If you’ve been tuning into Today, you know that some of the most unforgettable moments come from the show's iconic duos. One of those standout pairs is none other than Al Roker and Craig Melvin. These two aren’t just on-screen partners—they’ve become genuine friends who share a bond that extends far beyond the studio walls. Both fathers, accomplished journalists, and Emmy Award winners, they have more in common than meets the eye. So, let’s dive into their story and discover what makes this friendship so special.
When Did Craig Melvin and Al Roker Become Friends?
Al Roker’s journey with NBC began way back in 1978. Over the years, his charm and expertise as a meteorologist earned him a permanent spot on Today. In the late ‘90s, he became a regular fill-in anchor, eventually hosting Today’s Take from 2012 to 2017. By 2018, fate brought Al and Craig Melvin together as cohosts of Today’s third hour. This was the beginning of a beautiful friendship that would captivate audiences and inspire countless viewers.
In a heartfelt moment during a July 2020 episode of Today, Craig Melvin opened up about how much Al Roker means to him. He confessed that he views Al as his “secret mentor.” The author of Pops: Learning to be a Son and a Father revealed that years ago, he had the audacity to ask Al to lunch—and to his surprise, Al said yes. That simple gesture sparked a friendship that has only grown stronger over time. In October 2019, Al penned a heartfelt tribute to Craig after he made Variety’s New Power of New York list.
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“Let me just put it out there: I have a serious man crush on Craig Melvin, and I don’t care who knows it,” Al wrote in his tribute. “How can you not adore this guy? He’s a young Southerner whose mom was a teacher and whose dad worked hard shifts at the post office in South Carolina. I admire how, despite being so young, he’s achieved success the old-fashioned way—through sheer grit and determination. He started in local news, won Emmy Awards, and became a respected anchorman.”
Al also reminisced about a memorable road trip the two took together, where he witnessed Craig balancing his professional responsibilities with his role as a devoted father. “Craig took time off from Today in September to put his 5-year-old son on the school bus for the first day of school,” Al shared. “And guess what? He even followed the bus secretly to ensure his little boy made it safely to school!”
What Craig Melvin and Al Roker Have Said About Their Friendship
Both Craig and Al have consistently shown their admiration for each other on Today and across social media platforms. In August 2019, Craig posted a selfie with Al on Instagram to celebrate his birthday. “Here’s to the guy who makes everyone smile, laugh, and better,” Craig wrote. “@alroker is 65 today. He’s like a fine wine—getting better with age. Happy birthday, brother.”
When Al announced he would undergo prostate cancer surgery in November 2020, Craig was quick to show his support. “This morning, my dear friend, mentor, road dog, and brother from another mother announced he’s having prostate cancer surgery next week,” Craig wrote on Instagram. “I’ve been thinking about @alroker all day. For those who believe in its power, send up a prayer for our guy. As I said this morning, that cancer picked the wrong prostate. You got this, Al.”
Just two weeks after having his prostate removed, Al returned to work on Today, much to the delight of Craig, Sheinelle Jones, and Dylan Dreyer. Craig expressed his gratitude for his colleagues in a July 2021 Instagram post, saying they “make work fun every single day.”
Ahead of Father’s Day in June 2023, Craig took a moment to express his admiration for Al. “It’s something else, watching him juggle everything,” Craig told Today.com. “Sometimes during commercial breaks, he’s texting one of his three kids or handling some other pressing matter. He’s truly parenting on the job—and he does it with grace and poise.
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