The Former Today Show Host Who Made Fun Of Al Roker's Weight
Beloved meteorologist Al Roker has been a feature anchor on the NBC News "Today" show since 1996. For his entertaining personality and charisma, he's garnered three Daytime Emmy Awards for "best morning newscast" in 2007, 2009, and 2010, respectively, per IMDb. Additionally, he's reported live from some of the worst storms and natural disasters in recent history, including Hurricane Sandy in 2012.
And throughout his decades-long career on television, Roker has been open about his lifelong struggle with weight loss, which millions of viewers aren't slow to recognize, per his memoir "Never Goin' Back." As Roker explained in a 2010 interview with Today, the weatherman decided he was going to make a health-oriented major life change after "one of the most important people" in Roker's life was on the verge of losing his own. As Roker told it, his father, while on his death bed in the early aughts, made Roker promise to look after his own physical wellness — a promise which was tied to losing weight. Roker has overcome the comments of thousands throughout his tenured primetime morning spot, but one particular incident with a former co-host in the early '90s was notably hurtful.
Al Rocker calls out former 'Today' co-host Deborah Norville
Al Roker discussed his weight loss journey to better his overall health in his book "Never Goin' Back," which gave readers a glimpse at how he permanently changed his daily routine. Today noted in 2013 that Roker committed to eating "only whole, unprocessed foods that are high in protein and low in carbs" and "works out every morning before heading to work." The morning host wrote that his weight was particularly difficult to manage before he decided to dedicate his life to health and wellness, going as far back as when he landed his "Today" gig in the mid-'90s.
The meteorologist noted critiques about his appearance over the years that have made his "blood boil" in his memoir, recalling how people close to him were part of the fat-shaming early in his career. One close acquaintance Roker notes, in particular, was former "Today" co-host Deborah Norville, who worked alongside him from 1990 to 1991, per People. Roker wrote about one supposed incident in which Norville wrinkled her nose at him over his inability to fix his shoe without sitting down, calling it a "big problem" to his face.
Parade reported in 2013 that Roker did eventually get over the comment, as the two get along fine now. But at the time, it was stinging remarks like Norville's that eventually led Roker to commit to having surgery to better his overall health.
Al Roker has always been open about his health journey
Despite showing up with a hearty smile on American TV screens every morning, things didn't improve for Al Roker or his lifelong struggle with his weight loss until he had gastric bypass surgery in 2002. Roker notes the surgery indelibly changed his life and relationship with food, telling U.S. News in 2013, "I'm more in control." The weatherman added that it all boils down to a blend of both a positive outlook and balance, saying, "I used to look at a pint of Häagen-Dazs and call it a serving size. Now I know that I can have a couple of spoonfuls and I'm done."
The meteorologist has continuously made sure to keep viewers up-to-date on his dedication to maintaining a fit lifestyle. Roker honestly admitted he did gain back some weight after his mother died in 2011. He told Parade in 2012 he was "blindsided" at the time of her death, and dealt with it by diverting back to his old habit of stress-eating. He stated weight loss is different for everyone, but a key part for Roker is that "exercise has finally become a big part" of his life and his sustainable routine. Let's hope Roker continues to do what makes him feel his best.