Lara Christine Von Seelen (known professionally as Lara Spencer) (born June 19, 1969) is an American television journalist. She is best known for being the co-anchor for ABC's Good Morning America. She is also a correspondent for Nightline and ABC News. Previously, she was the host of the syndicated entertainment newsmagazine The Insider from 2004 to 2011, and was a regular contributor to CBS's The Early Show. Before then, she was the national correspondent for Good Morning America and spent several years as a lifestyle reporter for WABC-TV. She also hosted Antiques Roadshow on PBS for the 2004 and 2005 seasons, and Antiques Roadshow FYI, a spin-off of Antiques Roadshow, during 2005. She hosts the show Flea Market Flip on both HGTV and the Great American Country channel.
She graduated in 1991 from Pennsylvania State University, where she studied communications and was a competitive diver.
Worked for "Eyewitness News" on WABC-TV in New York and for "Good Morning America" .
The daughter of Carolyn and Richard von Seelen of Cutchogue, New York. Her father, who is retired, worked in New York as the president of the North American division of Pringle of Scotland, the knitwear manufacturer.
Was married to David Haffenreffer in Southampton, New York by the Rev. Peter M. Larsen, an Episcopal priest, who performed the ceremony at St. Andrews Dune Church. The wedding was featured in "Martha Stewart Living" TV show and magazine, showcasing Laras favorite color scheme -- Yellow.
Has a dog named Dandy.
Began her career at NBC as an NBC page.
Lara, her husband and their children lived in the "Riverside" section of Greenwich, Connecticut before moving to Los Angeles in 2008.
Grew up in the wealthy suburb of Garden City, Long Island.
Given the loving nickname, Tanglefoot, by George Clooney after she tripped on her face at a private movie screening, got up and curtsied.
Likes to take day hikes around Los Angeles with her family.
Lives in a 1961 Hollywood Hills house, which she decorated. Has a trampoline in the backyard and uses it with her children.
Her hobby is turning yard-sale goods into conservative-piece treasures. Her hobby for yard-sales turned into a career in 2004, when she became hostess for PBS "Antiques Roadshow" .
Left "The Insider" to return to "Good Morning America" as the lifestyle anchor [May 2011].
Friend of Bethenny Frankel.
Has 2 children with her ex-husband David Haffenreffer - a son named David Huffard Haffenreffer III (b.2002) and a daughter named Katherine Paige Haffenreffer (b.2004).
