At just 20 years old, Connor McCrory has already established himself as a key expert in the world of entertainment journalism, balancing a demanding career with full-time studies as a Political Science major at the University of California, Merced.
As a Showbiz News Reporter for the Daily Express, he has authored over 1,600 articles in just six months, delivering breaking coverage on celebrities such as Taylor Swift, Kim Kardashian, and Justin Bieber.
McCrory has led exclusive coverage of high-profile events like the Grammys and the CMA Awards, demonstrating his flair for storytelling and audience engagement.
Connor recently shared moments he had with Will Ferrell and Elon Musk.
“Elon is one of the most interesting people I have ever met. He is so quiet but honestly so knowledgeable and can relate to a younger generation,” says McCrory, adding, “We had a good conversation about video games.”
“Yeah, I’ve played all the Call of Duty games from the originals until now,” Musk told McCrory. Recalling his experience with Ferrell, McCrory described the actor’s reserved nature.
“Last October, I was at Magnus Ferrell’s record release party at The Vermont in Hollywood.
Magnus was talking to me about how he learned to DJ from his dad after a video went viral of the duo DJing a USC frat party during parents’ week,” McCrory stated.
“Will briefly interjected, saying, ‘He got his chops from his pops,’ which I thought was kinda funny,” McCrory added. “I tried to ask Will a follow-up question, but he quickly scurried away—I think he wanted the night to be about his son and not about him.”
McCrory’s journey as a journalist began at 16 with an editorial role at The Daily Caller, where he honed his skills in investigative reporting and developed relationships with industry professionals.
By 18, he was covering entertainment and lifestyle for the Daily Mail and Hello! Magazine, adding red-carpet interviews and exclusive features to his repertoire.
Despite his busy schedule, McCrory remains committed to his studies. At UC Merced, he is exploring the intersections of politics and media, setting his sights on a future that bridges the two.
“Journalism has taught me how to uncover the truth and communicate it effectively—college taught me how to think more critically.”
The junior in college acknowledges it has been difficult to balance the two commitments but credits his drive to a UC Merced professor he met during his first semester.
“My first semester at UC Merced was rough, but meeting Professor John Haner, who works in the school’s writing department, was my biggest blessing and motivating factor in my career,” McCrory shared.
“Haner and I had something in common—our love for writing. If it wasn’t for his motivation and encouragement, I would definitely not have been able to handle a 40-hour-a-week job and being a full-time student.”
