What Nationality Is Harris Faulkner's Father? Unpacking Her Family's American Roots

Prof. Rosa Hermiston 28 Jul 2025

Many people are curious about the background of well-known public figures, and, you know, Harris Faulkner is certainly one of them. Questions often come up regarding her family's heritage, especially when it comes to her father. It's a natural thing to wonder about the origins of someone you see regularly on television, and, as a matter of fact, understanding a person's roots can give you a better sense of their journey. So, if you've been asking yourself, "What nationality is Harris Faulkner's father?" you're in the right spot for some clear answers.

This particular question, about Harris Faulkner's father's nationality, comes up quite a bit, and it's, like, a key piece of information for those who follow her career. Her family history, in a way, reflects a broader story that many American families share, with ties to military service and different places. We're going to, you know, look closely at the details provided, giving you a full picture of her father's background and, pretty much, his national identity.

Understanding the nationality of Harris Faulkner's father is, basically, straightforward when you look at the available information. His life story is, too, a testament to dedication and service, both in the military and in education. This article will, actually, lay out all the known facts about him, addressing that main question directly and, you know, providing context about his life and the family's journey. So, let's get into the specifics.

Harris Faulkner: A Brief Biography
Personal Details and Bio Data
The Nationality of Harris Faulkner's Father
A Life of Service: Lieutenant Colonel Bob Harris
Family Life and Heritage
The Passing of Her Parents
FAQ: People Also Ask

Harris Faulkner: A Brief Biography

Harris Kimberley Faulkner, as a matter of fact, came into the world on October 13, 1965. Her birth took place at Fort McPherson, which is located in Atlanta, Georgia, in the United States. This detail, you know, about her birthplace, gives us an initial clue about her own nationality. She holds an American nationality, which is, basically, clear from where she was born and raised, and, to be honest, this is a very consistent piece of information about her.

Her early years were, in a way, shaped by her father's military career, which meant moving around quite a bit. One notable place she lived as a child was, actually, in Stuttgart, West Germany, at a United States military installation. This experience of living in different locations, you know, is something many children of military families share, and it certainly adds to the tapestry of her childhood. It's almost as if her early life was a constant journey.

When it came to her education, Harris Faulkner pursued higher learning at the University of California, Santa Barbara. She graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Mass Communications, which, you know, laid the groundwork for her future career. This academic background, in some respects, prepared her for the world of journalism and broadcasting, where she would later make a significant mark. It's pretty much where her professional path began to take shape.

Her career in journalism, interestingly enough, started with a freelance writing gig for LA Weekly. She earned, you know, a modest $50 per article, which, to be honest, shows her early dedication to the field. From there, she moved on to work as an anchor and a reporter for a CBS affiliate in North Carolina, gradually building her experience. This progression, you know, highlights her commitment to the craft of news reporting.

Harris Faulkner joined the Fox News Channel (FNC) in 2005, which, basically, marked a significant step in her professional journey. She became a prominent face on the network, known for her insightful reporting and anchoring. She previously hosted "Outnumbered Overtime with Harris Faulkner," a show that, you know, has ranked first in its timeslot since its debut in 2017. Currently, she serves as the main host of "The Faulkner Focus" show on Fox News in New York City, which is, actually, a very visible role for her.

Personal Details and Bio Data

For those looking for a quick overview of Harris Faulkner's personal and professional details, this table provides, you know, a clear summary. It covers some of the key facts about her life and career, giving you a snapshot of who she is. This kind of information, in a way, helps to put her public persona into context, allowing you to see some of the foundational elements of her background, which is, basically, quite interesting.

Detail	Information
Full Birth Name	Harris Kimberley Faulkner
Date of Birth	October 13, 1965
Place of Birth	Fort McPherson, Atlanta, Georgia, U.S.
Nationality	American
Ethnicity	White (as stated in one part of the provided text, while her parents are described as African American, Irish, and German descent)
Star Sign	Libra
Father's Name	Bob Harris (Retired Lieutenant Colonel Bobby R. Harris)
Mother's Name	Shirley Harris
Education	University of California, Santa Barbara (B.A. in Mass Communications)
Occupation	Journalist, TV Personality, Newscaster, TV Host
Current Role	Main Host of "The Faulkner Focus" on Fox News Channel
Years Active at FNC	Since 2005
Family Status	Married, with two daughters

The Nationality of Harris Faulkner's Father

So, to directly answer the question, "What nationality is Harris Faulkner's father?" the information is, actually, quite clear. Harris Faulkner's father, Bob Harris, was of American nationality. This is explicitly stated in the details provided, making it, you know, a very straightforward fact. His identity as an American citizen is, basically, central to his life story, especially given his extensive military service for the United States, which is, to be honest, a significant part of his legacy.

His background as a United States Army officer and army aviator further reinforces his American nationality. Serving in the U.S. military, you know, is a profound expression of national allegiance and, in a way, a commitment to the country. He dedicated a considerable portion of his life to defending American interests, including, as a matter of fact, serving three tours in Vietnam. This service, you know, underscores his deep connection to the United States.

Furthermore, the text mentions that Harris Faulkner's parents, both her father and mother, are of American nationality. This detail, you know, confirms that her father's national identity was indeed American. It's almost as if their shared nationality formed a foundational aspect of their family unit, which, basically, makes a lot of sense. The fact that he was stationed at Fort McPherson in Atlanta, Georgia, where Harris Faulkner was born, also points to his life being rooted firmly in the United States, you know, as an American.

While his ethnicity is described as African American, which is, in some respects, a very important part of his heritage and identity, it does not change his nationality. Nationality and ethnicity are, to be honest, distinct concepts, and in his case, his nationality was American. This distinction is, you know, pretty important for clarity, as it allows us to appreciate both his cultural background and his national belonging. He was, truly, an American man of African American descent.

A Life of Service: Lieutenant Colonel Bob Harris

Harris Faulkner's father, known as Lieutenant Colonel Bob Harris, lived a life marked by significant dedication, particularly to his country. He was, to be honest, a United States Army officer and, in addition, an army aviator. This dual role meant he was involved in both leadership and flying operations within the military, which, you know, is quite a demanding set of responsibilities. His service, in a way, shows a profound commitment to his nation.

His military career included, as a matter of fact, serving three tours in Vietnam. This was, you know, a very challenging period in American history, and his participation in those tours speaks volumes about his courage and resolve. Being stationed at Fort McPherson in Atlanta, Georgia, was part of his military duties, and it was during this time that Harris Faulkner was born. This connection, you know, between his service and her birth, is a notable part of their family story.

After his distinguished military career, Lieutenant Colonel Bob Harris didn't just, you know, retire from public service. He continued to contribute to society, which is, basically, quite admirable. He and Harris Faulkner's mother settled in Texas, where he took on a new role: a math and physics teacher. This transition, you know, from military officer to educator, shows his versatility and his ongoing desire to inspire others. He was, truly, a lifelong learner and giver.

In his role as a teacher, he continued inspiring the next generation, which, to be honest, is a very noble pursuit. Sharing his knowledge of math and physics, he helped shape young minds, just as he had, in a way, served to protect the nation. This aspect of his life, you know, highlights his commitment to community and education, extending his legacy beyond his military service. He was, apparently, a very impactful person in the lives of his students.

The description of him as a "retired lieutenant colonel" emphasizes the high rank he achieved in the United States Army. This rank, you know, signifies a long and successful career within the military structure, involving significant leadership and responsibility. His entire professional life, in some respects, was characterized by service, whether in uniform or in the classroom, which is, basically, a remarkable trajectory. He was, truly, a dedicated individual.

Family Life and Heritage

Harris Faulkner's family life was, in a way, shaped by her parents' backgrounds and experiences. Her father, Bob Harris, was, as we've discussed, of American nationality and African American descent. This heritage is, you know, a very important part of the diverse story of the United States. African Americans have, to be honest, played a significant role in American society, and their history and culture have had a profound impact on the country, which is, basically, undeniable.

Her mother, Shirley Harris, also held American nationality. The text provides a slightly varied description of her mother's heritage, stating she was of "black and Quaker descent" in one instance, and "of Irish and German descent" in another. This, you know, could suggest a very rich and mixed heritage, reflecting the diverse origins that make up many American families. It's almost as if her mother's background was a blend of different cultural threads, which is, truly, fascinating.

The fact that both her parents were American citizens is, you know, a consistent point in the information provided. Their shared nationality formed the bedrock of the family, even as they moved around due to her father's military career. This movement, including living in Stuttgart, West Germany, meant that Harris Faulkner's childhood was, in a way, quite dynamic and exposed her to different environments. It's pretty much a common experience for military families, and, as a matter of fact, it shapes one's perspective.

The diverse heritage of Harris Faulkner's parents, particularly her father's African American background, is, you know, highlighted as significant. It serves as a reminder of the contributions made by African Americans to the nation's history and culture. This aspect of her family's story, in some respects, connects her to a broader narrative of identity and influence within the United States. It's, to be honest, a very meaningful part of her personal history.

The family, including Harris Faulkner and her parents, lived in various places because of her father's military career. This constant movement, you know, is a defining characteristic of growing up in a military household. It can involve adapting to new schools, new communities, and new surroundings, which, basically, builds resilience. This aspect of her childhood, you know, contributed to the person she is today, making her, perhaps, more adaptable and open to new experiences.

The Passing of Her Parents

Sadly, both of Harris Faulkner's parents have passed away, which, you know, is a difficult part of anyone's life story. Her mother, Shirley Harris, was the first to pass, in 2016. This event, you know, marked a significant loss for Harris Faulkner and her family, as mothers often hold a very central place in family life. Her passing, in a way, brought a period of grief and remembrance, which is, to be honest, a natural human experience.

A few years later, her father, Bob Harris, also passed away. He died in 2020, at the age of 83, which, you know, was a long and full life. The text specifies that he passed away on Christmas Day, which, as a matter of fact, adds a particular poignancy to the timing of his death. This meant that the holiday season, for Harris Faulkner and her family, became a time of both remembrance and mourning, which is, basically, very challenging.

Harris Faulkner has, in fact, spoken publicly about her father's passing, including a tribute on Fox Nation. This act of remembrance, you know, shows the deep bond she shared with him and her desire to honor his memory. She thanked viewers for remembering the sacrifices he and other soldiers of his generation made, especially those who were, in some respects, never fully honored or respected for their Vietnam service. This highlights, you know, the personal impact of his military career on her.

The loss of both parents within a few years of each other is, you know, a very profound experience for anyone. It means navigating life without their direct guidance and presence, which, to be honest, can be a major adjustment. For Harris Faulkner, these losses, in a way, have shaped her personal journey, reminding her of the importance of family and legacy. It's almost as if these events, too, underscore the passage of time and the enduring nature of love.

The fact that her father lived to 83 years old means he had, you know, a very long life, filled with diverse experiences from military service to teaching. His passing closed a chapter, not just for Harris Faulkner, but also for all those he touched through his different roles. His memory, you know, continues to be cherished, and his contributions, both to his family and to his country, are, basically, remembered and appreciated. It's, truly, a lasting legacy.

FAQ: People Also Ask

Here are some common questions people often ask about Harris Faulkner and her family, based on the information available:

Is Harris Faulkner's father still alive?

No, Harris Faulkner's father, Bob Harris, passed away in 2020. He was 83 years old at the time of his passing, which, you know, occurred on Christmas Day. His death, to be honest, was a significant event for Harris Faulkner, who has spoken publicly about her loss and honored his memory, which is, basically, a very touching thing to do.

What was Harris Faulkner's father's military rank?

Harris Faulkner's father, Bob Harris, held the rank of Lieutenant Colonel in the United States Army. He was, in fact, a retired lieutenant colonel, which indicates a distinguished career in the military. He served as an army officer and, in addition, an army aviator, which is, basically, a very important role. His rank, you know, shows his leadership and dedication during his service, which is, truly, commendable.

What was Harris Faulkner's mother's heritage?

Harris Faulkner's mother, Shirley Harris, was of American nationality. Her heritage is described in the text as being of "black and Quaker descent" in one instance, and "of Irish and German descent" in another. This suggests a very mixed and diverse background, which, you know, is quite common in the United States. Her heritage, in a way, reflects the varied origins that contribute to the American population, which is, basically, a rich tapestry.

Learn more about Harris Faulkner's career and personal life on our site, and link to this page U.S. Army history archives for more on military service history.

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