California TV Personality Huell Howser Dies at 67

California TV personality Huell Howser died Sunday night KCET, the network in which his show, CALIFORNIA GOLD, airs, said today. Howser was 67 years old.

Howser joined KCET in 1987, and throughout his career, became known for producing and hosting various travel shows based in and around California. Such shows included ROAD TRIP, CALIFORNIA'S GOLDEN PARKS, and DOWNTON. The reason many of Howser's shows succeeded was because of the man himself, often credited for his easy-going manner and friendly interviewing methods.

KCET released the following statement today: "We are deeply saddened by the news of Huell'spassing. This is a tremendous personal and professional loss to his friends and colleagues, as well as his legions of fans. Huell elevated the simple joys and undiscovered nuggets of living in our great state. He made the magnificence and power of nature seem accessible by bringing it into our living rooms."

The broadcast vet was born on Oct. 18, 1945, in Tennessee. After graduating from the University of Tennessee, Howser enlisted in the Marines. , Howser graduated with a history degree from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. His down-to-earth, folksy way of interviewing and reporting began developing when he took a broadcasting job at WSM-TV Nashville.