Matt Lauer, born December 30, 1957, rose to fame as co-anchor of NBC’s “Today” show. His television career spanned decades, making him one of America’s highest-paid news anchors with a peak net worth of $120 million.
Lauer’s personal life included marriages to Nancy Alspaugh and Annette Roque, with whom he had three children. His career ended abruptly in 2017 amid sexual misconduct allegations, leading to his dismissal from NBC and a significant drop in his net worth to around $80 million.
Profile Summary
| Category | Details |
| Full Name | Matthew Todd Lauer |
| Date of Birth | December 30, 1957 |
| Birthplace | New York City, USA |
| Education | Ohio University (attended) |
| Peak Net Worth | $120 million |
| Current Net Worth | Approximately $80 million |
| Peak Annual Salary | $28 million |
| Major Controversies | Dismissal from NBC in 2017 due to sexual misconduct allegations |
| Marriages | Nancy Alspaugh (1982-1988), Annette Roque (1998-2019) |
| Children | Jack (2001), Romy (2003), Thijs (2006) |
| Notable Properties | NYC apartment, Hamptons homes, Sag Harbor compound, New Zealand ranch |
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Born on December 30, 1957, in New York City, Matt Lauer grew up in a middle-class family. His father, Jay Robert Lauer, worked as a bicycle company executive, while his mother, Marilyn Lauer, owned a boutique. This upbringing instilled in Lauer a strong work ethic and ambition that would propel him through his career.
Lauer’s journey into broadcasting began at Ohio University, where he studied communications. However, in 1979, he made the bold decision to drop out and pursue a hands-on career in television. His first job was at WOWK-TV in West Virginia, where he started as a producer for the noon newscast.
This early experience proved invaluable, as Lauer quickly moved up the ranks, becoming an on-air reporter for the station’s evening newscasts. His natural talent for news reporting and on-air work became evident, setting the stage for his future success in broadcasting.
Personal Life of Matt Lauer
Throughout his career, Matt Lauer was known for his charismatic presence and professionalism on camera. Off-screen, he was described as both charming and complex, a man whose personal life often made headlines alongside his professional accomplishments.
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Who is Matt Lauer’s wife?
Lauer’s marital history has been a subject of public interest throughout his career. His first marriage was to television producer Nancy Alspaugh from 1982 to 1988. While this union ended in divorce, it played a role in shaping Lauer’s early career in the television industry.
In 1998, Lauer married Dutch model Annette Roque, a relationship that lasted over 20 years. However, their marriage faced challenges, particularly in the wake of Lauer’s 2017 scandal. The couple separated shortly after Lauer’s dismissal from NBC, and their divorce was finalized in 2019. This dissolution had significant implications for Lauer’s financial status and public image.
Matt Lauer’s kids
Matt Lauer is the father of three children: Jack (born 2001), Romy (born 2003), and Thijs (born 2006). Throughout his career, Lauer strived to keep his children out of the public eye, aiming to provide them with a sense of normalcy despite his high-profile status.
Fatherhood has been a significant part of Lauer’s personal life, influencing his decisions both on and off camera. In interviews, he’s spoken about the challenges of balancing his demanding career with family responsibilities. The impact of his 2017 scandal on his relationship with his children has been a topic of public speculation, though Lauer has maintained privacy regarding these family matters.
NBC Firing and Sexual Assault Allegations
In November 2017, Matt Lauer’s career came to an abrupt halt when NBC terminated his contract following allegations of sexual misconduct. The accusations, which dated back to the 2014 Sochi Olympics, sent shockwaves through the media industry and dramatically altered Lauer’s professional trajectory.
The fallout from these allegations was swift and severe. Lauer’s reputation as a trusted news anchor was shattered, and his career in television journalism effectively ended. This scandal not only impacted his professional life but also had significant ramifications for his personal life and financial status, leading to his divorce and a substantial reduction in his net worth.
Net Worth of Matt Lauer
At the peak of his career, Matt Lauer’s net worth was estimated at over $120 million, making him one of the highest-paid figures in television.
His role as co-anchor of NBC’s “Today” show was the cornerstone of his financial success, earning him a reported $28 million annually at the height of his career.
Main Source of Earnings
Lauer’s primary income came from his role as co-anchor of NBC’s “Today” show. This position, which he held from 1997 to 2017, made him one of the highest-paid figures in television news.
His longevity on “Today” and his ability to connect with viewers made him an invaluable asset to NBC, allowing him to negotiate increasingly lucrative contracts over the years.
Additional Sources of Earning
Beyond his primary income from “Today“, Lauer diversified his earnings through various side gigs and extra revenue streams. He frequently hosted special events and programs for NBC, including Olympics coverage and New Year’s Eve broadcasts. Lauer also made guest appearances on other shows and networks, further increasing his visibility and earnings.
Endorsements
As a prominent TV host, Matt Lauer was an attractive figure for brands seeking a trustworthy spokesperson. His endorsement deals with major companies like McDonald’s and Macy’s provided a significant boost to his income and net worth. These corporate partnerships often involved Lauer appearing in commercials, print ads, and promotional events.
Assets and Fortune
Matt Lauer’s wealth allowed him to accumulate an impressive portfolio of assets over the years. His fortune included a collection of luxury cars, with reports suggesting he owned vehicles such as an Audi A6, Audi RS Q8, and a Land Rover Defender.
Matt Lauer’s Real Estate
Real estate formed a significant portion of Lauer’s assets. At one point, he owned multiple properties, including an apartment in New York City and several homes in the Hamptons. His most notable real estate purchase was a $36.5 million compound in Sag Harbor, bought from actor Richard Gere in 2016. The property boasted 25 acres of land and an 8,000-square-foot main house.
Lauer also owned a 16,000-acre ranch in New Zealand, purchased for $9.2 million in 2017. Despite changes in his financial status following the scandal, Lauer has managed to retain ownership of some of these valuable properties.
Matt Lauer’s Expenditure on Charity
Throughout his career, Matt Lauer has been involved in various philanthropic efforts. His charitable contributions have supported organizations such as the Breast Cancer Research Foundation, the Elton John AIDS Foundation, and the Cancer Research Institute.
Lauer’s involvement in charity work extended beyond financial donations. He often used his platform as a TV news personality to raise awareness for various social causes, including disaster relief efforts and human rights issues. While the full extent of his philanthropic activities isn’t public knowledge, these efforts have been a consistent part of his public persona throughout his career.
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Conclusion
In conclusion, Matt Lauer’s story is one of remarkable success followed by a dramatic fall. From his peak as a top-paid TV news anchor with a net worth exceeding $120 million, Lauer’s fortunes have notably declined following serious allegations and a high-profile dismissal from NBC.
Despite a significant reduction in his financial status, his achievements in broadcast journalism, endorsements, and real estate reflect a storied career. Lauer’s life history underscores the fragile nature of public reputation and the swift impact of scandal in the modern media landscape.
Some FAQs
What happened with Matt Lauer?
Matt Lauer was dismissed from NBC in 2017 following sexual misconduct allegations, which significantly impacted his career and public image.
Why is Matt Lauer famous?
Matt Lauer is famous for being a longtime co-anchor on NBC’s “Today” show, where he became a prominent figure in American television news.
How much does Matt Lauer make?
At the peak of his career, Matt Lauer earned an annual salary of $28 million, but his earnings dropped after his 2017 dismissal.
Are Matt Lauer and Al Roker still friends?
While Matt Lauer and Al Roker were once close colleagues on “Today,” their relationship has reportedly cooled since Lauer’s scandal.
Does Matt Lauer have a daughter?
Yes, Matt Lauer has a daughter named Romy, born in 2003, along with two other children.
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