Matt Lauer

Matt Lauer is an American former television journalist and news anchor, best known for his long tenure as the co-host of NBC's morning news program ''Today''. He joined the broadcast in 1994 as the news anchor and became co-anchor in 1997, a position he held for two decades, becoming one of the most prominent figures in American morning television. His career ended abruptly in November 2017 following multiple allegations of sexual misconduct detailed in a report by NBC News.

Early life and education

Matthew Todd Lauer was born on December 30, 1957, in New York City. He was raised in Westchester County, New York, and attended Mamaroneck High School. Lauer pursued higher education at Ohio University in Athens, Ohio, but he left before graduating to begin his career in broadcasting. His early professional steps included work at various local television stations, including WOWK-TV in Huntington, West Virginia, and WJAR in Providence, Rhode Island.

Career

Lauer's national profile began to rise with his work on the NBC program Today, where he initially served as a substitute host. He officially joined the broadcast in 1994 as the news anchor, working alongside hosts like Katie Couric and Bryant Gumbel. In 1997, he was promoted to co-anchor, a role in which he conducted high-profile interviews with figures such as U.S. Presidents Barack Obama and Donald Trump, and world leaders like Vladimir Putin. Beyond Today, Lauer hosted the Miss USA and Miss Universe pageants for NBC and was a frequent contributor to NBC Sports coverage of major events like the Olympic Games. He also served as a co-anchor for the network's coverage of historic events, including the September 11 attacks and multiple presidential elections.

Sexual misconduct allegations and termination

On November 29, 2017, NBC News terminated Lauer's contract following a detailed complaint from a colleague regarding inappropriate sexual behavior. An investigation by the network, prompted by the complaint, uncovered a pattern of alleged misconduct spanning several years. The allegations, which were reported extensively by outlets like The New York Times and ''Variety'', included claims of sexual harassment and assault from multiple women, both colleagues and other individuals. The scandal emerged during the broader cultural shift of the Me Too movement, which also implicated other media figures such as Charlie Rose and Bill O'Reilly. Lauer issued a statement expressing remorse and contrition for his actions, though he contested some details of the accounts.

Personal life

Lauer was married to television producer Nancy Alspaugh from 1981 until their divorce in 1988. In 1998, he married Annette Roque, a former model from the Netherlands; they separated in 2019 following the misconduct allegations. The couple has three children together. Lauer has been involved in various philanthropic efforts, including work with the Robin Hood Foundation and support for Greenwich Hospital in Connecticut. He has owned several properties, including a significant estate in The Hamptons and a residence in Manhattan.

Awards and recognition

Throughout his broadcasting career, Lauer received numerous accolades, including several Daytime Emmy Awards for his work on Today. He was also honored with a Peabody Award for the program's coverage of the September 11 attacks. In 2006, he was named one of ''Time'' magazine's 100 Most Influential People. His interviewing style and longevity on morning television made him a recognized and influential figure in the industry prior to his dismissal.

Category:American television journalists Category:Today (American TV program) personalities Category:1957 births Category:Living people