Lauren Wendy Sánchez, born on December 19, 1969, is an American media personality known for her work as an entertainment reporter, news anchor, and entrepreneur. Here’s an overview of her career and personal life:
Career:
Early Career:
Sánchez started her career as a desk assistant at KCOP-TV in Los Angeles. She later worked as an anchor and reporter at KTVK-TV in Phoenix.
Extra and Fox Sports Net:
Sánchez gained recognition as a reporter on the syndicated entertainment show Extra. She also worked at Fox Sports Net, earning an Emmy nomination for her role as anchor and correspondent on the sports magazine “Going Deep.”
Return to KCOP-TV:
In 1999, Sánchez returned to KCOP-TV to anchor UPN News 13, winning an Emmy Award. She also took on the role of entertainment reporter for KTTV’s 10 pm news.
The View and So You Think You Can Dance:
Sánchez was a runner-up in the hosting competition during season 2 of The View. She became the original host of FOX’s “So You Think You Can Dance” in 2005 but left after one season to focus on her family.
Black Ops Aviation:
In 2016, Sánchez founded Black Ops Aviation, the first female-owned aerial film and production company. She utilizes her skills as a licensed pilot in film and television projects.
Space Exploration:
Sánchez plans to fly to space in early 2024 with an all-female crew aboard a New Shepard.
Personal Life:
Background:
Lauren Wendy Sánchez was born in Albuquerque, New Mexico, to a second-generation Mexican-American family.
Relationships:
Sánchez has a son from her relationship with former NFL tight end Tony Gonzalez. She was married to Hollywood agent Patrick Whitesell from August 2005 until their divorce in October 2019. They have a son and daughter together.
Affair with Jeff Bezos:
In 2018, news broke of Sánchez having an extramarital affair with Jeff Bezos, the founder of Amazon, leading to divorces for both Bezos and Sánchez. The affair became public, and Bezos published a blog post alleging blackmail and extortion attempts.
Engagement to Jeff Bezos:
Lauren Sánchez and Jeff Bezos became engaged on May 22, 2023.
Lauren Wendy Sánchez’s journey encompasses a diverse career in media, entrepreneurship, and her upcoming venture into space exploration. Her life, marked by professional achievements and personal challenges, continues to evolve with her engagement to Jeff Bezos.