Al Roker's Success and Achievements in Timeline

A closer look at the biggest achievements of Al Roker. Awards, milestones, and records that define success.

Al Roker is an American weather presenter, journalist, television personality, and author, best known as the weather anchor on NBC's Today show. He also occasionally co-hosts 3rd Hour Today. Roker previously held the American Meteorological Society's Television Seal of Approval.

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Full Timeline Success & Recognition

August 20, 1954: Al Roker's Birth

On August 20, 1954, Albert Lincoln Roker Jr. was born. He would later become a well-known weather presenter, journalist, television personality, and author.

1974: Weather Anchor at WHEN-TV

In 1974, Al Roker began working as a weather anchor for CBS affiliate WHEN-TV in Syracuse, New York, while he was a student at SUNY Oswego.

1976: Graduation from SUNY Oswego

In 1976, Al Roker graduated from the State University of New York (SUNY) at Oswego with a B.A. in communications.

1976: Departure from WHEN-TV

In 1976, Al Roker left his position as a weather anchor at CBS affiliate WHEN-TV in Syracuse, New York, after completing his studies at SUNY Oswego.

1976: Marriage to Mary Puglisi

In 1976, Al Roker married his first wife, Mary Puglisi, who was his college girlfriend, the day they graduated from SUNY Oswego.

1978: Hired at WKYC

In 1978, Al Roker began his career with NBC when he was hired at WKYC in Cleveland, which was an NBC owned-and-operated station at the time.

1983: Joins WNBC-TV

In late 1983, Al Roker returned to his hometown of New York City and joined WNBC-TV as a weekend weathercaster, eventually becoming the regular weeknight weathercaster.

December 1984: Marriage to Alice Bell

In December 1984, Al Roker married WNBC producer Alice Bell.

1987: Adoption of Daughter Courtney

In 1987, Al Roker and his then-wife, Alice Bell, adopted a daughter, Courtney, as an infant.

September 16, 1995: Marriage to Deborah Roberts

On September 16, 1995, Al Roker married TV journalist Deborah Roberts.

January 26, 1996: Takes over weekday weather slot on Today

On January 26, 1996, Al Roker took over the regular weekday weather slot on Today after Scott announced his semi-retirement.

November 17, 1998: Birth of Daughter Leila

On November 17, 1998, Al Roker and his wife Deborah Roberts welcomed their daughter Leila.

June 2001: Knee Replacement Surgery

In June 2001, Al Roker underwent a total knee arthoplasty (replacement, or "TKA") on his left knee.

July 18, 2002: Birth of Son Nicholas

On July 18, 2002, Al Roker and his wife Deborah Roberts welcomed their son Nicholas.

2002: Gastric Bypass Surgery

In 2002, Al Roker underwent gastric bypass surgery to lose weight after struggling with numerous diets.

2005: Back Operation

In 2005, Al Roker had a back operation.

November 2010: Runs the New York City Marathon

In November 2010, Al Roker participated in the New York City Marathon.

November 12, 2014: Start of Rokerthon

On November 12, 2014, Al Roker began his first "Rokerthon," a 34-hour non-stop weather forecast on NBC.

November 14, 2014: End of Rokerthon

On November 14, 2014, Al Roker concluded his first "Rokerthon," a 34-hour non-stop weather forecast on NBC. The event was a fundraiser for the Crowdrise Campaign to benefit the military and USO.

November 2014: Rokerthon

In November 2014, Al Roker embarked on a "Rokerthon", in which he did a non-stop, 34-hour weather forecast on NBC. The record-setting event was a fundraiser for the Crowdrise Campaign to benefit the military and USO.

2016: Second Knee Replacement Surgery

In 2016, Al Roker had another knee replacement surgery.

February 2017: Today's Take Cancellation

In February 2017, Today's Take, which Al Roker co-hosted, was cancelled in favor of Megyn Kelly Today.

March 31, 2017: Rokerthon 3

From March 27 until March 31, 2017, Al Roker 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.

September 22, 2017: Final Episode of Today's Take

On September 22, 2017, the final episode of Today's Take aired after being cancelled in February 2017.

October 2018: Emergency Carpal Tunnel Surgery

In October 2018, Al Roker underwent emergency carpal tunnel surgery.

September 2019: Hip Replacement Surgery

In September 2019, Al Roker underwent hip replacement surgery.

September 2020: Diagnosis of Prostate Cancer

In September 2020, Al Roker was diagnosed with prostate cancer.

November 2020: Prostate Cancer Diagnosis and Operation

In November 2020, Al Roker revealed that he was diagnosed with prostate cancer in September 2020. He had a successful operation on November 9, and by November 17 he was at home recovering.