Matt Lauer, born on December 30, 1957, is 66 years old as of 2024. He’s an American television personality famous for hosting NBC’s “Today” show. Lauer’s career in TV journalism spanned decades, making him one of the highest-paid news anchors. His net worth peaked at $120 million.
In 2017, Lauer’s career ended abruptly due to sexual misconduct allegations. He was fired from NBC, causing his net worth to drop significantly. Currently, his estimated net worth is around $80 million. Despite the scandal, Lauer’s impact on American television remains notable.
Matt Lauer Profile Summary
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Matt Lauer |
| Date of Birth | December 30, 1957 |
| Age (as of 2024) | 66 years old |
| Place of Birth | New York City |
| Nationality | American |
| Education | Attended Ohio University (did not graduate) |
| Career Start | 1980s |
| Notable Role | Co-anchor of NBC’s “Today” show |
| Peak Net Worth | $120 million |
| Current Net Worth (est.) | $80 million |
| Peak Annual Salary | $28 million |
| Major Controversy | Fired from NBC in 2017 due to sexual misconduct allegations |
| Marriages | Nancy Alspaugh (1982-1988), Annette Roque (1998-2019) |
| Children | Three: Jack, Romy, and Thijs |
Net worth of Matt Lauer
Matt Lauer’s net worth has seen significant changes. At his peak, it was estimated at $120 million. This wealth came primarily from his TV career. Lauer was one of the highest-paid anchors in television history. His annual salary at NBC reached $28 million. However, his net worth took a hit after 2017.
The sexual misconduct allegations led to his firing from NBC. This resulted in a loss of income and endorsements. Legal fees and divorce settlements further impacted his wealth. Current estimates put his net worth at around $80 million. This is a substantial decrease from his peak. Despite the reduction, Lauer still maintains considerable wealth.
Personal life of Matt Lauer
Matt Lauer’s personal life has been under public scrutiny. He was born to Jay Robert Lauer and Marilyn Lauer. Lauer’s father was a bicycle company executive. His mother owned a boutique. He grew up in a middle-class environment. This background shaped his work ethic. Lauer has been married twice. His first marriage was to Nancy Alspaugh from 1982 to 1988.
His second marriage was to Annette Roque from 1998 to 2019. Lauer is the father of three children. He has tried to keep his children out of the public eye. His personal life became highly publicized after the 2017 scandal. The allegations led to the end of his second marriage. Lauer has since maintained a low profile in his personal life.
Matt Lauer Early Life and Career Beginnings
Matt Lauer’s career in television began early. He attended Ohio University in the late 1970s. Lauer studied communications but left before graduating. His first job in TV was at WOWK-TV in West Virginia. He started as a producer for the noon newscast. Lauer quickly moved into on-air reporting.
His natural talent for broadcasting became evident. He worked at several local stations in the 1980s. These included stops in Providence, Philadelphia, and Boston. Lauer’s big break came in 1989. He joined WNBC-TV in New York City. This move set the stage for his national career. Lauer’s early experiences shaped his future success.
Who is Matt Lauer’s wife?
Matt Lauer has been married twice. His first wife was Nancy Alspaugh. They were married from 1982 to 1988. Alspaugh was a television producer. This marriage ended in divorce after six years. Lauer’s second and more well-known marriage was to Annette Roque. Roque is a Dutch model. They married in 1998. This marriage lasted for over 20 years.
Lauer and Roque have three children together. Their relationship faced challenges over the years. Reports of marital problems surfaced occasionally. The marriage ended following Lauer’s 2017 scandal. Roque filed for divorce in 2019. The divorce was finalized later that year.
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Matt Lauer’s kids
Matt Lauer is the father of three children. His oldest child is Jack Matthew Lauer, born in 2001. His daughter Romy Lauer was born in 2003. The youngest is Thijs Lauer, born in 2006. All three children are from his marriage to Annette Roque. Lauer has always been protective of his children’s privacy. He rarely spoke about them in interviews.
The children grew up largely out of the public eye. This was despite their father’s high-profile career. After Lauer’s 2017 scandal, concerns were raised about its impact on his kids. Reports suggested that the family dynamics were strained. Lauer has maintained that his children remain a priority in his life.
NBC Firing and Sexual Assault Allegations
In November 2017, Matt Lauer’s career imploded. NBC fired him amid sexual misconduct allegations. The accusations came from a colleague. They related to behavior during the 2014 Sochi Olympics. More allegations from other women followed. These ranged from inappropriate comments to sexual assault.
NBC stated the complaint was the first against Lauer. However, they found reason to believe it wasn’t an isolated incident. Lauer initially denied some allegations. He later admitted to inappropriate workplace behavior. The firing was a shocking fall for a top TV personality. It came amid the broader #MeToo movement.
Matt Lauer Main source of earnings
Matt Lauer’s primary income came from his television career. His role as co-anchor on NBC’s “Today” show was his main earner. Lauer joined “Today” in 1994 as a news anchor. He became co-anchor in 1997, replacing Bryant Gumbel. This position made him one of TV’s highest-paid personalities. At his peak, Lauer’s annual salary reached $28 million.
His long tenure on “Today” allowed for lucrative contract negotiations. Lauer’s value to NBC came from his popularity with viewers. He was seen as a key factor in the show’s high ratings. His salary reflected his importance to the network. This main source of income formed the backbone of Lauer’s wealth.
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Matt Lauer Additional sources of earning
Beyond his main role on “Today,” Matt Lauer had various other income streams. He often hosted special events for NBC. These included coverage of the Olympics and New Year’s Eve celebrations. Lauer also made guest appearances on other shows. He occasionally filled in on NBC Nightly News. These additional duties likely came with extra compensation.
Lauer also earned money from speaking engagements. His status as a top news anchor made him a desirable speaker. He likely commanded high fees for these appearances. Lauer also dabbled in writing. He contributed to various publications over the years. While not his main source of income, these activities supplemented his earnings.
Matt Lauer Endorsements
Matt Lauer’s fame made him attractive to advertisers. He secured several endorsement deals during his career. These deals added significantly to his income. Lauer appeared in commercials for major brands. He endorsed companies like Macy’s and McDonald’s. These endorsements capitalized on his trustworthy image. Lauer’s role as a news anchor made him valuable to advertisers.
He represented reliability and professionalism. These qualities were desirable for brand associations. Endorsement deals often involved print ads and TV commercials. Lauer’s contracts likely included exclusivity clauses. This would have limited his endorsements to non-competing brands. The exact value of these deals is not public knowledge.
Matt Lauer Assets and fortune
Matt Lauer’s wealth allowed him to accumulate significant assets. His fortune included both liquid assets and investments. Lauer owned a collection of luxury cars. Reports mentioned vehicles like an Audi A6 and Land Rover Defender. His most valuable assets were in real estate. Lauer owned multiple properties at his peak.
These included homes in New York City and the Hamptons. One of his most notable purchases was a $36.5 million estate in Sag Harbor. This property was bought from actor Richard Gere in 2016. Lauer also invested in other ventures. He likely had a diverse investment portfolio. This would have included stocks, bonds, and other financial instruments.
Matt Lauer’s expenditure on charity
Matt Lauer has been involved in various charitable activities. He supported several causes throughout his career. Lauer contributed to organizations like the Breast Cancer Research Foundation. He also supported the Elton John AIDS Foundation. His involvement often went beyond financial donations.
Lauer used his platform to raise awareness for causes. He participated in charity events and fundraisers. His role on “Today” allowed him to highlight various social issues. Lauer was involved in disaster relief efforts. He reported on and supported causes after natural disasters. The exact amount of his charitable giving is not public knowledge.
Matt Lauer’s Real Estate
Real estate forms a significant portion of Matt Lauer’s assets. He has owned several high-value properties. One of his most notable was a 25-acre estate in Sag Harbor. This property included an 8,000-square-foot main house. Lauer purchased it for $36.5 million in 2016. He also owned a waterfront house in North Haven.
This property was listed for sale at $44 million after his scandal. Lauer’s New York City real estate included a Manhattan apartment. He sold this property for $8 million in 2018. In addition, Lauer owned a 16,000-acre ranch in New Zealand. He purchased this property for $9.2 million in 2017.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was Matt Lauer’s highest salary at NBC?
Matt Lauer’s peak annual salary at NBC was $28 million.
How many children does Matt Lauer have?
Matt Lauer has three children: Jack, Romy, and Thijs.
What led to Matt Lauer’s firing from NBC?
Lauer was fired in 2017 due to allegations of sexual misconduct in the workplace.
What was Matt Lauer’s most expensive real estate purchase?
His most expensive purchase was a $36.5 million estate in Sag Harbor, bought in 2016.
Is Matt Lauer currently married?
No, Matt Lauer is not currently married. His second marriage ended in divorce in 2019.
Conclusion
Matt Lauer’s life and career represent a dramatic rise and fall. He achieved remarkable success in television journalism. Lauer became one of the most recognizable and highest-paid news anchors. His net worth peaked at an estimated $120 million. However, his career and reputation were shattered by sexual misconduct allegations.
This led to his firing from NBC and a significant decline in his fortunes. Lauer’s current net worth, while reduced, remains substantial at around $80 million. His story serves as a cautionary tale about the fragility of public image and career success. It also highlights the serious consequences of workplace misconduct. Lauer’s future in the public eye remains uncertain, but his impact on television news is undeniable.
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