Children’s TV pioneer ‘Uncle Al’ dies

The Lima News ^ | 03-03-09 | AP

[Slump Tester]

CINCINNATI (AP) — Al Lewis, who was known as “Uncle Al” on a long-running children’s television show that aired nationally in the 1950s, has died. He was 84.

Lewis produced and starred in “The Uncle Al Show,” which ran daily from 1950 to 1985 on WCPO-TV. The show aired nationally on ABC affiliates on Saturday mornings over two years in the late 1950s.

He died Saturday of natural causes at an extendedcare facility in Hillsboro, Ohio, said Craig Turner, of Turner and Son Funeral Home, which is handling arrangements.

Dressed in a straw hat, a bow tie and an ever-present accordion, Lewis was a local TV icon. The show combined music, education, drawing and exercise activities for children, including boisterous rounds of “Hokey Pokey.”

His wife, Wanda, joined the cast as “Captain Windy” in 1956, and thousands of local children appeared on the show, including future acting star George Clooney.

Born Albert Lewis Slowik in Cleveland on Sept. 9, 1924, he served in the Army for three years before graduating from the Cleveland Institute of Art. He joined WCPO as an art director in 1949.

WCPO said in a statement: “Wanda Lewis wants the community to know how happy she and Al were to be a part of children’s lives for 35 years ... They felt very blessed to use their talents to bring smiles to children’s faces for so long.”

His other survivors include four daughters, 13 grandchildren and a brother, Dr. Edward Slowik of Mason, Ohio, Turner said.

A memorial service will be held Saturday morning at St. Mary Catholic Church in Hillsboro.

Al Lewis, who was known as “Uncle Al” on a long-running children’s television show that aired nationally in the 1950s, died Saturday of natural causes at an extended-care facility in Hillsboro. He was 84.

[Slump Tester]

I remember watching "Uncle Al" when I was a kid. We couldn't get that station very well, so it was always a real treat when the atmospheric conditions were such that the signal was watchable.

The king is dead, long live the king!

[Tainan]

I grew up watching Uncle Al and Captain Wendy. Seen them 'live' many many times. Visited the show about a dozen times as a kid. They were very cool.

I did the "hokey pokey" with them even at home!

[Slump Tester]

How about “Uncle Orrie & Ferdie Fusbudget” on channel 7 out of Dayton? Did you watch that too?

[Eric in the Ozarks]

Or Duane & Floppy on WHO TV...

[mom4melody]

I went to the Uncle Al show once. I still have the picture somewhere.

[fieldmarshaldj]

RIP.

[gramho12]

I grew up with them,too. Obviously a life well-lived.

RIP, Uncle Al.

[Ghengis]

From an era when nearly all markets had at least one locally produced children's show. I grew up watching The Flippo Show and Lucy's Toy Shop from Columbus and Mr. Cartoon from Charleston/Huntington, WV.

Rest in Peace, sir.

[Sunshine Sister]

I don’t remember ever seeing this person. I must have slept through his show!

[Tainan]

"How about “Uncle Orrie & Ferdie Fusbudget” on channel 7 out of Dayton? Did you watch that too?"

Oh Man...yes I did. We lived out in the country and the land was flat enough for us to get the Dayton channel 7 also. Channels 5, 9, 12 and 7 were our main channels. Sometimes we could get a very fuzzy channel 2. Later, something new came along and channel 19 became available....then 22...then.....

[Slump Tester]

I found a picture of Uncle Orrie online!

Nothing for Ferdie though.