I have mentioned Huell Howser before.
I went to his Holiday party last month and though I enjoyed being there, someone was missing and has been missing for many years now. That is Huell's long time cameraman, Luis Fuerte. I was cleaning out my den this past weekend and I found this photo that was taken when Huell decided to create his first show in the late 80's, called California's Gold. He asked KCET cameraman, Luis Fuerte, if he wanted to take a year off from work at the station and follow Huell around the state, making shows and telling stories. Luis agreed to do it and what followed was something like a 12 year relationship, between host and cameraman. Huell went around the state talking in front of the camera and most times he would say something like "Come on Louie, let's go see this" (whatever "this" happened to be). It was an easy way to give direction to his cameraman, but eventually, Luis became the unknown sidekick to Huell. Always following and documenting what was going on. As time went on, Luis got older and carrying that camera finally got to him. He retired from the show in 2000 and retired from where I work, a few years after that. Once in a while he turns up at our station, coming out of retirement, for whatever they are thinking of doing. One such case was a week or so ago. He's grayer and obviously older, but Luis is still Luis, with his Latin good looks and kind personality. It was a pleasure to get see him and catch up a bit.
He is not only a part of the history of KCET, he is truly a special part of California's Gold and I am sure he is still missed, by the viewers of the show.
We still love you Luis. :-)
This is a great story!! I enjoyed reading and knowing how much this part of KCET has meant to you.
ReplyDeleteOn a personal level (back in the 80's) Luis and I worked together as a team on many shows, American Bandstand, for one. Him running camera and me pulling cable for him. It was always a pleasure helping him be the best cameraman he could be.
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