Lara Spencer, co-anchor of Good Morning America, is currently recovering after undergoing two foot surgeries. In a heartfelt Instagram post, she shared that one of the surgeries was needed due to an old injury she sustained during her college diving career. Her temporary absence from the show has sparked an outpouring of well-wishes from fans and colleagues alike.
We’ve gathered all the details about Lara Spencer, including her measurements, net worth, career highlights, and personal relationships. Dive in to learn more about this resilient and talented media personality!
Who is Lara Spencer?
Lara Spencer, born Lara Christine Von Seelen on June 19, 1969, in Garden City, New York, is a prominent American television presenter and journalist. She is best known for her role as co-anchor on ABC’s Good Morning America and as the host of HGTV’s Flea Market Flip.
Spencer graduated from Garden City High School in 1987 and attended Pennsylvania State University on an athletic scholarship for springboard and platform diving. She was a nationally ranked competitive diver and was named an All-American Athlete in 1991. She graduated with a degree in broadcast journalism.
Spencer married former CNN journalist David Haffenreffer in 2000, and they have two children. The couple divorced in 2015. In 2018, she married tech entrepreneur Richard McVey.
Quick Bio
Here’s Lara Spencer’s complete biography:
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| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Lara Christine Von Seelen |
| Date of Birth | June 19, 1969 |
| Place of Birth | Garden City, New York, USA |
| Age | 55 (as of 2024) |
| Nationality | American |
| Education | – Garden City High School (Class of 1987) |
| – Bachelor’s Degree in Broadcast Journalism, Pennsylvania State University (1991) | |
| Athletic Background | – Nationally ranked competitive diver |
| – All-American Athlete (1991) | |
| Profession | Television Presenter, Journalist, Producer |
| Current Roles | – Co-anchor on ABC’s Good Morning America |
| – Host of HGTV’s Flea Market Flip | |
| Notable TV Roles | – National correspondent for ABC’s Good Morning America (1999–Present) |
| – Host of PBS’s Antiques Roadshow (2004–2005) | |
| – Creator and host of HGTV’s Flea Market Flip | |
| – Creator and executive producer of It’s Worth What? (NBC) | |
| Early Career | – Started in NBC’s Page Program |
| – Reporter, editor, and producer at WDEF-TV (Chattanooga, Tennessee) | |
| – Anchor for News 12 Long Island and WABC-TV | |
| Personal Life | – First Marriage: David Haffenreffer (m. 2000–div. 2015), with two children |
| – Second Marriage: Richard McVey (m. 2018) | |
| Children | Two: Kate Paige Haffenreffer and Duff Haffenreffer |
| Net Worth | Approximately $20 million |
| Annual Salary | Approximately $3 million |
| Recent News | – Underwent double foot surgery in December 2023 |
| Hobbies and Interests | – Antiques, interior design, and flea market finds |
| Books Authored | – I Brake for Yard Sales: And Flea Markets, Thrift Shops, Auctions, and the Occasional Dumpster (2012) |
| – Flea Market Fabulous: Designing Gorgeous Rooms with Vintage Treasures (2014) |
Lara Spencer Measurements
Lara Spencer stands at a statuesque 5 feet 9 inches (175 cm) tall, making her presence commanding and elegant. Her weight, approximately 125 pounds (57 kilograms), complements her height, contributing to her overall balanced physique. Her body measurements of 36-26-36 inches (91-66-91 cm) highlight her hourglass figure, with a well-defined waist and proportionate curves.
Her striking combination of blonde hair and blue eyes completes her classic and timeless beauty.
Here’s a table summarizing Lara Spencer’s physical measurements:
| Measurement | Details |
|---|---|
| Height | 5 feet 9 inches (175 cm) |
| Weight | Approximately 125 lbs (57 kg) |
| Body Measurements | 36-26-36 inches (91-66-91 cm) |
| Dress Size | 6 (US) |
| Shoe Size | 8 (US) |
| Hair Color | Blonde |
| Eye Color | Blue |
Career
Before her journalism career, Spencer was an All-American athlete in springboard and platform diving during her time at Penn State. She was a nationally ranked diver, a unique aspect of her early life that shaped her discipline and work ethic.
Spencer began her journalism in the NBC page program, gaining experience by volunteering with other reporters. She then worked at WDEF-TV in Chattanooga, Tennessee, where she served as reporter, editor, producer, cameraman, and news-van driver.
After a year, she joined News 12 Long Island and later anchored the 3 AM newscast for WABC-TV. Her coverage of the TWA Flight 800 crash was considered her big break. In 1999, she joined ABC’s Good Morning America as a national correspondent.
You might recognize her from Good Morning America or HGTV. She’s also hosted shows like Antiques Roadshow and created her own shows, Flea Market Flip and It’s Worth What? No matter what she’s doing, Lara always brings her energy and enthusiasm to the screen, making her a favorite among viewers.
- NBC Page Program
- Spencer began her career in the NBC Page Program, a competitive entry-level program for aspiring media professionals.
- This role gave her hands-on experience and exposure to various aspects of television production.
- WDEF-TV, Chattanooga, Tennessee
- Worked as a reporter, editor, producer, camerawoman, and even a news van driver.
- This multifaceted role helped her develop a comprehensive understanding of the industry.
- News 12 Long Island
- Moved to News 12 Long Island, where she anchored and reported on local news.
- WABC-TV, New York
- Anchored the 3 AM newscast and gained recognition for her coverage of the TWA Flight 800 crash, which became her big break in journalism.
Media Career
- Good Morning America (GMA)
- Joined ABC’s Good Morning America in 1999 as a national correspondent.
- Quickly became one of the most recognizable faces on the morning show, later being promoted to co-anchor.
- Known for her vibrant personality and ability to connect with audiences, she remains a prominent figure on the show.
- Antiques Roadshow
- Hosted PBS’s Antiques Roadshow from 2004 to 2005, cementing her status as an expert in antiques and vintage treasures.
- Also hosted its spin-off, Antiques Roadshow FYI in 2005.
- HGTV’s Flea Market Flip
- Created and hosted HGTV’s Flea Market Flip, which became one of the network’s most popular shows.
- The show combines her passion for antiques and design, featuring contestants who refurbish flea market finds to make a profit.
- It’s Worth What? (NBC)
- Created and executive produced the game show It’s Worth What?, which aired in 2011.
- The show focused on appraising the value of unique and rare items.
Other Notable Projects
- Royal Wedding Coverage
- Covered major events like Prince William and Kate Middleton’s royal wedding for ABC.
- Her coverage of significant cultural moments contributed to her widespread acclaim.
- Documentaries and Specials
- Participated in various documentaries and network specials, focusing on design, antiques, and lifestyle topics.
Books Authored
- I Brake for Yard Sales (2012)
- A guidebook showcasing Spencer’s tips for finding treasures at thrift shops, flea markets, and yard sales.
- Flea Market Fabulous (2014)
- A design-focused book that helps readers create stunning interiors using vintage items.
Lara Spencer Net Worth
As of 2024, Spencer’s net worth is estimated to be around $20 million, with an annual salary of approximately $3 million.
Lara Spencer Husband
Lara Spencer, co-anchor of ABC’s Good Morning America, has experienced significant milestones in her personal life, marked by two marriages and a commitment to family.
First Marriage: David Haffenreffer
In 2000, Lara married David Haffenreffer, a CNN journalist and real estate broker. The couple had two children: son Duff (born in 2002) and daughter Katharine, known as Kate (born in 2004). They resided in Greenwich, Connecticut, during their marriage. After 15 years together, Lara and David announced their separation in March 2015 and finalized their divorce later that year. Despite the split, they have maintained an amicable relationship, co-parenting their children and reuniting for significant family events.
Second Marriage: Richard McVey
Lara’s second marriage is to Richard “Rick” McVey, a tech entrepreneur and CEO of MarketAxess, a financial technology company. Introduced by a mutual friend, they began dating and after two years, Rick proposed in January 2018. They married on September 1, 2018, in an outdoor ceremony in Vail, Colorado, attended by 135 guests. Lara’s son, Duff, walked her down the aisle, highlighting the family’s close bond.
Lara and Rick’s union brought together their families from previous marriages. Lara’s children, Duff and Kate, have embraced their blended family, and Lara often shares glimpses of their life together on social media. In August 2023, she posted a throwback photo of Duff and Kate as young children, marking their progression to college, with Duff entering his senior year and Kate her sophomore year.
Lara and her husband love to travel and go to sports events, like the U.S. Open. They’re often spotted together at events or on Lara’s social media, sharing their adventures. Lara’s a great example of how to balance a busy career with family life. She’s always there for her family, even with her demanding job.
Lara had to have surgery on both of her feet in December 2023. She’s been dealing with pain from a college diving accident for years. She’ll need to wear special boots for at least six weeks while she recovers.
Even though she’s taking a break now, Lara has done a lot in her career. She’s a great journalist, and she’s really passionate about home design and antiques. She’s still a big name in TV and we can’t wait to see what she does next!
