On a special episode of TODAY, Al Roker celebrated his 30th anniversary as a beloved television personality, with a surprise appearance by Ghostbusters star Ernie Hudson. Roker’s long-standing love for the Ghostbusters franchise has been evident over the years, including his role in a promotional spot for Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire and a cameo in the 2016 reboot directed by Paul Feig.
Hudson expressed his admiration and gratitude for Roker during the segment, calling him “an inspiration of mine for many, many years.” The actor highlighted Roker’s impressive career as a television broadcaster and author, saying that Roker’s achievements encouraged him to pursue his own dreams, emphasizing, “If Al can do it, I can do it too.”
Hudson went on to mention the numerous charitable Ghostbusters fan groups that wanted Roker to know how much he is appreciated, declaring, “They found out I was going to be here, so they wanted me to let you know how much you really mean to the universe.”
In an exciting moment, Roker was gifted a Hasbro Plasma Series Proton Pack and a replica Ghost Trap from the company’s Two in the Box set. Hudson humorously confirmed Roker’s status as a true Ghostbuster, presenting him with a signed Winston Zeddemore Funko Pop as a memorable keepsake.
Towards the end of the segment, Hudson addressed the people of Minneapolis, extending his heartfelt support in light of recent challenges faced by the city. He praised Minneapolis as an incredible place that has been wonderful to him, sharing, “My heart, my prayers, my love, is with you.”
Additionally, the actor shared insights into his fitness routine, revealing that at 80 years old, he focuses on performing at least 100 pushups each day divided into manageable sessions. He prefers quick, effective exercises over traditional gym workouts, including leg-sustaining squats and flexibility-enhancing planks. Hudson highlighted the importance of consistency in maintaining both physical and mental wellness, stating that discipline reinforces confidence and independence, as he continues to navigate his career and aging gracefully.
This heartwarming celebration not only marked a milestone for Al Roker but also underscored the supportive relationships formed in the entertainment community, reminding viewers of the impact of inspiration and positivity.