Matt Lauer, once a household name in American television, gained widespread fame as the co-anchor of NBC’s “Today” show. For 20 years, he captivated viewers with his dynamic personality and sharp journalism. However, his illustrious career came to a screeching halt in 2017 when allegations of sexual misconduct surfaced, resulting in his immediate firing from NBC. This article delves into Lauer’s life, career highlights, controversies, and his current status following the scandal.
Profile Summary
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Matthew Todd Lauer |
| Gender | Male |
| Date of Birth | December 30, 1957 |
| Age | 66 years old |
| Place of Birth | New York City, New York, U.S. |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | Caucasian |
| Religion | Christian |
| Height | 5 ft 11 in (180 cm) |
| Weight | 76 kg (approx. 168 lbs) |
| Net Worth | $80 million |
| Children | Jack Lauer, Romy Lauer, Thijs Lauer |
| Spouse | Annette Roque (1998-2019) |
| Profession | Former television journalist |
| Notable Achievements | Co-anchor of NBC’s “Today” show (1997-2017), Multiple Emmy Awards |
Early Life and Career
Matt Lauer was born on December 30, 1957, in New York City. Raised in a middle-class family, Lauer attended Ohio University, where he studied communications. However, he dropped out before graduating to pursue a television career, starting as a producer for a small local station in West Virginia. Lauer’s early career was marked by a series of on-air positions at regional news stations, steadily building his reputation as a versatile broadcaster.
In 1997, Lauer got his big break when he was named co-anchor of NBC’s “Today” show. His relatable personality and ability to transition seamlessly between hard news and lighter segments helped him become one of America’s most trusted morning show hosts.
Matt Lauer Kids
Lauer’s personal life, particularly his role as a father, has also been a subject of public interest. He shares three children with his ex-wife Annette Roque: Jack, Romy, and Thijs. Despite the turmoil surrounding his career, Lauer’s relationship with his kids remains a priority for him. In the aftermath of the scandal, he has been seen spending considerable time with his children, particularly in their family estate in the Hamptons.
Reports indicate that Lauer has sought to shield his kids from the media spotlight as much as possible, especially considering the intense scrutiny he has faced in recent years.
Matt Lauer Net Worth
Before the sexual misconduct scandal, Matt Lauer was among the highest-paid figures in television. At the peak of his career, Lauer was reportedly earning a salary of $25 million annually from NBC, thanks to his long-running role on the “Today” show. Even after his firing, Lauer’s estimated net worth stands around $80 million to $100 million.
Lauer’s wealth is largely tied to his real estate investments, including his sprawling estate in the Hamptons, which is valued at several million dollars. His high-profile properties have been part of his post-NBC life, as he continues to maintain a low profile while managing his finances.
Career Highlights
Matt Lauer’s two-decade tenure on NBC’s “Today” show was the pinnacle of his career. Co-hosting alongside well-known figures such as Katie Couric and Savannah Guthrie, Lauer became synonymous with the morning news format. His interviews with celebrities, politicians, and world leaders were highly regarded, and his coverage of major events, like the Olympic Games and presidential elections, made him a key figure in journalism.
In addition to “Today,” Lauer hosted several notable programs and specials for NBC, including the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade and live interviews during pivotal moments in U.S. history. His hard-hitting interview style, along with his ease in front of the camera, cemented his status as one of the network’s top talents.
Controversy and Fallout
Lauer’s successful career was cut short in 2017 when multiple women accused him of sexual misconduct. The allegations became public as part of the #MeToo movement, which led to a wave of revelations involving powerful men in media and entertainment. NBC quickly responded by firing Lauer after an internal investigation, despite his long-standing tenure.
The accusations ranged from inappropriate workplace behavior to more severe claims of misconduct. As a result, Lauer’s name became closely associated with the misconduct culture that had permeated major media organizations. The scandal was not only devastating for his career but also led to a widespread reevaluation of workplace culture in journalism.
Savannah Guthrie, Lauer’s former co-host, expressed shock and sadness upon the news of his firing, reflecting the disbelief of many who had worked closely with him. Hoda Kotb was later named as his permanent replacement, marking a new chapter for the “Today” show.
Where is Matt Lauer?
Following his dismissal from NBC, Matt Lauer withdrew from the public eye, avoiding interviews and media appearances. The question is, Where is Matt Lauer now? often comes up, as the former television personality has remained relatively quiet about his life post-scandal.
Lauer has spent most of his time at his estate in the Hamptons, leading a secluded life with limited public engagements. His attempts to re-enter the media world have been largely unsuccessful, with many projects rumored but none coming to fruition. His primary focus seems to be his family, particularly his three children, and maintaining a low profile as the media’s focus on him has gradually faded.
Life After NBC
The impact of the scandal and his firing from NBC has profoundly shaped Matt Lauer’s post-television life. Once a fixture in American homes, he now lives a life of near-complete privacy. There have been reports of Lauer considering attempts to revive his career, but these efforts have so far been unsuccessful. The #MeToo movement has fundamentally altered public perceptions, and Lauer has faced significant hurdles in overcoming the damage to his reputation.
Though no major media projects have emerged since his firing, Lauer has focused on personal matters, including his children and navigating his post-fame life. His name remains tainted by the scandal, and any return to the spotlight appears unlikely.
Legacy and Influence
Despite the fallout from the scandal, Matt Lauer’s influence on television journalism cannot be entirely overlooked. For two decades, he was one of the most prominent faces in American media, helping to define the format of morning news shows. His interviewing style and ability to balance lighthearted segments with serious journalism made him a versatile broadcaster.
However, Lauer’s legacy is now inseparably tied to the misconduct allegations that ended his career. While he contributed to the “Today” show’s enduring success, his fall from grace serves as a stark reminder of the broader reckoning that took place during the #MeToo movement. His influence on journalism has largely been overshadowed by the scandal that ended his career.
Lauer was also involved in various charitable causes throughout his career, particularly in children’s education and healthcare. But much like his career, his charitable efforts have been overshadowed by the controversies surrounding him.
Conclusion
Matt Lauer’s career trajectory reflects a blend of success, influence, and eventual downfall. As a leading figure on NBC’s “Today” show for 20 years, he made an indelible mark on American television journalism. However, his career came to an abrupt end in 2017 due to serious sexual misconduct allegations, and he has since retreated into a life of privacy in the Hamptons.
Though once one of the most recognized figures in the media, Lauer’s legacy is now largely defined by the controversy that ended his career. His story highlights the ongoing importance of accountability in media and the profound influence of the #MeToo movement on reshaping workplace culture.
FAQs
What happened with Matt Lauer?
Matt Lauer was fired from NBC in 2017 after sexual misconduct allegations were made against him. NBC terminated his contract following an internal investigation.
Does Matt Lauer have any friends?
Although many former colleagues distanced themselves from Lauer after the scandal, it is believed that he still maintains close personal friendships, particularly with those outside the media spotlight.
Are Savannah Guthrie and Matt Lauer still friends?
While Savannah Guthrie expressed shock and disappointment after Lauer’s dismissal, she has not publicly commented on their current relationship. It is widely assumed that their friendship ended following the scandal.
Where is Matt Lauer living today?
Matt Lauer currently resides in the Hamptons, New York, where he leads a largely private life away from the public eye.
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