Al Roker was Born :
... Albert Lincoln Roker on August 20, 1954, in Queens, New York.
Growing up with Al:
Al has always been interested in - cartooning. As a student at New York's prestigious Xavier High School, Al was a member of the Cartooning and Illustration club (His web site includes original comic strips). It wasn't until he was studying communications at the State University in Oswego that the weather caught his eye.
Al's First Job & The Early Years:
Al took his first job as a weatherman while still in school, talking cold fronts and high pressure systems while at WTVH in Syracuse, New York. That led him, after he received his bachelor's degree, to jobs in Washington, D.C., and Cleveland. He left WKYC in Cleveland in 1983 to become the weekend forecaster on WNBC in New York.
He was soon substituting for Today's Willard Scott, the much loved weatherman. Many say this early exposure on Today was due to Roker’s winning charisma while doing stunts on NBC's Late Night with David Letterman. When Scott retired from Today in the mid 90s (though he still makes appearances), Al was awarded the weather anchor position.
Becoming a Talk Show Host:
His charm, wit and broadcasting experience soon led to feature assignments. And his comedic timing lends itself well to a variety of segments - from cooking to new technology. Still an avid fan of cartooning and cartoonists, he will, on occasion, conduct insightful interviews with artists in the medium.
His success on Today has led to work on other networks, most notably Food Network, on which he hosts a slew of specials and an occasional series, including Roker on the Road.
What Does the Future Hold:
Al Roker has done what few have been able to master - namely, becoming a brand. His name is synonymous with family entertainment, often light-hearted and witty. Besides a broadcaster and weatherman, Al is an author, cartoonist and, at one time, game show host. Above all, he is an entrepreneur. So when it comes to asking "What does the future hold?" Well, Al's imagination is his limit.
And Just for Fun:
- Al is married to journalist Deborah Roberts, ABC News and 20/20 correspondent. They have three children.
- Has won 10 Emmys, including a Daytime Emmy for Outstanding Game Show Host (Al hosted MSNBC’s "Remember This?" in 1997).
- Has written three books: Don't Make Me Stop This Car: Adventures in Fatherhood, Al Roker's Big Bad Book of Barbecue and Al Roker's Hassle-Free Holiday Cookbook.
- Famously underwent gastric bypass surgery and, rumors suggest, has lost nearly 100 pounds since.
- Is known by his catchphrase: "That's what’s happening around the country, here's what's happening in your neck of the woods."
- Has appeared as himself in a slew of cameos on many popular shows, including: The Proud Family, Sienfeld, Saturday Night Live, and 30 Rock.
- Holds the record for guest appearances on Late Night with Conan O’Brien with more than 30.
