How A ‘Promise’ To His Dad Led Al Roker On His Major Weight Loss Journey

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Al Roker has been a fixture on “Today” since the 1990s and will continue to be as the TV schedule for 2025 begins. His extended career with NBC is a significant part of the show’s history, and he’s also been open about his health issues. Notably, he mentioned a pledge he made to his father, Albert Lincoln Roker Sr., which ignited Al’s lengthy and prosperous journey into health and wellness.

Reflecting on my illustrious career, I shared with People my anticipation for the coming year, along with other topics. During our chat, the subject of my weight loss journey came up. Al Roker openly spoke about the motivation behind his health commitment – a conversation with my late father about our future.

Frankly, I’ve grappled with weight issues throughout my adulthood. At a particularly difficult time, my father fell gravely ill. In the final stages of his life, he asked me to commit to getting fit. He was direct: “You know I won’t be around to help you raise your kids. It’s up to you to be there for them.” This sentiment resonated deeply with me and ultimately led me to undergo gastric bypass surgery.

As a movie buff, I can’t stress enough the significance of family ties, a fact both men seemed to grasp implicitly, with the younger Roker continuing to uphold this value. Personal health and self-improvement journeys may be solitary endeavors, but they undeniably resonate within our close circles. It was heartening to see the father-son moment and advice resonate so deeply with the host, benefiting not just his kids, but also himself on a personal level.

As a dedicated film enthusiast, I’ve always admired Al Roker’s resilience and determination. Since the loss of my father in 2001 and my own gastric bypass surgery in 2002, life has had its fair share of highs and lows for me too. In 2022, I faced a health scare that left me questioning whether I should step away from my role on the Today show. But after a challenging hospitalization due to blood clot complications and internal bleeding, I took the time I needed to recover and returned to the airwaves in early 2023. Like Roker, I’ve also battled prostate cancer and fought through treatment in 2020. Each obstacle faced has only made me stronger and more grateful for every moment on screen.

In my perspective as a movie reviewer, Al Roker shows no signs of slowing down; quite the contrary, he’s been on fire these past few years! He recently embraced the joyous role of grandpa when his daughter Courtney welcomed a beautiful baby girl in 2023.

You can still find Al gracing our screens at the annual Thanksgiving Macy’s Day Parade, not to mention his consistent work as a writer, actor, and producer within the bustling Hollywood scene. And who could forget those infectious TikTok dances he shares with stars like the Twisters cast?

With Hoda Kotb preparing to bid adieu and Craig Melvin eagerly waiting in the wings, The Today Show is gearing up for another exceptional season, and Al Roker will be right there alongside them, adding his unique charm and energy.

If you share my fondness for “The Today Show”, then you’re likely delighted that Al Roker is still with us after so many years, largely due to the commitment he made to his father. Here’s wishing 2025 brings him continued success and helps him reach his health objectives as he continues his exceptional work.

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2025-01-06 21:07