Bob Wells, "Hoolihan the Weatherman" 1933 – 2026

It was sad to see that Bob Wells, best known in Cleveland for The Hoolihan and Big Chuck Show and as WJW Channel 8's "Hoolihan the Weatherman," passed away on Wednesday at the age of 93. Wells and his on-screen partner, Charles "Big Chuck" Schodowski, made The Hoolihan and Big Chuck Show a weekly must-see TV fixture every Friday night for years. 

This Wiki post provides a nice biography of Wells, and tells how he teamed up with Big Chuck to create the beloved show that was a successor to Shock Theater with Ghouldardi (necessitated when Ernie "Ghoulardi" Anderson left Cleveland to pursue a career in Los Angeles).

Although my siblings and I were too young to stay up late and watch the show when it premiered in 1966, it was regular viewing for us on Friday nights beginning in the early 1970s.

It's pretty incredible how great a comedy team Wells and Schodowski made. They had the perfect balance – with Hoolihan providing the energetic, upbeat delivery contrasting with Big Chuck's likable, low-key personality. And each shined in their comedy skits.

What some people may not know is that Hoolihan and Big Chuck made countless appearances in high schools and community sports events, pitting their All-Stars team against a variety of competitors, including school faculties, police departments, amateur teams, Amvets and others. Sports included touch football, basketball, softball, and bowling.

And let's not forget the pizza eating competitions.

Anway, here's an ample sample of clippings showing just how dedicated Wells and Schodowski were when it came to making personal appearances in Northern Ohio on behalf of various charities and causes.

Dec. 2, 1968

June 14, 1969

October 8, 1969

Dec. 3, 1969

Dec. 8, 1969

Jan. 26, 1970

July 9, 1970

Nov. 20, 1970

Sept. 11, 1972

Dec. 17, 1972

April 18, 1973

June 3, 1974

March 22, 1975

Oct. 27, 1975

Nov. 21, 1975

Nov. 25, 1975

Nov. 29, 1975

March 11, 1976

March 1, 1977

March 3, 1977

March 11, 1978

Sept. 16, 1979

It was disappointing when Wells left Channel 8 for good, moving to Florida for a new opportunity in Christian broadcasting. But he never forgot Cleveland, and made many pilgrimages back for various personal appearances at conventions and shows.

Hoolihan and Big Chuck (and Ghoulardi too) have been featured on this blog several times.