John Oliver, the British comedian, has become a staple in American TV with his hard-hitting commentaries through his show, Last Week Tonight. The multiple Emmy-winning talk show host is married to Kate Norley with whom he has two children and it turns out, his wife is even tougher than him.
So, what do we know about John Oliver’s wife?
Iraq Veteran
Kate Norley is an Iraq veteran, who joined the forces right after 9/11 and served in the 1st Cavalry Division’s 15th Forward Support Battalion in Baghdad. She worked as a 91 X or mental health specialist. Her job was to help soldiers relieve of combat fatigue.
Saved John from Deportation
Oliver and Norley met during the 2008 Republican National Convention. He was reporting for The Daily Show and she was campaigning with Vets For Freedom. At the time, Oliver was in a temporary work visa and was in heat with the security. Norley and other vets came to his rescue and hid him from the security. Three years later, two got married in October 2011 and are now parents to two boys.
Had to Re-Learn Basic Skills
When Norley was 16, she was hit by a car on her way to a soccer game. The accident left her with a severe head injury and she had to re-learn some basic skills. She credits her mom for the recovery.
Republican
Oliver is known for his leftist comments in the HBO show. His wife, Norley, however, is a Republican. Oliver supports her and has said this about her beliefs,
“Once you’ve bled for America, you definitely get to say you’re an American in a slightly louder tone of voice.”
Helped Iraqi People
While she was in Iraq, Norley not only helped the troops but also the local people there. During her time in Camp Blackjack in Baghdad, she tended to Iraqi children in her free time.
An Activist
Norley is a passionate activist. She is the part of Vets for FreedomVets for Freedom, an advocacy group whose purpose is “advocacy of victory in America’s ongoing war on terrorism, and support of candidates with positions consistent with this goal.” She is also a part of Team RubiCon, a disaster response team that serves vulnerable and at-risk populations affected by disasters.
She is also all about empowering women. Her life mission is “to send American women to the third world so other women can see what it’s like to have rights and power.”