The 2024 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade was a spectacle filled with colorful floats, lively performances, and the unmistakable presence of Al Roker. However, it was Roker’s unexpected appearance that had viewers buzzing, as many couldn’t help but comment on his noticeable size difference compared to his co-hosts, Hoda Kotb and Savannah Guthrie.
As Roker sat in the booth alongside his fellow “Today Show” anchors, viewers were quick to point out that he appeared to be much shorter than usual. Although the veteran broadcaster is only a few inches shorter than Kotb and Guthrie, the camera angles during the parade made him look almost six inches shorter, leading to a flurry of humorous comments on social media.
One user on X (formerly Twitter) asked, “Why are they doing Al Roker dirty like this and making him look like he’s 3 feet tall?” Another chimed in with a playful jab, “They left Al Roker in the dryer too long!” The jokes continued to roll in, with one viewer suggesting, “Someone get Al Roker an encyclopedia to sit on or something, my gosh.”
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Roker himself has poked fun at his height in the past. In March 2023, he shared a series of before-and-after photos with his son on Instagram, highlighting the stark difference in their heights over the years. In one of the images, Roker humorously dubbed himself “#PollyPocketDad,” showcasing his son towering over him.
But it wasn’t just his height that caught the attention of parade viewers. Roker’s choice of attire—a jacket and hat—was also a topic of discussion. Some fans playfully compared his look to characters from horror movies like “I Know What You Did Last Summer” and “Jeepers Creepers.” Others likened him to a more adventurous figure, suggesting he resembled Indiana Jones. The mix of wardrobe choices and camera angles only added to the lighthearted teasing that Roker experienced throughout the broadcast.
Roker’s challenges didn’t stop with his appearance. As the rain poured down during the parade, he ventured out from the booth, microphone in hand, to engage with the festivities. Despite his years of experience as a weathercaster, Roker seemed to have a tough time with both the elements and his microphone. Viewers noticed that his words were often unclear, leading to more playful commentary online. One user quipped, “Al Roker has been on TV my entire life and still can’t talk into a microphone, lmao.” Another added, “I feel like Al Roker is drunk as hell. Will someone please put a mic on this guy’s coat?”
These on-air blunders were particularly poignant given Roker’s return to the parade after a health scare that kept him away in 2022. The beloved weatherman faced serious health issues, including blood clots, which nearly cost him his life. When he returned to the parade in 2023, Roker expressed his gratitude, saying, “I am so thankful to be anywhere this year, but especially here.” He reflected on his health struggles during an appearance on the “Your Mama’s Kitchen” podcast, revealing, “It was no secret. I had a severe medical issue, and to be completely honest, I almost died.” Missing the parade that year made him realize just how much the event meant to him.
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Roker’s history with the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is also marked by memorable moments. One of the most viral incidents occurred in 2011 when he found himself humorously attacked by villains from the Power Rangers, only to hilariously shout, “Take [Matt] Lauer, he’s much more important!” This moment has been shared countless times across social media, showcasing Roker’s ability to embrace the unexpected with humor.
As the 2024 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade wrapped up, it was clear that Al Roker had once again managed to capture the hearts of viewers, despite the lighthearted jabs at his height and microphone mishaps. His resilience and enduring spirit serve as a reminder of the joy and laughter that the holiday season brings.
