Al Roker's 30 Years: A Today Show Legacy

Al Roker is celebrating a remarkable 30-year milestone on the "Today" show, making him one of its longest-serving co-hosts. He attributes his enduring presence to the caliber of people he has worked with over the decades, describing the show as a cohesive team that genuinely likes each other.

Roker fondly recalls working alongside numerous notable figures, including Bryant Gumbel, Jane Pauley, Katie Couric, Matt Lauer, Meredith Vieira, and Ann Curry, among others. He emphasizes that the current lineup, featuring Savannah Guthrie, Craig Melvin, and Hoda Kotb, is also composed of terrific broadcasters.

The true meaning of the "Today" show family was profoundly underscored for Roker during his serious health crisis in 2022, when he faced life-threatening blood clots. Colleagues visited him during the holidays, singing carols and offering support, an act that brought him to tears and solidified his feeling of having two families.

Roker, who succeeded his mentor Willard Scott as the show's weatherman, initially never imagined reaching such a position. He finds it remarkable to have stepped into the shoes of a hero and continued in the role for so long. He believes the show's enduring mission over its 74-year history is its greatest beauty, despite changes in presentation, and cherishes being part of this esteemed legacy.