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Entertainment • Television

Matt Lauer

Matt Lauer is an American former television journalist and host best known for co-hosting NBC’s morning program *Today* from 1997 to 2017.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Matt Lauer is an American former television journalist and host best known for co-hosting NBC’s morning program *Today* from 1997 to 2017. He was fired by NBC in November 2017 after a complaint of sexual misconduct, and additional allegations of inappropriate behaviour later emerged.

Early life and education

Matt Lauer was born in New York City on December 30, 1957. Sources also indicate that he attended Ohio University.

Career

Lauer began working in television in 1979 and held local news and hosting roles before joining NBC News. He became a permanent part of *Today* in 1994 and later its co-host in 1997.

Dismissal from NBC

NBC fired Lauer in November 2017 after receiving a complaint of sexual misconduct. Additional allegations were reported shortly afterward, and Lauer issued a statement expressing sorrow and regret.

Public profile

Lauer was one of the most recognisable figures on U.S. morning television during his years on *Today*. His career is now most often discussed in connection with both his long tenure and his dismissal.

Key facts

  • Matt Lauer co-hosted NBC’s *Today* from 1997 to 2017.
  • He was fired by NBC in November 2017 after a complaint of sexual misconduct.
  • Additional allegations of inappropriate behaviour emerged after his dismissal.
  • Lauer began his journalism career in 1979 and joined *Today* as a news anchor in 1994.
  • He was born in New York City on December 30, 1957.
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Canadian context

Canadian viewers would mainly know Matt Lauer through NBC’s *Today*, which has long been widely watched in Canada through U.S. television coverage and cable carriage.

Frequently asked questions

Who is Matt Lauer?
Matt Lauer is an American former television journalist and host best known for co-hosting NBC’s *Today*.
What show was Matt Lauer best known for?
He was best known for co-hosting NBC’s *Today* from 1997 to 2017.
When was Matt Lauer born?
He was born on December 30, 1957, in New York City, New York.
Why was Matt Lauer fired from NBC?
NBC fired him in November 2017 after a complaint of sexual misconduct, and more allegations followed.
What is Matt Lauer’s birth name?
His birth name is Matthew Todd Lauer.

References

  1. Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/biography/Matt-Lauer
    Supports: Birth date and place, full name, career summary, cohost role on *Today*, and firing in 2017.
  2. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Matt_Lauer
    Supports: Birth name, years active, *Today* roles, and general career timeline.
  3. The Atlanta Journal-Constitution — https://www.ajc.com/news/national/things-know-about-matt-lauer/ocOsEZpgvJ1L9mnQ8lFPPP/
    Supports: Career chronology, Ohio University attendance, and marriage/family details.
  4. TV Insider — https://www.tvinsider.com/people/matt-lauer/
    Supports: Birth date/place, *Today* hosting role, and firing after sexual misconduct allegation.