Art Linkletter RIP

Another legend from the golden era of Television has died: (H/T AmSpec Blog)

Art Linkletter, who encouraged both kids and grown-ups to say the “darndest things” during his decades as a genial but gently mischievous television personality, has died at age 97.

The host of “People Are Funny” and “House Party” of the 1950s and ’60s died Wednesday at his home in the Bel-Air section of Los Angeles.

“He lived a long, full, pure life, and the Lord had need for him,” said his son-in-law, Art Hershey, the husband of Sharon Linkletter.

Linkletter had been ill “in the last few weeks time, but bear in mind he was 97 years old. He wasn’t eating well, and the aging process took him,” Hershey said.

Linkletter hadn’t been diagnosed with any life-threatening disease, he said.

Linkletter was known on TV for his funny interviews with children and ordinary folks. He also collected their comments in a number of best-selling books.

“Because of Art Linkletter, adults found themselves enjoying children,” said Bill Cosby, whose style interviewing kids on his own show in the late ’90s was often compared to Linkletter’s.

“An amazing fellow, a terrific broadcast talent, a brilliant businessman. An all-around good guy,” CNN’s Larry King added about his longtime friend and frequent guest.

Asked what made Linkletter so appealing to audiences, King said, “He had an unusual voice, a twang to his voice that was immediately recognizable. And he looked like your favorite uncle.”

via The Associated Press: TV’s ‘People Are Funny’ host Art Linkletter dies.

I could write so much; but, much of it has already been written. He was one of the great ones from an era when people and yes, Democrats still loved this Country.

Rest in peace Artie…. 🙁