40 Facts About Lara Spencer

Early Life and Education

Lara Spencer's journey to becoming a beloved television personality began with a strong foundation in education and athletics.

1. Lara Christine Von Seelen, known professionally as Lara Spencer, was born on June 19, 1969, in Garden City, Long Island, New York.
2. She grew up in a family that valued education and the arts, with her father, Richard Ernest, and mother, Carolyn von Seelen, instilling a strong sense of curiosity and determination.
3. Spencer attended Garden City High School, where she excelled in academics and athletics, becoming a nationally ranked competitive diver.
4. She was named an All-American Athlete in 1991, her senior year of high school.
5. Spencer attended Pennsylvania State University on an athletic scholarship for springboard and platform diving.
6. She graduated with a degree in broadcast journalism in 1991, laying the groundwork for her future career.

Career in Journalism

Spencer's career in journalism took off with a series of hard-earned opportunities and notable achievements.

7. After college, Spencer joined the NBC page program to gain experience in the field of journalism.
8. She then landed a position at the CBS affiliate WDEF-TV in Chattanooga, Tennessee, where she worked as a multimedia journalist, shooting and producing her own stories.
9. Her early career was marked by hard work and dedication, which eventually led her to News 12 Long Island and later to WABC-TV in New York.
10. Spencer's coverage of the TWA Flight 800 crash in 1996 brought her to the attention of national news executives.
11. In 1999, Spencer joined ABC's Good Morning America as a national correspondent.
12. She was named a co-anchor in 2011, a role she held until 2018 when she decided to step back to focus on her production company, DuffKat Media.

Hosting and Production

Spencer's talents extend beyond journalism to hosting and producing various television shows.

13. Spencer hosted Antiques Roadshow on PBS from 2004 to 2005 and its spin-off Antiques Roadshow FYI in 2005.
14. From 2004 to 2011, she was the host of the syndicated entertainment newsmagazine The Insider.
15. In 2011, Spencer created and executive produced the prime-time game show It's Worth What?, hosted by Cedric the Entertainer.
16. Spencer's first book, I Brake for Yard Sales, was published in April 2012 and became a New York Times bestseller.
17. Her passion for flea markets and vintage items led her to host Flea Market Flip, a show that aired on Great American Country.
18. In 2013, Spencer co-hosted the 87th Miss America pageant with Chris Harrison at the Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City, New Jersey.
19. Spencer and Chris Harrison again co-hosted Miss America 2015 on September 14, 2014.
20. Her second book, Flea Market Fabulous: Designing Gorgeous Rooms with Vintage Treasures, was published on September 16, 2014, and also became a New York Times bestseller.

Personal Life and Philanthropy

Spencer's personal life and philanthropic efforts reveal her dedication to family and community.

21. Spencer married former CNNfn journalist David Haffenreffer on September 30, 2000.
22. The couple lived in Greenwich, Connecticut, and had two children, Duff and Katharine (Kate).
23. They divorced in June 2015.
24. In January 2018, Spencer announced her engagement to New York tech entrepreneur Richard McVey.
25. They married on September 1, 2018, in an outdoor ceremony in Vail, Colorado.
26. Spencer is actively involved in philanthropy, supporting various causes including the fight against breast cancer and advocating for the arts in schools.

Diverse Interests and Hobbies

Spencer's interests and hobbies showcase her multifaceted personality and love for unique experiences.

27. Spencer's appearance on Dancing with the Stars showcased her dancing skills and determination.
28. In 2019, Spencer was the guest picker on College GameDay for the Michigan vs. Penn State game.
29. Spencer is the creator and executive producer of several television shows, including It's Worth What? and Flea Market Flip.
30. Her background in antiques is evident in her hosting style on Antiques Roadshow and Flea Market Flip.
31. Spencer's favorite pastime is shopping at flea markets, finding the thrill of the hunt and the potential for unique finds exhilarating.
32. Her design philosophy centers around creating rooms that are both stylish and functional, emphasizing the importance of storytelling through furniture and decor.
33. While Spencer respects antiques, she also believes that not all furniture has to be valuable to be meaningful.
34. Spencer enjoys shopping online at platforms like Craigslist and eBay, finding these sites to be great resources for browsing and getting an education on various items.
35. Spencer balances her busy work schedule with her role as a mother, prioritizing family time and making sure to spend quality moments with her children.
36. Spencer's philanthropic efforts include supporting the fight against breast cancer and advocating for the arts in schools.
37. Spencer's enigmatic nature lies in her ability to effortlessly blend sophistication with relatability.
38. When not working, Spencer enjoys playing golf and tennis, often playing tennis with her kids and occasionally dabbling in 18-hole rounds with friends and family.
39. Spencer's favorite beverage is the espresso martini, often relying on this drink to stay awake and energized throughout the day.
40. Spencer is an advocate for pet adoption and has three rescue dogs, who are a big part of her family and regularly make appearances on her Instagram and Good Morning America.

Lara Spencer: A Multifaceted Talent

Lara Spencer's journey showcases her versatility and passion. From her early days as a competitive diver to becoming a beloved co-anchor on Good Morning America, she has worn many hats. Her love for antiques and vintage finds shines through in her shows like Flea Market Flip and her bestselling books. Spencer's dedication to journalism, interior design, and philanthropy highlights her multifaceted nature. Balancing a busy career with family life, she remains grounded and relatable. Her work with DuffKat Media and various hosting gigs, including the Miss America pageants, further cement her status as a powerhouse in the entertainment industry. Lara Spencer continues to inspire with her infectious energy, creativity, and commitment to giving back. Her story is a testament to the power of passion and perseverance.