Ray Arthur reads this blog and writes me from time to time, sometimes about his old profession of working for a Film Commission, which means he helped arrange for TV shows and movies to be shot on location. Just got this from him…
Just saw your recent Huell Howser article. I assisted on three shows when I was Film Commissioning: Trona Pinnacles, Burro Schmidt Tunnel, and I can't remember the third. I'll attest that he was as nice and professional in person as he was on film (tape).
I remember two interesting off camera things about Huell. He had requested two Comp. Motel rooms. When we told him that we had arranged rooms at the EconoLodge he thanked me and said that was fine but was there any chance for an upgrade to one of the hotels, but not pushy at all, just, if you can. I couldn't help thinking that he thought, "This guy's really literal. I should have said 'Hotel.'"
And the second thing was the Mayor at that time wanted to give him a City Proclamation at the next Council Meeting while he was in town and Huell said, "Please thank the Mayor and please find a way to get me out of that. I feel so self conscious with those things." I explained to the Mayor that due to Huell's scheduling conflicts he would be unavailable but was very grateful for the invitation. Then we went to a restaurant in the next town for dinner.
Thanks, Ray. Always nice to hear that someone's on-camera character isn't at odds with their off-camera character. I used to watch Howser and get swept up in his enthusiasm for that week's topic. I'd hate to think his wasn't genuine.