Huell Howser: California's Dreamer - KVIE

How did a reporter from Tennessee become the Golden State's best-loved chronicler? Looking back at fifteen wonderful years of California's Gold, Huell Howser recounts the history and evolution of the program and relives series highlights.

[@carl798904]

I'm 37 years old now and I remember first watching him when I was about 10 years old. You couldn't change channels without bumping into him . You would go to your friends house or a doctors office and Huell would always be playing in the back. He was on Tv as I grew into a man, got married and had my first kid. I didn't care for him and I thought he was annoying. I Left Los Angeles in 2006 and moved to Las Vegas. I heard of his passing in 2013, but still didn't really pay too much attention. About 6 months ago, I was home and his show came up here in Las Vegas public channel and I watch it in its entirety. After the show ended I KZbin him and began watching his California gold shows with my 6 year old and my wife. I was hooked. He has this innocence, and real earnest curiosity for people and things that's very heartfelt. He makes you feel like it's ok to be a child exploring and asking questions all over again. He's very genuine and kind hearted, doesn't have a mean bone in his body. The sad thing now is that he was always under my nose, his shows were always playing trying to teach me that our world is beautiful. That even the smallest things can bring you happiness. I've cried several times after watching his shows because it breaks my heart now that he's dead. All Huell ever wanted to do was show us how ordinary people and places can be AMAZING. I'm learning not to take people and family members for granted, and I'm teaching my kids to find the beauty in our every day lives. Californias gold was always under my nose but I was so ignorantly blind that I couldn't see . Thank you Huell. I miss you and may god bless you. I hope when I die you are there to greet me ,and take me on a tour of my afterlife.

[@paxrail]

Such a lovely and sincere tribute you wrote. Huell himself was the destination for me, his destinations were my trips. I miss him so much and his shows can be emotionally difficult for me to watch. In the beginning, many may not have understood him but we soon caught on. Such a tender and sincere heart he was. I loved him.

[@masukane93]

I'm here from comedy bang bang. But reading that brought tears to my eyes

[@alleyuseless]

Wow man, that’s really beautiful, and you’re right about all of it. He was an awesome dude. I’m a 49-year-old punk rocker and I’ve been watching him my whole life, and I’ve visited more than half of the things I’ve seen on his show. Most importantly he is inspirational as a human being.

[@laurencek.1580]

Thank you for writing those words. Talk about feeling sad he died on my birthday and I was a fan of his shows. I think the best way to honor Huell is to get out there explore.

[@yecats953]

What a beautiful tribute. It sounds like Huell really taught you some valuable lessons, even if it took a while. You just had to be ready to receive.

[@richardthomas6523]

The only television show that left me feeling I watched something worth watching. Even though it wasn't about Huell Howser; he and his crew made California's Gold work!

[@briannal4192]

9:22 PM PST - There will never be another Huell Howser.💗 His boyish enthusiasm, exuberance and energy will never be matched. California Gold episodes showcased the very best of our state-the everyday unsung heroes. Glad he didn’t have to witness how far we’ve declined . 💔😣

[@rchoper21]

He truly loved California! It took Huel from Tennessee, to show me the light and appreciate what we have!

[@monicamestas7566]

Huell Howser... What a treasure he was. Thank you, Huell.

[@_JDMartinez]

All these adventures in search for California's Gold and he was right in front of our eyes the entire time.

[@paulskillman6634]

It is so strange about Huel Howser, when he was alive I couldn't stand him, but now that he is gone, I miss him and treasure his programs more then ever. It makes me cry. I wish he lived longer.

[@TonyRios]

that's why I tell people to appreciate me

[@Pedroism]

Why u couldn't stand him,please explain

[@stephenpowers5385]

Loved every episode I ever watched. Great memories.

[@tisoy909]

God bless you Huell Howser, thank you!

[@JEREMY34055]

R.I.P. Huell Howser you were AMAZING!!!

[@wheeliegirl1630]

When the outside world, politics and social media get to be too much for me I binge Huell Howser videos. I miss him so much. The world needs Huell more than ever.

[@rchoper21]

❤

[@SurvivalCell]

Lovin' Huell. Miss him very much. A California icon.

[@graylobo133]

Started watching in my jr high years and the reason why i travel to so many CA places. This friken guy made a huge impact in my life!

[@mrdave777]

Huell...we miss you. Thank you for the service.

[@markromero5331]

Huel, will Always be California's Grand Ambassador 💪🏼😀

[@UNAMGOSR]

Rip 🙏good sir 🙏best feeling getting home and straight to watching your show 2004 to 2023

[@jago76]

One of a kind. A rare spirit.

[@youngpedro2165]

Huell: is it ok to feel a little anxious? because that's what I"m feeling rite now. LOl!.. so courteous. If i had 3 wishes, one would be to meet Huell Howser..

[@lauriechristmas5494]

HUELL .. A HOUSEHOLD NAME!!! … LOVE HUELL AND ALL OF HIS SHOWS …. WHAT A DREAM JOB!!! … HE WAS TRAVELING ALONG ON HIS ADVENTURES ON LIFES HIGHWAYS .. REST IN PEACE HUELL 💯💯🌹🌹❤️❤️🙏🙏😀😀🌴🌴🌴🌴🌴🇺🇸🇺🇸

[@garyporter8153]

Sitting with my Grandpa watching Huell...Some of the best memories in my life...God Bless Huell Howser.

[@Roscue2]

I have lived in California for a total of 7 years, and I must say I didn't even know he existed until 2010-2011.... what a shame for me. Huell and California's Gold have kept my attention ever since then, and I have so much more to learn from him and the show in the years to come. RIP Huell Howser.

[@jonmacdonald5345]

Roscue2 Yeah you Fucked up! lol

[@josephanderson7237]

Rest well and easy. I’ve always enjoyed California Gold and your style.

[@Vintageart1994]

The ending on this video made me tear up. Huell was one special person and he represented california so well. God bless you and may you rest n peace.

[@keithnichols7926]

For many years I thought Huell was just a local reporter for some Los Angeles TV station. Only after his death did I realize his uniqueness. Now I watch his videos whenever they pop up, and they never grow old.

[@briane173]

What I would've given to simply meet a man as decent as Huell Howser, with his boyish curiosity and enthusiasm for everything California. Having been born & raised in the L.A. area I caught early on the same wonderment and enchantment Huell felt for California -- its lifestyle, its culture, its history, its geography, its geology; and to this day, even having left 30 years ago to live in WA, I'm still amazed at the diversity of the state, and retain very fond memories -- and hope one day to go back to CA and revisit and explore deeply all that I remember about living there. It's a shame that politics has ruined a lot of what CA has meant to me, but they'll never be able to take away its natural beauty, its majesty, or its history. And Huell Howser made sure that those things were always front and center. A wonderful man whose love for CA shows through in every show he ever did. God Bless him. Huell, you've done a great service for me and every person who has ever lived -- or hoped to live -- in California.

[@rscii497]

Where in Washington state do you live now? Did you have a hard time adjusting when you first moved there?

[@briane173]

@@rscii497 I live across the river from Portland, OR. It WAS an adjustment to the people and the vibe here. But I've always liked the community of Vancouver -- a balanced mix of urban and rural living, and at least when I first moved up here the cost of living was 2/3 what it was in CA. Much worse now, but I at least have the weather and landscape to enjoy.

[@MrLehole]

As a news photographer, He was and is my inspiration to always be curious and keep my eyes open to find the next "California's Gold"

[@KbB-kz9qp]

I still like Huell Howser’s shows - so fun and interesting! 😀

[@juniyananajukyu]

I always wanted to meet him! I’m born and raised on Guam but live in California now. We used to get the show through our local pbs station on Guam. It’s funny because his show did just that, inspires my family and I to visit a lot the places he’s visited. May he Rest In Peace. He’s definitely one of Californias golden treasures!

[@sosaarts3779]

Next year in January 2023 will mark 10 years, 1 decade since Huell Howser passed. Miss you forever just like my parents.

[@G4LCTC]

Since childhood I always considered Mr Huell Howser as one of my surrogate uncles. Rest in peace you beautiful soul.

[@ssnussful]

We watched all his shows, miss them a lot , they will be valuable for years to come .

[@rickazca774]

I discovered these shows (Visiting & CA Gold) by accident around 1995 flipping through the channels and was hooked. I have two memories one was watching this every Sunday night. Made starting the work week a lot easier because it was like taking a half hour or hour vacation. My other memory was actually meeting Huell during the taping of one of his at the San Diego Wild Animal park in 2003. A great memory.

[@paxrail]

Huell, we love you and miss you. If only you could know how much you are missed.

[@hoz49]

I left California in the early 70's so I knew nothing about this fellow. But thanks to KZbin and Chapman University I am enjoying his work. What a character.

[@ONAIRwithDYLAN]

What an amazing documentary, I'm so sad he's gone.... His work was beautiful and pure.

[@jawkneekat]

Such a lovely man. Shame we humans aren't immortal.

[@Wonderhussy]

I LOVE THIS GUY SO MUCH! I want to be Nevada's equivalent!

[@brandonblanco8379]

I also want to be a Coloradan or Texan equivalent of Huell Howser.

[@reply_guy]

You’ll need yoga pants and a quilt 😂

[@Wonderhussy]

@@reply_guy guess I'm good to go then

[@esnstrider46]

Huell was the best. I was fortunate to meet him a couple of times. He was exactly what you saw on tv. Truly a great man. He is missed

[@Huero805]

I grew up watching this show, good old fasioned TV RIP Hulle

[@C60AC]

Huell was indeed himself some of California's gold.

[@DreamCather147]

Huell Howser was gold !

[@lotharvonrichthofen4474]

Miss this gentleman greatly

[@jov6372]

This was television before the smart phones..it's interesting how it was all filmed in the 90's ...it's so nostalgic in that era...

[@maggiejohnson5891]

Thank you for 1996 episode of hwy 395. bristlecone pine forest, bodi , mono lake. Waterwheel Falls. His show inspired me to visit all those sites. 😊

[@Low.Key.Music01]

Huell came to California not knowing anyone and left with California knowing Huell

[@mikereinholtz794]

Watch your tiki talk all the time and god bless your family for what you all do for your dad hes a great guy and I really enjoy watching and this you tube video was great give the big guy your dad a big hug for me and you all take care and I will continue watching

[@jornfox3545]

A very touching and wonderful feature, focusing on this special man, who has brought such joy to so many people. Love you and miss you, Huell.

[@Risky2k9]

I swear I could remember seeing him as a child filming in LA at a park, I was maybe 5/6 years old at the time. When I was in my early teen years, I recognized him on TV and I started watching his show ever since then until his very last episode before hearing about his death back in 2013. We will never see another adventure like the one Huell brought to us in our lifetimes.

[@rogerthreefert8785]

Huell will truely be missed.

[@fish8cat]

LOVE YOU FOREVER, HUELL HOWZER

[@DK-et6lm]

He reminded me of my uncle who lived in the SF bay area. He would take us on endless sight seeing adventures and get so excited over the simple things. I greatly miss my uncle and Huell Howser RIP 🙏🏻

[@wickerbill7793]

You passed way too soon Huell. From a 75 yr old native Californian thank you so much for your love and dedication to show what our Golden State offers. I hope & pray you’re up there looking down on us all that’s enjoying the wonders and beauty of our home California. RIP my good friend.

[@socksal]

Such a good and sweet man

[@baller1805]

Such a great guy

[@asiaking9422]

You are much missed. RIP

[@JoyCool1]

Pure class!

[@robinshepard4571]

I ❤️ Huell

[@TheMbn1972]

What a great man! Loved his shows.....from Videolog to California Dreaming. He could make any subject interesting.....the true ambassador of the Golden State

[@johnallen2771]

Yes, Huell is a California treasure and we need to erect a statue and memorial to him. He brought so much joy into the world. California is way more than 50% minorities. We have such a diversity of people from all over the world who have lived here for generations and about 30% of the state is Latino or Hispanic. Most of us speak some Spanish and many people speak several languages. But we all speak enough English to get the job done. I live in northern Cali next to the Oregon and Nevada borders. We can go from Redwood forests to mountains to desert to the Pacific Ocean all within 4 hours. Believe me, it's nothing like LA or SF.

[@NancyFreire-dv4pi]

Amazing what the Golden West Men do to keep the Golden Gate up and running ☺️

[@reedberry]

Huell was a unique, one-of-a-kind talent bubbling with enthusiasm and likeability. He is definitely missed.

[@garydavidderby]

IN MY HEART IT STILL FEELING HES STILL.ALIVE

[@jamesparham1467]

RIP my good friend

[@christopherjgibson]

Amazing!

[@davidcarey8611]

I miss you

[@Keepsmeupatnight]

Thx for making me an explorer Huell!! 😢

[@julsmelrose]

I saw the Firefall yesterday!!!

[@mattf49006]

I moved from LA in the late 80s ..but he reminds me of Ralph Storys programs on KCET back in the day

[@bill2066]

HE Always brought me comfort, as ODD as that might sound. Sortof Like Johnny Carson. The FIREFall? One of my Most Favorite episodes. SAD, how the environmentalists (*Climate Lunatics) had to put an End to that....of course. But His Passing? Well, EVERYONE has to go eventually. But for those who Mourn his passing, Be of Good cheer! He is in a better place now. He is HOME.

[@NancyFreire-dv4pi]

Simple is the way to go.

[@NancyFreire-dv4pi]

My ansisters in the eighteenth century did this kind of work

[@davidcarey8611]

Hugh Howser and the Antiques Roadshow

[@cellardoor199991]

Later , he went skydiving with the military. I wonder if THAT became the scariest episode for him.

[@davidcarey8611]

And my grandmother

[@trollingyoutube8346]

will i just thats huell last show

[@fromabovethesun]

he said on top of the turbin

[@NancyFreire-dv4pi]

Safety first wow seven forth seven wing span.

[@davidcarey8611]

Hugh Howser

[@fromabovethesun]

this that guy the b talking to scott aukerman

[@hellyeahzombies]

well i guess thats huell's last show

[@sherrylhenning5630]

Huell's right. California doesn't have an accent. It has more accents than you can possibly count.

[@johnpongratz3709]

"There is no California accent."

[@ronniedelahoussayechauvin6717]

I don’t anything about California nor PBS.

[@jamesparham1467]

God bless you Huell Howser, thank you!

[@jonmacdonald5345]

At 4:59 That is the Highest I have ever seen Huell!!!! 🗿🚬