‘It’s a different play for me’: Today host Karl Stefanovic sparks rumours of a US career move after ‘signing with Chris Hemsworth’s manager’ as Nine contract nears completion
He returned to his hosting duties on Nine’s Today show in January.
But rumours are Karl Stefanovic, 45, has his sights set on a career in the US when his Australian TV contract ends later this year.
Reports suggest Karl will drop long-standing manager Sharon Finnigan of SF Celebrity Management, as he has inked a deal with Chris Hemsworth’s Melbourne-based agent, Mark Morissey.
‘It’s a different play for me’: Today host Karl Stefanovic has sparked rumours he could be chasing a US career after ‘signing with Chris Hemsworth’s manager’ as his Nine contract nears completion this year. Pictured with wife Jasmine Yarbrough
As of Sunday morning, March 15, Karl was listed under talent for SF Celebrity Management, and not present on Morissey Management’s website.
The Daily Telegraph claimed Karl, and his shoe-designer wife Jasmine Yarbrough, could soon relocate overseas.
‘It’s a different play for me being asked to do something with international focus,’ Karl told the publication on Saturday, before adding: ‘It’s early days.’
It’s believed the journalist intends to ‘collaborate’ with Mark on TV projects, and international productions.
Moving on up! Karl could be moving to the US after allegedly signing with Melbourne-based manager Mark Morissey – who also manages Hollywood actor Chris Hemsworth
Time for a change? Karl was rumoured to have split with his agent-of-17-years Sharon Finnigan (right)- but the talent manager said Karl was ‘still with me’ last weekend. Pictured at Karl’s wedding in 2018 to wife Jasmine in Mexico
An inside source told the publication: ‘Karl has long seen himself spending more time in the US, so this is the first real steps towards that plan. He is very focused on that.’
Last week, Karl was rumoured to have split with his agent-of-17-years Sharon Finnigan – but the talent manager said Karl was ‘still with me’ to The Sunday Telegraph.
Karl has been signed with the Sydney talent agent for the last 17 years.
The two are known to have a close working relationship, with Sharon even attending his wedding to Mara & Mine shoe designer, Jasmine, in December, 2018.
Working relationship: Karl has been with the Sydney talent agent Sharon (second left) for the past 17 years
That same year, Sharon dealt with the shock departure of Karl from the Today Show.
She was also reportedly present when Nine chief executive Hugh Marks delivered the news of the axing to Karl over the phone.
Sharon, who runs SF Celebrity Management, has a number of stars on the books including Phoebe Burgess and Michael Usher.
Hard work: Despite the Today show initially getting a healthy jump in the ratings, the embattled Nine breakfast show continues to struggle to find an audience. (R) Allison Langdon
Meanwhile, Karl recently made a comeback to the Today show alongside new co-host Allison Langdon.
Despite initially getting a healthy jump in the ratings, the embattled breakfast show continues to struggle to find an audience.
Last month, the Today show recorded its lowest ratings of 2020, with a paltry 171,000 metro viewers tuning in.
Today show recorded its lowest ratings of 2020, with a paltry 171,000 metro viewers tuning in. Pictured: Allison Langdon, Karl Stefanovic, Tim Davies, Tracy Vo, Brooke Boney and Alex Cullen