Antiques Roadshow

Background:

Emmy Award-nominated TV host Lara Spencer shared a degree of prominence for her hosting gig in the remake of “Antiques Roadshow” (2004-2005), from which she netted her nomination. She is also known for her work in the celebrity media shows like the syndicated “The Insider” (2004-2007), which she co-hosted with Pat O'Brien, and “Entertainment Weekly.”

As for her private life, the graduate of Pennsylvania State University has been married to David Haffenreffer since 2000. Their wedding, which was held at St. Andrew's Dune Church with the Rev. Peter M. Larsen, an Episcopal priest, presenting, was featured in the TV show and magazine, “Martha Stewart Living.” The couple and their two children currently reside in the Riverside section of Greenwich, Connecticut.

Contending Diver

Childhood and Family:

Lara Christine von Seelen was born on June 16, 1969, in Garden City, New York, to Carolyn and Richard von Seelen. Her father, a retirement of New York's Cutchogue, worked as the president of the North American division of Scotland's knitwear manufacturer in New York. She graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism from Pennsylvania State University in 1991. As a youth, Lara frequently competed in diving.

On September 30, 2000, Lara tied the knot with David Haffenreffer, a former journalist for CNNfn. They have two children, a boy and a girl, Katharine Paige.

The Insider

Career:

With journalism degree on her pocket, Garden City, New York native Lara Spencer launched her professional career with WDEF in Chattanooga. From then, she found work at WABC-TV in New York, where she served as both an anchor and reporter for “Eyewitness News,” and was a reporter for the Cablevision News 12 Long Island. She also spent for a time at the ABC News, “Good Morning America.”

Spencer's big break arrived when she was hired as the host of the PBS show “Antiques Roadshow,” adapted from the 1970s British television series of the same name. During her two-year tenure (2004-2005), she enjoyed a 2005 Emmy nomination for Outstanding Reality Program, an honored she shared with Marsha Bemko (executive producer) and Robert Marshall (series producer). She also hosted the 2005 show “Antiques Roadshow FYI.”

Spencer gained further boost when she joined Pat O'Brien to co-host the syndicated TV newsmagazine “The Insider” in 2004. She held the gig until 2007. She also has had hosting gig on “Entertainment Weekly.”

Spencer has been featured in several episodes of the daytime entertainment show “Rachael Ray” (2007).

Awards:
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