Matt Lauer is a name that sparks curiosity and conversation. Known for his long tenure on NBC's "Today" show, Lauer became a household name in American television. But who is Matt Lauer beyond the camera? Born on December 30, 1957, in New York City, he started his career in local news before rising to national fame. His journey wasn't without controversy, especially following his 2017 dismissal from NBC due to allegations of sexual misconduct. Despite this, his impact on morning television remains significant. From his early days in journalism to his personal life, there's much to learn about this complex figure. Ready to dive into 27 intriguing facts about Matt Lauer? Let's get started!
Early Life and Education
Matt Lauer's journey to becoming a household name started long before he graced television screens. Here are some intriguing facts about his early years.
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Born in New York City: Matt Lauer was born on December 30, 1957, in New York City. His father was a bicycle-company executive, and his mother was a boutique owner.
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Dropped Out of College: Lauer attended Ohio University but dropped out in 1979 to pursue a career in television. He later returned to complete his degree in 1997.
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First Job in Television: His first job in television was at WOWK-TV in Huntington, West Virginia, where he worked as a producer and on-air reporter.
Career Highlights
Matt Lauer's career is filled with notable achievements and moments that made him a prominent figure in broadcasting.
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Joined NBC in 1992: Lauer joined NBC in 1992, initially working as a newsreader on "The Today Show."
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Became Co-Anchor of "The Today Show": In 1997, Lauer was promoted to co-anchor of "The Today Show," a position he held for 20 years.
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Interviewed High-Profile Figures: Over the years, Lauer interviewed numerous high-profile figures, including presidents, celebrities, and world leaders.
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Covered Major Events: He covered significant events such as the 9/11 attacks, the Olympics, and presidential elections.
Personal Life
Beyond his professional life, Matt Lauer's personal life has also been a subject of public interest.
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Married Twice: Lauer has been married twice. His first marriage was to Nancy Alspaugh, and his second marriage was to Annette Roque, with whom he has three children.
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Passionate About Horse Riding: Lauer is an avid horse rider and owns a horse farm in New Zealand.
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Philanthropy: He has been involved in various charitable activities, including supporting cancer research and children's hospitals.
Controversies and Scandals
Lauer's career took a dramatic turn due to controversies that overshadowed his accomplishments.
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Fired from NBC: In 2017, Lauer was fired from NBC following allegations of inappropriate sexual behavior.
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Public Apology: After his dismissal, Lauer issued a public apology, acknowledging some of the accusations but denying others.
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Impact on "The Today Show": His departure significantly impacted "The Today Show," leading to changes in the show's format and personnel.
Awards and Recognition
Despite the controversies, Lauer's contributions to journalism have been recognized with various awards.
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Emmy Awards: Lauer has won multiple Emmy Awards for his work on "The Today Show."
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National Headliner Award: He received the National Headliner Award for his coverage of the 9/11 attacks.
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Inducted into the Broadcasting & Cable Hall of Fame: In 2008, Lauer was inducted into the Broadcasting & Cable Hall of Fame.
Interesting Tidbits
Here are some lesser-known facts about Matt Lauer that might surprise you.
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Guest Starred on TV Shows: Lauer made guest appearances on TV shows like "Will & Grace" and "30 Rock."
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Voice Acting: He lent his voice to animated characters in movies like "Shark Tale."
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Authored Children's Book: Lauer co-authored a children's book titled "The Adventures of Rover."
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Loves Skiing: He is an enthusiastic skier and often spends his vacations on the slopes.
Post-NBC Life
After his departure from NBC, Lauer's life took a different direction.
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Living in the Hamptons: Lauer currently resides in the Hamptons, where he maintains a low profile.
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Divorce Settlement: His divorce from Annette Roque was finalized in 2019, with a significant financial settlement.
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Real Estate Ventures: Lauer has invested in various real estate properties, including a $36.5 million estate in the Hamptons.
Public Perception
Public opinion about Matt Lauer has been mixed, especially after the controversies.
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Mixed Reactions: While some people still admire his journalistic skills, others criticize him for his alleged misconduct.
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Media Coverage: His life and career continue to be subjects of media coverage, reflecting the ongoing public interest.
Legacy
Despite the controversies, Lauer's impact on journalism remains significant.
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Influence on Morning TV: Lauer's tenure on "The Today Show" helped shape the format of morning television.
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Mentorship: He mentored many young journalists, some of whom have gone on to have successful careers in broadcasting.
Reflecting on Matt Lauer's Journey
Matt Lauer's career has been a rollercoaster. From his early days in local news to becoming a household name on the "Today" show, his professional life was marked by significant achievements. However, his fall from grace due to serious allegations changed everything. These events serve as a reminder that public figures are human, with flaws and complexities. Lauer's story is a mix of success, controversy, and lessons learned. It highlights the importance of accountability and the impact of personal actions on professional life. As we look back, it’s clear that his legacy is a complicated one, filled with both high points and deep valleys. Understanding his journey offers valuable insights into the pressures and pitfalls of fame.
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