The $80 Million Question: 5 Surprising Things Matt Lauer Does For A Living Now (Latest 2025 Update)
Matt Lauer’s professional life, once the centerpiece of American morning television, took a dramatic turn in 2017 following his firing from NBC’s *Today* show amidst allegations of sexual misconduct. Years later, the question remains: what does the former co-anchor, who commanded a $25 million annual salary, do for a living now? As of late 2024 and early 2025, the answer is a complex mix of managing a vast real estate empire, enjoying a semi-retired lifestyle, and, most surprisingly, quietly "laying the groundwork" for a potential return to the media spotlight.
The reality is that Lauer, with an estimated net worth of $80 million, no longer needs a traditional job in the way most people understand it. His current "work" involves the high-stakes management of his accumulated wealth and properties, particularly his sprawling estates in the Hamptons and New Zealand. Recent reports also indicate a shift in his social isolation, with the former journalist actively reconnecting with old colleagues and fueling rumors of a media comeback, a development that has captivated industry observers.
Matt Lauer: A Complete Biography and Career Profile
Matthew Todd Lauer rose to prominence as one of the most recognizable and highest-paid television journalists in the world before his sudden dismissal from NBC News. His career spanned decades, from local news to the pinnacle of morning television.
- Full Name: Matthew Todd Lauer
- Date of Birth: December 30, 1957
- Age (as of 2025): 67
- Place of Birth: New York City, New York, U.S.
- Alma Mater: Ohio University (School of Telecommunications, dropped out in 1979, later received a degree in 1997)
- Key Career Milestones:
- Early Career: Worked at local news stations across the country, including in West Virginia, Rhode Island, and Philadelphia.
- 1992–1993: Newsreader for *The Today Show* on NBC.
- 1994–1997: Co-host of *Weekend Today* and substitute anchor for *Today*.
- 1997–2017: Co-anchor of *The Today Show*, becoming one of the network’s most valuable and highest-paid stars.
- November 29, 2017: Fired by NBC News following a complaint of "inappropriate sexual behavior in the workplace."
- Estimated Net Worth: Approximately $80 million.
- Primary Residence: The Hamptons, New York.
1. The Full-Time Real Estate Mogul: Managing a Multi-Million-Dollar Portfolio
For Matt Lauer, "working" now primarily means managing his extensive portfolio of multi-million-dollar real estate assets. The former *Today* host accumulated substantial wealth during his two decades at NBC, allowing him to transition into a life focused on property management and investment rather than traditional employment.
The most public aspect of his current life revolves around his Hamptons properties. Lauer has been actively involved in the complex and drawn-out process of selling his massive 25-acre Sag Harbor estate, known as "Serenity." This property, which he purchased years ago, has been a central point of his post-NBC life, requiring significant attention as it has languished on the market with multiple price reductions.
He is essentially a high-net-worth individual focused on asset liquidation and maintenance. The difficulties in selling his Hamptons home—a process involving real estate agents, legal teams, and market strategy—have become a significant, albeit private, undertaking. It’s a financial endeavor that ensures his wealth remains intact and grows, providing his primary source of income maintenance and stability.
2. The New Zealand Rancher: A Retreat from the Spotlight
Beyond the high-profile real estate transactions in New York, Lauer’s life is anchored by his massive, remote property in New Zealand. This 16,000-acre ranch, located near Lake Hāwea in Wanaka on the South Island, serves as a crucial retreat and a significant part of his ongoing property management.
Lauer has publicly expressed his deep affection for the New Zealand estate, stating he "feels peace there, loves it, loves the culture." The property was the subject of intense media scrutiny and legal challenges following his firing, as New Zealand’s Overseas Investment Office (OIO) initially reviewed his ownership based on "good character" requirements for foreign investors. Ultimately, Lauer was allowed to retain the property, which was valued at over NZ$13 million at the time of purchase.
Maintaining a property of this scale—a working ranch—requires continuous management, from overseeing land maintenance to handling local compliance. While he may not be actively farming, the logistical and financial oversight of such a vast international asset is a major commitment. This commitment allows him to live a life largely removed from the intense scrutiny of the American press, a significant change from his decades in the media fishbowl.
3. Networking for a Comeback: Laying the Groundwork for a Media Return
The most intriguing development in Lauer’s life is the persistent rumor of a potential professional comeback, a narrative that has gained traction in 2024 and 2025. Sources close to Lauer suggest he is "eyeing a potential return to professional life" and "wants to get back into the media arena in some capacity."
This desire for a return is not passive. Reports indicate he is actively "laying the groundwork" for a return to the spotlight by networking with former colleagues and reaching out to industry contacts "to see who can help him find a new job." This networking effort has included public appearances, such as reuniting with former *Today* co-hosts Hoda Kotb and Savannah Guthrie at a producer’s wedding, signaling a gradual re-emergence into his old social and professional circles.
While no concrete projects have been announced, rumors have circulated about him focusing on writing and producing content away from the camera, or even a highly speculative return to television. One particularly persistent rumor suggested Lauer was interested in teaming up with Hoda Kotb for a new show, though this remains unverified. For a man who was a journalist at heart, the pursuit of a new media venture—even one behind the scenes—is a form of work that could define his next chapter, proving that his journalistic ambition has not entirely faded.
In summary, Matt Lauer’s current life is far from a traditional 9-to-5 job. He is a multi-millionaire asset manager, overseeing a diverse portfolio of luxury real estate from the Hamptons to New Zealand. His income is derived from the prudent management of his substantial net worth. However, the most recent and relevant update is his active pursuit of a professional media comeback, a development that keeps him firmly in the public eye and defines his current endeavors.
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