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{{short description|American weather presenter, television and radio personality}}{{pp-sock|small=yes}}{{Pp|small=yes}}{{Use mdy dates|date=November 2020}}

factoids

| birth_place = New York City, U.S.| death_date = | death_place = Journalist weather presenter author}}| years_active = 1974–presentFirst wife (divorced)Alice Bellend=div}}Deborah Roberts|1995}}}}| children = 3| relatives = {hide}ubl alroker.com|AlRoker.com}}State University of New York at Oswego (Bachelor of Arts>BA)}}Albert Lincoln Roker Jr. (born August 20, 1954) is an American weather presenter, journalist, television personality, and author. He is the current weather anchor on NBC’s Today,WEB,today.msnbc.msn.com/id/4515729/, Al Roker, TODAY, 2010-06-23, 2011-05-11,today.msnbc.msn.com/id/4515729/," title="web.archive.org/web/20110519233453today.msnbc.msn.com/id/4515729/,">web.archive.org/web/20110519233453today.msnbc.msn.com/id/4515729/, 19 May 2011, dead, and occasionally co-hosts 3rd Hour Today. He has an inactive American Meteorological Society Television Seal #238.WEB,apps.ametsoc.org/pdtstv.cfm, AMS Television Seal Holders, Brad, Lee, apps.ametsoc.org, 17 December 2017,

Early life

Roker was born in the borough of Queens, New York City,WEB,www.biography.com/articles/Al-Roker-16194661, Al Roker Biography: News Anchor, Television Producer, Television Personality (1954–), Biography.com, 2011-05-11,www.biography.com/people/al-roker-16194661," title="web.archive.org/web/20181009145231www.biography.com/people/al-roker-16194661,">web.archive.org/web/20181009145231www.biography.com/people/al-roker-16194661, October 9, 2018, dead, the son of Isabel, of Jamaican descent, and Albert Lincoln Roker Sr.,WEB,movies.yahoo.com/movie/contributor/1800278099/bio, Al Roker Biography, Yahoo! Movies, 2011-05-11, dead,movies.yahoo.com/movie/contributor/1800278099/bio," title="web.archive.org/web/20110628203145movies.yahoo.com/movie/contributor/1800278099/bio,">web.archive.org/web/20110628203145movies.yahoo.com/movie/contributor/1800278099/bio, 2011-06-28, a bus driver of Bahamian descent.WEB,www.filmreference.com/film/62/Al-Roker.html, Al Roker Biography (1954–), Film Reference, 2011-05-11, He initially wanted to be a cartoonist. He was raised Catholic, his mother’s faith, and graduated from Xavier High School in Manhattan.Al Roker Biography, The Biography Channel. Accessed November 18, 2007. “After graduating from Xavier High School in Manhattan, Roker studied communications at State University of New York at Oswego, where he got his first shot at weathercasting.” He attended the State University of New York at Oswego where he received a B.A. in communications in 1976.

Career

(File:Cut of Al Roker, 2009-01-20.jpg|thumb|right|Roker outside the Pentagon during Barack Obama’s 2009 Inauguration)

Early career (1974–95)

Roker worked as a weather anchor for CBS affiliate WHEN-TV (now WTVH) in Syracuse, New York from 1974 until 1976, while he was enrolled at SUNY Oswego. During his time in Oswego, he also DJ’d at the campus radio station, WNYO.TWEET, alroker, 478235558138085376, I played AT40 at my college station WOCR 640AM SUNY Oswego 1973-1975, Roker, Al, 2014-06-15, 2019-09-12, Following the completion of his studies, Roker moved to Washington, D.C. and took a weathercasting position at independent station WTTG, then owned by Metromedia, remaining there for much of the next two years.Roker’s career with NBC began in 1978 when he was hired at WKYC in Cleveland, then an NBC owned-and-operated station. After five years in Cleveland, Roker was promoted to the network’s flagship outlet, WNBC-TV in his hometown. Roker returned to New York City in late 1983 as a weekend weathercaster, and within eight months became the station’s regular weeknight weathercaster. Roker replaced 27-year WNBC-TV veteran Dr. Frank Field, who left the network over a contract dispute. From 1983 to 1996, Roker was the regular substitute for forecaster Joe Witte on the NBC News program NBC News at Sunrise, and from 1990 to 1995 filled in for Willard Scott, Bryant Gumbel and 1997 through 2000’s for Matt Lauer on the Today Show. In 1995, he became the host of The Al Roker Show,WEB,www.foodnetwork.com/al-roker/bio/index.html, Al Roker : Chefs, Food Network, 2011-05-11,www.foodnetwork.com/al-roker/bio/index.html," title="web.archive.org/web/20110428034719www.foodnetwork.com/al-roker/bio/index.html,">web.archive.org/web/20110428034719www.foodnetwork.com/al-roker/bio/index.html, 28 April 2011, dead, a weekend talk show on CNBC.Roker received wider exposure when David Letterman asked him to join in an elevator race on an episode of the talk show Late Night with David Letterman, which taped across the hall from the WNBC news studio in the GE Building. This led to Roker becoming the forecaster for Weekend Today. He also substituted on the weekday edition of Today when Willard Scott was ill or away.

Full time on the Today show (1996–present)

In early 1996, Scott announced his semi-retirement from Today. On January 26, 1996, Roker received the regular weekday weather slot. Roker’s studio remote forecasts, interviewing visitors outside and giving them some camera time, became a staple. Roker conducted more interviews and segments on the show over time. He continues the daily tradition of birthday wishes to centenarians that began with Scott.WEB, 2020-07-23, Ask Al Roker to wish your loved ones a happy birthday,www.today.com/series/today-celebrates/celebrate-today-ask-al-roker-wish-your-loved-ones-happy-t69606, 2021-09-05, TODAY, In 2005, Roker reported from inside Hurricane Wilma.WEB,www.i-am-bored.com/bored_link.cfm?link_id=13668, Al Roker Blown by Hurricane Wilma, I Am Bored, 2011-05-11, 2017-04-12,www.i-am-bored.com/bored_link.cfm?link_id=13668," title="web.archive.org/web/20150929105959www.i-am-bored.com/bored_link.cfm?link_id=13668,">web.archive.org/web/20150929105959www.i-am-bored.com/bored_link.cfm?link_id=13668, 2015-09-29, dead, A popular viral video shows him swept off his feet by the fierce wind and clinging to the cameraman.In addition to his role as Today Show weather man and anchor, Roker co-hosted the third hour of Today called Today’s Take, beginning November 12, 2012. Today’s Take was cancelled in February 2017 for Megyn Kelly Today and aired its final episode on September 22, 2017. After Megyn Kelly Today was cancelled in 2018, Roker returned to co-host 3rd Hour Today.During the 2013 inauguration of Barack Obama, Roker received a handshake from Joe Biden.WEB, 2013-01-21, Al Roker Was Really, Really Stoked About Shaking Hands With Joe Biden,www.businessinsider.com/al-roker-biden-obama-inauguration-2013-1, 2021-01-20, Business Insider, Years later, as an NBC News reporter at Biden’s own 2021 inauguration, Roker received a fist bump from the newly inaugurated president moments before Biden entered the White House.WEB, 2021-01-20, Joe Biden fist-bumps Al Roker during inaugural parade,www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/tv/news/joe-biden-al-roker-inaugural-parade-fist-bump-b1790326.html,web.archive.org/web/20210120225520/https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/tv/news/joe-biden-al-roker-inaugural-parade-fist-bump-b1790326.html, 2021-01-20, limited, live, 2021-01-20, The Independent, In November 2014, Roker embarked on a “Rokerthon”, in which he did a non-stop, 34-hour weather forecast on NBC, from 10:05 p.m. on November 12, 2014, until about 8:00 a.m. on November 14, 2014.“Watch #Rokerthon live: Al attempts World Record for longest weather report” Retrieved November 13, 2014 The record-setting event was a fundraiser for the Crowdrise Campaign to benefit the military and USO. He held a “Rokerthon 2”, this time reporting weather from all 50 states and Washington, D.C. during the week from November 6 to November 13, 2015, in support of Feeding America.WEB,www.today.com/series/rokerthon/rokerthon-returns-al-roker-goes-world-record-nationwide-weather-reports-t52391, Rokerthon 2 is on! Al Roker hits the road for record-breaking effort, Today, 2015-11-05, WEB,www.nydailynews.com/entertainment/tv/al-roker-50-state-rokerthon-2-begins-article-1.2425669, Al Roker’s 50-state ‘Rokerthon 2’ begins, New York Daily News, 2015-11-06, From March 27 until March 31, 2017, he embarked on “Rokerthon 3”, visiting colleges and setting a Guinness World Record at each one, such as the longest conga line on ice and largest human letter.WEB,www.wbir.com/mb/news/local/today-shows-rokerthon-3-coming-to-ut/423939902, Al Roker Comes to UT for Rokerthon 3, WBIR, 2017-03-28,

Other work

Roker has hosted NBC’s coverage of the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade since 1995 (with the exception of 2022), where he provides commentary along with some of his Today Show colleagues. He is known as the “uptown” host, whose main roles include cutting the ribbon during the ribbon-cutting ceremony at the start of the parade, and interviewing celebrities who are watching the parade from its start at 77th Street. Roker was unable to host the coverage of the parade in 2022 after recovering from blood clots that had led to being hospitalized.WEB, DeBianchi, Antonia, Al Roker Misses First Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in 27 Years as ‘Today’ Costars Send Him Their Love,people.com/tv/al-roker-misses-first-macys-thanksgiving-day-parade-27-years-today-blood-clots/, People, November 24, 2022, Roker is a game show fan. From 1996 to 1997, he hosted a game show on MSNBC called Remember This?. He substituted for Meredith Vieira for a week of Who Wants to Be a Millionaire shows from March 5–9, 2007.{{IMDb name|0993669}}In 2008, Roker hosted NBC’s Celebrity Family Feud.WEB,www.nbc.com/Celebrity_Family_Feud/, Celebrity Family Feud, NBC, 2011-05-11,www.nbc.com/Celebrity_Family_Feud/," title="web.archive.org/web/20110501052206www.nbc.com/Celebrity_Family_Feud/,">web.archive.org/web/20110501052206www.nbc.com/Celebrity_Family_Feud/, 1 May 2011, dead, He hosted a week-long feature on Today profiling five game shows and their hosts in July 2016 titled “Game On Today”. He has appeared as a celebrity player on both Merv Griffin game shows Jeopardy!WEB,www.today.com/popculture/al-roker-host-celebrity-family-feud-wbna23991842,today.msnbc.msn.com/id/23991842/," title="web.archive.org/web/20080408191017today.msnbc.msn.com/id/23991842/,">web.archive.org/web/20080408191017today.msnbc.msn.com/id/23991842/, dead, 2008-04-08, Al Roker to host ‘Celebrity Family Feud’, Today, 2008-04-07, 2020-02-26, and Wheel of Fortune.Roker has hosted programs on Food Network,WEB,www.foodnetwork.com/roker-on-the-road/index.html, Roker on the Road, Food Network, 2011-05-11,www.foodnetwork.com/roker-on-the-road/index.html," title="web.archive.org/web/20110422150256www.foodnetwork.com/roker-on-the-road/index.html,">web.archive.org/web/20110422150256www.foodnetwork.com/roker-on-the-road/index.html, 22 April 2011, live, namely, Roker on the Road, and Tricked-Out Tailgating. He is also an avid barbecue enthusiast.Roker provided forecasts for several radio stations, including the New York smooth jazz radio station WQCD (101.9 FM) and for Cleveland smooth jazz station WNWV (107.3 FM), through a service called the “Al Roker Radio Weather Network”, distributed by United Stations Radio Networks. It has since been replaced by Accuweather.WEB,www.unitedstations.com/usrnweb/pages/content/alroker/details.asp?format=FmtNewstalksports, Al Roker Radio Weather Network, 2017-02-26, bot: unknown,www.unitedstations.com/usrnweb/pages/content/alroker/details.asp?format=FmtNewstalksports," title="web.archive.org/web/20040818060842www.unitedstations.com/usrnweb/pages/content/alroker/details.asp?format=FmtNewstalksports,">web.archive.org/web/20040818060842www.unitedstations.com/usrnweb/pages/content/alroker/details.asp?format=FmtNewstalksports, August 18, 2004, at United Stations Radio NetworkHe also had a one and a half hour weekday morning stint live from 5:00–7:00 a.m. on The Weather Channel under the name Wake Up with Al which aired from 2009 until 2015.

Theatre

On 22 May 2003, Roker made a cameo in The Play What I Wrote on Broadway as the Mystery Guest Star.New Guest Storms the Stage of Play What I WroteIt was announced on September 5, 2018, that Roker would make his Broadway debut portraying Joe in the musical Waitress for a six-week run from October 5 to November 11.NEWS, Hoffman, Barbara, Al Roker headed back to Broadway with singing role in ‘Waitress’,nypost.com/2018/09/05/al-roker-headed-back-to-broadway-with-singing-role-in-waitress/, 6 September 2018, New York Post, 5 September 2018, He later returned to the show for a limited run from November 1 to 24, 2019.NEWS, McPhee, Ryan, Al Roker Will Return to Broadway’s Waitress,playbill.com/article/al-roker-will-return-to-broadways-waitress, 5 November 2022, Playbill, 10 October 2019, On 19 December 2023, he returned to Broadway for a one night only cameo in Gutenberg! The Musical! as the Producer.Gutenberg Cameo On 28 March 2024, Roker was in (Back to the Future: The Musical) on Broadway as Strickland.Al Roker Joins the Cast of BACK TO THE FUTURE For One Night Only

Author

File:AlRokerAAFeb09 cropped.jpg|thumb|150px|Roker at the 81st Academy Awards81st Academy AwardsWriting with Dick Lochte, Roker co-authored a series of murder mysteries beginning in 2009 that feature Billy Blessing, a celebrity chef turned amateur detective. The second book in the series, The Midnight Show Murders (2010), was nominated for a 2011 Nero Award.Cogdill, Oline, “The 2011 Nero Award Nominees”; Mystery Scene, June 15, 2011. Retrieved February 27, 2022 The Morning Show Murders, also published in 2010, was made into the 2018 movie on Hallmark Movies and Mysteries with Holly Robinson Peete in the lead role.WEB,www.hallmarkmoviesandmysteries.com/morning-show-mysteries-murder-on-the-menu/cast, Morning Show Mysteries: Murder on the Menu - Cast, In 2016, the non-fiction book (Been There, Done That (book)|Been There, Done That: Family Wisdom for Modern Times), written by Roker and his wife Deborah Roberts, was published.WEB, USA Today, Al Roker, Deborah Roberts write about their marriage, McClurg, Jocelyn, January 5, 2016,www.usatoday.com/story/life/tv/2016/01/05/al-roker-deborah-roberts-book-been-there-done-that/78276688/,

Personal life

Following an early marriage and divorce, Roker married WNBC producer Alice Bell in December 1984.NEWS, The New York Times, Alice Bell is Married, December 23, 1984,www.nytimes.com/1984/12/23/style/alice-bell-is-married.html, 39, He and Bell adopted daughter Courtney as an infant in 1987.BOOK,books.google.com/books?id=GulhyRr3DpcC&q=al+roker+courtney+adopted, Don’t Make Me Stop this Car! Adventures in Fatherhood, Al, Roker, Charles Scribner’s Sons, Scribner, 978-0684868936, 2000, 15, 229, 231, Roker and Bell later divorced. Roker married TV journalist Deborah Roberts on September 16, 1995.NEWS,www.nytimes.com/1995/09/17/style/al-roker-and-deborah-roberts.html, Al Roker and Deborah Roberts, The New York Times, September 17, 1995, November 9, 2020, Deborah Ann Roberts, a correspondent in New York for the ABC news magazine ‘20/ 20,’ was married yesterday to Albert Lincoln Roker Jr., a weatherman on the ‘Today Show,’ in New York. The Rev. John Andrew performed the ceremony at the St. Thomas Episcopal Church in New York. ... The bridegroom’s first two marriages ended in divorce., They are the parents of daughter Leila (b. November 17, 1998)Roker in MAGAZINE,www.dadmag.com/archive/interview.php, Sunny Funny Al Roker, Paige, Egan, DadMag, 2000, April 16, 2020,www.dadmag.com/archive/interview.php," title="web.archive.org/web/20200416084829www.dadmag.com/archive/interview.php,">web.archive.org/web/20200416084829www.dadmag.com/archive/interview.php, live, My maternal grandmother Leila Smith died on November 17, 1974. Leila Ruth Roker was born 24 years later on November 17, 1998., and son Nicholas (b. July 18, 2002).MAGAZINE,people.com/human-interest/al-roker-opens-up-raising-son-special-needs/, Al Roker Opens Up About Raising His Teenage Son with Special Needs: ‘I Admire Him’, Joelle, Goldstein, People (magazine), People, April 25, 2019, November 9, 2020, August 7, 2020,web.archive.org/web/20200807092851/https://people.com/human-interest/al-roker-opens-up-raising-son-special-needs/, live, On November 7, 2010, Roker ran in the ING New York City Marathon.WEB,results.nyrr.org/runner/5256628/races, Race Results > Al Roker, New York Road Runners, November 9, 2020, November 9, 2020,archive.today/20201109170717/https://results.nyrr.org/runner/5256628/races, live, MAGAZINE,www.nerunner.com/2010/10/25/al-roker-one-of-22-celebrities-running-nyc-marathon/, Al Roker One of 22 Celebrities Running NYC Marathon, Bob, Fitzgerald, October 25, 2010, New England Runner, November 9, 2020, November 9, 2020,web.archive.org/web/20201109171117/https://www.nerunner.com/2010/10/25/al-roker-one-of-22-celebrities-running-nyc-marathon/, live, Roker is an honorary member of the Phi Beta Sigma fraternity.WEB,phibetasigma1914.org/index.php/honorary-members/, Honorary Members > Albert Roker Jr., Phi Beta Sigma, November 9, 2020, October 5, 2019,web.archive.org/web/20191005043652/https://phibetasigma1914.org/index.php/honorary-members/, live, On May 10, 2021, Roker returned to his former stomping grounds in Cleveland to report on the city’s reopening efforts following the COVID-19 pandemic, and while live on the Today Show, WKYC chief meteorologist Betsy Kling announced that the station had named the radar tower on top of the WKYC building the “Roker Tower” in his honor, and presented Roker a plaque to commemorate the occasion.Al Roker gets radar tower named after him - MSN.com

Health

File:Al Roker chats with USNavy sailors in New York City.jpg|thumb|right|Roker with members of the United States NavyUnited States NavyOn Thursday, June 7, 2001, Roker underwent a total knee arthoplasty (replacement, or “TKA“) on his left knee.WEB,knee1.com/News/Feature_Story/Al_Roker_Returns_to_Today, Al Roker Returns to “Today”, Dwyer, Sheila & Knee1 Staff, Knee1.com, July 10, 2001, January 27, 2016, In 2002,NEWS,www.usatoday.com/life/columnist/mediamix/2002-11-03-media-mix_x.htm, USA Today, The skinny on Roker’s weight loss: Gastric bypass, November 3, 2002, April 23, 2010, Roker underwent gastric bypass surgery to lose weight, which he said he did after failing at numerous diets. Eight months after the surgery, the New York Daily News reported he had dropped {{convert|100|lb|kg}} from his {{convert|320|lb|kg|abbr=on}} figure.NEWS, Connor, Tracy, Stars put fat-fighting surgery in the spotlight, Daily News (New York), Daily News, Daily News, 10, November 17, 2002, Roker wrote about his battle with weight loss in Never Goin’ Back: Winning the Weight Loss Battle For Good, published in 2013.BOOK, Roker, Al, Morton, Laura, Never Goin’ Back: Winning the Weight-Loss Battle For Good, December 31, 2012, New American Library, 978-0-451-41493-9,archive.org/details/isbn_9780451414939, In 2005, he had a back operation.NEWS,notjustrich.com/how-much-is-al-roker-worth/, How much is Al Roker Worth?, Notjustrich.com admin, Not Just Rich, January 27, 2016, He had another knee replacement surgery in 2016.WEB,www.today.com/video/inside-al-roker-s-road-to-recovery-after-knee-replacement-792171587721, Inside Al Roker’s road to recovery after knee replacement, October 24, 2016, Today, 2018-02-04, In October 2018, Roker underwent emergency carpal tunnel surgery.WEB, Mazziotta, Julie, Al Roker Is ‘Feeling Great’ After Undergoing Emergency Carpal Tunnel Surgery,people.com/health/al-roker-emergency-carpal-tunnel-surgery/, People, April 3, 2019, October 3, 2018, In September 2019, he had a hip replacement surgery.In November 2020, he revealed he was diagnosed with prostate cancer in September 2020.WEB, Al Roker Has Prostate Cancer, Will Undergo Surgery Next Week,www.tmz.com/2020/11/06/al-roker-reveals-prostate-cancer-undergo-surgery-next-week/, 2020-11-06, TMZ, He had a successful operation on November 9,WEB,www.today.com/health/al-roker-gives-kelly-clarkson-update-prostate-cancer-diagnosis-t208372, Al Roker gives Kelly Clarkson update on prostate cancer diagnosis, Vivinetta, Gina, 2021-02-08, Today, NBC Universal, 2021-02-11, I really feel good. I was very fortunate. We caught it early. It was an aggressive form of prostate cancer, but we caught it very early., and by November 17 he was at home recovering.WEB,www.goodhousekeeping.com/life/entertainment/a29105349/where-is-al-roker/, ‘Today’ Show Star Al Roker Has Been Diagnosed With Prostate Cancer, Keegan, Kayla, 2020-11-17, Good Housekeeping, 2021-02-11, Al has been taking some time off from the Today show after being diagnosed with prostate cancer., In November 2022, after being absent from Today for a few days, Roker revealed he was in the hospital being treated for blood clots in his lungs.WEB, Alsharif, Mirna, ‘TODAY’ show’s Al Roker reveals he’s in the hospital and being treated for blood clots,www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/today-shows-al-roker-reveals-hospital-treated-blood-clots-rcna57854, nbcnews.com, November 18, 2022, NBC News, 19 November 2022, He returned to the show on January 6, 2023, revealing he also suffered from internal bleeding which necessitated surgery, two bleeding ulcers, colon resection surgery when part or all of the colon is removed, and gallbladder removal surgery.WEB, Byrne, Suzy, Al Roker returns to ‘Today,’ credits doctors for saving his life: ‘I lost half my blood’,www.yahoo.com/entertainment/al-roker-returns-to-today-credits-doctors-saving-life-144648008.html, yahoo.com, January 6, 2023, Yahoo, 8 January 2023, Roker credits his wife and NewYork-Presbyterian physicians and staff for saving his life.WEB,healthmatters.nyp.org/todays-al-roker-thanks-his-wife-and-newyork-presbyterian-for-saving-his-life/, Al Roker Thanks NewYork-Presbyterian for Saving His Life, January 6, 2023,

Charity work

In 2007, Roker became an official supporter of Ronald McDonald House Charities and is a member of their celebrity board, called the Friends of RMHC.WEB,rmhc.org/friends-of-rmhc/celebrity-friends/, Celebrity Friends of RMHC, McDonald’s Corporation, dead,rmhc.org/friends-of-rmhc/celebrity-friends/," title="web.archive.org/web/20100619100525rmhc.org/friends-of-rmhc/celebrity-friends/,">web.archive.org/web/20100619100525rmhc.org/friends-of-rmhc/celebrity-friends/, 2010-06-19, He also served as the official spokesperson for Amtrak’s National Train Day, which took place on May 10, 2008.WEB,www.docstoc.com/docs/91663828/AMTRAK-TO-CELEBRATE-NATIONAL-TRAIN-DAY, Amtrak To Celebrate National Train Day, 2013-02-19, dead,www.docstoc.com/docs/91663828/AMTRAK-TO-CELEBRATE-NATIONAL-TRAIN-DAY," title="web.archive.org/web/20150402093527www.docstoc.com/docs/91663828/AMTRAK-TO-CELEBRATE-NATIONAL-TRAIN-DAY,">web.archive.org/web/20150402093527www.docstoc.com/docs/91663828/AMTRAK-TO-CELEBRATE-NATIONAL-TRAIN-DAY, 2015-04-02,

Controversy

2012 Olympic logo controversy

{{Blockquote|“Remember that controversial Olympic logo for the 2012 Olympics in London? Some folks have complained that the campaign actually sent them into epileptic seizures. Well, we asked you to weigh in on our website in an informal poll; those of you who could get up off the floor after shaking around were able to actually log in“NEWS,nypost.com/2007/06/09/joker-roker-sorry/, Joker Roker: ‘Sorry’, New York Post, Michael, Starr, June 9, 2007, February 27, 2022,www.nypost.com/seven/06092007/tv/joker_roker__sorry_tv_michael_starr.htm," title="web.archive.org/web/20070611192927www.nypost.com/seven/06092007/tv/joker_roker__sorry_tv_michael_starr.htm,">web.archive.org/web/20070611192927www.nypost.com/seven/06092007/tv/joker_roker__sorry_tv_michael_starr.htm, 2007-06-11, |author=Al Roker, June 7, 2007, describing the reaction to the logo for 2012 Summer Olympics}}The following day Roker stated, “I started joking about [the logo]. I want to make this clear—I was not joking about epilepsy or anyone who suffers from epilepsy. We understand and know that this is a serious affliction and would never joke about that. We were joking about the logo—not about epilepsy. If anybody was offended, I heartily and really humbly apologize.”

Cab driver

On November 23, 2015, Roker alleged racial discrimination and filed a complaint after he and his son attempted to hail a cab. The cab driver reportedly had passed them in order to pick up a white man on the next block. Roker stated on Twitter that a “cabbie picked up a white guy a block away. Wonder why Uber wins?” According to the New York City Taxi and Limousine Commission, the driver would either have to pay a $500 fine or possibly have his license suspended.WEB,www.tmz.com/2015/11/23/al-roker-racist-cab-driver/, Al Roker – NYC Cab Driver was Racist, TMZ, November 23, 2015, November 23, 2015, WEB,www.vanityfair.com/hollywood/2015/11/al-roker-nyc-taxi-complaint, Al Roker Files Complaint Claiming NYC Taxi Ignored Him in Favor of White Customer, Lawson, Richard, Vanity Fair, November 23, 2015, November 23, 2015, WEB,people.com/celebrity/al-roker-files-complaint-after-new-york-cab-passes-him-for-white-man/, Al Roker Says an N.Y.C. Cab Passed Him to Pick Up a White Man, Files Discrimination Complaint, Kimble, Lindsay, People, November 23, 2015, November 23, 2015,

Signature phrases

• Roker often says “That’s what’s going on around the country, here’s what’s happening in your neck of the woods” when transitioning from the national weather broadcast to the local affiliate.WEB, Tonya Mosley, Al Roker Shares Life Lessons In New Memoir, ‘You Look So Much Better In Person’,www.wbur.org/hereandnow/2020/07/29/al-roker-memoir, WBUR.org, 22 February 2021, 29 July 2020,
• On many occasions on Today he has used the phrase “man candy” to describe attractive males.WEB,archives.cjr.org/behind_the_news/al_roker_sure_loves_his_man_ca.php, Al Roker Sure Loves His “Man Candy”, Liz, Barrett, Columbia Journalism Review, October 18, 2006, 2007-03-02,
• When he mentions Sunday’s weather forecast on weekdays, often he repeats the word “Sunday”, imitating the drag racing promotional catchphrase.NEWS,www.businessinsider.com/why-al-roker-says-sunday-sunday-2016-1, Why Al Roker says ‘Sunday! Sunday!’ when giving his weather report, Raver, Grace, January 11, 2016, Business Insider, February 4, 2018, Flanagan, Graham,
• During Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade ribbon cutting ceremonies, he is joined by the producers of the parade or the CEO of Macy’s and special guests in kicking off the parade with the countdown “5, 4, 3, 2, 1. Let’s have a parade!“WEB,www.youtube.com/watch?v=eUn-gy1xjuk,ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211110/eUn-gy1xjuk, 2021-11-10, live, Entire 2016 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, YouTube, November 24, 2016, 2017-04-12, {{cbignore}}

Other appearances and activities

• On the May 9, 1998, episode of Saturday Night Live (hosted by David Duchovny), Roker appeared in a “Mango” sketch with Matt Lauer. The typical Mango sketch involved a person becoming obsessed with Mango, a character portrayed by cast member Chris Kattan.WEB, Guests {{!, Al Roker |url=http://www.snlarchives.net/Guests/?1685 |website=SNL Archives |access-date=February 27, 2022}}
• Roker voiced a caricature of himself as a faustian figure in two episodes of the animated Disney Channel series The Proud Family, a role he reprised in the Disney+ revival, (The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder).WEB, Ellis, Maddie, Al Roker teases appearance in upcoming ‘Proud Family’ reboot,www.today.com/popculture/tv/al-roker-the-proud-family-reboot-preview-rcna16481, TODAY.com, February 27, 2022, February 16, 2022,
• During the first inaugural parade of President Barack Obama, Al Roker obtained the “first interview” with the new president by waving his fedora hat and yelling to the walking Obama to come over. Acknowledging Roker, the perambulating president continued on, telling him “it’s warm!“WEB,allday.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2009/01/20/1753506.aspx, Al gets ‘first interview’ with President Barack Obama, March 13, 2009, January 20, 2009, MSNBC,allday.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2009/01/20/1753506.aspx," title="web.archive.org/web/20090217024655allday.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2009/01/20/1753506.aspx,">web.archive.org/web/20090217024655allday.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2009/01/20/1753506.aspx, 17 February 2009, dead,
• Roker holds the record for most appearances on Late Night with Conan O’Brien, with over 30. He would often appear on the show as a last-minute replacement if a previously scheduled guest canceled their appearance.WEB,www.tv.com/al-roker/person/26368/trivia.html?tag=blackout, Al Roker Trivia and Quotes, Tv.com, 2011-05-11, {{dead link|date=October 2016 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}
• Roker makes a cameo appearance as the honorary Orange Wiggle in The Wiggles song, “Thank You, Mr. Weatherman” on their 2011 release “Ukulele, Baby!”
• Roker had a cameo appearance in (Sharknado 2: The Second One), which premiered on Syfy on July 30, 2014.
  • He reprised the cameo in the sequels (Sharknado 3: Oh Hell No!), which premiered on July 22, 2015, (Sharknado: The 4th Awakens), which premiered on July 31, 2016, (Sharknado 5: Global Swarming) in 2017, and (The Last Sharknado: It’s About Time) in 2018.
• Roker appeared as the guest ring announcer at WrestleMania 33, for the match between John Cena and Nikki Bella, versus The Miz and Maryse.
• In 2014, Commandant of the Coast Guard Admiral Robert Papp named Roker an honorary commodore in the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary.NEWS, We salute you Al! Roker gets ‘Honorary Commodore’ award,www.today.com/allday/we-salute-you-al-roker-gets-honorary-commodore-award-2D79680941, 29 December 2017, NBC News, May 19, 2014, Roker had produced and narrated a Coast Guard documentary television series.
• In 2018, Roker appeared in episode 400 of My Brother, My Brother, and Me
• In 2018, Roker appeared in the Hallmark television movie Morning Show Mysteries: Mortal Mishaps based on the book series he co-authored.
• In 2019, Roker appeared in the Hallmark television movie Morning Show Mysteries: Death by Design based on the book series he co-authored.
• In 2022, Roker would make a cameo in a season 47 Please Don’t Destroy sketch on SNL alongside actor Paul Rudd and writers Martin Herlihy, John Higgins and Ben Marshall.

Filmography{| class“wikitable”

style="background:#b0c4de; text-align:center;“! Year! Title! Role! Notes| 1990Another World (TV series)>Another World| Himself| Television series; one episode| 1993Seinfeld (TV series)>Seinfeld| Himself| Episode: “The Cigar Store Indian”| 1994| Reading Rainbow| Himself| Episode: “Hail to Mail”| 1994| Mad About You| Himself| Episode: “Pandora’s Box”| 1994Where in the World Is Carmen Sandiego? (game show)>Where in the World Is Carmen Sandiego?| Himself| Episode: “Tales You Lose”| 1996| NewsRadio| Guy| Episode: “President”| 1997| The Single Guy| Dr. Benjamin| Television series; one episode| 1997Men in Black (1997 film)>Men in Black| Alien on TV monitor| Uncredited| 1998| (Superman: The Animated Series)| Weather presenter (voice)| Episode: “Little Girl Lost”| 1998| Quest for Camelot| Knight (voice)|| 1998, 2007, 2022| Saturday Night Live| Himself| Television series; three episodes| 1999| Space Ghost Coast to Coast| Himself| Episode: “Chambraigne”| 2000| Will & Grace| Himself| Episode: “Acting Out”| 2001| Sesame Street| Himself| Episode: “Hurricane, Part 1”| 2003| Freedom: A History of Us| Christian reorder editorHenry McNeal Turner| Television miniseries| 2003-2004| The Proud Family| Faustian Al Roker (voice)| Television series; two episodes| 2003| Wholey Moses| Weather presenter (voice)| Short film| 2003| Cyberchase| Sam Vander Rom (voice)| Television series; three episodes| 2005Robots (2005 film)>Robots| Mailbox (voice)||2005Madagascar (2005 film)>Madagascar| Newscaster #3 (voice)|| 2006| Unaccompanied Minors| Himself|| 2007, 2012| 30 Rock| Himself| Television series; two episodes| 2008| (Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa)| Newscaster (voice)|| 2009Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs (film)>Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs| Patrick Patrickson (voice)|| 2011| WordGirl| Sonny Days (voice)| Episode: “Sonny Days with a Chance of Showers”| 2011| The Big Year| New York Weather presenter|| 2012The Pirates! In an Adventure with Scientists!>The Pirates! Band of Misfits!| The Pirate Who Likes Sunsets and Kittens (voice)|United States release onlyThe Penguins of Madagascar| Gil Force (voice)|| 2012Treme (TV series)>Treme| Himself| Episode: “Promised Land”| 2012| The Simpsons| Himself (voice)| Episode: “Moonshine River”| 2013| The Michael J. Fox Show| Himself| Episode: “Pilot”| 2013| Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs 2| Patrick Patrickson (voice)|| 2014| (Sharknado 2: The Second One)| Himself| Television film| 2015| Saturday Night Live 40th Anniversary Special| Himself| Television special| 2015| (Sharknado 3: Oh Hell No!)| Himself| Television film| 2016| Kung Fu Panda 3| Dim (voice)| | 2016Ghostbusters (2016 film)>Ghostbusters| Himself| Cameo| 2016| (Sharknado: The 4th Awakens)| Himself| Television film| 2017WrestleMania 33>WWE WrestleMania 33|Himself|Pay-Per View, Guest Ring Announcer | 2017| (Sharknado 5: Global Swarming)| Himself| Television film201819|format=y}}| (The Last Sharknado: It’s About Time)| HimselfTITLE=YOU’VE GOT THAT RIGHT, @ALROKER. WELL, EXCEPT FOR THE REPEAT AIRING OF #SHARKNADO6 STARTING RIGHT NOW.DATE=2018-08-19ACCESS-DATE=2019-11-01, |2018|Morning Show Mysteries| Himself| 1 episode; Also executive producer 6 episodes| 2019| (Zombieland: Double Tap)| Himself|| 2020The Blacklist (TV Series)>The Blacklist| HimselfURL=HTTPS://WWW.CINEMABLEND.COM/TELEVISION/2495428/THE-BLACKLIST-IS-BRINGING-IN-AL-ROKER-AS-A-GUEST-STAR-BUT-HOWWEBSITE=CINEMABLEND, | 2021| Who Are You, Charlie Brown?| Himself | Documentary special | 2021| Martha Gets Down and Dirty| HimselfDATE=JUNE 3, 2021WORK=PEOPLE (MAGAZINE)>FIRST=HANNAH, Chubb, | 2022|(The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder)| Faustian Al Roker| Episode: “When You Wish Upon a Roker” |2023|Good Burger 2|HimselfDATE=2023-11-23 URL=HTTPS://WWW.YAHOO.COM/ENTERTAINMENT/GOOD-BURGER-2-CAST-LUNA-105723104.HTML WEBSITE=YAHOO!, en-US,

Works

• 2000: Don’t Make Me Stop This Car! reflections on fatherhood {{ISBN|9780684868936}}
• 2013: Never Goin’ Back: Winning the Weight-Loss Battle For Good {{ISBN|978-0-451-41493-9}}
• 2016: (Been There, Done That (book)|Been There, Done That: Family Wisdom for Modern Times) co-written with his wife Deborah Roberts. {{ISBN|978-0-451-46636-5}}

Billy Blessing novels

• 2009: The Morning Show Murders. Co-authored by Dick Lochte. {{ISBN|0-385-34368-X}}.
• 2010: The Midnight Show Murders. Co-authored by Dick Lochte; nominated for the 2011 Nero Award. {{ISBN|0-385-34369-8}}.
• 2011: The Talk Show Murders. Co-authored by Dick Lochte. {{ISBN|0-385-34370-1}}.

See also

• Bahamian Americans
• New Yorkers in journalism

References

{{Reflist}}

External links

{{Commons category|Al Roker}}

• {{Official websitewww.alroker.com/}}
• {{IMDb name|737963|Al Roker}}
• {{emmytvlegends name|al-roker}}
• {{C-SPAN|52389}}

{{NBC News Personalities}}{{Authority control}}