History of Lara Spencer in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: March 19, 2026

Lara Spencer is a prominent American television journalist. She's widely recognized for her contributions to ABC's Good Morning America, where she formerly served as a co-anchor and now works as a contributor. In addition to her role on GMA, Spencer is a correspondent for Nightline and ABC News. Prior to her work with ABC, she hosted the entertainment newsmagazine The Insider from 2004 to 2011 and regularly contributed to CBS's The Early Show, solidifying her presence in the world of broadcast journalism.

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Full Timeline

June 19, 1969: Lara Spencer Born

On June 19, 1969, Lara Christine Von Seelen, known professionally as Lara Spencer, was born. She is an American television journalist known for her work on ABC's Good Morning America.

1987: Graduated High School

In 1987, Lara Spencer graduated from Garden City High School.

1991: Named All American Athlete

In 1991, Lara Spencer was named an All American Athlete in 1991, her senior year at Pennsylvania State University, where she graduated with a degree in broadcast journalism.

1999: Joined Good Morning America

In 1999, Lara Spencer joined ABC's Good Morning America as a national correspondent.

September 30, 2000: Married David Haffenreffer

On September 30, 2000, Lara Spencer married former CNNfn journalist David Haffenreffer at St. Andrew's Dune Church.

2011: Created and Executive Produced "It's Worth What?"

In 2011, Lara Spencer created and executive produced the prime time game show, "It's Worth What?", hosted by Cedric the Entertainer, which aired during the summer on NBC.

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April 2012: One-Hour Special Titled "I Brake for Yard Sales" Aired

In April 2012, Lara Spencer created and produced a one-hour special titled "I Brake for Yard Sales" that originally aired on HGTV.

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April 2012: "I Brake for Yard Sales" Book Published

In April 2012, Lara Spencer's first book, "I Brake for Yard Sales", a guide on how to create high-end looking rooms using secondhand finds, was published and released.

September 15, 2013: Co-Hosted Miss America 2014

On September 15, 2013, Lara Spencer replaced Brooke Burke-Charvet and co-hosted the 87th Miss America pageant at the Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City, New Jersey with Chris Harrison.

September 14, 2014: Co-Hosted Miss America 2015

On September 14, 2014, Lara Spencer and Chris Harrison co-hosted Miss America 2015.

September 16, 2014: "Flea Market Fabulous" Book Published

On September 16, 2014, Lara Spencer's second book, titled "Flea Market Fabulous: Designing Gorgeous Rooms with Vintage Treasures", a guide on designing rooms and homes, was published and released.

2014: Named Grand Marshal

In 2014, Lara Spencer was named grand marshal at Penn State's homecoming.

June 2015: Divorced David Haffenreffer

In June 2015, Lara Spencer divorced David Haffenreffer.

2017: Hosted People Icons

In 2017, Lara Spencer hosted the limited series People Icons.

January 2018: Engagement Announced

In January 2018, Lara Spencer announced her engagement to Richard McVey.

April 2018: Reduced GMA Appearances

In April 2018, Lara Spencer announced she would appear on Good Morning America only three days a week, in order to focus on her television producing.

September 1, 2018: Married Richard McVey

On September 1, 2018, Lara Spencer married Richard McVey in an outdoor ceremony in Vail, Colorado.

2018: Plans to Leave GMA Co-Anchor Role

In 2018, People announced Lara Spencer’s plans to leave her job as one of the co-anchors on Good Morning America to focus on her production company.

August 2019: Comments on Prince George's Ballet Classes

In August 2019, Lara Spencer's comments about six-year-old Prince George of Cambridge enjoying ballet classes were interpreted as offensive, causing public backlash, leading to an apology.