What Happened to Lara Spencer?

Lara Spencer, born Lara Christine Von Seelen on June 19, 1969, has established a multifaceted career in American television journalism and lifestyle programming. Her journey began after graduating from Penn State University, where she was an All-American springboard diver. She started in local news, working at WDEF-TV in Chattanooga, Tennessee, and News 12 Long Island, before joining WABC-TV in New York in 1995. Her coverage of significant national stories, such as the TWA Flight 800 crash and the death of Princess Diana, brought her to national attention.

Spencer first joined ABC's 'Good Morning America' in 1999 as a national correspondent, transitioning to a full-time role with ABC News in 2001. She took a hiatus from ABC to host the syndicated entertainment newsmagazine 'The Insider' from 2004 to 2011, where her work contributed to the show becoming a top-rated entertainment program. She returned to 'Good Morning America' in 2011, eventually becoming a co-anchor and a familiar face to millions of viewers.

Beyond news, Spencer cultivated a strong presence in home design and thrifting. She created and executive produced the game show 'It's Worth What?' for NBC in 2011 and hosted 'I Brake for Yard Sales' on HGTV in 2012. Her most notable success in this genre was 'Flea Market Flip', an Emmy Award-winning competition series that aired on HGTV and Great American Country from 2012 to 2019. This show showcased her passion for transforming vintage finds into new treasures. In 2018, Spencer scaled back her 'Good Morning America' schedule to three days a week to focus more on her production company, DuffKat Media, and other television producing endeavors.

In August 2019, Spencer faced public backlash for comments made on 'Good Morning America' regarding Prince George's ballet classes, which were perceived as offensive. She promptly issued an apology on Instagram and on air, interviewing male professional dancers to address the controversy. Her personal life has seen significant changes; she divorced David Haffenreffer in June 2015, with whom she shares two children, Duff and Katharine. In September 2018, she married New York tech entrepreneur Richard McVey.

As of March 2026, Lara Spencer remains a vital contributor to 'Good Morning America'. Her passion for thrifting has led to a new venture, 'That Thrifting Show with Lara Spencer', which premiered on Freeform and Hulu on March 19, 2026. The 12-episode competition series features designer duos transforming rooms with thrifted and vintage items. On a personal note, Spencer shared the heartbreaking news of her mother, Carolyn Von Seelen's, passing on February 13, 2026, receiving an outpouring of support from colleagues and fans. Her estimated net worth is around $20 million, with an annual salary of approximately $3 million.