Al Roker Credits Late Frank Field For 'Teaching Me The Ropes' In Sweet Tribute

Al Roker mourns the death of former NBC colleague Dr. Frank Field with an emotional message.

It was a black weekend for Roker, born Albert Lincoln Roker Jr., "NBC" News, and the whole Field family as the death of the "WNBC" meteorologist was made public. The 68-year-old, a beloved "NBC" meteorologist himself, joined the News network in mourning on Sunday when they learned of his passing. He took to social media to pay tribute to the late Dr. Field and share some of their experiences.

"WNBC" New York announced that the health reporter passed away Saturday, July 1, at 100. His demise steered his long-time friend and mentee, experiencing a wave of sadness, to keep the fire of his memory burning with a touching post.

The "Today" Show weather presenter and author shared a picture of his former colleague with his 927K Instagram followers. In it, Field was doing what he does best— discussing the weather. Alongside the photo, Roker wrote:

"Our thoughts and prayers are with the Field family who lost their legendary dad, Dr. Frank Field. He was at WNBC when I started doing weekend weather,teaching me the ropes and the lay of the land. Gone at 100"

Roker shouted out another beloved NBC figure, meteorologist and renowned American comedian Willard Scott, who passed away in 2021, when he wrote, "I hope he and Willard are sharing a weather map, a laugh, and some bourbon."

Fans added a nod to the tribute, leaving comforting remarks underneath the IG post. One fan commented, "So sorry for the loss of your friend and mentor. We always watched him when I was a kid." Another confessed, "Always listened to his weather report. My condolences to Storm & his sister and the rest of the fam." 

A third commentator typed, "Remember Jim explaining the weather so it could be understood. Condolences to the friends and family of Frank Fields 🙏🏾😢." "DIFFICULT TIMES," a fourth added, while a fifth cybernaut shared: "I remember you both on the NY NBC news. May [Dr.] Frank Field's memory always be a blessing."

Like every one of their own, the Peacock Network, where he once worked, went further to publish an endearing piece about the late TV personality's impressive career. 

Field— survived by his three children, seven grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren — studied meteorology at Brown University and MIT and served as an Army Air Force meteorology officer in the European theater during World War II. He earned other degrees in other prestigious institutions.

Field started his career in New York at WNBC in 1958 and quickly rose to prominence when Johnny Carson decided "NBC's crack meteorologist" would be a good sport on "The Tonight Show." He deployed that broad skill set at NBC, adding health and science reporting to his broadcast portfolio.

In 1983, Field covered a kidney transplant live in a daring television news broadcast – from the first incision to the final suture. Field introduced the NBC audience to the Heimlich maneuver before the medical establishment adopted it in another daring move that continues to save lives.

After 25 years with WNBC, Field left to join rival WCBS and ended his television career at WWOR in 2004. Accordingly, the doting weather forecaster spent his post-TV years campaigning for fire safety.

Before the passing of Dr. Field, the "Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs" actor — battling health challenges — returned for his weather report after getting knee replacement surgery. His "Today" co-anchors Savannah Guthrie and Hoda Kotb embraced him warmly when he returned more potent than ever.

They welcomed him to the studio with excitement and greetings in a snippet shared on their Twitter page. The video, accompanied by a message, "Al is back with us this morning!" saw Guthrie playfully joking about his "brand new knee." She asked if he still had that "new knee smell."

Kotb also expressed her delight at having "The Proud Family" voice star back, saying, "We're so happy to have you back, Al." While co-hosting the "Third Hour" segment with his colleague, he dished about his recent surgery, explaining:

"This was a much more involved operation because they were taking out a knee and putting a knee in and some other stuff. But that said, it's coming along well."