Description
“A vivid picture of an honest man in the insane world of television. Highly recommended.” — Midwest Book Review
Cleveland TV legend “Big Chuck” Schodowski tells hundreds of funny and surprising stories from a lifetime in television—in his familiar, good-natured, Cleveland-to-the-bone style.
Since 1960, Chuck has been on camera, behind the camera, and in the director’s chair. He collaborated with Ernie Anderson on the groundbreaking “Ghoulardi” show, and continued to host a late-night show across four decades—the longest such run in TV history. He wrote and directed two thousand hilarious sketches that were watched religiously by adoring fans.
Revisit favorite characters including the Kielbasy Kid, Certain Ethnic Guy, Ben Crazy, and many more. Chuck’s stories will entertain fans—and anyone who enjoys behind-the-scenes tales of television and celebrities.
Editorial Reviews
Review
A vivid picture of an honest man in the insane world of television. Highly recommended. (Midwest Book Review 2009-04-01)
A trip down memory lane for the Cleveland TV star’s many fans. The book reads like Big Chuck is right there talking to you over a couple of Manners’ Big Boys. (Steve Wiandt Hudson Hub-Times 2008-12-14)
Reading the book is an entertaining journey as Chuck takes you with him from the beginning to where he is at now. There are plenty of laughs along the way with cast, crew, celebrities and every day life. (Helen Marketti Lifestyle Magazine 2009-02-01)
If you were a Clevelander and it was a late Friday night, there was only one show to watch. Schodowski was bigger than Johnny Carson and made white socks and pink flamingoes larger than life. Peyton Place became Parma Place. Ben Casey became Ben Crazy. And all of Cleveland was along for the wild ride. Memories of the show live on in the book . . . It’s as entertaining as the shows were. (Barry Goodrich Currents 2010-02-01)
From the Back Cover
* Now In Paperback * Cleveland TV legend “Big Chuck” Schodowski tells hundreds of funny and surprising stories from a lifetime in television–in his familiar, good-natured, Cleveland-to-the-bone style.Since 1960, Chuck has been on camera, behind the camera, and in the director’s chair. He collaborated with Ernie Anderson on the groundbreaking “Ghoulardi” show, and continued to host a late-night show across four decades–the longest such run in TV history. He worked alongside a host of talented people, from Tim Conway to Burgess Meredith to Muhammad Ali.Chuck literally has fans of all ages. This book will entertain them and anyone else who enjoys behind-the-scenes tales of television and celebrities. Great fun at a great price!
About the Author
Chuck Schodowski began his television career as an engineer at KYW Channel 3 in 1960, then moved to WJW TV8 for a temporary position that lasted for 47 years. Schodowski appeared in humorous sketches with Ernie “Ghoulardi” Anderson on the late-night TV show Shock Theater and eventually took over as co-host with Bob “Hoolihan” Wells. Later he co-hoseted The Big Chuck & Lil’ John Show, with Lil’ John Rinaldi. He is the recipient of two-dozen local Emmys, numerous television and film awards, and a Grammy nomination. Schodowski retired from television in 2007 but continues to make public appearances and host the annual Ghoulardifest.
Tom Feran has been a writer and editor for The Plain Dealer since 1982. He was named Best Columnist in Ohio in 2007 by the Society of Professional Journalists, and is former president of the Television Critics Association of North America. His work has appeared in publications including Ohio Magazin, Cleveland Magazine, and DirecTV Magazine, and he has been a regular pseudonymous contributor to the tabloid Weekly World News. He is a graduate of Harvard College, where he was president and editor of the Lampoon, and of Cleveland St. Ignatius High School.
Product details
- Publisher : Gray and Company Publishers; 1st edition (June 20, 2013)
- Language : English
- Paperback : 306 pages
- ISBN-10 : 1598510568
- ISBN-13 : 978-1598510560
- Item Weight : 14.1 ounces
- Dimensions : 5.5 x 0.69 x 8.5 inches
