History of Lauren Sánchez in Timeline

Lauren Sánchez is an American journalist, news anchor, and entrepreneur known for her work as an entertainment reporter. She is also a licensed pilot and founded Black Ops Aviation. She gained further prominence through her relationship with Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, to whom she became engaged in 2023. Sánchez is also involved in philanthropic endeavors.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements

December 19, 1969: Lauren Sánchez's Birth

On December 19, 1969, Lauren Wendy Sánchez was born. She is an American journalist, author, philanthropist, licensed pilot, and founder of Black Ops Aviation.

1987: High School Graduation

In 1987, Lauren Sánchez graduated from Del Norte High School, where she participated in cheerleading and student assembly.

1990: Models World Magazine Cover Girl Competition Win

In 1990, Lauren Sánchez won the international Models World Magazine Cover Girl Competition.

1999: Anchor at UPN News 13 and Co-host on KTTV Fox 11

In 1999, Lauren Sánchez returned to KCOP-TV to anchor UPN News 13, where her team won an Emmy Award and Sánchez was co-host on KTTV Fox 11's Good Day LA and anchor on the Fox 11 News at Ten.

February 2000: Runner-up on The View

In February 2000, Lauren Sánchez was the runner-up in the nationwide hosting competition during season 2 of The View.

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February 2001: Birth of Son, Nikko

In February 2001, Lauren Sánchez's son, Nikko, was born. His father is former National Football League tight end Tony Gonzalez.

August 2005: Marriage to Patrick Whitesell

In August 2005, Lauren Sánchez married Patrick Whitesell, a Hollywood agent.

2005: Hosting "So You Think You Can Dance"

In 2005, Lauren Sánchez became the original host of FOX's popular dancing competition "So You Think You Can Dance."

2006: Birth of Son, Evan

In 2006, Lauren Sánchez's son, Evan, was born.

2008: Birth of Daughter, Ella

In 2008, Lauren Sánchez's daughter, Ella, was born.

2009: Return to Extra

In 2009, Lauren Sánchez returned to Extra as weekend anchor and special correspondent.

2010: Featured in "50 Most Beautiful" and "Hot Bodies" Issues

In 2010, Lauren Sánchez was featured in People magazine's "50 Most Beautiful" issue and Us Weekly's "Hot Bodies" issue.

2016: Founding Black Ops Aviation

In 2016, after learning to fly and getting her pilot's license, Lauren Sánchez founded Black Ops Aviation, the first female-owned aerial film and production company.

2018: Extramarital Affair

In 2018, Lauren Sánchez had an extramarital affair with businessman and Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, while they were both married.

January 2019: Bezos Divorce Announcement

In January 2019, Jeff Bezos and his wife, MacKenzie Scott, released a joint statement that they would be getting divorced.

February 2019: Bezos Alleges Blackmail and Extortion

In February 2019, Jeff Bezos published a statement alleging that National Enquirer publisher American Media, Inc. had attempted blackmail and extortion in connection with Bezos's affair with Sánchez.

April 2019: Bezos' Divorce Finalized

In April 2019, Jeff Bezos' divorce was finalized, and Lauren Sánchez and Patrick Whitesell filed for divorce.

October 2019: Sánchez and Whitesell Divorce Finalized

In October 2019, Lauren Sánchez and Patrick Whitesell's divorce was finalized.

2020: Described as Bezos' Girlfriend

In 2020, Lauren Sánchez was commonly described as Jeff Bezos' girlfriend.

May 22, 2023: Engagement to Bezos

On May 22, 2023, Lauren Sánchez and Jeff Bezos became engaged.

2023: Engagement to Jeff Bezos

In 2023, Lauren Sánchez became engaged to Amazon founder Jeff Bezos.

2023: Honored by This is About Humanity

In 2023, Lauren Sánchez was honored by This is About Humanity at their annual fundraising event for her work supporting separated and reunified families at the United States-Mexico border.

March 2024: $60 Million Pledge for Climate Change Centers

In March 2024, Lauren Sánchez pledged to donate $60 million to create centers that would focus on biomanufacturing and climate change.

September 29, 2024: "The Fly Who Flew to Space" Debuts on NYT Bestseller List

On September 29, 2024, Lauren Sanchez's first children's book, "The Fly Who Flew to Space," debuted on the New York Times Bestseller list.

The Fly Who Flew to Space (with removable glow-in-the-dark poster) (The Fly Who Flew Series)

Check it on Amazon

October 2024: $60 Million Pledge to National Fish and Wildlife Foundation

In October 2024, Lauren Sánchez and Jeff Bezos pledged $60 million to the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation to enable the restoration and improved management of 1,600,000 acres of land.

2024: Elling Halvorson Vertical Flight Hall of Fame Award

In 2024, Lauren Sánchez received the Elling Halvorson Vertical Flight Hall of Fame Award at the Annual Living Legends of Aviation Awards for her expertise as a helicopter pilot and aviation businesswoman.

2024: Release of "The Fly Who Flew to Space"

In 2024, Sánchez released her debut children's book, "The Fly Who Flew to Space", which became a New York Times bestseller.

The Fly Who Flew to Space (with removable glow-in-the-dark poster) (The Fly Who Flew Series)

Check it on Amazon

January 2025: Delayed Space Flight

As of January 2025, Lauren Sánchez's anticipated flight to space in early 2024 with an all-female crew on board a New Shepard rocket has not happened.

February 27, 2025: Announcement of Space Flight Participation

On February 27, 2025, it was announced that Lauren Sánchez would be part of the crew for Blue Origin's eleventh flight to space under the New Shepard program.