Lara Spencer Biography: Husband, ABC’s Good Morning America

Lara Spencer: A Glimpse into the Life of a TV Personality

Lara Spencer is an accomplished journalist, television host, and producer, best known for co-hosting ABC’s Good Morning America.

With a vibrant personality and decades of media experience, she has become a beloved figure in morning television. Lara has also hosted Flea Market Flip and served as a correspondent for various entertainment programs.

Early Life and Education

Lara Spencer was born Lara Christine Von Seelen on June 19, 1969, in Garden City, New York.

She attended Garden City High School and later went on to Pennsylvania State University on an athletic scholarship for springboard and platform diving.

She was a nationally ranked competitive diver and named an All-American Athlete in 1991, her senior year.

Career Highlights:

• • Hosted the syndicated entertainment newsmagazine The Insider from 2004 to 2011.
  • Served as a regular contributor to CBS’s The Early Show.
  • Worked as a national correspondent for Good Morning America.
  • Spent several years as a lifestyle reporter for WABC-TV.
  • Co-anchor of Good Morning America since 2011.
  • Hosted various primetime television specials for CBS.
  • Creator, executive producer, and host of Everything but the House and Flea Market Flip on HGTV. 
  • New York Times bestselling author of I Brake for Yard Sales and Flea Market Fabulous.

Awards and Recognitions

Lara Spencer has received several awards and recognitions throughout her career, including Emmy Awards for her work on television. She is also a New York Times bestselling author, with books like “I Brake for Yard Sales” and “Flea Market Fabulous”.

Personal Life and Interests

Lara Spencer was married to David Haffenreffer from 2000 until their divorce in 2015. She later married Richard McVey, a tech entrepreneur, in 2018.

Lara has two children from her first marriage: Katharine Paige Haffenreffer and Duff Haffenreffer.

Age

Lara Spencer was born on June 19, 1969, making her 55 years old as of 2024. Her zodiac sign is Gemini. She is of Caucasian ethnicity and holds American nationality.

Upbringing, Parents, and Siblings

Lara Spencer was born Lara Christine Von Seelen on June 19, 1969, in Garden City, New York.

She was raised in a close-knit family with her parents, Richard Von Seelen and Carolyn Von Seelen.

Richard was the former president of Pringle of Scotland in North America, and Carolyn was a homemaker.

Lara has four siblings: an older brother named Keith Von Seelen, a brother Kirk Von Seelen, and two older sisters.

The siblings share a strong bond, and Lara often shares family photos and stories on social media, highlighting their close relationship.

Husband

Height

Lara Spencer stands at 5 feet 9 inches (175 cm) tall and weighs approximately 125 pounds (57 kg).

Her body measurements are estimated to be 36-26-36 inches, reflecting her commitment to fitness and a healthy lifestyle.

Career and Background

Lara Spencer began her journalism career at NBC’s WNBC-TV and later joined ABC’s Good Morning America as a correspondent.

She gained recognition for her engaging on-air presence and eventually became a co-anchor of the show.

She also hosted The Insider and has contributed to other high-profile projects, such as Entertainment Tonight and Antiques Roadshow. Additionally, she created and hosts the HGTV series Flea Market Flip.

Early Career

Lara Spencer began her career in journalism through the NBC page program, where she gained experience by working with other reporters.

She then worked as a multimedia journalist at the CBS affiliate WDEF-TV in Chattanooga, Tennessee, and later at News 12 Long Island. Her coverage of the TWA Flight 800 crash brought her to the attention of national news executives.

ABC News

In 1999, Lara joined ABC News as a national correspondent for Good Morning America. She has also hosted Antiques Roadshow on PBS and The Insider, a syndicated entertainment newsmagazine.

In 2018, she announced she would be appearing on Good Morning America three days a week to focus on her television producing.

Television Producer

Lara is also a successful television producer. She created and produced the prime-time game show It’s Worth What?, hosted by Cedric the Entertainer, which aired on NBC during the summer of 2011.

She also created and produced two shows based on her passion for interior design: I Brake for Yard Sales and Flea Market Flip on HGTV.

Notable Reports

Lara Spencer has covered a wide range of significant stories throughout her career. Here are some of her most notable reports:

• TWA Flight 800 Crash: Lara’s coverage of the tragic crash of TWA Flight 800 brought her to the attention of national news executives and marked a significant moment in her career.

• Olympic Games Coverage: Lara has reported from several Olympic Games, including the recent 2024 Paris Olympics. Her coverage often includes fun and engaging segments, such as a swimming routine with fellow ABC host James Longman.

• Interviews with Celebrities: Lara has conducted numerous high-profile interviews with celebrities, including revealing personal stories and major announcements.

• Health and Wellness Reports: Lara has reported on various health and wellness topics, including interviews with individuals battling serious illnesses and sharing their stories of resilience and hope.

• Flea Market Adventures: As the host of Flea Market Flip, Lara has explored various flea markets and shared her passion for finding hidden treasures and unique items.

Awards and Recognitions

Lara Spencer has received several awards and recognitions throughout her career, highlighting her excellence in journalism and television hosting:

• Daytime Emmy Awards: Lara has been nominated for several Daytime Emmy Awards, including a nomination in 2019 for Outstanding Morning Program for her work on Good Morning America.

• Primetime Emmy Awards: She was nominated for a Primetime Emmy Award in 2005 for Outstanding Reality Program for her work on Antiques Roadshow.

• People’s Choice Awards: Lara was nominated for a People’s Choice Award in 2013 for Favorite Daytime TV Host for her work on Good Morning America.

• New York Times Bestselling Author: Lara has authored several books, including “I Brake for Yard Sales” and “Flea Market Fabulous”, which have become New York Times bestsellers.

Lara Spencer has built strong professional relationships with many of her colleagues at Good Morning America and other projects. Some of her close colleagues include:

• Robin Roberts: Lara and Robin have worked closely together on Good Morning America. They share a strong bond and often support each other both on and off-air.

• Amy Robach: Lara has been a supportive colleague to Amy Robach, especially during significant moments like Amy’s debut children’s book release.

• T.J. Holmes: Lara has also worked closely with T.J. Holmes on GMA3: What You Need to Know. They have developed a professional rapport over the years.

• George Stephanopoulos: As one of the main anchors on Good Morning America, Lara works alongside George Stephanopoulos, contributing to the show’s success.

Lara Spencer’s ability to maintain strong relationships with her colleagues is a testament to her professionalism and dedication to her work.

Net Worth and Salary

Lara Spencer’s net worth and salary reflect her successful career in journalism and television hosting. His net worth is estimated to be around $20 million.

This wealth has been accumulated through her extensive career in television, including her work on Good Morning America, Antiques Roadshow, and other projects.

At the peak of her hosting career, Lara Spencer earned a salary of approximately $3 million per year. This high salary is a testament to her experience, expertise, and contributions to the field of journalism and television.

Apart from her salary, Lara Spencer also generates income through various projects, appearances, and her work as a television producer.

She has created and produced several shows, including Flea Market Flip and Everything But the House, which have contributed to her overall net worth.

Is Lara Spencer related to Princess Diana?

Yes, Lara Spencer is related to Princess Diana. She is the daughter of Charles Spencer, Princess Diana’s brother.

This makes Lara Spencer Princess Diana’s niece. There is a striking resemblance between Lara and her late aunt, which has been noted by many people.

What happened to GMA Lara Spencer?

Lara Spencer, a host on Good Morning America (GMA), underwent surgery at the start of 2023 to fix a torn plantar plate and ligament in her foot. She has been recovering and has shared updates on her progress on social media.

Despite the challenges, she has remained positive and has continued to work on the show, often using a scooter to get around the set.

How did Lara Spencer get famous?

Lara Spencer became famous as a television journalist and host. She joined Good Morning America (GMA) in 1999 and has been a notable presence on the show ever since.

Her career on GMA, along with her work as a producer and her involvement in various television projects, has contributed to her fame.

She has also been transparent about her personal life, sharing moments from her marriage, divorce, and her journey as a mother, which has endeared her to many viewers.

Is Lara Spencer Married?

Yes, Lara Spencer is married. She is currently married to Rick McVey, a tech entrepreneur and founder of MarketAxess.

They met on a blind date set up by a mutual friend and got engaged in January 2018. The couple tied the knot in a beautiful outdoor ceremony in Vail, Colorado, on September 1, 2018.

Lara was previously married to David Haffenreffer, a real estate broker and former reporter, from 2000 until their divorce in 2015.

She has two children from her first marriage: Katharine (Kate) Haffenreffer and Duff Haffenreffer.

What does Lara Spencer’s son do?

Lara Spencer’s son, Duff Haffenreffer, is currently studying at Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas.

While there isn’t much publicly known about his specific career plans, it’s clear that he is pursuing higher education and working towards building his future.

Does Lara Spencer have a daughter?

Yes, Lara Spencer has a daughter named Katharine (Kate) Haffenreffer. Katharine was born on October 4, 2004, and is currently 20 years old.

She takes after her mother with her stunning blonde hair and light-colored eyes. Katharine is also preparing to attend college, with plans to enroll at Vanderbilt University in the fall.

Does Lara Spencer have any biological children?

Yes, Lara Spencer has two biological children. She has a daughter named Kate and a son named Duff from her previous marriage to David Haffenreffer. She is currently married to Richard McVey.

How Old Is Lara Spencer?

Lara Spencer was born on June 19, 1969, which makes her 55 years old as of now. She celebrates her birthday every year on June 19th.

Where Is Lara Spencer Working At?

Lara Spencer is currently working as a co-anchor on ABC’s Good Morning America. She has been with ABC News for over 14 years and continues to contribute to the show.

In addition to her role on Good Morning America, Lara is also the creator and host of HGTV’s Emmy Award-winning show Flea Market Flip and the creator, executive producer, and host of Everything But the House on HGTV.

Lara Spencer is quite active on social media. She maintains a presence on platforms like Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

On Instagram, she often shares updates about her work, personal life, and family moments. Her posts include everything from behind-the-scenes looks at her TV projects to adorable photos of her pets.