Savannah Guthrie has become one of the most recognizable faces on morning television, thanks to her long-running career as a Today show co-host. 

However, before she became a household name, she had a far less polished start in life. 

Reflecting on her past, Guthrie opened up about her humble beginnings, admitting that her path to success was far from predictable.

A Rocky Start Before Success

At 53 years old, Guthrie is now a seasoned journalist with an impressive résumé, but she recently shared that her early years didn’t exactly hint at future stardom. 

In a candid interview, she revealed that as a teenager, she wasn’t the ideal student and certainly didn’t seem destined for a career in broadcast journalism.

“No one was raving over my ‘natural talent,’” she admitted. “Certainly not in high school when I was ditching class and smoking cigarettes at Denny’s. I barely got into college and almost didn’t pass the SAT.”

Guthrie’s honesty about her struggles makes her rise to success even more remarkable. Despite her shaky academic start, she eventually found her way to journalism—a career that would define her life.

Even after entering the industry, her road was not smooth. “Not even when I started in local news,” she added. “I had my first job, my hair was terrible, my voice was insane, and I didn’t know what I was doing.”

Yet, through determination and perseverance, she worked her way up the ranks, proving that success often comes from persistence rather than immediate talent.

Leaning on Faith and Family

While Guthrie’s career has taken her to incredible heights, she credits her faith for keeping her grounded. In recent years, she has used her platform to share messages of hope and positivity. This led to her writing her latest children’s book, Mostly What God Does Is Love You, a follow-up to her previous release, Mostly What God Does.

Faith is something she has also tried to pass on to her children, Vale, 10, and Charley, 8, whom she shares with her husband, Mike Feldman. A particularly touching moment occurred on Today when her daughter, Vale, had the opportunity to interview her mother.

Vale asked Guthrie how her faith had guided her through life, a question that deeply touched those in the studio. Fellow Today host and Guthrie’s close friend, Jenna Bush Hager, became visibly emotional during the exchange.

“I’m so lucky to be her godmother,” Bush Hager, 43, said, wiping away tears. “But I’m so proud of her because everything you’ve given to them—all of your faith that you’ve passed on so gently, without preaching, without demanding—is in those little kids. And when the world feels dark, that is hope.”

It was a heartfelt moment that highlighted how Guthrie’s journey has come full circle—from a self-described rebellious teenager to a successful journalist and devoted mother.

Career Challenges and Lessons Learned

Though she has built an impressive career, Guthrie has also had her fair share of awkward moments on Today. She recently reflected on one of her most embarrassing interviews, which took place during her early years on the show.

During an appearance on Radio Andy, she recalled a particularly uncomfortable moment involving Khloé Kardashian. At the time, rumors were swirling about the reality star’s parentage, with speculation that Robert Kardashian might not be her biological father.

Guthrie admitted that she felt uneasy about addressing such a sensitive topic, but the show’s producers insisted that she ask the question. As the interview was coming to a close, she worked up the courage to squeeze it in.

“I said, ‘Khloé, and just real quickly, in the seconds we have, there’ve been some stories that Robert Kardashian is not your father. Is he?’” Guthrie recalled.

To her surprise, Khloé handled it like a pro, recognizing that the interview was about to wrap.

“She saw them counting down—‘three, two …’—and she said, ‘Yep, I know. Nothing to it.’ And I was like, ‘And we’ll be right back,’” Guthrie laughed.

Looking Back and Moving Forward

Guthrie’s journey is a testament to the power of perseverance. From skipping class as a teenager to becoming one of the most respected journalists in the industry, her path has been anything but conventional.

Her success serves as an inspiration, proving that past mistakes don’t define a person’s future. Whether it’s her work on Today, her writing, or the lessons she’s teaching her children, Guthrie continues to evolve and grow—without forgetting where she came from.

For now, she remains one of morning television’s most beloved figures, blending professionalism with warmth and authenticity. And while her beginnings may have been humble, there’s no doubt that she has cemented her place in the industry as a true broadcasting powerhouse.

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