TV Host Huell Howser Dies
KCET confirms Huell Howser passed away of natural causes. Howser is best known for hosting the PBS show “California’s Gold”, which ran for 19 years on PBS. The Riverside County Coroner’s Office confirms the host died in Palm Springs at 2:35 a.m. Monday of natural causes.
Howser started his television career at WSM in Nashville after graduating from the University of Tennessee, working for a United States senator and serving in the Marine Corps. He hosted a magazine-style series at WCBS in New York City before moving to Los Angeles in 1981 to work as a reporter for CBS2, according to his website.
He joined public television station KCET in 1987 to produce “Videolog,” short programs featuring people’s unique stories. The series later expanded to people and places throughout California.
Howser quietly retired from “California Gold” late last year, amid rumors about his failing health. His assistant, Ryan Morris, told the Los Angeles Times in November that Howser was retiring from filming new shows, saying he “is just trying to get away from television and enjoy some free time.” Howser was 67.
