Fans of the Today show and The Proud Family might be excited to hear that Al Roker is returning to the animated Disney series to reprise his role as a villainous weatherman. But this time, Penny Proud and her friends aren't kids anymore in The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder.
Ahead of the Disney+ revival premiere on Wednesday, Al announced the thrilling news about his cameo to his Today coanchors Hoda Kotb, Savannah Guthrie and Carson Daly on February 17. In the original series, Al guest starred in two episodes but his character deviates away from his cheery personality on the NBC morning show.
Instead, Al portrayed an evil version of himself who grants wishes at a cost and fans can expect a similar vibe the second time around. He told his costars that his role in The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder will "have some college high jinks."
Unsurprisingly, his Today family were nothing but supportive of his latest venture on TV. "How cool is that!" Hoda said. “How fun! Just when you think he can’t get any more iconic,” Savannah added.
As folks might remember, the children's show aired on the Disney Channel from 2001 to 2005. It followed main character Penny Proud (Kyla Pratt) and her struggles associated with adolescence. The show also touched on important conversations surrounding peer pressure, racism and the social pressures of being a teen.
Now, the series will show how Penny navigates being a young adult. She'll witness her dad Oscar Proud (Tommy Davidson)'s dreams evolve and her mom Trudy Proud (Paula Jai Parker)'s career reaching new heights. Fans will also see the return of Penny's friends Dijonay (Karen Malina White) and Zoey Howze (Soleil Moon Frye). Longtime viewers will see their favorite childhood characters navigate their adult friendships and college life.
Al will be among several celebrity guest stars including pop star Lizzo and rapper Jaden Smith. But this won't be the Today star's first time making a guest appearance on a television series. Previously, Al has been featured in 30 Rock, The Blacklist and Seinfeld. We can't wait to see what he gets up to with Penny and her friends!
Katherine Tinsley is a pop culture and beauty-obsessed journalist who has worked with Live the Process, The Knockturnal and Dreamlette covering all things beauty, culture and lifestyle. Her work has allowed her to merge all of these interests into her writing and interview style.
