Huell Howser, an nontraditional, enthusiastic, and even folksy host who became a legend in California television, died Sunday at age 67 after a long illness, according to the Los Angeles Times and other media outlets.
Howser, a Tennessee native, hosted “California’s Gold” and other programs that highlighted the characters and off-the-beaten-path locales of California. This description by the Times captures his style well:
His anti-glitz, aggressively genial approach with people was his trademark. He expressed endless amazement at his subjects, whether it was the making of French dip sandwiches at Philippe’s restaurant in downtown Los Angeles, the burgers at the Apple Pan (“This is like … amazing!”) or the massive swarm of flies buzzing around Mono Lake. “Look at this, look at this,” he would often exclaim, prodding his interviewees to always tell him more.
Some of the people he interviewed had thought it was just an act, but came to discover that Howser was the same on camera and off.
His approach reminded me somewhat of Charles Kuralt — a broadcaster who was affable enough, but showed faith in the people and places he covered. And, very often, that faith was rewarded.
As well-traveled as Howser was, I figured there had to be some segment online of him on Route 66. Sure enough, here’s a sometimes bizarre, sometimes hilarious report from the Bagdad Cafe in Newberry Springs, Calif.
I also included the brief item above about The Donut Man, also on Route 66 in Glendora, Calif.
Chapman University has digitized “California’s Gold” episodes and made them available online. In fact, you can view the full 1993 episode about the Route 66 town of Amboy, Calif.
Huell was a good buddy. Over the years I assisted him and his producers a number of times. In 2006 we did a show together that featured the Aztec Hotel & Wigman Motel. It is #8002 and still for sale on their web site.
We also did a few public appearances together. Huell never wanted to go national even though he was offer that chance many times.
We used to meet for lunch or dinner at Philippe’s, The Original in Los Angeles. One of the owners, who I have been good friends with for over 30 years, is also a former Marine, as was both Huell and myself.
Great guy and he is going to be missed.
The video of him at the Bagdad Café was shot in 1993.