Introduction
In the world of American broadcast journalism, few names shine as brightly as Savannah Guthrie. As the co-anchor of NBC’s Today Show, she has become a familiar face in millions of households across the nation, delivering the morning news with professionalism, warmth, and intelligence. But who is the woman behind the anchor desk, and what’s the story of how she rose to become one of television’s most respected journalists?
Savannah Guthrie Biography
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Savannah Clark Guthrie |
| Date of Birth | December 27, 1971 |
| Age | 53 years old (as of 2024) |
| Place of Birth | Melbourne, Australia |
| Nationality | American |
| Height | 5 feet 10 inches (178 cm) |
| Profession | Journalist, Broadcaster, Lawyer, Author |
| Current Position | Co-anchor of NBC’s Today Show, NBC News Chief Legal Correspondent |
| Years Active | 1993–present |
| Education | • Bachelor of Arts in Journalism, University of Arizona (1993, magna cum laude) • Juris Doctor, Georgetown University Law Center (2002, magna cum laude) • Honorary Doctorate of Law, Georgetown University (2023) |
| Bar Admissions | Arizona, District of Columbia |
| Marital Status | Married |
| Spouse | Michael Feldman (m. 2014) |
| Previous Marriage | Mark Orchard (m. 2005; div. 2009) |
| Children | 2 (Vale Guthrie Feldman, Charles Max Feldman) |
| Salary | Approximately $8 million per year |
| Net Worth | Estimated $30 million |
| Notable Awards | • Edward R. Murrow Award • Multiple News Emmy Awards • Broadcasting & Cable Hall of Fame (2022) • Gracie Award for On-Air News Talent (2022) • Matrix Award (2017) • Time’s 100 Most Influential People (2018) |
| Books Written | • “Princesses Wear Pants” • “Princesses Save the World” • “Mostly What God Does: Reflections on Seeking and Finding His Love Everywhere” |
| Other Ventures | Executive Producer of Netflix’s “Princess Power” |
| Residence | New York, New York |
| Social Causes | • Elizabeth Dole Foundation’s Hidden Heroes Ambassador<br>• Best Buddies International Ambassador |
Early Life and Background
Savannah Guthrie was born on December 27, 1971, in Melbourne, Australia. Named after her great-grandmother, she came into the world while her father, an American mining engineer, was stationed abroad. When Savannah Guthrie was just two years old, her family relocated to Tucson, Arizona, where she would spend her formative years.
Life wasn’t always easy for the young broadcaster-to-be. When she was 16, tragedy struck when her father passed away. Despite this hardship, she persevered and graduated from Amphitheater High School in Tucson, showing early signs of the resilience that would define her career.
Education: Building a Foundation for Success
How old is Savannah Guthrie today? At 53 years old, she can look back on an impressive educational journey that set the stage for her multifaceted career. In 1993, she earned her Bachelor of Arts in journalism from the University of Arizona, graduating magna cum laude. But her academic pursuits didn’t stop there.
While already working in broadcasting, she decided to pursue law, earning her Juris Doctor from Georgetown University Law Center in 2002, again graduating magna cum laude. Her legal acumen was evident when she scored first place on the Arizona Bar Exam. She became a member of the bars of both Arizona and the District of Columbia. In recognition of her achievements, Georgetown awarded her an Honorary Doctorate of Law in 2023.
Early Broadcasting Career: Humble Beginnings
Every successful journalist has to start somewhere, and for Savannah Guthrie, that somewhere was rather unconventional. Her first job in 1993 was at KTVM in Butte, Montana, an NBC affiliate. Unfortunately, the station closed after just 10 days, leaving the young graduate to find her footing elsewhere.
Undeterred, she moved to an ABC affiliate, KMIZ in Columbia, Missouri, where she spent two years honing her craft. From there, she joined NBC affiliate KVOA in Tucson from 1995 to 2000, before landing at WRC-TV in Washington, D.C., where she worked from 2000 to 2007. During her time in the nation’s capital, she covered significant events including the September 11 Pentagon attack and the 2001 anthrax attacks, proving her ability to handle breaking news with grace under pressure.
A Dual Career: Journalism Meets Law
After completing law school, Savannah Guthrie briefly practiced litigation before combining her legal expertise with her broadcasting skills. In 2004, she became a trial correspondent for CourtTV, covering high-profile cases including the Michael Jackson and Martha Stewart trials. This unique blend of legal knowledge and journalistic skill would become one of her defining characteristics.
The NBC News Years: Climbing the Ladder
Savannah Guthrie’s journey with NBC News began in earnest in 2007 when she joined as a legal analyst and correspondent. From 2008 to 2011, she served as a White House correspondent, covering Sarah Palin’s 2008 vice-presidential campaign and reporting exclusive details on Osama bin Laden’s death.
Between 2010 and 2011, she co-anchored MSNBC’s “The Daily Rundown,” and in 2011, she became co-host of Today’s third hour. Then came the big moment: in 2012, she became co-anchor of NBC’s Today Show, replacing Ann Curry. She currently also serves as NBC News’ chief legal correspondent, putting her law degree to excellent use.
Is Savannah Guthrie Leaving the Today Show?
Despite recurring speculation and searches asking “is Savannah Guthrie leaving the Today Show,” she remains firmly at the helm of America’s most-watched morning program. Since 2017, she has co-anchored alongside Hoda Kotb, creating a dynamic partnership that viewers have embraced. There is no credible Savannah Guthrie news suggesting her departure from the program she has called home for over a decade.
Major Interviews and Coverage
Throughout her career, she has conducted interviews with some of the world’s most influential figures. Her presidential interviews include conversations with George W. Bush, Barack Obama, and Donald Trump. She has also sat down with Hillary Clinton, Michelle Obama, Boris Johnson, and Liz Cheney, as well as celebrities ranging from Meryl Streep to Beyoncé.
In October 2020, she moderated a town hall with President Trump, demonstrating her ability to ask tough questions while maintaining journalistic integrity. She has also covered numerous tragic events, including the Boston Marathon bombing in 2013, the Paris attacks in 2015 and 2017, the Las Vegas music festival shooting in 2017, the Parkland school shooting in 2018, and the Uvalde school shooting in 2022.
Election Coverage Excellence
For nearly a decade, she has served as a primary anchor for NBC News election coverage. She has covered the 2016 and 2020 presidential elections, moderated the 2019 Democratic presidential debate, and anchored coverage of the 2018 and 2022 midterm elections. Her work has also included anchoring coverage of Supreme Court nominations for Kavanaugh, Barrett, and Jackson, as well as the Trump impeachment hearings.
Awards and Recognition
The accolades speak to her excellence in broadcasting. She has received an Edward R. Murrow Award and multiple News Emmys. In 2022, she was inducted into the Broadcasting & Cable Hall of Fame, cementing her legacy in television journalism. She also received the Gracie Award for On-Air News Talent in 2022 and the Matrix Award from New York Women in Communications in 2017. In 2018, Time magazine named her to its list of the 100 most influential people in the world.
During her tenure, the Today Show has won a Peabody Award and two Emmys for Outstanding Morning Show, a testament to the quality of work she and her team produce.
How Tall is Savannah Guthrie?
For those curious about the physical details, Savannah Guthrie stands at approximately 5 feet 10 inches tall, giving her a commanding presence both on and off camera. Her height is often noted by viewers and has occasionally been a topic of lighthearted discussion on the Today Show.
Author and Producer: Beyond the News Desk
Beyond broadcasting, she has made her mark as an author. Her New York Times bestselling children’s books, “Princesses Wear Pants” and “Princesses Save the World,” have delighted young readers across the country. She also serves as executive producer of the Netflix show “Princess Power,” which is based on her Savannah Guthrie book series.
In a more personal literary venture, she authored the religious book “Mostly What God Does: Reflections on Seeking and Finding His Love Everywhere,” sharing her spiritual journey with readers.
Other Media Appearances
Her versatility extends beyond news broadcasting. In June 2021, she served as an interim guest host of Jeopardy!, showcasing her quick wit and broad knowledge. She has also made cameo appearances in the 30 Rock series finale in 2013, “Sharknado 3: Oh Hell No!” in 2015, and on “Curb Your Enthusiasm” with her co-anchor Hoda Kotb.
She was even a commentator on truTV’s “World’s Dumbest” and played an exhibition tennis match with Jack Sock against Roger Federer and Bill Gates in 2018, demonstrating her athletic abilities and good humor.
Philanthropic Work: Giving Back
Using her platform for good, she has served as an ambassador for the Elizabeth Dole Foundation’s Hidden Heroes campaign alongside Tom Hanks since 2018, advocating for military caregivers. She has also been an ambassador for Best Buddies International for over nine years, supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Personal Life: Family and Relationships
When it comes to her personal life, many wonder: is Savannah Guthrie married? The answer is yes. However, her current marriage isn’t her first. Savannah Guthrie’s first husband was Mark Orchard, a BBC News presenter. The couple married in 2005 but divorced in 2009, leading to frequent searches about “Savannah Guthrie divorce.”
Her love story took a happier turn when she met Michael Feldman, a communications consultant and former Democratic political advisor. Savannah Guthrie’s husband proposed in May 2013, and the couple married in March 2014. Their Savannah Guthrie proposal was a romantic moment that she has shared with viewers over the years.
Savannah Guthrie Kids: Motherhood and Career
The couple has two Savannah Guthrie kids: a daughter named Vale, born in August 2014, and a son named Charles (nicknamed Charley), born in December 2016. Balancing her demanding career with motherhood, she often shares glimpses of family life with viewers, making her relatable to working parents everywhere. The family resides in New York, where she continues her work at NBC.
Savannah Guthrie Salary and Net Worth
Naturally, people are curious about the financial success of such a prominent broadcaster. How much does Savannah Guthrie make? Reports indicate that her Savannah Guthrie salary is approximately $8 million per year, reflecting her status as one of morning television’s top anchors. As for Savannah Guthrie’s net worth, estimates place it at around $30 million, accumulated through her long broadcasting career, book deals, and various media ventures.
The Savannah Guthrie 90s Bob Haircut: A Style Moment
Fashion-conscious viewers may remember the Savannah Guthrie 90s bob haircut, a sleek style she sported earlier in her career that became something of a signature look. Her evolving hairstyles over the years have been followed by fans, showing how even small changes in a public figure’s appearance can capture public attention.
Are Savannah Guthrie and Matt Lauer Still Friends?
One question that surfaces frequently is: are Savannah Guthrie and Matt Lauer still friends? Matt Lauer was her former co-anchor before his termination from NBC in 2017 following allegations of inappropriate sexual behavior. She has addressed this difficult situation with professionalism, expressing her shock and disappointment at the revelations. While the nature of their current relationship isn’t publicly detailed, she has made it clear that she stands with the women who came forward and that such behavior is unacceptable.
Current Role and Responsibilities
Today, she continues to co-anchor the Today Show alongside Hoda Kotb, delivering news to millions of Americans each morning. She also hosts the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade annually and the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree lighting ceremony, becoming part of cherished holiday traditions for countless families. Additionally, she serves as a primary anchor for NBC News’ major breaking news coverage, stepping in when urgent stories require experienced leadership.
Conclusion
From her unexpected start in Australia to becoming one of America’s most trusted broadcasters, Savannah Guthrie’s journey exemplifies dedication, intelligence, and resilience. Whether she’s interviewing world leaders, covering breaking news, writing children’s books, or sharing moments with her family, she brings authenticity and professionalism to everything she does.
At 53 years old, with a successful career spanning decades, a loving family, and numerous accolades to her name, she shows no signs of slowing down. For those who start their mornings with the Today Show, she has become more than just a news anchor—she’s a trusted companion who helps the nation make sense of the day’s events while maintaining her warm, approachable demeanor.
Her story reminds us that success rarely comes easy, but with education, perseverance, and genuine passion for one’s work, it’s possible to reach remarkable heights. As she continues her work at NBC, audiences can look forward to many more years of quality journalism from this remarkable broadcaster.
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