Matt Lauer is an American television journalist and former co-anchor of NBC's Today show. As of 2025, he is 68 years old, having been born on December 30, 1956. Lauer was a prominent national news personality from the 1990s through the mid-2010s, known for his role on NBC News. His tenure ended in late 2017 following reports of misconduct and his dismissal from the network. Since then, he has maintained a low public profile and has not returned to national broadcasting. The following profile provides a concise overview of his age, key career dates, and current status based on available, verifiable information.
Key biographical facts at a glance
Understanding Matt Lauer's age and career requires a look at specific, documented milestones. The table below summarizes essential dates and attributes, providing a quick reference for his professional timeline and current standing. These points are drawn from publicly available records and reputable reporting.
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Date of birth | December 30, 1956 | Public biography / network records |
| Age in 2025 | 68 years old | Calculated from birth date |
| Today show co-anchor tenure | 1997–November 29, 2017 | NBC News official announcements |
| Departure date from NBC | November 29, 2017 | NBC News statement |
| Employment status | No longer employed by NBC News; not actively broadcasting | Network confirmation; subsequent interviews |
Early life and education
Born in Rochester, New York, on December 30, 1956, Matt Lauer grew up in a middle-class family and developed an interest in broadcasting during high school. He attended Ohio University, though he did not complete a degree, and entered local radio and television positions shortly thereafter. These early roles in regional markets provided the foundational experience that would later support his ascent to national news prominence.
Rise to national prominence
Lauer's national profile increased through the 1990s as he held on-air roles at CNBC and ABC News. His move to NBC News in the mid-1990s set the stage for his long tenure on the Today show. He became co-anchor in 1997, a position he held for more than two decades. This period represents the core of his public recognition, during which he became one of the most familiar faces in morning television.
Milestones on the Today show
During his time on the Today show, Lauer participated in major news coverage and celebrity interviews, and the program saw significant ratings presence. Key moments included high-profile interviews and live event coverage. His role remained consistently prominent from the late 1990s through the early 2010s, reinforcing his status as a mainstay of morning television.
Departure from NBC News
In November 2017, NBC News announced Lauer's immediate termination following allegations of inappropriate sexual behavior. The network cited these reports in a formal statement, noting that they broke their contract with him. Multiple news outlets detailed the circumstances surrounding his dismissal, and the incident became widely reported. This event marked the definitive end of his role in national news broadcasting.
Current status and public presence
Since his departure, Matt Lauer has not appeared on television or digital platforms as a journalist or commentator. He has not taken on new roles in media or public life and has largely remained out of the public eye. Available public records and statements confirm he is not currently employed in broadcasting. As a result, references to his work pertain to his past career rather than any ongoing activities.
Frequently asked questions about Matt Lauer
Below are concise answers to common questions, designed to address frequent points of confusion with clear, factual context.
- When was Matt Lauer born? He was born on December 30, 1956.
- How long was Matt Lauer on the Today show? He served as co-anchor from 1997 to November 2017, a tenure of about 20 years.
- Why did Matt Lauer leave NBC? He was dismissed in November 2017 following reports of misconduct; NBC stated it terminated their contract.
- Is Matt Lauer still working in television? No. He has not held a role in television journalism since his departure from NBC News.
- Does Matt Lauer give interviews or make public appearances? There have been no verified interviews or public appearances since his exit from NBC.
- How is Matt Lauer regarded today? He is remembered for his long tenure on the Today show, though his legacy is significantly affected by the circumstances of his departure.
Comparison with other Today show co-anchors
Placing Lauer's career in context can help clarify his role and timeline. The table below compares his tenure length and status with other notable co-anchors of the Today show.
| Co-anchor | Tenure dates | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Matt Lauer | 1997–November 2017 | Left NBC; not currently active |
| Ann Curry | 1997–2011 | Active in media, other roles |
| Al Roker | Active on NBC | |
| Hoda Kotb | Active on NBC |
Reputation and legacy
Matt Lauer's legacy is tied to two defining elements: his long tenure on the Today show and the circumstances of his departure. For nearly 20 years, he was a central figure in morning television, delivering news and conducting high-profile interviews. However, his legacy is heavily contextualized by the 2017 allegations and termination. Public discussion of his career often references both his visibility during his years on air and the serious nature of the reports that led to his exit.