Matt Lauer is a former American television host. He was best known as the co-anchor of NBC’s “Today” show from 1997 to 2017.
From media darling to disgraced journalist, Lauer’s story is one of dramatic rise and fall. His career ended amid shocking allegations.
Lauer’s net worth peaked at $120 million. He earned a $28 million salary at NBC. His fortune decreased after his 2017 dismissal. Lauer’s life story continues to intrigue the public.
Profile Summary
| Category | Details |
| Full Name | Matt Lauer |
| Date of Birth | December 30, 1957 |
| Birthplace | New York City, USA |
| Education | Attended Ohio University |
| Peak Net Worth | $120 million |
| Current Net Worth | Approximately $80 million |
| Peak Annual Salary | $28 million |
| Major Controversies | Dismissal from NBC in 2017 due to sexual misconduct allegations |
| Marriages | Nancy Alspaugh (1982-1988), Annette Roque (1998-2019) |
| Children | Jack (2001), Romy (2003), Thijs (2006) |
| Real Estate | Properties in NYC, Hamptons, Sag Harbor, New Zealand ranch |
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 television career. His annual salary at NBC reached $28 million at its highest point.
Lauer’s net worth took a hit after 2017. This was due to his dismissal from NBC. Sexual misconduct allegations led to his firing. His divorce also impacted his finances. As of 2024, his estimated net worth is $80 million.
Despite the decrease, Lauer remains wealthy. His real estate investments have helped maintain his fortune. However, his earning potential has drastically reduced since leaving television.
Personal Life Of Matt Lauer
Matt Lauer’s personal life has been subject to public scrutiny. He has been married twice. His first marriage was to Nancy Alspaugh from 1982 to 1988. They divorced after six years.
Lauer’s second marriage was to Annette Roque. They were married from 1998 to 2019. This marriage ended in the wake of his scandal. Lauer has three children from his marriage to Roque.
Throughout his career, Lauer tried to keep his family life private. He often spoke about the challenges of balancing work and family. His personal life became more public after the 2017 allegations.
Read This Blog: Tucker Wetmore Bio, Age, Girlfriend, Net Worth
Matt Lauer’s: Early Life And Career Beginnings
Matt Lauer was born on December 30, 1957, in New York City. He grew up in a middle-class family. His father was a bicycle company executive. His mother owned a boutique.
Lauer attended Ohio University. He studied communications but left before graduating. His television career began in 1979. He started as a producer at WOWK-TV in West Virginia.
His on-camera debut came soon after. Lauer became a reporter for the station’s evening newscasts. This early experience set the foundation for his future success.
Who Is Matt Lauer’s Wife?
Matt Lauer has been married twice. His first wife was Nancy Alspaugh. She was a television producer. They were married from 1982 to 1988. The marriage ended in divorce.
Lauer’s second wife was Annette Roque. She is a Dutch model. They married in 1998. Their marriage lasted 21 years. It ended in divorce in 2019. The divorce came after Lauer’s scandal and dismissal from NBC.
Currently, Matt Lauer is not married. His last public relationship ended with his divorce from Roque.
Matt Lauer’s Kids
Matt Lauer is the father of three children. All three are from his marriage to Annette Roque. Their names and birth years are:
- Jack Matthew Lauer (born 2001)
- Romy Lauer (born 2003)
- Thijs Lauer (born 2006)
Lauer has always been protective of his children’s privacy. He rarely spoke about them in interviews. The impact of his 2017 scandal on his relationship with his children is not publicly known.
NBC Firing And Sexual Assault Allegations
In November 2017, Matt Lauer’s career at NBC came to an abrupt end. He was fired due to allegations of sexual misconduct. The accusations dated back to the 2014 Sochi Olympics.
The fallout was immediate and severe. Lauer’s reputation was severely damaged. More women came forward with similar allegations. NBC conducted an internal investigation.
Lauer initially denied some accusations. He later admitted to inappropriate behavior. The scandal effectively ended his television career. It also had significant impacts on his personal life and finances.
Matt Lauer’s Main Source of Earnings
Matt Lauer’s primary income came from his role at NBC. He was co-anchor of the “Today” show from 1997 to 2017. This position made him one of the highest-paid figures in television news.
At the peak of his career, Lauer’s annual salary was $28 million. His long tenure and popularity allowed him to negotiate lucrative contracts. The “Today” show’s success was partly attributed to Lauer’s presence.
His earnings from NBC formed the bulk of his wealth. This income stream ended abruptly with his dismissal in 2017.
Matt Lauer’s Additional Sources of Earning
Beyond his NBC salary, Lauer had other income sources. He often hosted special events and programs. These included Olympics coverage and New Year’s Eve broadcasts.
Lauer made guest appearances on other shows and networks. He also earned money from speaking engagements. Occasionally, he took on writing projects.
These additional earnings supplemented his main income. They helped build his overall net worth. Many of these opportunities ceased after his 2017 dismissal.
Endorsements
Matt Lauer’s fame made him attractive to advertisers. He had endorsement deals with major companies. These included McDonald’s and Macy’s.
His roles in these deals varied. Lauer appeared in commercials and print ads. He also attended promotional events. His reputation as a trustworthy news anchor was valuable to brands.
These endorsements significantly boosted Lauer’s income. However, most companies terminated their partnerships with Lauer after the 2017 allegations.
Also Read This Blog: Was Chuck Connors Gay? Dispelling Rumors About The Actor’s Sexual Orientation
Matt Lauer’s: Assets and Fortune
Matt Lauer’s wealth allowed him to acquire various assets. He owned a collection of luxury cars. Reports mentioned vehicles like an Audi A6 and Land Rover Defender.
Real estate formed a significant portion of his assets. Lauer owned multiple properties. These included homes in New York City and the Hamptons. His most notable purchase was a $36.5 million compound in Sag Harbor.
Despite financial changes, Lauer has retained ownership of some properties. These continue to contribute to his overall net worth.
Matt Lauer’s Expenditure on Charity
Throughout his career, Matt Lauer was involved in charitable activities. He supported various organizations. These included the Breast Cancer Research Foundation and the Elton John AIDS Foundation.
Lauer’s charitable work wasn’t limited to financial donations. He often used his platform to raise awareness. He supported causes like disaster relief and human rights.
The full extent of Lauer’s philanthropy isn’t public knowledge. However, it was a consistent part of his public image throughout his career.
Matt Lauer’s Real Estate
Real estate has been a significant part of Matt Lauer’s wealth. He has owned several high-value properties. His portfolio included both urban and rural properties.
One notable property was a 25-acre estate in Sag Harbor. It included an 8,000-square-foot main house. This property was listed for $44 million after his career downfall.
Lauer also owned a 16,000-acre ranch in New Zealand. He purchased it for $9.2 million in 2017. Despite financial changes, Lauer has retained ownership of some properties.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was Matt Lauer’s highest salary at NBC?
Matt Lauer’s highest 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 dismissal from NBC?
Lauer was fired due to allegations of sexual misconduct in November 2017.
What was Matt Lauer’s most expensive real estate purchase?
Lauer’s most expensive purchase was a $36.5 million compound in Sag Harbor, bought from actor Richard Gere.
Is Matt Lauer currently married?
No, Matt Lauer is not currently married. His last marriage to Annette Roque ended in divorce in 2019.
Conclusion
Matt Lauer’s life and career represent a stark contrast of success and downfall. He rose to become one of America’s most recognized and highest-paid television personalities. His role on the “Today” show made him a household name.
However, Lauer’s career and reputation were irreparably damaged by sexual misconduct allegations in 2017. This led to his dismissal from NBC and a significant reduction in his net worth. The scandal also impacted his personal life, leading to divorce.
Fatima is a talented content writer and digital marketer with expertise in SEO, social media management, and online marketing. She excels at creating impactful, data-driven content to help businesses connect with their target audience and achieve measurable outcomes.
