Friars Club to roast Matt Lauer

NEW YORK, March 18 (UPI) -- The New York Friars Club has announced plans to roast -- or mercilessly mock -- Matt Lauer, star of the "Today" show, at an upcoming ceremony.

Lauer's close friend and co-anchor Al Roker is to serve as roastmaster at the fraternal order's Oct. 24 luncheon at the New York Hilton Hotel.

Lauer joins the ranks of distinguished entertainers such as Hugh Hefner, Richard Pryor, Lucille Ball, Whoopi Goldberg, Billy Crystal, Jerry Lewis, Johnny Carson, Bob Newhart, Drew Carey, Rob Reiner and last year's recipient Pat Cooper.

"We are thrilled to have Matt on the hot seat this year, and could not have asked for a better roastmaster than Al," Friars President Freddie Roman said in a statement. "Their on-air chemistry will surely be transmitted at the roast this fall."

"I plan to give as good as I get," Lauer has warned the club.