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'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)
FRANCIS SPOONEMORE
October 08, 2017 | WILDOMAR, 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...
D. Nicholson
August 14, 2017 | CA
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.
Francesca Bellandi
August 10, 2017 | Cypress Ca, CA
NEVER MISSED A PROGRAM..WHEN I TRAVELED CALIF. WITH MR. HOWSER I TRAVELED FIRST CLASS...EVERYTHING WAS TRULY EXPLAINED SO CLEAR AND CONCISE..WATCHING HIS SHOW WAS
BETTER THEN BEING THERE.REST IN PEACE SIR..A JOB WELL DONE.
JOHN. O GOFF NOVATO CALIF.
JOHN O. GOFF
April 05, 2017 | NOVATO, CA
Saepe Expertus, Semper Fidelis, Fratres Aeterni.
Often Tested, Always Faithful, Brothers Forever.
Thank you for your service to this nation.
Harry Simpson
January 10, 2017 | Buckeye, AZ
Valenda Newell
November 09, 2016 | Indianapolis, IN
I've been watching Huell's shows for years. Even when I was in my twenties, something always made me stop on the channel when I saw Huell Howser on TV. It didn't matter what the subject matter was about, I'd stay tuned in to watch the entire episode. As most of these condolences state, I was also deeply saddened when I heard that Huell Howser had passed. Even to this day, I always imagine Huell in heaven just having a good time even though we physically miss him so very much on this...
Rochelle Toledo
July 29, 2016 | Yorba Linda, CA
I am a life-long resident of Jamestown, Tennessee. I remember when Huell came to WSM-TV in the 70's. I cried big tears when he left us. We could not Google and learn where he had gone. Years later, I learned he was living in Cali, and loving it. Sorry to learn of his passing.
Linda Watson
June 08, 2016 | Jamestown, TN
Wish I had met Huell in person. Enjoy taking travel trips with Huell via KCET. Huell makes our world more colorful and vibrant! Thank you...
Anne Sullivan
March 21, 2016 | Nipomo, CA