How Bill O'Reilly became the most popular host on cable news - and why Fox killed his show

AP Photo/Richard Drew"The O'Reilly Factor" host Bill O'Reilly in 2015.A sexual-harassment scandal has ended Bill O'Reilly's tenure at Fox News Channel, where he has been the host of its highest-rated show, "The O'Reilly Factor," for decades.

Earlier in April, an explosive New York Times investigation found that the host and Fox News had paid out $13 million to five women who had accused O'Reilly of unwanted sexual advances. Another Fox News contributor, Wendy Walsh, and now a clerical worker have also made allegations of sexual harassment against O'Reilly.

In the wake of the accusations and an exodus of more than 20 advertisers from O'Reilly's show, he stopped hosting the show. His official reason was a planned vacation, but reports said that he would not be returning.

On Wednesday, Fox issued a statement confirming that O'Reilly "will not be returning to the Fox News Channel."

How did O'Reilly rise to such prominence and influence? Here's a look at the conservative host and commentator's career - and what killed his show: