Matt Lauer, once one of the most recognized faces on American television, has had a tumultuous career marked by both great success and controversy. Known primarily for his two-decade run as the co-anchor of NBC’s Today show, Lauer’s career took a sharp turn in 2017 when he was dismissed following allegations of sexual misconduct. Despite the scandal, Lauer’s financial standing remains a topic of curiosity. This article will take an in-depth look at Matt Lauer’s net worth, his sources of income, how his career unfolded, and the impact his personal controversies have had on his wealth.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Born on December 30, 1957, in New York City, Matthew Todd Lauer grew up in a family that emphasized education and hard work. His father, Robert Lauer, was a bicycle company executive, and his mother, Marilyn Lauer, was a boutique owner. Matt attended Ohio University, where he initially studied communications but dropped out in 1979 to pursue a career in television.
Lauer began his broadcasting career in the 1970s as a producer at a local news station in West Virginia. By the 1980s, he was working as a news anchor and reporter in various cities, slowly climbing the ranks of the television news industry. It wasn’t until 1994 when he joined NBC’s Today show as a newsreader that his career would truly take off, eventually propelling him into the upper echelons of media personalities.
Rise to Fame on Today Show
Lauer’s big break came in 1997 when he was named the co-anchor of the Today show, alongside Katie Couric. The Today show became a staple of morning television in the U.S., and under Lauer’s co-anchorship, it remained at the top of the ratings for most of his tenure. His role on the show allowed him to interview high-profile celebrities, politicians, and even royalty.
Over the course of his 20-year career with Today, Lauer became one of the highest-paid TV personalities. His charming yet professional demeanor, coupled with his journalistic ability, made him a trusted figure in many American households.
Matt Lauer’s Earnings at NBC
At the height of his career, Lauer was earning a substantial salary. His yearly income peaked in 2016 when NBC paid him around $25 million annually to co-host the Today show. His multi-million dollar contract made him one of the top-earning news anchors in the world. Lauer’s success at NBC allowed him to accumulate significant wealth through not only his salary but also various endorsements and media deals.
It is estimated that during his time at NBC, Lauer earned a total of around $200 million. His immense income allowed him to invest in real estate, art collections, and other ventures, further increasing his net worth.
Real Estate Ventures and Investments
One of the primary ways Lauer invested his earnings was through real estate. Over the years, Lauer has bought and sold several luxurious properties. One of his most well-known purchases was a massive estate in the Hamptons, known as Strongheart Manor. This property, which Lauer bought from actor Richard Gere in 2016, is valued at around $36.5 million and is considered one of the most coveted estates in the area. The estate spans more than 6 acres and includes several buildings, a private dock, and stunning views of the Peconic River.
In addition to Strongheart Manor, Lauer has owned several other properties, including an apartment in Manhattan and a ranch in New Zealand. These real estate investments have helped maintain his wealth, even after his departure from NBC.
Matt Lauer’s Net Worth Before the Scandal
Before the sexual misconduct allegations in 2017, Lauer’s net worth was estimated to be around $100 million. His real estate portfolio alone was valued at tens of millions, and his multi-million dollar salary from NBC, combined with endorsement deals and investments, made him one of the wealthiest media personalities in the country.
Lauer’s career, at this point, seemed untouchable. He was considered one of the most trusted names in news, and his financial future looked secure, thanks to his lucrative contracts and investments.
The 2017 Sexual Misconduct Allegations and Fallout
In November 2017, Matt Lauer was abruptly fired from NBC after allegations of sexual misconduct came to light. The network confirmed that a female colleague had accused Lauer of inappropriate sexual behavior, and additional allegations from multiple women soon followed. Lauer’s sudden downfall shocked the media world, and his reputation was irreparably damaged.
NBC terminated his $25 million-a-year contract immediately, and Lauer disappeared from the public eye. His firing also had financial repercussions. Although Lauer had built a considerable fortune, losing his job at NBC meant that he was no longer earning a substantial income, and he also faced significant legal fees and settlement costs.
Post-Scandal Financial Situation
Following the scandal, Lauer has mostly retreated from public life. He continues to own several high-value properties, including Strongheart Manor and his ranch in New Zealand, but his earning potential has significantly diminished. While there have been reports that Lauer tried to sell some of his properties, including his Manhattan apartment, his real estate holdings remain a major part of his wealth.
It is difficult to determine Lauer’s exact net worth today, but estimates suggest that he still has a fortune in the range of $60-80 million. While he no longer has a steady stream of income from his NBC contract, his real estate investments, and savings have helped maintain his financial standing.
Lauer’s Wealth Management and Investments
Despite the scandal, Lauer has reportedly managed his wealth wisely. He has made various investments over the years, including in stocks, bonds, and other ventures. His real estate portfolio remains his most valuable asset, and even though his public image has suffered, his financial situation has remained stable due to his investments.
There have also been reports that Lauer continues to invest in businesses, although he keeps a low profile to avoid public scrutiny. His experience in media has given him the knowledge to make strategic investments, and he likely continues to earn passive income from his various ventures.
Divorce from Annette Roque and Its Financial Impact
One significant financial hit that Lauer faced after the scandal was his divorce from model Annette Roque. The couple, who married in 1998, separated in 2017, and their divorce was finalized in 2019. Reports suggest that Roque received a substantial settlement as part of the divorce, including ownership of some of Lauer’s properties and millions of dollars in assets.
While the exact details of the divorce settlement remain private, it is estimated that Roque received a significant portion of Lauer’s fortune. This undoubtedly impacted his net worth, although he still retains a considerable amount of wealth.
Current Net Worth in 2023
As of 2023, Matt Lauer’s net worth is estimated to be between $60 and $80 million. This figure is a far cry from the $100 million he was once believed to be worth, but it still places him among the wealthier former media personalities in the country. His real estate holdings, investments, and savings have allowed him to maintain a comfortable lifestyle despite the loss of his high-profile career and income.
While Lauer is unlikely to return to the public eye or resume his career in television, his financial legacy remains intact. His wealth may have diminished, but he is still financially secure, thanks to years of careful investments and substantial earnings during his peak years at NBC.
Conclusion
Matt Lauer’s story is one of dramatic highs and devastating lows. His net worth reflects both his success as one of the top television personalities in the world and the impact of the sexual misconduct scandal that ended his career. Although his financial future is no longer tied to his once-lucrative career in broadcasting, Lauer’s wise financial planning, real estate investments, and previous earnings have allowed him to retain a significant portion of his wealth. Today, with an estimated net worth of $60-80 million, Lauer remains a wealthy man, even as his public image remains tarnished.