina, and Miami, Florida. I absolutely loved it. The process of seeing how cops meticulously piece together a case to solve something was fascinating. They even allowed me to go on ride-alongs, which made me feel like a policewoman for a while. Those experiences were incredibly rewarding and shaped my career in ways I never imagined."
Transitioning to Entertainment Television
What made you shift gears into entertainment television?
Nancy found herself at the forefront of the entertainment news world when she joined Access Hollywood. "I was there from day one. Watching that show grow and remain successful today fills me with immense pride. I started as the weekend host and eventually became the main anchor. At ET, I followed in the footsteps of the legendary Mary Hart. It was an incredible journey, and I learned so much about the industry and myself during that time."
Focusing on Family
Why did you decide to leave ET in 2019?
"At the time, I was going through a difficult period in my life. I had recently gone through a divorce, and I wanted to ensure I was there for my daughter during such a pivotal time. Balancing a demanding daily syndicated news show with being fully present for her was challenging. I needed to prioritize her needs and make sure I attended every single one of her sporting events. Taking that time off to focus on her was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made."
Returning to the Spotlight
What made this the right time for you to return with Crime Exposé?
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With her daughter now a high school senior and preparing to play volleyball in college, Nancy felt it was the perfect time to re-enter the spotlight. "All those games I attended have earned her a college scholarship, which is amazing. I thought returning now would help take my mind off the bittersweet reality of watching my baby girl grow up and head off to college. It’s been an incredible journey, and I’m excited to share it with the world."
Her Daughter’s Ambitions
Does your daughter have aspirations to follow in your footsteps?
Not quite. "She’s an exceptional volleyball player, and that’s her true passion. Besides sports, she’s deeply committed to environmental science and dreams of making the world a better place. Our household is entirely eco-friendly. If I pick up a plastic bottle, she gives me the stink eye. We recycle everything and even make our own makeup. Her ultimate goal is to play volleyball in Switzerland, and I couldn’t be prouder."
Advice on Co-Parenting
Do you have any tips for successfully co-parenting with your ex?
Nancy emphasizes the importance of putting the kids first. "It’s all about doing what’s best for them. They should see that both parents are making an effort to get along and support them. It’s simple advice, but if everyone keeps this in mind, things tend to work out well."
Life Lessons and Self-Care
What’s one of your biggest life lessons?
"Always look for the silver lining. Even though my divorce was tough, I’m grateful for the incredible blessing it brought into my life—our daughter Ashby. Had that marriage not happened, I wouldn’t have her. Life has a way of steering us in the right direction, even when it feels uncertain at the moment."
What are your go-to self-care tips?
"Monitoring my cholesterol levels is crucial since it runs high in my family. It’s essential to stay on top of your health. On the lighter side, I indulge in Botox and fillers—they truly work wonders! I also get regular facials and maintain a healthy diet filled with greens. My daughter and I enjoy making shakes together, sneaking in spinach and other greens. You’d be surprised how delicious they turn out!"
Embracing Aging
What do you appreciate about getting older?
"As I age, I’ve come to appreciate life more deeply. When I was younger, it was all about hustle and ambition. Now, I realize what truly matters. The things that once bothered me no longer hold the same weight. Life becomes clearer as you grow older, and that’s a beautiful thing."
Fun Activities and Future Plans
What do you enjoy doing for fun?
"I’m an avid scrapbooker, though I’ve transitioned to digital methods. I cherish every photo and memory, continuing a tradition started by my great-great-grandparents. I also love playing ping pong—it’s one of the few sports where I can still beat my daughter!"
Where do you see yourself in the next five to ten years?
"I hope Crime Exposé continues to thrive. It’s a fantastic show, and I
