Al Roker celebrates 60th birthday with surprise guests

Updated



By MORGAN GIORDANO

Al Roker turned 60 today, and it did not go unnoticed. NBC's "Today" weatherman received enviable birthday treatment during Wednesday's episode with a number of surprise guests, a massive birthday cake made by the "Cake Boss" team and much more.

Roker has been a fixture on NBC since 1996. He began his career at "Today" as a substitute for Willard Scott and was given the position full-time when Scott retired. Scott, 80, returned to the show via webcam on Wednesday to congratulate his mentee.

Other guests that came on-air to celebrate included NBC host Meredith Viera, actor Nick Offerman, NYC Mayor Bill de Blasio and Vice President Joe Biden. Mayor de Blasio surprised Roker by stepping out from behind a giant inflatable Stay Puft Marshmallow Man, a character from Roker's favorite film, "Ghostbusters." NY Daily News reports that de Blasio declared August 20th "Al Roker Day" because Roker is a "born and bred New Yorker."

"The people of this city love you, and all of America loves you," de Blasio said. One of the most impressive presents to Roker came from his fans. Dave and Karen Petersen in Atkins, Iowa, carved a portrait of Roker into one of their cornfields at Bloomsbury Farms.

Despite his on-going health issues, Roker told his 'Today' audience that he is 'happy, healthy and very lucky."

Roker underwent gastric bypass surgery in 2002 and a total knee replacement in 2001, according to the Huffington Post. He most recently had his rotator cuff repaired in April of this year and got a call from Biden wishing him well.

"I really do think 60 today is different from what our parents' 60 was," Roker said on the show. "I feel like I'm going faster than ever. I think [at] 50, you're kind of hitting your stride, and I think -- all things being equal -- at 60, you're cruising."

That means his co-host Hoda Kotb has a lot to look forward to. Kotb celebrated her 50th birthday on the show two weeks before where she was serenaded by Jeff Bridges.

Check out our gallery above to see Roker's amazing birthday celebration.

Al Roker Gets Birthday Surprise From Joe Biden
Al Roker Gets Birthday Surprise From Joe Biden



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