Huell-Howser-Obituary

Huell Howser

Obituary

LOS ANGELES (AP) - Huell Howser, the homespun host of public television's popular "California's Gold" travelogues, has died at age 67.

Howser died at his home Sunday night from natural causes, said Ayn Allen, corporate communications manager for KCET. No other details were available.

For years, "California's Gold" took viewers to many parts of the Golden State, with Howser doing folksy, highly enthusiastic interviews and narration in a distinctive twang he brought with him from his native Tennessee.

Howser also appeared in such other series about California as "Visiting with Huell Howser" and "Road Trip with Huell Howser."

"Huell elevated the simple joys and undiscovered nuggets of living in our great state," a KCET statement said. "He made the magnificence and power of nature seem accessible by bringing it into our living rooms. Most importantly, he reminded us to find the magic and wonderment in our lives every day. Huell was able to brilliantly capture the wonder in obscurity. From pastrami sandwiches and artwork woven from lint to the exoticism of cactus gardens and the splendor of Yosemite - he brought us the magic, the humor and poignancy of our region."

Howser received a bachelor's degree from the University of Tennessee and began his TV career at WSM-TV in Nashville, according to the Huell Howser Productions website. He hosted a magazine-style series at WCBS-TV in New York City and then went to Los Angeles in 1981 to work as a reporter for KCBS-TV.

In 1987, he moved to KCET to produce a program called "Videolog," the predecessor to "California's Gold."

KCET planned to air special on Howser Monday night.


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Huell Howser was our pride and joy, California's pride and joy and honestly a national treasure. I'm certain if he did an Oregon Gold, or an any state Gold, Mr. Howser would make everyone feel special and make their state shine. He made Californian's proud of our poppies, coastlines and mom-pop businesses. I think anyone who watched Huell, knew he was the real deal and just a good man. He taught us all to seize the day and never stop exploring, being curious about the world and sharing...

I learned more about California watching California Gold, than from any school teaching about California

God broke the mold when he made Huell. He will always be missed.

Love Huell and all the special places he took us too. Wish I could have met him in person. Thank God for YouTube. Rest in peace.

I visited so many places because he'll had been there, places that I would have never have known about if not for him.

If this world was completely filled with people like Huell, there would be no anger, no prejudice, and an appreciation of life. I wish I would have met him and shook his hand. He seemed to like the normal folks and I rarely saw him with a celebrity. Miss you Huell!

Huell's legacy continues to stir the adventure in all of us here in California. I continue to watch his programs to find the many hidden gems up and down the State of California. God Bless you Huell!
F. Spoonemore (CA)

What a kind charming gentle, diversified Beautiful Human Being. I watch all of his shows from the start and still view reruns via online and Kcet...addictive.

Huell is a great Journalist and Producer, very unique and original, irreplaceable.

Huell thank you for leaving such treasures behind in that great big warm personality of your and handsome smile and making all your episodes viewable for the public through Chapman University.

You will endure in our...

Huell was a wonderful enthusiastic host enticing viewers in to the show and enlightening them into subjects they may never have had an interest. He spiced the stories up with excitement and wonder. He was genuine in meeting and appreciative of the selected California subjects and residents. He truly was the adventure in California's Gold .
God rest his soul. I am a devoted fan and continue to watch.