Introduction:
Matthew Todd Lauer, better known as Matt Lauer, is a prominent personality in the field of American television journalism. Risen to fame through his association with NBC’s ‘The Today Show’, Lauer was once considered as one of the pinnacle figures of American morning television. Today, despite unexpected career predicaments, his vast experience and inherent charisma have underscored his continued relevance in the television industry.
Early Years:
Matt Lauer was born on December 30, 1957 in New York City, USA to a Jewish father and Protestant mother. His birthplace amplified his early exposure to the ever-bustling media industry. Although he was born in the city, he grew up in Stamford, Connecticut, where he spent most of his formative years. This balance between the city’s hustle and the calm suburban life shaped Lauer’s views on life and gradually laid the foundation of his career in journalism.
Lauer completed his high school education at Greenwich High School. Further, in 1979, he earned his undergraduate degree from Ohio University. His initial interest in media and communication surfaced during his college years, leading him to choose a career in television journalism.
Profile Summary:
– Full Name: Matthew Todd Lauer
– Age: 67 years old
– Birthday: December 30, 1957
– Nationality: American
– Hometown: Stamford, Connecticut
– Occupation: Television journalist
– Known For: Co-hosting NBC’s ‘The Today Show’
– Net Worth: $60 Million (as of September 2021)
Career Highlights and Lows:
Lauer started his television career in 1979 as a producer of a noon newscast for WOWK-TV in Huntington. In 1992, after various stints in on-air hosting and anchoring, Lauer joined NBC’s ‘The Today Show’ as a newsreader, eventually becoming the show’s co-host in 1997.
His charisma, coupled with an ability to connect with viewers, led to Matt Lauer becoming an iconic figure in morning television. However, his standout career took a harsh blow in 2017 when he was terminated from NBC after a detailed complaint about inappropriate sexual behavior.
Lauer’s departure from ‘The Today Show’ was certainly a low point in his career. His termination not only put a halt to his reigning streak on morning television but also engendered a downward spiral in his net worth.
Regardless, his span over three decades in the industry with a former annual salary of $25 million from his NBC show carved his path into the list of richest television hosts, with an estimated net worth of around $60 Million, according to Celebrity Net Worth.