Full Name: Albert Lincoln Roker Jr.
Age: 69
Birthday: August 20, 1954
Birth Place: Queens, New York
Height: 5‘ 8"
Net Worth: $70 million
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Albert Lincoln Roker Jr. is a famous weather presenter and TV personality who currently co-hosts NBC‘s Today Show, a role he‘s held since 1996. With his warm smile, infectious laughter, and lively personality, Roker has become one of the most beloved figures in morning television over his prolific 40+ year career.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Al Roker was born on August 20, 1954 in Queens, New York. His father Albert Lincoln Roker Sr. worked as a bus driver and relations officer in New York City, while his mother Isabel was a homemaker.
From a young age, Roker was interested in broadcasting. He got his start on his high school‘s radio station and yearbook team. After graduating from Xavier High School in Manhattan, Roker studied communications at the State University of New York (SUNY) at Oswego.
During college, Roker served as a weather anchor for the school TV station WTOP-TV. His first professional gig was as a weatherman for independent station WTTG in Washington D.C. from 1976-1978. Roker then moved to Cleveland, where he was the weather forecaster for WKYC-TV from 1978-1983.
Rise to Fame on the Today Show
In 1983, Roker moved back to New York City to take a job as weekend weatherman for WNBC-TV. His charismatic on-air delivery soon caught the eye of NBC executives.
Roker was asked to substitute on the Today show several times, impressing producers with his engaging personality. In January 1996, he was named the new weekday weather anchor on Today, replacing legendary forecaster Willard Scott.
Alongside co-hosts Katie Couric and Matt Lauer, Roker‘s fame skyrocketed. He quickly became known for his easygoing presenting style, funny ad-libs, and ability to explain weather patterns in a simple yet entertaining way.
Some of Roker‘s most memorable TV moments include reporting live from New Orleans during Hurricane Katrina in 2005 and guiding viewers through coverage of Superstorm Sandy in 2012.
In 2005, Roker was promoted to official co-host of Today, further cementing his status as America‘s favorite weatherman. Today co-anchor Savannah Guthrie has called Roker "the heart and soul of the show." After more than 25 years on Today, his popularity and impact remain strong.
Books, Hosting, and Other Ventures
Beyond Today, Roker has expanded his TV presence through hosting gigs, cameos, books, and more. From 1996-1998, he hosted his own talk show Wake Up with Al on NBC. Roker also hosted the weight loss reality show The Biggest Loser from 2008-2009.
Some other notable hosting credits include Remember This?, Celebrity Family Feud, Dateline NBC, Christmas at Rockefeller Center, and Macy‘s Thanksgiving Day Parade.
Roker has published numerous books over the years. Some of his bestsellers include The Morning Show Murders (a mystery novel), Al Roker‘s Big Bad Book of Barbecue, Don‘t Make Me Stop This Car! (a memoir), and Never Going Back: Winning the Weight-Loss Battle For Good.
The versatile host has also guest starred as himself on TV shows like Seinfeld, Will & Grace, and Everyone Loves Raymond. Roker‘s acting credits include films like Sharknado 4 and Kappa Kappa Die. In 2020, he launched a podcast called Cooking Up a Storm with Al Roker.
Personal Life
Roker married ABC News correspondent Deborah Roberts in 1995. Together they have two children, son Nicholas and daughter Leila. Roker also has an older daughter Courtney from a previous marriage.
Despite his hectic schedule, Roker remains an active family man and devoted father. He and his wife enjoy cooking, travel, and raising their children together.
Off-camera, Roker is known for his warm, affable personality and sense of humor that America has come to love. After over 40 years on television, the indefatigable Al Roker remains a trusted staple of morning TV.