Matt Lauer

Matt Lauer

Matt Lauer was born on December 30th, 1957

Full Name: Matthew Todd Lauer
Place of Birth: New York City
Zodiac Sign: Sagittarius
Profession: Journalist, TV Host
Net Worth: Over $60 million
Spouse: Annette Roque
Children: Three kids
Education: Ithaca College

A charismatic TV host who anchored NBC's Today show for over two decades, known for his in-depth interviews and coverage of major news events.

Written by: Oliver Wren 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

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."

Timeline
1957
Born in New York City
Matt Lauer was born on December 30th in New York City. He would go on to become an American journalist and television host.
1980
Started Journalism Career
Lauer began his journalism career as a production assistant for the HBO series Fahrenheit.
1994
Joined Today Show
Lauer joined NBCs Today show as a news anchor, eventually becoming co-anchor in 1997.
2005
Interviewed Vladimir Putin
Lauer conducted an exclusive interview with Russian President Vladimir Putin, marking a significant moment in his journalistic career.
2017
Fired from NBC
Lauer was fired from NBC News following allegations of sexual misconduct, marking the end of his 25-year career with the network.
Matt Lauer

Matt Lauer Quiz

Matt Lauer was a host on which popular morning TV show?

Score: 0/5
FAQ
What is Matt Lauers career timeline?
Matt Lauer has had a long and storied career in journalism, starting as a local news anchor in the 1980s, before becoming a co-host on NBCs Today show in 1997. He was later replaced in 2017 amid sexual misconduct allegations.
What were the allegations against Matt Lauer?
Matt Lauer was accused of sexual harassment and misconduct by multiple women, which led to his firing from NBC in 2017. The allegations included inappropriate sexual behavior, harassment, and assault.
What has Matt Lauer done since leaving NBC?
Since leaving NBC, Matt Lauer has kept a low profile, reportedly spending time on his farm in New Zealand. He has not publicly addressed the allegations or returned to television.
What awards has Matt Lauer won?
Matt Lauer has won several awards for his journalism, including multiple Emmy Awards and a Peabody Award for his coverage of the 2008 presidential election.
What is Matt Lauers net worth?
Matt Lauers net worth is estimated to be around $80 million, accumulated from his decades-long career in television journalism and his various business ventures.

Related People:

Katie Couric

67 Years Old

A renowned television journalist, anchor, and author, known for her groundbreaking interviews and coverage of major news events, including presidential elections and global crises.

Al Roker

70 Years Old

A beloved TV personality and author, best known for his charismatic weather forecasts and enthusiastic reporting on NBC's Today show. He's also a prolific writer of mystery novels and cookbooks.

Meredith Vieira

70 Years Old

A renowned journalist and game show host, best known for anchoring NBC's Today show and hosting Who Wants to Be a Millionaire.

Ann Curry

68 Years Old

A veteran journalist who anchored NBC's Today show and reported from war zones, known for her courageous and empathetic storytelling.

Savannah Guthrie

52 Years Old

Co-anchor of NBC's Today show, known for her in-depth reporting and interviews with influential figures.

Hoda Kotb

60 Years Old

Co-anchor of NBC's Today show, known for her inspiring personal story and warm on-air presence.

Brian Williams

65 Years Old

A renowned news anchor who has reported on major global events, including wars and natural disasters, and has been a household name in American television journalism for decades.

Tom Brokaw

84 Years Old

A renowned journalist and author, best known for anchoring NBC Nightly News and writing "The Greatest Generation", a bestselling book about Americans who grew up during the Great Depression and World War II.