Al Roker is not letting anything keep him down!
The beloved co-host of NBC’s “Today” show made an early comeback to the morning program after undergoing a knee replacement surgery. Known for his infectious enthusiasm, fans are excited to see him, especially after watching him go through many serious health issues.
Al Roker Makes Early Return To ‘Today’ Show Following Successful Knee Surgery
The popular weather anchor has clarified that nothing can keep him down and away from his “Today” family for too long. On his Instagram page, he shared a video set to Sister Sledge’s “We Are Family (1995 Remaster).” In it, the journalist could be seen posing happily alongside his colleagues against different backdrops for a shoot. He penned the caption:
“Talk about just what the doctor ordered. Seeing my @todayshow pals @williegeist @sheinelle_o @jennabhager @hodakotb @craigmelvinnbc @dylandreyernbc @kristen.welker @peteralexandertv @savannahguthrie and @carsondaly for a fun shoot today was soooo much fun. #wearefamily.”
Fans showed up in the comments with support and compliments for the team. One user wrote, “I love the camaraderie between this team!” This user called them a “Great group!!👏,” while another noted that they were all “so cute!!” A fourth stated, “Glad to see you are feeling better!”
Earlier, Roker had marked his return with a fun surprise that got some of his co-hosts laughing. As the show hosts Craig Melvin, Sheinelle Jones, and Dylan Dreyer concluded their wine segment, they were taken aback by the sudden appearance of the 68-year-old.
The off-camera menacing laugh that perfectly matched his on-brand humor caught the attention of Dreyer, causing her to scream and put down her wine glass. The hosts quickly realized it was Roker and warmly embraced him, with Melvin greeting him and expressing his joy, saying, “What’s up, brother? Good to see you!”
Sporting a navy blazer, pink polo shirt, matching pants, black-and-white sneakers, and a white fedora hat, the actor approached his surprised pals, using a cane for support.
The TV personality has come a long way from his surgery, judging by a previous post in which he was engaged in physiotherapy. In the video, set perfectly to Dire Straits’ song, “Walk Of Life,” the “Another World” actor held a walker and took careful steps closely supervised by a nurse along the hospital corridor.
Dressed in a hospital gown, he practiced walking down a makeshift staircase while holding onto a cane. Alongside the clip, he wrote, “Up and walking this morning on the #newknee #stepbystep thanks to @drdavidmayman Wearing a negative pressure pump to help facilitate wound healing.”
‘Seinfeld’ Guest Star Returns Home For Thanksgiving Dinner Following Challenging Health Scare
In a series of events that unfolded in November, Roker was admitted to the hospital after a blood clot was discovered on his leg. The veteran weather presenter’s situation worsened when the chunk fragmented into multiple pieces, traveling to his lungs.
However, after enduring a few stressful weeks, he headed home just in time to celebrate Thanksgiving dinner. In a joyous moment captured in a heartwarming video, The Blast reported that as he triumphantly left the hospital, he excitedly said:
“This is my version of the Thanksgiving Day parade. Getting ready to leave the hospital. Time to blow this taco stand.”
In another update, he shared a picture of himself and his wife, Deborah Roberts, and their three children — Courtney, Leila, and Nicolas seated at the dining table. The second photo was a delightful selfie taken by the kids themselves.
Taking care of the voice actor was no mean feat, according to his wife, who stayed by his side all through. During the red-carpet premiere of the documentary “Pretty Baby: Brooke Shields,” Roberts opened up about her experience caring for her husband.
The ABC News correspondent playfully shared with ET that her husband was now “driving her crazy” after his recovery. However, beneath the lighthearted remark, she admitted that being a caregiver was incredibly “taxing, exhausting, and frightening.”
She emotionally noted how tough it was but was grateful that “he’s well, and we’re all well.” She expressed her gratitude to her friends and colleagues, whom she relied on heavily during the difficult time.
