Huell Howser, Southern California TV Icon, Has Died

Above: A map of all the places Huell Howser visited (credit: KCET).

One of Southern California's most familiar faces and voices has died.

Huell Howser, host of the enduring documentary TV show "California's Gold" and others about California's parks and history, died early Monday morning of natural causes at his home in Palm Springs. He was 67.

Amid rumors about his failing health, Howser's retirement was announced in November. Howser's assistant confirmed to the Los Angeles Times that Howser is "retiring from filming new shows or making appearances (or interviews) but the show will continue to air in reruns for awhile."

"California's Gold" ran for 19 years, according to the website. The show was an ode to the people, places and landmarks that made California unique. Howser's interviewing style and outbursts ("This is amazing!"), and its low-maintenance production style, made the show memorable.

A native of Tennessee, Howser moved to California in 1981 to work as a reporter for KCBS-TV in L.A, according to his website. In 1987, he began to produce "Videolog" on KCET, which profiled people and local stories. The show later took on a California focus.

"We are deeply saddened by the news of Huell's passing," according to
a statement by KCET President/CEO Al Jerome. "This is a tremendous personal
and professional loss to his friends and colleagues, as well as his legions of
fans. Huell elevated the simple joys and undiscovered nuggets of living in our
great state ... 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 andpoignancy of our region. We will miss him very much."

Los Angeles City Councilman Bill Rosendahl posted his sympathies on his Facebook page Monday: "My deepest sympathy goes to my colleague Huell Howser. A true expression of integrity and a dear friend -- he will be greatly missed. I will now pray to him for strength as we continue our journey. God bless you, Huell."

Gustavo Arellano, editor of OCWeekly and author of several books, also posted: "RIP to one of the greatest Californians ever..."

Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa also mourned the death of Howser:

"I'm saddened to hear of the death of my friend Huell Howser, a Los Angeles treasure and California icon. Although he was originally from Tennessee, Huell loved California more than most natives.  His long-running television program, California's Gold, shared with audiences the best our state has to offer. Huell would travel anywhere to show viewers the beauty and variety of the Golden State, from its most famous landmarks to the least known sights. And his boundless enthusiasm and curiosity was infectious, making us all see these places with the same amazement he did. His death is a loss that will be felt throughout Los Angeles and California. He will be greatly missed."

The KCET show "SoCal Connected" plans to air special segment on Howser
at 5:30 p.m. and 10 p.m. Monday.

Share your favorite memories of Huell Howser or your favorite "California's Gold" episode in the comments below.

This article was compiled with information from City News Service.

Source: http://hollywood.patch.com/articles/huell-howser-southern-california-tv-icon-has-died

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