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Lauer Meets Older Self: Abe

By Harry Kimball, Newser Staff

Posted Jan 23, 2009 1:02 PM CST

(Newser) – Matt Lauer took some ribbing this week when Today co-host Meredith Vieira unveiled side-by-side photos of him and Abe Vigoda to demonstrate what he'll look like in old age. Vigoda got the last laugh today in a light-hearted appearance on the show, People reports. Vigoda, 87, says he has a grandson who looks like Lauer, and he even took time to debunk those stubborn rumors that he is, in fact, dead. To the contrary, he just did a voice-over for a commercial that will air during the Super Bowl. "I play death," he said.

[Images (5)]

[Videos (1)]

Actor Abe Vigoda attends the Friars Club Roast of who but "Today Show" host Matt Lauer. (AP Photo)

Matt Lauer. (AP Photo)

Meredith Vieira, left, and Matt Lauer, co-hosts of the NBC "Today." (AP Photo)

Is Elmo Matt Lauer's younger self? (AP Photo)

Matt Lauer says he'd be happy to look like Abe Vigoda in a few decades. (Getty)

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A video of the meeting between Lauer and Vigoda. (MSNBC)

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