Al Roker

Al Roker
Name	Al Roker
Caption	Roker in 2013
Birth name	Albert Lincoln Roker Jr.
Birth date	20 August 1954
Birth place	Queens, New York City, U.S.
Education	State University of New York at Oswego (BA)
Occupation	Weather presenter, television presenter, actor, author
Years active	1974–present
Spouse	Alice Bell (m. 1984; div. 1994), Deborah Roberts (m. 1995)
Employer	NBC (WNBC)
Known for	Today weather anchor

Al Roker is an American weather presenter, television presenter, and author best known as the longtime weather anchor for NBC's morning news program Today. A member of the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences, he has become a prominent figure in American broadcasting, recognized for his charismatic on-air presence and pioneering use of green screen technology for weather forecasting. His career spans over five decades, during which he has also authored several books and made numerous acting appearances in film and television.

Early life and education

Albert Lincoln Roker Jr. was born in the Queens borough of New York City to Isabel, a homemaker, and Albert Lincoln Roker Sr., a bus driver for the New York City Transit Authority. He was raised in a Bahamian American family and attended Xavier High School, a private Jesuit institution in Manhattan. Roker pursued his interest in broadcasting at the State University of New York at Oswego, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in communications in 1976. During his college years, he worked at the campus television station, WTOP-TV, gaining early experience that would launch his professional career.

Career

Roker began his professional broadcasting career in 1974 at WTOV-TV in Steubenville, Ohio, while still in college. His first major market role came as a weekend weathercaster for WTTG in Washington, D.C., a station owned by the Metromedia group. In 1978, he returned to New York City to join WNBC, the network's flagship owned-and-operated station, initially working on the News 4 New York broadcasts. His national breakthrough occurred in 1996 when he succeeded Willard Scott as the full-time weather anchor on Today, a position he has held since. Beyond weather, Roker has hosted programs like The Al Roker Show and Roker on the Road, and is a frequent contributor to NBC News specials and the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. He is also a founding member of the Weather Channel's WeatherSTEM initiative.

Personal life

Roker married his first wife, Alice Bell, in 1984; the couple had one daughter before divorcing in 1994. In 1995, he married ABC News correspondent Deborah Roberts in a ceremony officiated by the Reverend Forrest Church at the Riverside Church in Manhattan. They have two children together. The family resides in New York City and is known for their philanthropic work, particularly with organizations like the Gospel for Teens program. Roker is an avid foodie and has participated in events for the James Beard Foundation.

Health issues

In 2002, Roker underwent a highly publicized gastric bypass surgery to address morbid obesity, a procedure performed by Dr. Mitchell Roslin at Lenox Hill Hospital. The surgery resulted in a significant weight loss of over 100 pounds. More recently, in November 2022, he was hospitalized for blood clots in his leg and lungs, requiring treatment at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital. He has been open about these health challenges in interviews with ''People'' and on Today, using his platform to raise awareness about venous thromboembolism and weight loss surgery.

Awards and recognition

Throughout his career, Roker has received numerous accolades, including several Emmy Awards for his work on Today. In 2014, he was honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award from the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences. His contributions to the field have been recognized by institutions like the American Meteorological Society, which awarded him the Seal of Approval. He also holds an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree from his alma mater, the State University of New York at Oswego.

Filmography and publications

Roker has appeared as himself or in cameo roles in numerous films and television series, including The Weather Man, Bruce Almighty, Ally McBeal, and The Simpsons. His television hosting credits extend to specials like The Christmas Tree on HBO and the game show Remember This? on the Game Show Network. As an author, he has written several books, including the memoir Don't Make Me Stop This Car! and the cookbook Al Roker's Hassle-Free Holiday Cookbook. He also co-authored the mystery novel The Morning Show Murders with Dick Lochte.

Category:American television personalities Category:American meteorologists Category:1954 births Category:Living people