Key Takeaways
- Andrew O’Keefe and Eleanor, who have three children, officially divorced in 2019.
- Many believe Eleanor is the primary caregiver due to O’Keefe’s legal and personal struggles.
- Their kids are likely prioritizing their education as of now.
Andrew O’Keefe, an Australian former TV host and lawyer, shares three kids with his ex-wife, Eleanor Campbell.
The couple separated in 2017 and finalized their divorce in 2019.
Andrew has openly expressed the profound emotional impact of his family’s breakup, describing it as a time when his life seemed to lose all meaning. Reflecting on this challenging period, he shared:
Everyone hits a part of their life where they really question what it’s all about and who they really are, whether what they have done for the last four or five years means anything. And I think, when I split up from my wife, that was my time. and the thing I always believed in most of all in this life was the power of love and combining with someone to make something special, and when I lost that, I thought well, it was all meaningless.
Via Nowtolove
As of 2024, their three children – Barnaby (20, born in 2004), Rory (17, born in 2007), and Olivia (13, born in 2011) – are growing up mostly away from public attention.
Given their ages, the three kids are likely focusing on their education and keeping a low profile.
Limited information is available about the children’s current activities, as their parents have mainly kept them out of the spotlight.
Although no official reports confirm custody arrangements, many believe that Eleanor, a social worker, has taken on the primary role of caring for the children after the separation.
Eleanor’s background and stability likely influenced her role as the primary caregiver, especially in light of Andrew’s public controversies.
Since their divorce, Andrew has faced several legal issues, including breaches of apprehended violence orders (AVOs) and multiple arrests related to drug incidents.
These legal battles have raised questions about his suitability as a custodial parent, further suggesting that Eleanor likely holds primary custody of the children.
Andrew O’Keefe’s Legal and Personal Challenges Escalate in 2024
On September 17, 2024, Magistrate Jacqueline Milledge warned Andrew O’Keefe that he was fortunate to survive after overdosing on heroin during a party in Sydney’s Vaucluse.
Paramedics revived him at the scene, and doctors later discharged him from St Vincent’s Hospital.
Shortly after his release, O’Keefe was arrested again for breaching bail conditions and found in possession of methamphetamine.
During the court hearing, the magistrate voiced severe concern about his ongoing legal issues and battle with addiction, suggesting that jail might be the only way to keep him alive.
In January 2021, authorities arrested O’Keefe on domestic violence and standard assault charges, which led to the issuance of an interim apprehended violence order (AVO).
While the charges were dismissed in June 2021 due to his hypomanic bipolar state, he was ordered to undergo intensive mental health treatment.
His legal troubles continued when, in September 2021, he faced additional domestic violence-related charges. In January 2024, he was found guilty and received multiple community corrections orders.
On January 27, 2022, O’Keefe was arrested again for allegedly assaulting a woman at his sister’s Sydney apartment.
In February of that year, he pleaded guilty to marijuana possession and, after failing a drug test, served five months in jail.
He was then released on bail in May under strict conditions, including mandatory rehabilitation.
Despite these interventions, O’Keefe’s downward spiral continued. He was arrested in November 2022 for breaching bail and faced additional charges in 2023, including drug driving and violating AVOs.
Authorities arrested him again for drug-related offences by July 2024.
These incidents reflect a pattern of destructive behaviour that has impacted his relationship with his children.
O’Keefe has publicly acknowledged that his addiction and repeated offences have caused significant harm, stating in a recent courtroom confession that his three children are the most essential part of his life.
He admitted that unless he overcomes his addiction, he won’t be able to be there for them fully.
In Case You Didn’t Know
- Andrew O’Keefe was born on October 1, 1971, in Sydney, Australia.
- People widely recognise him for hosting the Australian editions of the game shows “Deal or No Deal” and “The Chase Australia.”
- His career also includes a stint as an intellectual property lawyer with Allens Arthur Robinson.
