Matt Lauer: The Rise and Fall of a TV Icon
Matthew “Matt” Todd Lauer is an American journalist and television host, best known for his long tenure as the co-host of NBC’s Today show.
Early Life and Education:
Born in New York City, New York, Lauer grew up in Greenwich, Connecticut. He attended Ohio University, where he majored in communications.
He left the university four credits shy of a degree in 1979 to begin his broadcasting career, though he eventually completed his degree in 1997.
Early Career:
Lauer’s television career began in 1979 as a news producer at WOWK-TV in Huntington, West Virginia.
He quickly moved to an on-air reporting role and, over the next decade, worked at various stations along the East Coast, hosting local news and entertainment programs like PM Magazine.
He also gained national exposure co-hosting ABC’s Fame, Fortune and Romance and reported for ESPN and HBO.
In 1989, he relocated to New York City, where he hosted 9 Broadcast Plaza, a live interview program.
Rise to Prominence at NBC:
Lauer joined NBC in 1992 as a co-anchor for Today in New York on WNBC, the network’s New York flagship station. He also co-anchored Live at Five.
His presence soon led to opportunities on national NBC News broadcasts, filling in as a newsreader and co-anchor on Today, Weekend Today, and NBC News at Sunrise. In 1994, he became the regular news anchor for Today.
The Today Show Co-Host:
In January 1997, Matt Lauer was named the co-host of NBC’s Today show, a role he held for 20 years.
During his time on Today, he became one of America’s most recognizable morning show personalities, known for his personable manner and direct interviewing style.
He conducted numerous high-profile interviews with politicians, dignitaries, and celebrities, and delivered on-location reports from around the world.
He also co-hosted the annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade and the opening ceremonies of several Olympic Games.
Controversy and Departure from NBC:
In November 2017, Lauer’s career came to an abrupt end when NBC terminated his contract following a complaint of inappropriate sexual behavior in the workplace.
More allegations of sexual misconduct subsequently emerged as part of the Me Too movement. His firing marked a significant moment in the national conversation surrounding workplace conduct and power dynamics.
Legacy
Despite the controversy surrounding his departure, Matt Lauer’s impact on television journalism is undeniable. His career spanned nearly four decades, and he left an indelible mark on morning television.
Age:
Matt Lauer is 67 years old, having been born on December 30, 1957. His zodiac sign is Capricorn.
Matt is of Romanian Jewish ancestry on his father’s side, which defines his ethnicity. He holds American nationality.
Matt Lauer’s family background:
Parents
Matt Lauer was born to Marilyn Lauer and Jay Robert Lauer. His mother, Marilyn, owned a boutique, and his father, Jay, was an executive at a bicycle company.
His parents divorced when he was young, which had a significant impact on his upbringing. Marilyn Lauer was known for her strength and resilience, qualities that Matt admired and credited for shaping him into the person he became.
Upbringing
Lauer spent his childhood in Greenwich, Connecticut, after being born in New York City.
His upbringing was marked by the challenges of his parents’ divorce, but his mother’s determination and support played a crucial role in his development.
Despite the difficulties, Lauer’s early life was filled with various experiences that helped him build a strong character and work ethic.
Siblings
There isn’t much detailed information available about Matt Lauer’s siblings in public sources. However, it’s known that he has a brother named Jeff Lauer.
Jeff has largely stayed out of the public eye, and there isn’t much information about his life or career.
Wife:
Lauer married Dutch model Annette Roque in 1998, and the couple has three children together.
They separated in 2017, and their divorce was finalized in 2019. Annette Roque has a fascinating background and a complex relationship with him.
Early Life and Upbringing
Annette Roque was born in December 1966 in the Netherlands to a Dutch mother and an Indonesian father.
She grew up in a town near Amsterdam and later moved to Paris to pursue her dream of modeling in her 20s.
Known by the stage name “Jade,” she became a familiar face in European cosmetics ads and appeared in J. Crew and Victoria’s Secret catalogs.
Meeting Matt Lauer
Annette and Matt Lauer met on a blind date in July 1997, set up by freelance stylist Maria Santoro.
They hit it off, and despite Lauer’s initial hesitation, they quickly developed a connection.
They got engaged five months later and married on October 3, 1998, in Water Mill, New York.
Marriage and Family
The couple has three children: Jack, Romy, and Thijs. Despite their seemingly happy family life, they faced marital issues, with Annette briefly filing for divorce in 2006.
She claimed that Lauer committed cruel and inhumane acts against her, but she later withdrew the court papers.
Divorce and Post-Divorce Life
In November 2017, Matt Lauer was fired from NBC after allegations of inappropriate sexual behavior in the workplace. This led to the end of his 21-year marriage to Annette.
Their divorce was finalized in 2019. Annette has since remained out of the spotlight, focusing on raising their children and managing Bright Side Farm, a horse farm in the Hamptons.
Current Status
Despite the public nature of their split, Annette and Matt have managed to co-parent their children amicably. They have been seen together at their children’s events, and both parties have remained cordial.
Height, Weight:
Matt Lauer stands at a height of 5 feet 11 inches (1.80 meters) and weighs approximately 167.5 pounds (76 kg).
Career and Background:
Lauer’s career began in the 1970s with a variety of reporting and anchoring roles in local television.
In 1994, he joined NBC, first as a news anchor on The Today Show.
He quickly rose to become co-host in 1997, a position he held until his dismissal in 2017.
Lauer also worked as a correspondent for NBC’s Dateline and covered major events including the Olympics and presidential elections.
Here’s a comprehensive look at his professional life:
Early Career
Matt Lauer’s television career began in 1979 when he left Ohio University four credits shy of a degree to take an internship at WOWK-TV in Huntington, West Virginia. He quickly moved up from a news producer to an on-air reporter.
Over the next decade, Lauer worked at various stations along the East Coast, gaining experience and building his reputation.
Rise to National Prominence
In 1989, Lauer moved to New York City and began hosting several local television shows.
His big break came in 1992 when he joined WNBC-TV as the co-anchor of Today in New York and later Live at Five.
His work on these shows caught the attention of NBC executives, leading to his first national exposure as a news anchor for The Today Show in 1994.
Co-Host of The Today Show
In 1997, Lauer was promoted to co-host of The Today Show, a position he held until 2017. During his tenure, he conducted high-profile interviews with politicians, celebrities, and other dignitaries.
He also delivered on-location reports from around the world, covering major events such as the Olympics and the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.
Contributions to NBC
Lauer was not just a co-host; he was also a frequent contributor to Dateline NBC and hosted the annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.
His charismatic presence and journalistic skills made him a beloved figure on morning television.
Here are Matt Lauer’s notable and memorable reports numbered:
Olympic Games
- Co-hosted the opening ceremonies of the 2002 Salt Lake City Winter Olympics, the 2004 Athens Summer Olympics, and the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics.
Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade
- Hosted the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade for many years, becoming a beloved figure associated with the event.
9/11 Coverage
- Provided continuous coverage and updates following the September 11, 2001 attacks, helping to inform and comfort viewers.
Interviews with World Leaders
- Conducted interviews with leaders such as President Barack Obama, Prime Minister Tony Blair, and Pope John Paul II.
Breaking News Coverage
- Covered major events like the 2008 financial crisis, the 2011 Japanese earthquake and tsunami, and the 2012 Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting.
Controversy and Departure
In November 2017, Lauer’s career took a dramatic turn when he was fired from NBC after allegations of inappropriate sexual behavior in the workplace surfaced.
The allegations were part of the broader #MeToo movement, and Lauer released a statement expressing sorrow and regret for the pain he had caused.
He denied some of the allegations but acknowledged that there was enough truth in the stories to make him feel embarrassed and ashamed.
Post-NBC Career
Since his departure from NBC, Lauer has largely stayed out of the public eye. He has not taken on any major television roles and has focused on his personal life and family.
Awards and Recognition
Matt Lauer has received several awards and recognitions throughout his career, highlighting his contributions to television journalism:
Daytime Emmy Awards
- Outstanding Morning Program: Lauer won this award multiple times for his work on The Today Show.
- Outstanding Special Class Special: He received this award for his role in producing the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.
People’s Choice Awards
- Favorite Daytime TV Host: Lauer was recognized by viewers for his engaging and charismatic presence on The Today Show.
News & Documentary Emmy Awards
- Outstanding Coverage of a Breaking News Story in a News Magazine: Lauer was nominated for his work on NBC News Special Terror in Boston.
Other Recognitions
- Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade: Lauer hosted the parade for many years, contributing to its success and popularity.
- Olympic Games: He co-hosted the opening ceremonies of several Olympic Games, showcasing his versatility as a host.
These awards and recognitions reflect Lauer’s significant impact on television journalism and his ability to connect with audiences.
Matt Lauer had several close colleagues during his time at NBC, many of whom were his co-hosts and fellow journalists. Here are some of his former close colleagues:
- Savannah Guthrie: Savannah was Lauer’s co-host on The Today Show. They worked together closely for many years until his departure in 2017.
- Hoda Kotb: Hoda joined The Today Show as a co-anchor alongside Lauer and Guthrie. She has continued to work at NBC and remains a close colleague.
- Katie Couric: Katie Couric was Lauer’s co-host on The Today Show before she left to become the anchor of the CBS Evening News. They had a close working relationship, although their friendship reportedly soured after his departure.
- Al Roker: Al Roker, the weatherman for The Today Show, was also a close colleague of Lauer’s. They often appeared together on air and participated in various segments.
- Natalie Morales: Natalie Morales was another co-anchor on The Today Show who worked closely with Lauer.
- Ann Curry: Ann Curry was Lauer’s co-host on The Today Show before she was replaced by Savannah Guthrie. They had a professional relationship during their time working together.
These colleagues were part of Lauer’s daily interactions and contributed to the dynamic of The Today Show.
Despite the controversies surrounding his departure, some of these relationships have endured, as seen in public reunions at events like weddings.
Net Worth and Salary:
Matt Lauer’s net worth and salary have been notable throughout his career, especially during his time as a co-host on The Today Show.
Net Worth
Matt Lauer’s net worth is estimated to be around $80 million as of 2024. This wealth was accumulated over his long career in television journalism, including his high-profile role on The Today Show and various other television appearances.
Salary
At the peak of his career, Matt Lauer was one of the highest-paid television hosts. His salary at NBC was reported to be:
- $28 million per year at the height of his tenure on The Today Show.
- $20 million per year under a contract extension signed in 2016.
- $25 million per year under a previous agreement in 2012.
- $17 million per year before 2012.
Property and Investments
Lauer made significant investments in real estate, including purchasing a 12-bedroom, 12-bath mansion in the Hamptons for $36.5 million in 2016. He also listed his own home in the area for $18 million.
Post-Departure Financial Impact
Following his dismissal from NBC in 2017 due to allegations of inappropriate sexual behavior, Lauer’s financial situation likely changed.
However, his substantial savings and investments have helped him maintain a comfortable lifestyle.
Is Matt Lauer Married?
No, Matt Lauer is currently not married. Lauer was married to Nancy Alspaugh from 1982 to 1989, and later to Annette Roque from 1998 to 2019. He has three children: Jack Matthew, Romy, and Thijs.
How Old Is Matt Lauer?
Matt Lauer was born on December 30, 1957, which makes him 67 years old as of now.
Where Is Matt Lauer Now?
Since his departure from NBC’s Today Show in 2017, Matt Lauer has largely retreated from the public eye. He has been living a quieter life, focusing on his personal relationships and interests. Here are some key points about what he’s been up to:
Living in New Zealand
Lauer purchased a large property in New Zealand, which includes a five-bedroom house, farm buildings, fishing huts, and eight miles of lakefront land.
He has been spending a significant amount of time there, finding peace and enjoying the tranquility of the location.
Low-Key Lifestyle
Lauer has adopted a very low-profile lifestyle. He has drastically changed his social circle and has distanced himself from many of his former friends and colleagues. Despite this, he has maintained a close relationship with his children and his girlfriend, Shamin Abas.
Horse Farm in the Hamptons
Lauer still owns a horse farm in the Hamptons, which he shares with his ex-wife, Annette Roque. They manage the property together and have navigated their post-divorce relationship fairly well.
Writing a Tell-All Book
There have been reports that Lauer is planning to release a tell-all book about his experiences. He aims to balance the book by highlighting the good he has done while addressing the controversies and allegations he faced.
Public Reunions
Lauer has made a few public appearances, including attending an NBC producer’s wedding in December 2023, where he reunited with former colleagues like Hoda Kotb and Al Roker.
Relationship with Shamin Abas
Lauer has been dating Shamin Abas since 2019. They keep their relationship private and try to avoid the spotlight.
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