Huell Howser dies at 67; profiled California people and places
Submitted by Editor on Mon, 01/07/2013 - 5:23pm
In a TV arena in which premiums are placed on the fanciful and trendy, screaming housewives and snarling reality-show participants, no one seemed more out of place or less likely to become a popular star than Huell Howser.
His platform was traditional and unflashy — highlighting familiar and off-the-beaten-track spots all around California in public television series with titles such as "California's Gold," "Visiting," "Road Trip" and "Downtown." But though his shows were focused on points and people of interest, it was Howser who turned into the main attraction, tackling his subjects with an awestruck curiosity and relentless enthusiasm. His upbeat boosterism accompanied an appearance that was simultaneously off-kilter and yet somehow cool with a hint of retro — a thick, square mane of white hair, sunglasses, shirts that showed off a drill sergeant's build and huge biceps, and expressions that ranged from pleasantness to jaw-dropping wonder with some of his discoveries. Often, he wore shorts.
Howser, 67, one of public television's most iconic figures, died Sunday night, his assistant Ryan Morris said. No other details were given.
Go here for the full story and here for the Wikipedia entry.
Related Stories
- Howie's Top 20 favorite Christmas movies
- Tahoe Mountain News publisher Taylor Flynn describes painful search for missing mother Deanna Brooks
- Police investigating fatal crash in South Lake Tahoe
- Attempts being made to identify those buried at the Al Tahoe Historic Pioneer Cemetery
- One arrested after high-speed pursuit from South Lake Tahoe to Placerville
- Heavy metal mariachi band at Heavenly Village Summer Concert Series
- Parade, food trucks and fireworks highlight South Lake Tahoe 4th of July
- Masters of Illusion Live comes to Harrah's Tahoe for the summer