Sophia Michaels
During the 2024 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, Al Roker’s notable weight loss raised curiosity among fans. Positioned beside his “Today Show” colleagues, Hoda Kotb and Savannah Guthrie, viewers were surprised to see Roker appear significantly shorter than usual. Despite only being a few inches shorter than them, he looked almost six inches shorter during the event, prompting reactions from audience members.
What Al Roker do to deserve this? pic.twitter.com/s9RncDdVHN
— Sean Tierney (@seandtierney) November 28, 2024
As expected, the visual difference sparked numerous comments online. Users humorously remarked, “Why are they making Al Roker look like he’s three feet tall?” and others joked about his height, suggesting that “someone get Al Roker an encyclopedia to sit on.” This isn’t the first time Roker has humorously referenced his height; back in March 2023, he joked about it on Instagram, comparing a past photo with his son as evidence of how much he has shrunk.
Additionally, Roker’s outfit choices didn’t escape scrutiny. He wore a jacket and hat to shield himself from the rain, which some fans compared to characters from horror films, while others saw an Indiana Jones resemblance. Overall, the parade presented several points of humor regarding Roker’s situation.
Al Roker struggled with his microphone
Roker’s challenges weren’t limited to his appearance; he also experienced trouble with his microphone during the parade. Even as he bravely ventured outside despite the rain, many viewers found it hard to hear his commentary clearly. Some took to social media, commenting that it seemed like he was not well-prepared with his microphone, making light of the situation.
This event came just a year after Roker made a comeback following serious health issues that kept him away from the 2022 parade. He expressed gratitude for being able to participate the following year, emphasizing how meaningful the event is to him. Leading up to the event, Roker openly discussed his health challenges, including a severe medical issue from which he nearly didn’t recover.
Reflecting on his past, Roker’s reputation as a TV host has included memorable (and comedic) moments, such as being “attacked” by Power Rangers villains at the 2011 parade. This incident remains a popular topic of conversation online, showcasing his long-standing connection with Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.
