Matt Lauer was born on December 30th, 1957

Written by: Oliver Wren

Matt Lauer: The Controversial Career of a Beloved News Anchor

Matt Lauer is best known for his long-standing role as the co-host of NBC's Today show, a position he held from 1997 to 2017, making him a household name and a staple of American morning television. However, his career has been marked by both acclaim and controversy, with his sudden departure from NBC in 2017 leaving a lasting impact on the industry.

Early Life and Education

Born on December 30, 1957, in New York City, Lauer is the son of Marilyn Lauer, a boutique owner, and Jay Robert Lauer, a bicycle company executive. His father's Romanian Jewish ancestry was explored on the Today show's Finding Our Roots segment. Lauer's upbringing was without a specific religious affiliation, and he has spoken about his desire to explore spirituality later in life.

Lauer earned his undergraduate degree from Ohio University at the age of 39 in 1997, after initially dropping out in 1979 to pursue a career in television. He began his career as a producer for WOWK-TV in Huntington, West Virginia, before moving on to become an on-air reporter for the station's 6 p.m. and 11 p.m. newscasts.

Rise to Prominence

Lauer's early career was marked by a series of hosting gigs on daily information and talk programs, eventually leading to his national breakout as the news anchor for The Today Show in 1994. In 1997, he was promoted to co-host of the show, a role he would hold for the next two decades.

During his tenure on The Today Show, Lauer also contributed to NBC's Dateline and hosted the annual Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. He co-hosted the opening ceremonies of several Olympic Games, solidifying his position as a prominent figure in American television.

Controversy and Departure

In November 2017, Lauer's contract was terminated by NBC following a detailed complaint from a colleague about inappropriate sexual behavior in the workplace. The network cited reason to believe that this may not have been an isolated incident, leading to his sudden and highly publicized departure from the network.

Personal Life and Philanthropy

Lauer is married to Annette Roque, and the couple has three children together. He has been involved in various charitable initiatives, including supporting the Boys' Towns of Italy and the American Red Cross.

Legacy and Impact

Matt Lauer's impact on American television is undeniable, with a career spanning over three decades. While controversy has marred his later years, his dedication to journalism and his role as a beloved news anchor have left a lasting legacy in the industry.

Despite the controversies surrounding his departure, Lauer's influence on modern society cannot be overstated. He has played a significant role in shaping American morning television and has inspired a generation of journalists and news anchors.

Trivia and Fun Facts

• Lauer was a frequent contributor to The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, where he would often participate in comedic sketches and parody news segments.
• In 2006, Lauer had the opportunity to interview Vladimir Putin, making him one of the first U.S. journalists to interview the Russian president.
• Lauer was a member of the board of directors for the New York City-based charity, the Starkey Hearing Foundation.

Quotes and Memorable Sayings

"I'm not a morning person, but I love doing the morning show. I love the early morning hours."

"I think the one thing I've learned about television is that it's a very imperfect medium. It's a very frustrating medium."