Matt Gutman from ABC News Biography
Matt Gutman was born on December 5, 1977, in Westfield, New Jersey, and is an award-winning American journalist, author, and television correspondent best known for his work with ABC News, where he currently serves as the Chief National Correspondent.
He graduated from Williams College in 2000 and began his career as a freelance reporter in Argentina before spending eight years reporting from the Middle East.
In 2006, he joined ABC News Radio, and by 2008, he had become a TV correspondent based in Miami, covering major national stories like the Trayvon Martin shooting and the BP oil spill.
From 2013 to 2018, he hosted Sea Rescue, which won a Daytime Emmy Award in 2016.
In 2018, Gutman was promoted to ABC’s Chief National Correspondent, covering crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic and the George Floyd protests.
In 2020, he was briefly suspended for incorrect reporting on Kobe Bryant’s helicopter crash, an event that led him to openly share his struggles with panic attacks.
He chronicled this in his second book, “No Time to Panic” (2023), following his first bestseller, “The Boys in the Cave” (2018).
Married to Daphna Venyige since May 2007, Gutman is a father of two and continues to be a prominent voice in American journalism.
Matt Gutman from ABC News, Wikipedia
| Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Matthew A. Gutman |
| Date of Birth | December 5, 1977 |
| Age (as of 2025) | 47 years old |
| Place of Birth | Princeton/Westfield, New Jersey, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | Jewish-American |
| Education | Newark Academy; Williams College (Graduated 2000) |
| Profession | Journalist, Author, TV Correspondent |
| Years Active | 2000–present |
| Current Role | Chief National Correspondent at ABC News |
| Major TV Shows | Sea Rescue, 20/20, World News Tonight, Nightline, GMA |
| Books Authored | The Boys in the Cave (2018), No Time to Panic (2023) |
| Major Awards | Daytime Emmy (2016), News & Doc Emmy, Edward R. Murrow, Christopher Award |
| Marital Status | Married to Daphna Venyige (since May 17, 2007) |
| Children | Libby (born 2008), Ben (born 2014) |
| Estimated Net Worth | $1 million – $5 million |
| Height (estimated) | Between 5’6″ and 5’8″ (1.68–1.73 m) |
| Notable Incidents | Venezuela detention (2016), Kobe report error (2020), COVID protocol breach |
| Social Media – Twitter | @mattgutmanABC |
| Social Media – Instagram | @mattgutmanabc |
Matt Gutman from ABC News’ Early Life
Matt Gutman was born on December 5, 1977, in Westfield, New Jersey. He was raised in a Jewish family and showed early signs of curiosity and determination.
His father, Paul Gutman, tragically died in a small-plane crash in 1990 when Matt was just 12 years old, a loss that deeply impacted his life and is reflected in his later writings. Matt attended Newark Academy, where he excelled both academically and athletically, earning recognition as a scholar-athlete.
After high school, he went on to study at Williams College, graduating in 2000.
During his early years, he developed a strong interest in international affairs and journalism, which later led him to begin his reporting career abroad.
Matt Gutman from the ABC News Journalism Career
Matt Gutman began his journalism career shortly after graduating from Williams College in 2000, working as a freelance print reporter in Argentina, where he gained early experience covering international stories. He then moved to the Middle East, where he spent nearly eight years reporting from Jerusalem and Tel Aviv, contributing to USA Today and The Jerusalem Post. His on-the-ground reports during turbulent times in the region helped establish his reputation as a courageous and insightful journalist.
In 2006, Gutman joined ABC News Radio, and by 2008, he became a TV correspondent based in Miami, where he covered major national events such as the BP oil spill, the Haitian earthquake, and the Trayvon Martin case.
His reporting was regularly featured on Good Morning America, World News Tonight, Nightline, and 20/20.
From 2013 to 2018, he hosted the ABC wildlife program Sea Rescue, which won a Daytime Emmy Award in 2016 for Outstanding Children’s Series.
In late 2016, he was detained in Venezuela while reporting on the nation’s collapsing healthcare system, an incident that highlighted his commitment to frontline journalism.
In January 2018, Matt was named ABC News’ Chief National Correspondent, based in Los Angeles.
He has since covered high-profile stories including the COVID-19 pandemic, George Floyd protests, U.S.–Mexico border crisis, mass shootings, natural disasters, and terror attacks. His deep reporting on the 2017 Las Vegas shooting contributed to an ABC 20/20 documentary that won an Emmy Award.
Throughout his career, Gutman has been recognized for his compelling storytelling, investigative skills, and fearless field reporting in both national and international settings.
Matt Gutman from ABC News Books Authored
The Boys in the Cave: Deep Inside the Impossible Rescue in Thailand – Published on November 13, 2018, this gripping account dives into the harrowing true story of the Thai soccer team trapped in the Tham Luang cave. Gutman draws on exclusive interviews and his on-the-ground reporting to illuminate the risks, heroism, and political complexities of the global rescue effort.
No Time to Panic: How I Cured My Anxiety and Conquered a Lifetime of Panic Attacks – Released on September 12, 2023, this deeply personal memoir explores Gutman’s battle with panic disorder. He chronicles his transformative journey through traditional treatments. medication, CBT, mindfulness, as well as unconventional methods like psychedelics and ketamine, offering candid insights and hope for others struggling with anxiety.
Matt Gutman from ABC News: Notable Incidents
Venezuelan Detention (2016): In late 2016, Matt Gutman was detained by Venezuelan authorities while reporting on the country’s failing healthcare system. He was held for several hours and released, but the incident highlighted the risks of international investigative journalism and his commitment to covering underreported crises.
Kobe Bryant Reporting Suspension (2020): On January 26, 2020, Gutman was suspended by ABC News after inaccurately reporting that all four of Kobe Bryant’s daughters were aboard the helicopter that crashed and killed the basketball star. In reality, only one daughter, Gianna, was with him. Gutman later publicly apologized and reflected on the pressures of breaking news, using the incident to address his long-standing struggles with panic attacks, which he discussed in his memoir No Time to Panic.
Hospital Protocol Violation (2021): In 2021, Gutman faced another brief suspension from ABC News after violating company and Disney COVID-19 protocols by entering a hospital without proper clearance while covering the pandemic. Though no patients or staff were reportedly harmed, the network deemed it a serious infraction.
Matt Gutman from ABC News’ Personal Life
Matt Gutman has been married to music educator and former ABC News desk assistant Daphna Venyige since May 17, 2007, and together they have two children: daughter Libby, born in 2008, and son Ben, born in 2014.
The couple, who live in Miami (formerly Los Angeles), maintain a relatively private family life, though Matt occasionally shares photos of them with their children, and even their white poodle, Shimmy, on social media.
Matt Gutman from ABC News Awards & Recognition
Daytime Emmy (2016) – Sea Rescue, Outstanding Children’s Series
News & Documentary Emmy – 20/20 Las Vegas documentary
Multiple nominations: 1 win, 7 noms total
Edward R. Murrow Award(s) – 2023, feature/investigative journalism
Sigma Delta Chi Award (SPJ) – excellence in electronic journalism
Christopher Award – Thai cave rescue coverage
Matt Gutman from ABC News Age
Matt Gutman was born on December 5, 1977, which makes him 47 years old as of today, June 29, 2025
Matt Gutman from ABC News Education
Matt Gutman attended Newark Academy in Livingston, New Jersey, where he excelled academically and athletically, earning honors as a scholar-athlete and graduating in 1996.
He then went on to study at Williams College, a prestigious liberal arts institution in Massachusetts, and graduated in 2000, laying a strong foundation for his future career in journalism
Matt Gutman from ABC News Parents
Matt Gutman is the son of Paul J. Gutman and Sharon Gutman, both originally from New Jersey.
His father, Paul, tragically died in a small-plane crash on September 25, 1990, when Matt was 12 years old, an event he later explored deeply in his memoir No Time to Panic.
He has a sister named Rachel Gutman, with whom he grew up in Westfield/Livingston, New Jersey/
Matt Gutman from ABC News’ Net Worth
Low to Mid-Millions Estimate: Many sites place his net worth between $1 million and $5 million
Check Out: Randy Jackson Biography, Early Life, American Idol, Personal Life, Weight Loss, Net Worth, Instagram
Matt Gutman from ABC News’ Social Media Handle
Twitter (X): @mattgutmanABC
Instagram: @mattgutmanabc
FAQs
1. Who is Matt Gutman?
Matt Gutman is an Emmy-winning American journalist, author, and Chief National Correspondent for ABC News, known for his fearless field reporting and books on rescue missions and mental health.
2. When and where was Matt Gutman born?
He was born on December 5, 1977, in Princeton/Westfield, New Jersey, USA.
3. What is Matt Gutman famous for?
He is best known for his reporting with ABC News, hosting Sea Rescue (2013–2018), and covering major stories like the Thai cave rescue, the Las Vegas mass shooting, and the COVID-19 pandemic. He is also the author of The Boys in the Cave and No Time to Panic.
4. What books has Matt Gutman written?
The Boys in the Cave (2018) – about the Thai soccer team rescue.
No Time to Panic (2023) – a memoir on anxiety and panic disorder.
5. What is Matt Gutman’s educational background?
He attended Newark Academy and graduated from Williams College in 2000.
6. Has Matt Gutman won any awards?
Daytime Emmy Award (2016) for Sea Rescue
News & Documentary Emmy
Edward R. Murrow Awards
Christopher Award
Sigma Delta Chi (SPJ) Award
7. What controversies or notable incidents has he faced?
Detained in Venezuela (2016) while reporting.
Suspended in 2020 after inaccurately reporting that Kobe Bryant’s children were in the helicopter crash.
Brief suspension in 2021 for violating hospital COVID protocols.
8. Who is Matt Gutman married to?
He has been married to Daphna Venyige since May 17, 2007, and they have two children.
9. How old is Matt Gutman now?
As of June 2025, he is 47 years old.
10. What is Matt Gutman’s net worth?
Estimated between $1 million and $5 million.
In Conclusion
Matt Gutman is a distinguished American journalist and author whose career reflects courage, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to truth.
Born on December 5, 1977, in New Jersey, he built his reputation through fearless international reporting and compelling storytelling on ABC News.
From hosting Sea Rescue to delivering high-impact coverage on events like the Thai cave rescue and Las Vegas shooting, Gutman has received multiple Emmy Awards and other top honors in journalism.
His struggles with panic disorder, which he openly shares in his memoir No Time to Panic (2023), show a different side of the journalist, one that resonates with authenticity and humanity.
Despite setbacks, including suspensions and high-pressure controversies, he has remained a respected voice in news media. Married with two children, Matt Gutman balances a demanding career with a grounded family life, inspiring both aspiring journalists and those navigating mental health challenges.
In sum, Gutman’s biography is one of professional excellence, personal growth, and fearless storytelling.
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