You may know Al Roker as the weather forecaster and TV personality who has been a staple on TODAY for over two decades. You may also know Lenny Kravitz as the Grammy-winning rock star who has sold over 40 million albums worldwide. But did you know that these two celebrities are actually related by blood?
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Al Roker and Lenny Kravitz are second cousins, meaning that their grandfathers were cousins. According to TODAY, both of them have Roker as their surname in their family tree. Lenny’s mother was Roxie Roker, an actress best known for her role as Helen Willis on The Jeffersons. Roxie’s father was Albert Roker, who came from the Bahamas. Al’s grandfather was also named Albert Roker, and he was also from the Bahamas.
The two cousins discovered their connection in 2011, when Lenny appeared on TODAY to promote his album Black and White America. Al revealed the news to the viewers and joked that many people get them confused, especially when Lenny’s shirt is off. Lenny confirmed that they both have Roker in their lineage and said that it “has to be” true.
How close are Al Roker and Lenny Kravitz?
Since finding out about their familial bond, Al Roker and Lenny Kravitz have shared some special moments on air. In 2020, Lenny joined the 3rd hour of TODAY from the Bahamas, where he was quarantining during the pandemic, to discuss his memoir Let Love Rule, which chronicles the first 25 years of his life. He also talked about his parents’ love story, which began at Rockefeller Center, where TODAY is taped. His father, Sy Kravitz, was an assignment editor at NBC News, while his mother, Roxie Roker, was a secretary.
Lenny also praised Al for being a rock star in his own right and said that he learned from him. Al reciprocated the compliment and thanked him for being a part of the family. The two cousins also exchanged some playful banter and showed off their resemblance.
What do Al Roker and Lenny Kravitz have in common?
Besides sharing some DNA, Al Roker and Lenny Kravitz also have some things in common in their personal and professional lives. For instance:
- They both have a passion for music. Al plays the guitar and has performed with several bands on TODAY, including The Beach Boys, Train, and Earth, Wind & Fire. Lenny plays multiple instruments and has collaborated with artists like Madonna, Mick Jagger, and Jay-Z.
- They both have written books. Al has authored several books, including memoirs, cookbooks, and children’s books. His latest book is You Look So Much Better in Person: True Stories of Absurdity and Success. Lenny has also published his memoir Let Love Rule, which he said was therapeutic for him.
- They both have been married to celebrities. Al married fellow journalist Deborah Roberts in 1995, after divorcing his first wife Alice Bell in 1994. They have two children together, Leila and Nicky, and Al also has a daughter Courtney from his first marriage. Lenny married actress Lisa Bonet in 1987, but they divorced in 1993. They have a daughter together, Zoe Kravitz, who is also an actress and singer.
Conclusion
Al Roker and Lenny Kravitz are distant cousins who share a common ancestor from the Bahamas. They found out about their relationship in 2011 and have since bonded over their family ties and mutual respect. They are both successful in their respective fields and have some similarities in their interests and backgrounds.
