Matt Lauer
Matthew Todd Lauer (born December 30, 1957) is an American former television journalist and news anchor, most recognized for serving as co-host of NBC's Today morning program from January 1997 until his termination in November 2017.[1][2] Lauer's career began in local broadcasting after leaving Ohio University in 1979 for an internship at WOWK-TV in West Virginia, where he advanced to producer and on-air roles before moving through stations in Richmond, Jacksonville, and Philadelphia, hosting a public affairs show at the latter in the late 1980s.[3] He joined NBC in 1992 as a news anchor for Today and Weekend Today, ascending to the weekday co-anchor position alongside Katie Couric, a role that solidified his status through consistent ratings success and high-profile assignments, including interviews with three sitting U.S. presidents and coverage of multiple Olympic Games.[2][4] In late November 2017, amid the broader #MeToo revelations in media, NBC fired Lauer following a colleague's complaint of inappropriate sexual behavior in the workplace, which prompted an internal review uncovering additional accounts of misconduct toward other women over years prior.[5] Lauer issued a statement expressing regret for behavior that violated standards and harmed colleagues, though subsequent reporting and his own denials contested specifics of some allegations, such as a claimed assault detailed in investigative books.[6][7] An NBC-commissioned probe later concluded no systemic culture of harassment existed in the news division beyond Lauer's actions.[8]Early Life and Education
Family Background and Upbringing
Matthew Todd Lauer was born on December 30, 1957, in New York City to Jay Robert Lauer, a bicycle company executive, and Marilyn Kolmer, a boutique owner and former model.[9][10] His father was of Ashkenazi Jewish descent, while his mother had English ancestry.[11] Lauer has an older sister, April Lauer Stone, born in 1953.[12] His parents divorced during his childhood, after which his mother remarried Richard Kolmer, who became his stepfather.[12][13] The family relocated to Greenwich, Connecticut, following Lauer's sophomore year at a high school in Westchester County, New York, where they resided in a garden apartment.[14] Lauer attended and graduated from Greenwich High School in 1975.[15] Jay Robert Lauer died of cancer in 1997 at the age of 74.[13] Limited public details exist regarding specific family influences on Lauer's early interests, though his upbringing in suburban Connecticut followed the parental divorce shaped a relatively stable environment under his mother's remarriage.[9]Academic Pursuits and Early Influences
Lauer graduated from Greenwich High School in Greenwich, Connecticut, where he developed an early interest in media and communication.[14] Following high school, he enrolled at Ohio University in Athens, Ohio, majoring in communications at the Scripps College of Communication.[12] In 1979, at age 21, Lauer left Ohio University four credits short of his bachelor's degree to accept a paid internship at a television station in Charleston, West Virginia, prioritizing hands-on broadcasting experience over immediate academic completion.[12] This decision reflected his early professional ambitions, shaped by a family background in New York City that exposed him to urban media environments, though specific mentors or pivotal influences from his upbringing remain undocumented in primary accounts.[15] Lauer returned to Ohio University in the mid-1990s and earned his Bachelor of Science in Communication on May 4, 1997, at age 39, serving as the commencement speaker for the Scripps College of Communication graduates that year.[16] His delayed graduation underscored a career-first trajectory, where practical media work informed and complemented formal education rather than preceding it exclusively.Early Professional Career
Entry into Broadcasting
Lauer entered the broadcasting industry in 1979, forgoing completion of his degree at Ohio University to accept an internship at WOWK-TV, an NBC affiliate in Huntington, West Virginia.[17] He quickly advanced from intern to producer of the station's noon newscast, marking his initial professional role in television production.[18] Within months, Lauer transitioned to on-air reporting, contributing to the 6 p.m. and 11 p.m. broadcasts, where he handled general assignment stories and developed his reporting skills.[19] This early experience at WOWK-TV, a market 42 station, provided Lauer with foundational exposure to live television news operations, including scriptwriting, field reporting, and deadline-driven production.[18] By 1980, having built a portfolio of local reporting, he relocated to WTVR-TV in Richmond, Virginia, initially continuing as a general assignment reporter before co-hosting the syndicated lifestyle program PM Magazine, which broadened his on-camera presence beyond hard news.[20] These formative roles in smaller markets honed Lauer's adaptability in both behind-the-scenes and presenting capacities, setting the stage for subsequent opportunities in larger outlets.[20]Local Television Roles
Lauer began his broadcasting career in 1979 as a news producer for the noon newscast at WOWK-TV, a CBS affiliate in Huntington, West Virginia.[21] He soon transitioned to on-air roles, serving as a general assignment reporter by 1980.[20] In 1980, Lauer relocated to Richmond, Virginia, where he co-hosted the local lifestyle program PM Magazine on WXEX-TV (channel 8, now WRIC-TV), an ABC affiliate.[22] The syndicated show featured human-interest stories and entertainment segments, with Lauer partnering with co-hosts like Deborah Kent and Denise Kranich during his one-year tenure.[23] This role marked his entry into feature reporting and on-camera hosting in a mid-sized market. Lauer's subsequent local positions included co-hosting PM Magazine affiliates in other markets, such as Philadelphia's WPHL-TV from 1981 to 1984, before returning to news anchoring. By 1992, he joined NBC's owned-and-operated station WNBC in New York City as co-anchor of Today in New York, a morning program focused on local news and weather.[24] In 1993, he added co-anchoring duties for News Channel 4 Live at Five, handling afternoon local coverage alongside Sue Simmons until 1996.[24] These New York roles provided Lauer with experience in urban market reporting and positioned him for national opportunities within NBC.NBC News Tenure
Initial Positions and Rise
Matt Lauer joined NBC News in 1992, where he initially worked as a fill-in co-host for Weekend Today and NBC News at Sunrise.[18] He also substituted for Today show host Bryant Gumbel during this period.[18] From 1993 to 1994, Lauer served as a fill-in news anchor on the Today show.[25] On June 13, 1994, Lauer became the regular news anchor for the Today show, a role he held for several years while contributing to major news coverage, including events like the September 11, 2001 attacks.[25][26] His performance in these positions established him as a reliable on-air talent within NBC.[26] Lauer's rise culminated on January 6, 1997, when he replaced Bryant Gumbel as co-anchor of the Today show alongside Katie Couric, following his tenure as the program's news reader.[26] This promotion marked his transition from supporting roles to a lead position, leveraging his prior experience at NBC to secure the high-profile slot.[27]
Co-Anchoring the Today Show
Matt Lauer became co-anchor of NBC's Today show on January 6, 1997, succeeding Bryant Gumbel and partnering with Katie Couric, with whom he shared responsibilities for news segments, interviews, and light features that contributed to the program's blend of hard news and entertainment.[28][26] This duo anchored together until Couric's final broadcast on May 31, 2006, after she announced her departure on April 5, 2006, to join CBS Evening News.[29][30] Meredith Vieira joined Lauer as co-anchor in September 2006, following Couric's exit and a brief transition period, and remained in the role until her announced departure in May 2011, during which the show maintained its position as the top-rated morning program for much of the time.[31][32] Vieira's tenure emphasized conversational chemistry with Lauer, including segments on current events and viewer engagement, before she stepped down to pursue other projects.[33] Ann Curry, previously the show's news anchor, succeeded Vieira and began co-anchoring alongside Lauer on June 9, 2011, in a move intended to leverage her reporting background for more substantive coverage.[34] Curry's partnership with Lauer lasted about one year, ending with her emotional on-air farewell in late June 2012 amid reported internal tensions and declining ratings relative to competitor Good Morning America.[35][36] Savannah Guthrie replaced Curry, assuming the co-anchor role with Lauer in July 2012 after an interim announcement on June 28, 2012, and the pair collaborated on revamped segments aimed at recapturing audience share through a mix of interviews and topical discussions until Lauer's abrupt firing on November 29, 2017.[37][38] Throughout his two-decade stint as co-anchor, Lauer conducted high-profile interviews with world leaders and celebrities, often steering the show's direction toward accessible yet informative content.[39]Notable Reporting and Interviews
Lauer conducted several high-profile interviews with world leaders during his tenure at NBC News. In July 2006, he interviewed Russian President Vladimir Putin at Putin's Novo-Ogaryovo residence ahead of the G8 summit in St. Petersburg, where Putin addressed U.S.-Russia relations and criticisms from Vice President Dick Cheney.[40] The discussion highlighted tensions over democracy in Russia and energy policies, with Putin defending his administration's record.[40] Lauer also secured exclusive post-presidency interviews with George W. Bush. In November 2010, he spoke with Bush about his memoir Decision Points, covering decisions on the Iraq War, the 2008 financial crisis, and the use of enhanced interrogation techniques, which Bush affirmed he had authorized.[41] The interview, aired as a primetime special Matt Lauer Reports, delved into Bush's reflections on Hurricane Katrina and his relationship with Russian leadership.[41] In February 2017, Lauer interviewed Bush again on Today, discussing topics including immigration, religious freedom, and comparisons to the Trump administration.[42] Beyond presidential interviews, Lauer reported from global locations in the annual "Where in the World is Matt Lauer?" segments for Today, providing on-the-ground coverage of cultural and geopolitical sites. Examples include a 2008 report from Victoria Falls in southern Africa, emphasizing natural wonders and regional tourism.[43] These field reports often combined journalistic insight with experiential storytelling, reaching millions of viewers.[4] Lauer also interviewed cultural icons, such as a 2015 ride-along with Bruce Springsteen in Asbury Park, New Jersey, exploring the musician's roots and career.[44]Professional Accomplishments
Ratings Success and Industry Impact
Matt Lauer assumed the role of co-anchor on NBC's Today show on January 6, 1997, replacing Bryant Gumbel alongside Katie Couric, initiating a period of sustained ratings dominance for the program.[45] The duo's on-air chemistry and balanced approach to news and entertainment propelled Today to 852 consecutive weekly wins in total viewers, a streak originating in December 1995 and extending through much of Lauer's tenure.[46] This era established Today as the preeminent morning news broadcast, consistently outperforming competitors like ABC's Good Morning America until April 2012.[47] Under Lauer's leadership, Today achieved peak viewership and financial success, generating over $450 million in advertising revenue in 2010, with Lauer identified as a pivotal figure in sustaining the franchise's commercial viability.[48] His high-profile interviews with world leaders and celebrities, such as Presidents George W. Bush and Barack Obama, enhanced the show's appeal by combining substantive reporting with accessible format, drawing broad demographics and reinforcing NBC's morning dominance.[26] This model influenced industry standards for morning television, emphasizing host stability and versatile content to maximize audience engagement and advertiser interest. Lauer's 20-year co-anchor stint, the longest in Today's history, provided continuity amid anchor transitions, helping maintain viewer loyalty despite periodic challenges like the 2001 ratings dip during news-heavy periods.[49] Even as Today ceded the top spot to GMA post-2012 following Meredith Vieira's departure, Lauer's role in the prior 16-year reign underscored his impact on elevating morning shows as key revenue drivers for networks, with annual salaries reflecting his value—reportedly reaching $25 million by the mid-2010s.[50][51]Awards and Recognitions
Lauer received numerous Daytime Emmy Award nominations and wins, primarily for his work hosting NBC's coverage of the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. He won a Daytime Emmy in 1999 for Outstanding Special Class Program for the 1998 parade broadcast.[52] Additional wins included recognition in 2007 for parade-related specials, contributing to his total of eight Emmy victories amid over 20 nominations for similar holiday and morning program segments.[53] In 2008, Lauer was inducted into the Broadcasting & Cable Hall of Fame during ceremonies at the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel in New York, honoring his impact on the morning news format and audience engagement at NBC's Today.[54] This recognition highlighted his role in elevating Today's ratings dominance, though specific metrics tied to his individual contributions were not quantified in the induction announcement. While Today as a program garnered broader accolades, such as multiple Emmys for news coverage, Lauer's personal honors focused on special events rather than in-depth reporting, reflecting the show's entertainment-news hybrid style.[55] No major investigative journalism awards, like Peabodys, were attributed directly to him.Allegations of Sexual Misconduct
Initial Reports and Accusations
On November 29, 2017, NBC News Chairman Andrew Lack announced that the network had fired Matt Lauer, co-host of the Today show since 1997, after receiving a detailed complaint from a current female employee alleging inappropriate sexual behavior in the workplace.[56] The complaint, submitted late on November 27, 2017, described conduct initiated during NBC's coverage of the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia, and continuing for several months thereafter.[57][56] Lack stated that NBC's overnight review confirmed the allegations warranted termination, emphasizing that such actions contradicted the company's values and that this marked the first formal complaint against Lauer in two decades, though two additional complaints surfaced immediately after the firing, including one from 2001 alleging sexual assault.[56][58] The firing occurred amid heightened scrutiny of workplace sexual misconduct following reports on Harvey Weinstein earlier that month, prompting NBC to act within 24 hours of the initial complaint.[59] Lack publicly acknowledged "reason to believe this may not have been an isolated incident," based on emerging information, but maintained that prior awareness was absent.[56] Later that same day, Variety published the first detailed public accusations, based on interviews with three women who identified as victims of Lauer's harassment at NBC, with their accounts corroborated by friends or colleagues informed contemporaneously.[57] One former Today show staffer alleged Lauer sent her explicit emails after she rebuffed his advances, including queries about her sex life and vibrator use.[57] Another claimed Lauer summoned her to his office, exposed his erect penis, and scolded her for declining to engage sexually, leaving her distraught.[57] The third accusation aligned with the triggering complaint, involving prolonged inappropriate conduct starting in Sochi.[57] Variety also reported, based on over 10 current and former NBC employees, that Lauer had installed a button under his desk to lock his office door, facilitating undisclosed liaisons.[57] These reports represented the earliest corroborated claims to emerge publicly, predating more extensive investigations.[58]Specific Claims Against Lauer
In November 2017, following Lauer's termination from NBC, a Variety investigation detailed allegations from at least eight women who described a pattern of inappropriate sexual behavior by Lauer during his tenure at the network, including lewd comments, unwanted advances, and coercive encounters leveraging his position as a powerful anchor.[57] One woman reported that Lauer gave her a sex toy accompanied by an explicit note suggesting its use on her, which left her distressed.[57] Another recounted Lauer summoning her to his office, where he exposed his erect penis, masturbated, and then berated her for not reciprocating sexually after she rebuffed him.[57] Additional accounts included Lauer making crude remarks about a female colleague's sexual performance in front of others, equating it to her professional capabilities, and using a hidden desk button to lock his office door, facilitating unmonitored interactions with subordinates that two women described as enabling harassment.[57] The complaint that prompted NBC to fire Lauer on November 29, 2017, came from Brooke Nevils, a former NBC News producer who worked with him at the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia. Nevils alleged that after drinking at an event and visiting Lauer's hotel suite for further drinks, Lauer anally penetrated her without consent, an act she described as rape in a subsequent internal NBC meeting and in Ronan Farrow's 2019 book Catch and Kill.[60] [61] She further claimed the interaction involved aggressive physical restraint, leaving her unable to refuse due to intoxication and power disparity, though NBC later settled with her for an undisclosed sum reported in the millions.[62] Addie Zinone, a former NBC production assistant in her mid-20s around 2000, publicly described a three-week affair with Lauer, then in his early 40s and married, which began after he invited her to the Today show's green room under a pretext and initiated sexual contact.[63] [64] Zinone characterized the relationship as consensual on the surface but predatory, citing Lauer's authority over her career and her resulting feelings of powerlessness, shame, and long-term professional hindrance.[63] Other reports from the Variety probe highlighted recurring incidents during Olympics coverage, such as Lauer inviting female staff to his hotel rooms late at night under work-related excuses, including requesting one producer to bring a pillow, and initiating unwanted groping or skirt-lifting in professional settings.[57] An NBC-internal review in 2018, conducted by the law firm Tatro Texido Siegel, deemed the allegations from multiple accusers credible, corroborating patterns of misconduct spanning years, though it found no evidence that senior executives had prior detailed knowledge sufficient to act.[65]Lauer's Responses and Denials
Following his termination from NBC News on November 29, 2017, Lauer issued a public statement the next day acknowledging partial validity in the emerging allegations of sexual misconduct while expressing regret. In the statement, he wrote, "There is enough truth in these stories to make me feel embarrassed and ashamed," and apologized for the "pain I have caused others by words and actions," committing to "soul searching" and repairing the damage. He also asserted that "some of what is being said about me is untrue or mischaracterized," without specifying which claims.[66] Lauer remained largely silent for nearly two years after the initial firing, but in October 2019, he responded to a specific rape allegation detailed in Ronan Farrow's book Catch and Kill, which claimed he anally raped NBC producer Brooke Nevils in a Sochi hotel room during the 2014 Winter Olympics. In a letter to Variety, Lauer categorically denied the rape accusation as "false, ignores the facts and defies common sense," describing the encounter instead as a "brief and consensual two-person affair" that was extramarital but not coercive. He emphasized that Nevils never indicated non-consent and that their interactions continued amicably afterward, including professional collaboration.[67] In a subsequent 2020 op-ed, Lauer reiterated his denial of the Nevils claim and criticized Farrow's reporting as flawed, arguing it relied on selective accounts without full context or corroboration from involved parties. He maintained that while he had engaged in extramarital relations, no assault occurred, positioning his response as a defense against what he viewed as exaggerated narratives amplified by media dynamics post-2017.[68]NBC's Internal Review and Termination
On November 27, 2017, a female colleague at NBC News filed a detailed complaint accusing Matt Lauer of inappropriate sexual behavior in the workplace, prompting an immediate internal investigation by NBC executives.[5][59] The review, conducted swiftly over the following days, uncovered sufficient evidence of violations of company policy, leading to Lauer's termination on November 29, 2017.[5] NBC News Chairman Andrew Lack announced the firing in a memo to staff, stating that the organization was "deeply shocked" by the revelations, which demonstrated behavior that warranted his immediate dismissal for engaging in acts that posed "a clear violation of NBCUniversal's standards about workplace conduct."[5] Lack emphasized that, prior to this complaint, "no one had ever complained about Matt Lauer," but the probe revealed actions causing "extreme shock, disgust and anger."[5] In response to broader scrutiny following the firing, NBCUniversal initiated a separate internal review on December 1, 2017, to examine how the company had handled prior complaints or rumors related to Lauer.[69][70] This investigation, led by NBCUniversal's legal team under General Counsel Kim Harris, involved interviews with over 100 current and former employees, including executives, producers, and staff from the Today show.[71][65] The findings, released on May 9, 2018, concluded that the accusations against Lauer were credible and substantiated claims of sexually inappropriate conduct, justifying his termination.[65][71] However, the report found no evidence that NBC News leadership, including Lack, had received or been aware of any prior complaints about Lauer's workplace behavior before the November 2017 allegation.[72][73] It also determined there was no widespread pattern of similar misconduct across NBC News, though it noted a general reluctance among employees to report issues due to fears of retaliation or disbelief.[72] The investigation exonerated management of wrongdoing in handling the matter, attributing the oversight to isolated incidents rather than systemic failures at the executive level.[71][74] Lauer responded to the initial firing by acknowledging in a statement that he had engaged in consensual relationships with co-workers, taking responsibility for actions that were "unfair to my wife and wrong."[74]Post-Firing Developments
Immediate Aftermath and Public Reaction
NBC News Chairman Andy Lack announced on November 29, 2017, that the network had terminated Matt Lauer following a detailed complaint received the previous Monday night from a colleague alleging inappropriate sexual behavior in the workplace, prompting an internal investigation that concluded the behavior was a clear violation of company standards.[5][75] The decision came amid the emerging #MeToo movement, with recent high-profile cases like Harvey Weinstein's amplifying scrutiny of workplace misconduct in media.[5] On the morning of November 29, Today co-hosts Savannah Guthrie and Hoda Kotb, both longtime colleagues of Lauer, announced his firing live on air in an emotional segment, with Guthrie reading Lack's statement through tears and expressing being "heartbroken" for Lauer while praising the "brave colleague" who reported the issue.[76][77] Kotb described Lauer as a friend she had known for years, noting the difficulty in reconciling her personal experience with the allegations.[76] Lauer issued his first public statement on November 30, 2017, expressing "sorrow and regret for the pain I have caused others by words and actions," acknowledging it as the first formal complaint against him in over two decades at NBC, and committing to "soul-searching" without admitting specifics beyond the network's findings.[78][79] Public reaction included widespread shock among media figures and former colleagues, with some expressing disbelief given Lauer's long tenure and affable on-air persona.[80] President Donald Trump tweeted criticism of NBC's political coverage in response, questioning when the network would address its own "top political brass."[80] Despite the scandal, Today viewership surged in the immediate week following the firing, outperforming ABC's Good Morning America for the first time in three months, drawing an average of 4.47 million viewers compared to GMA's 4.11 million.[81][82]Legal Outcomes and Ongoing Disputes
Following his termination from NBC News on November 29, 2017, for inappropriate sexual behavior in violation of company standards, Matt Lauer faced no criminal charges or indictments related to the allegations of misconduct.[5] An internal NBCUniversal investigation, completed in May 2018 and led by outside counsel, reviewed complaints from multiple women and deemed the accusers credible, while concluding that senior executives had no prior knowledge of Lauer's actions.[65] The probe identified a pattern of behavior but resulted in no further legal penalties for Lauer personally, as the matters were handled as workplace violations rather than prosecutable crimes.[83] NBC did not pay out the remaining balance of Lauer's contract, estimated at tens of millions annually, citing termination for cause under its terms.[84] Separately, NBC reached nondisclosure agreements with at least seven women alleging harassment or discrimination at the network, though the company denied these involved direct payments to silence claims against Lauer specifically.[85] One such case involved former producer Brooke Nevils, who received a multimillion-dollar settlement from NBC in 2017 after alleging nonconsensual oral sex by Lauer at the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi; Lauer countered that any encounters were "mutual and completely consensual," framing them as an extramarital affair without assault.[86] No civil lawsuit was filed by Nevils or other named accusers directly against Lauer, with liabilities falling primarily on NBC for alleged failures in oversight.[83] Ongoing disputes center on conflicting narratives rather than active litigation. Lauer's 2019 public statement rejected rape characterizations from Ronan Farrow's book Catch and Kill, which detailed Nevils' account, asserting that media portrayals exaggerated or fabricated elements for sensationalism.[86] NBC has maintained it uncovered no pre-firing settlements tied to Lauer complaints, disputing Farrow's implications of executive cover-ups.[87] By 2019, NBC rescinded certain nondisclosure restrictions, allowing former employees to discuss harassment claims publicly, but no new lawsuits against Lauer have emerged as of 2025.[88] These exchanges highlight persistent contention over evidence credibility and institutional accountability, with Lauer avoiding formal legal reckoning beyond his professional dismissal.[85]Recent Personal Life and Privacy
Following his 2017 termination from NBC News amid sexual misconduct allegations, Lauer has resided primarily in the Hamptons, focusing on co-parenting his three children—Jack (born 2001), Romy (born 2003), and Thijs (born 2006)—with ex-wife Annette Roque.[89] The couple, married from 1998 to 2019, separated shortly after the scandal but delayed formal divorce proceedings until Roque filed in Suffolk County Court, New York, on July 2, 2019; the divorce was finalized later that year, with Lauer agreeing to a reported $20 million settlement to Roque, including provisions for the family horse farm and child support.[90] [91] Despite the acrimony—Roque cited emotional distress in filings—Lauer and Roque have maintained an amicable co-parenting relationship, appearing together at events such as their daughter Romy's equestrian competitions.[92] Since October 2019, Lauer has been in a committed relationship with publicist and entrepreneur Shamin Abas, a longtime acquaintance who transitioned to romance post-divorce; the pair, who share interests in equestrian activities and low-key socializing, have avoided public attention, with rare sightings including Abas accompanying Lauer to a former "Today" producer's wedding in New York City in December 2023 and Don Lemon's wedding in April 2024.[93] [94] Lauer, now 67, has described himself as being in "a really good place" with his family and has reconnected with select former colleagues, though he has no plans for a media return.[89] Public appearances remain infrequent, such as a August 2025 sighting in New York City where he appeared aged and transformed, underscoring his deliberate withdrawal from the spotlight.[95] Lauer's post-scandal life has emphasized privacy, with he and Abas actively shunning high-profile engagements to evade media scrutiny; sources describe their dynamic as "off the radar and low-key," prioritizing seclusion over visibility amid ongoing reputational fallout.[96] He settled a civil claim with accuser Brooke Nevils in 2020 without admitting liability, and no criminal charges were ever filed against him, allowing focus on personal recovery away from legal entanglements.[97] This intentional opacity has shielded family matters from tabloid excess, though occasional paparazzi encounters highlight persistent public interest in his whereabouts.[98]Personal Life
Marriages and Family
Lauer was married to television producer Nancy Alspaugh from 1981 to 1988.[99][100] The couple did not have children together.[101] In 1997, Lauer met Dutch model and equestrian Annette Roque on a blind date, and the pair married on October 8, 1998.[101][102] They had three children: son Jack, born in June 2001; daughter Romy, born in 2004; and son Thijs, born in 2007.[101][103] Lauer and Roque separated in late 2017 following reports of his sexual misconduct at NBC.[104] Roque filed for divorce in July 2019, citing irreconcilable differences, and the divorce was finalized on September 6, 2019, with the couple agreeing to joint custody of their children.[104][103] This followed an earlier, withdrawn divorce filing by Roque in 2006.[105]Lifestyle and Interests
Lauer maintained a lifestyle centered on affluent real estate holdings and family-oriented pursuits, including ownership of multiple properties such as a Manhattan apartment purchased in 2004 for $5.884 million and expansive Hamptons estates valued in the tens of millions.[102] His interests extended to rural and equestrian endeavors, exemplified by Bright Side Farm, a 40-acre facility in Water Mill, New York, acquired in 2012 for $3.5 million and equipped with an indoor riding arena and barns dedicated to horse care and training.[102] [106] This property reflected a shared family passion for horse riding, with facilities supporting equestrian activities.[107] Beyond equestrianism, Lauer engaged in outdoor sports, including cycling, for which he trained rigorously—biking 30 to 40 miles per day, three days a week—in preparation for charity events like the 2015 Tour de Red Nose ride from Boston to New York.[108] He also expressed enthusiasm for skiing, noting in a 2015 interview that few activities surpassed standing at the top of a slope with his wife.[109] Additional recreations included jet-skiing, aligning with his affinity for water-based and adventure-oriented hobbies.[102] Lauer further invested in international properties, leasing a 16,000-acre ranch in New Zealand's Hunter Valley Station in February of an unspecified year for $9 million, underscoring an interest in expansive, agricultural landscapes.[102]Legacy and Assessments
Contributions to Journalism
Matt Lauer served as news anchor for NBC's Today show starting in January 1994 and advanced to co-anchor on January 6, 1997, a position he maintained until November 2017, marking the longest tenure in the program's history.[2] In this role, he delivered daily news updates, conducted interviews with political figures, and contributed to live coverage of breaking events, helping to blend hard news with the show's lifestyle format.[2] His work supported Today's position as a leading morning broadcast, often achieving top ratings in key demographics during the early years of his co-anchorship.[26] Lauer conducted exclusive interviews with several U.S. presidents, including George W. Bush in August 2004 and November 2010, as well as Barack Obama in March and June 2010.[2] He also interviewed international leaders, such as Russian President Vladimir Putin on July 12, 2006, during a special broadcast ahead of the G8 summit.[110] Other notable sit-downs included 2008 Republican vice presidential nominee Sarah Palin and Captain Richard Phillips following his 2009 rescue from Somali pirates.[2] These interviews provided viewers with direct access to key decision-makers and participants in global events. Beyond studio work, Lauer reported from international hotspots, including broadcasts from the Korean Demilitarized Zone in 2004, Iraq in 2005, Cuba and Tehran in 2007, and Kabul in 2009.[2] He covered eight Olympic Games, contributing to NBC's extensive sports broadcasting, and anchored Today's response to the September 11, 2001, attacks, offering live updates amid the unfolding crisis.[2][26] Additionally, his "Where in the World is Matt Lauer?" series spanned 44 countries over 300,000 miles, highlighting cultural and news stories from diverse locations like Vietnam in 2000 and Qatar in 2003.[2] These efforts expanded the scope of morning television journalism by incorporating on-the-ground reporting into a format traditionally focused on domestic audiences.