History of Lauren Sánchez in Timeline
Lauren Wendy Sánchez is an American media personality recognized for her work as an entertainment reporter and news anchor. She has guest-hosted on The View, co-hosted KTTV Fox 11's Good Day LA, and anchored the Fox 11 News at Ten. Additionally, Sánchez has served as an anchor and special correspondent on Extra, and she has been a regular contributor on shows such as Larry King Live, The Joy Behar Show, and Showbiz Tonight.
December 19, 1969: Birth of Lauren Sánchez
Lauren Wendy Sánchez was born on December 19, 1969.
1999: Return to KCOP-TV and Emmy Award
In 1999, Lauren Sánchez returned to KCOP-TV to anchor UPN News 13, where her team won an Emmy Award. She also became the entertainment reporter for KTTV's 10 p.m. news.
February 2000: Runner-up on "The View"
In February 2000, Sánchez was the runner-up in the nationwide hosting competition during season 2 of "The View." The position was ultimately given to Lisa Ling.
August 2005: Marriage to Patrick Whitesell
In August 2005, Sánchez married Patrick Whitesell, a Hollywood agent and founding partner of Endeavor talent agency. They have a son and daughter together.
2005: Host of "So You Think You Can Dance"
In 2005, Sánchez became the original host of FOX's popular dancing competition "So You Think You Can Dance." She left after one season to have her second child.
2009: Return to "Extra"
In 2009, Sánchez returned to "Extra" as a weekend anchor and special correspondent.
2010: Featured in People and Us Weekly
In 2010, Sánchez was featured in People magazine's "50 Most Beautiful" issue and Us Weekly's "Hot Bodies" issue.
2016: Founds Black Ops Aviation
Sánchez founded Black Ops Aviation in 2016, the first female-owned aerial film and production company.
2018: Extramarital Affair with Jeff Bezos
In 2018, Sánchez began an extramarital affair with businessman and Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, while they were both married.
February 2019: Bezos' Blog Post and Extortion Allegations
Jeff Bezos published a blog post in February 2019 alleging that American Media, Inc., the publisher of the National Enquirer, had attempted blackmail and extortion related to his affair with Sánchez.
April 2019: Divorce Filing
Sánchez and Whitesell filed for divorce in April 2019.
2020: Publicly Recognized as Bezos' Girlfriend
Sánchez was commonly described as Bezos' girlfriend in 2020.
May 22, 2023: Engagement to Jeff Bezos
Sánchez and Bezos became engaged on May 22, 2023.
March 2024: Philanthropic Pledges and Involvement
In March 2024, Sánchez pledged to donate $60 million to create centers focused on biomanufacturing and climate change. She's also involved with the Bezos' Courage and Civility Award, which grants awards to individuals serving the community.
2024: Planned Space Flight
Sánchez plans to fly to space in early 2024 with an all-female crew on board a New Shepard.