Lara Spencer, born June 19, 1969, is a 56-year-old American television journalist, producer, and author celebrated for her dynamic presence on ABC’s Good Morning America (GMA), Flea Market Flip, and Everything But the House. With a net worth estimated between $10–20 million and a peak salary of $3 million annually, Spencer has built a multifaceted career in broadcast journalism and lifestyle television. Married to tech entrepreneur Richard McVey since 2018, her personal life blends family, philanthropy, and a passion for interior design. This article explores her age, net worth, career milestones, married life, and recent updates, offering fresh insights into her journey.
Early Life and Education: Roots of a TV Star
Born Lara Christine Von Seelen in Garden City, New York, Spencer grew up in an affluent suburban community with her parents, Richard and Carolyn Von Seelen, and four siblings. Her early passion for athletics, particularly springboard and platform diving, earned her a scholarship to Pennsylvania State University, where she majored in broadcast journalism. In 1991, she was named an All-American Athlete, a testament to her competitive spirit. This blend of discipline and creativity shaped her approach to journalism, setting the stage for a career that balances hard news and lifestyle content.
Her diving background offers a unique lens: the precision and resilience required in competitive sports mirror her ability to navigate the fast-paced world of television. Few know that her nickname “Tanglefoot,” coined by George Clooney after a playful stumble, reflects her ability to laugh off mishaps—a trait that endears her to audiences.
Career Milestones: From Diving to TV Stardom
Spencer’s career began in 1991 with the NBC Page Program, where she honed her skills before joining WDEF-TV in Chattanooga, Tennessee, as a multimedia journalist. She wore multiple hats—reporter, producer, editor, and even news van driver—gaining hands-on experience that fueled her rise. Her big break came covering the TWA Flight 800 crash for WABC-TV, which led to her role as a national correspondent for Good Morning America in 1999.
From 2004 to 2011, she hosted The Insider, a syndicated entertainment newsmagazine, and contributed to CBS’s The Early Show. Her love for antiques and design led to hosting Antiques Roadshow (2004–2005) and Flea Market Flip, where she showcases her knack for transforming vintage finds into treasures. In 2018, Spencer scaled back her GMA role to focus on her production company, DuffKat Media, creating shows like It’s Worth What? and Everything But the House. Her 2021 HGTV show, Everything But the House, helps families declutter while uncovering valuable heirlooms, resonating with viewers seeking practical lifestyle solutions.
Insight: Spencer’s shift from co-anchor to producer reflects a broader trend among TV personalities leveraging their platforms to create content that aligns with personal passions. Her success with DuffKat Media underscores the growing influence of lifestyle media in the digital age.
Net Worth and Salary: Financial Success
As of 2025, Lara Spencer’s net worth ranges from $10–20 million, driven by her GMA salary (peaking at $3 million annually), hosting gigs, book sales, and production ventures. Her books, I Brake for Yard Sales (2012) and Flea Market Fabulous (2014), capitalize on her design expertise, adding to her income. Her husband, Richard McVey, founder of MarketAxess, boasts a net worth of $600–700 million, significantly boosting their combined wealth and lifestyle, with properties in Connecticut and New York City.
Data Point: According to industry analysis, top TV hosts like Spencer earn substantial royalties from syndication and streaming deals, often overlooked in net worth estimates. Her production company likely generates additional revenue through licensing agreements, a growing income stream for media entrepreneurs.
Married Life and Dating History: A Love Story
Lara Spencer’s married life has been a blend of resilience and romance. She was married to former CNN journalist David Haffenreffer from 2000 to 2015, with whom she shares two children, Duff (born 2002) and Katharine (born 2004). Their amicable divorce prioritized co-parenting, reflecting Spencer’s commitment to family. In 2016, a mutual friend arranged a blind date with Richard McVey, leading to their engagement in January 2018 and marriage on September 1, 2018, in Vail, Colorado. McVey, a father of three daughters from a previous marriage, complements Spencer’s vibrant personality with his tech-savvy and philanthropic outlook.
Personal Anecdote: Spencer’s Instagram posts reveal a couple who thrives on shared adventures, from attending Sting concerts to biking in Colorado. Her caption about McVey making her “teen dream” come true at a 2024 Sting performance highlights their deep connection, offering fans a glimpse into their supportive partnership Newsweek.
Personal Life: Passions and Philanthropy
Beyond television, Spencer is a DIY enthusiast, avid tennis player, and advocate for pet adoption, caring for three rescue dogs. Her philanthropy focuses on animal welfare, a cause she promotes on social media (@lara.spencer on Instagram). A 2019 controversy over comments about Prince George’s ballet classes sparked backlash, but Spencer’s swift apology on GMA and Instagram showcased her accountability and growth, reinforcing her relatability.
Case Study: Spencer’s advocacy for pet adoption aligns with a 2024 ASPCA report noting a 15% rise in rescue adoptions, partly driven by celebrity endorsements. Her influence amplifies this trend, encouraging fans to adopt rather than shop for pets.
Recent Updates: 2025 and Beyond
In 2025, Spencer continues to balance GMA appearances with Flea Market Flip and Everything But the House, which was renewed for a third season due to its popularity. Her production company is reportedly developing a new home design series, signaling her intent to expand her creative footprint. Social media posts hint at upcoming travel projects with McVey, blending their love for adventure and philanthropy.
Unique Angle: Unlike many TV hosts, Spencer’s pivot to production and lifestyle content positions her as a trailblazer in merging journalism with entrepreneurial ventures, a model younger media professionals increasingly emulate.
Biography Table
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Lara Christine Von Seelen |
| Age | 56 (born June 19, 1969) |
| Birthplace | Garden City, New York, USA |
| Education | Bachelor’s in Broadcast Journalism, Pennsylvania State University (1991) |
| Net Worth | $10–20 million |
| Salary (Peak) | $3 million annually |
| Current Husband | Richard McVey (married September 1, 2018) |
| Previous Husband | David Haffenreffer (married 2000–2015) |
| Children | Duff Haffenreffer (born 2002), Katharine Haffenreffer (born 2004) |
| Career Start | 1991, NBC Page Program |
| Notable Shows | Good Morning America, Flea Market Flip, Everything But the House |
| Books | I Brake for Yard Sales (2012), Flea Market Fabulous (2014) |
| Philanthropy | Pet adoption advocacy |
| Social Media | Instagram: @lara.spencer, Twitter: @LaraSpencerABC |
| Hobbies | Tennis, DIY furniture refurbishing, hiking |
| Awards/Honors | All-American Athlete (1991), Grand Marshal, Penn State (2014) |
Conclusion
Lara Spencer’s journey from a competitive diver to a television icon reflects her adaptability and passion. Her age, net worth, married life, and career highlight a woman who balances professional ambition with personal fulfillment. With Richard McVey by her side and a thriving production company, Spencer continues to inspire through her work and advocacy. Follow her journey on Instagram and explore her career on Wikipedia.
