Matt Lauer Biography: Age, Net Worth, Wife, and Life After NBC

Matt Lauer: The Rise and Fall of a TV Icon

Matt Lauer (born December 30, 1957) is an American journalist and television host best known as the co-host of NBC’s Today show from 1997 to 2017.

He was fired from his job amid allegations of inappropriate behavior that became public as part of the Me Too movement.

Early Life and Education

Lauer was born in New York City and raised in Greenwich, Connecticut. He attended Greenwich High School and later enrolled at Ohio University, where he studied communications. However, he dropped out in 1979 to pursue a career in television. 

Career

Lauer’s television career began in 1979 when he took an internship at WOWK-TV in West Virginia. He quickly moved up the ranks, becoming a news producer and on-air reporter. In the early 1980s, he hosted the nationally syndicated show PM Magazine. 

In 1989, Lauer returned to New York and began working for NBC. He hosted several local television shows before becoming the co-host of Today in 1997.

During his time on Today, Lauer conducted numerous high-profile interviews with politicians, celebrities, and other newsmakers. He also reported on major news events from around the world.

Controversy and Departure

In November 2017, Lauer’s contract was terminated by NBC after allegations of inappropriate sexual behavior in the workplace.

The allegations included inappropriate touching, unwanted sexual advances, and exposing himself to colleagues. He released a statement expressing sorrow and regret for the pain he had caused.

Awards and Recognition

Lauer won a Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Special Class Program for his work on the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in 1999.

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 66 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.

Here’s a detailed look at her life:

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:

1. 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.

2. Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade

   • Hosted the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade for many years, becoming a beloved figure associated with the event.

3. 9/11 Coverage

   • Provided continuous coverage and updates following the September 11, 2001 attacks, helping to inform and comfort viewers.

4. Interviews with World Leaders

   • Conducted interviews with leaders such as President Barack Obama, Prime Minister Tony Blair, and Pope John Paul II.

5. 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.

Here’s a detailed look:

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 66 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.