The Quiet Life: Where Is Matt Lauer Now 7 Years After His Shocking 'Today' Firing?
The dramatic firing of Matt Lauer from NBC's Today Show in 2017 sent shockwaves through the media world, marking one of the most significant downfalls of the #MeToo era. For years, Lauer was the face of morning television, a trusted presence in millions of American homes, only to be abruptly dismissed over allegations of "inappropriate sexual behavior" with a colleague. As of late 2024, the former anchor has largely retreated from the public eye, settling into a life of relative solitude and wealth in the Hamptons, though recent reports suggest he may be attempting a quiet return to media.
The transition from a high-profile media personality with an estimated $20 million annual salary to a private citizen has been a multi-year process involving divorce, significant real estate transactions, and a complete overhaul of his social circle. He has traded the bright lights of Rockefeller Center for the quiet, exclusive anonymity of Long Island's East End, occasionally surfacing for rare public sightings that often spark renewed curiosity about his current status and mindset.
Matt Lauer: A Comprehensive Biography and Profile
Matthew Todd Lauer was one of the highest-paid and most recognizable figures in American news media for over two decades before his career ended abruptly. His profile is defined by his long tenure at NBC and the scandalous circumstances of his exit.
- Full Name: Matthew Todd Lauer
- Date of Birth: December 30, 1957
- Age (as of late 2024): 66
- Birth Place: New York City, New York, United States
- Alma Mater: Ohio University (School of Telecommunications, dropped out in 1979, but received a degree in 1997)
- Known For: Co-host of The Today Show on NBC (1997–2017)
- Previous Roles: Co-anchor of Today in New York, news anchor for The Today Show, host of Dateline NBC.
- Firing Date: November 29, 2017
- Reason for Firing: "Inappropriate sexual behavior" after a detailed complaint from a colleague, which led to multiple subsequent allegations of sexual misconduct.
- Spouse (Ex): Annette Roque (m. 1998; divorced 2019)
- Children: Three—Jack, Romy, and Thijs.
- Current Partner: Shamin Abas (since late 2019)
The Hermit of the Hamptons: Lauer's Quiet Lifestyle Today
Since his dramatic exit from NBC, Matt Lauer has adopted what sources describe as a "very quiet lifestyle" that is a stark contrast to his previous celebrity status. His primary residence is now centered around the Hamptons, the affluent Long Island enclave where he has long owned significant property. This retreat has allowed him to largely escape the constant scrutiny of the New York media.
A Drastically Changed Social Circle
One of the most notable changes in Lauer's post-NBC life is the transformation of his social circle. Following the allegations, many high-profile friends and former colleagues distanced themselves. However, recent reports from late 2023 and early 2024 suggest a shift, indicating that Lauer has been "reconnecting with old friends" from his past. This slow process of rebuilding relationships is seen as a sign of him settling into his new normal, seven years removed from the scandal.
Focus on Family and New Romance
Lauer’s personal life has also undergone major restructuring. His divorce from Annette Roque, a former model, was finalized in 2019 after a period of separation. The former couple shares three children: Jack, Romy, and Thijs. Sources indicate that Lauer has made efforts to reconnect and maintain a strong relationship with his children, a key focus of his time in the Hamptons.
He is currently in a committed relationship with Shamin Abas, a high-profile public relations executive who specializes in luxury brands. The relationship reportedly began in late 2019, and Abas has been a consistent presence in his life, often seen with him in the Hamptons and during trips to his international properties.
Real Estate Portfolio: Selling Off the Empire
Lauer's financial stability, even without a current salary, is undeniable, thanks to his considerable wealth and a strategic portfolio of high-value real estate. The years following his firing saw him liquidate some of his most significant holdings, including his massive Hamptons estate, known as Strongheart Manor.
The $40 Million North Haven Sale
The most publicized real estate transaction involved his sprawling North Haven property. Originally purchased from actor Richard Gere, Lauer eventually sold the estate in parcels, netting a massive profit. He sold three parcels on Actors Colony Road for a combined $40.9 million, which was $4.4 million more than he had paid for the property six years earlier. This successful sale demonstrated his ability to manage his assets effectively despite his public downfall.
The New Zealand Retreat
Beyond the Hamptons, Lauer also owns a substantial and controversial property in New Zealand. This stunning, remote property in the South Island has been a subject of media attention due to a legal battle following his firing. Despite the controversy, Lauer was cleared to retain his South Island property, which is reportedly a frequent retreat for him and his partner, Shamin Abas. This New Zealand home serves as a perfect escape, offering complete seclusion from the American media landscape.
The Rumors of a Media Comeback: Will Lauer Return?
The question that perpetually follows Lauer is whether he will ever return to the media world. While he is financially secure and "doesn't work and he doesn't have to," the pull of his former profession may still be strong.
Insiders have suggested that the former journalist is "looking to 'get back into' media" eight years after his firing. While the nature of this potential comeback remains vague, it is highly unlikely he would return to a high-profile, on-air role like the one he held at the Today Show. Any return would likely be a behind-the-scenes role, a production capacity, or a highly specialized project far removed from the mainstream broadcast news environment that defined his career.
For now, Matt Lauer's life is defined by quiet affluence, private relationships, and the management of his considerable wealth. He remains a figure of intense public curiosity, but one who has successfully traded the demanding schedule of a television anchor for the secluded, low-key existence of a Hamptons resident.
Detail Author:
- Name : Aaron Balistreri
- Username : haleigh.funk
- Email : fschuppe@yahoo.com
- Birthdate : 1988-03-01
- Address : 1717 Rylee Harbor Port Zakaryhaven, NV 18673-4451
- Phone : 269-334-8407
- Company : Bernier, Senger and Sanford
- Job : Government
- Bio : Omnis ad voluptatibus odio a corporis id. Voluptas quis rerum praesentium ratione aut. Quis sunt labore ut blanditiis quia odit reiciendis eos. Harum cumque sunt dolor.
Socials
instagram:
- url : https://instagram.com/darea
- username : darea
- bio : Eos quia illum unde. Consequuntur eveniet animi et. Sit iste cupiditate saepe aspernatur.
- followers : 463
- following : 2196
facebook:
- url : https://facebook.com/dare2020
- username : dare2020
- bio : Nihil repellendus corrupti quo dolor omnis ratione.
- followers : 3109
- following : 1223
