Al Roker is celebrating a significant milestone as he marks 30 years with NBC’s Today show. The esteemed 71-year-old meteorologist recently sat down with PEOPLE to discuss his remarkable journey, his love for broadcasting, and what the future might hold.
Despite reaching this major anniversary, retirement is not on Roker’s radar. In his interview, he expressed, “Well, let’s put it this way. I haven’t thought about retirement.” He humorously added, “Somebody at NBC, that might be a different story.” Roker’s enthusiasm for his role remains evident as he reflects on his tenure, which began in 1996 when he succeeded the beloved late Weatherman Willard Scott.
Roker’s passion for his work is unwavering, as he stated, “I love what I do. I feel good. I love this job. I love doing it. At some point I guess I won’t be, but I don’t feel like that’s anytime soon, so I’m just gonna keep going.” He acknowledged that the essence of the Today show transcends individual broadcasters, saying, “We are each temporary custodians of this legacy.”
Reflecting on his time in the industry, Roker shared a standout moment from about a decade ago when he had the rare opportunity to interview legendary entertainers like Don Rickles, Betty White, Carl Reiner, and Dick Van Dyke in a single day. “It was like, wow, I’m a kid from Queens out doing this,” he recalled, emphasizing his gratitude for the experiences he’s had.
Another poignant memory for Roker came during President Barack Obama’s 2013 inauguration. He recounted the moment when Obama acknowledged him while he asked about the weather, followed by Vice President Biden shaking his hand. “For a kid from Queens, that’s some pretty heavy stuff,” he shared, reflecting on the significance of that day.
Looking forward, Al Roker is hopeful about his legacy. He wishes for viewers to feel that their time spent watching him was valuable and that they left feeling better than when they first tuned in. As he continues to bring warmth and expertise to morning television, Roker’s contributions to the Today show and the lives of its audience remain profound and cherished.