Cleveland television icon, “Big Chuck” Schodowski, known for his long-standing presence on WJW (Channel 8) for over 60 years, has sadly passed away at the age of 90.

The news was shared by Fox 8 News on Monday morning.

Schodowski, with his friendly demeanor and distinctive cleft chin, initially appeared as an engineer and a supporting actor on the horror show “Shock Theater,” hosted by Ernie “Ghoulardi” Anderson in the 1960s. He later created his own shows and earned accolades as an Emmy-winning producer and director.

Charles Mitchell Schodowski came into this world on June 28, 1934, in Cleveland.

“When I was a child, I was extremely shy,” he reminisced in an interview with the Akron Beacon Journal. “I always had a desire to act in school plays, but I could never manage to step onto the stage.”

Instead, he found a creative way around his shyness, using old curtains or bedsheets to set up makeshift theater productions. “I would gather my friends to perform, and I took charge of everything—writing the plays, creating tickets, and selling them—all while staying offstage myself.”

After completing high school at Cleveland South in 1952, he worked the midnight shift at a foundry, Alloys & Chemicals Corp. However, yearning for a safer career, Schodowski enrolled in broadcasting technology classes at the National Radio School in Cleveland in 1957, attending night classes for three years and achieving certification in 1960.

He soon secured a position as a summer replacement engineer at Channel 3 (now WKYC) before transitioning to Channel 8 as a full-time engineer that same year. Ernie Anderson and comedian Tim Conway soon followed him to WJW.

In 1963, Anderson debuted as Ghoulardi on “Shock Theater,” a horror film showcase that became wildly popular and was even credited with reducing juvenile delinquency on Friday nights, as children opted to stay home to watch the show.

After Anderson moved to Hollywood in 1966, WJW recruited Bob Wells, known as “Hoolihan the Weatherman,” to take over.

“The Hoolihan & Big Chuck Show” represented a new chapter in late-night entertainment. Wells and Schodowski not only hosted horror films but also performed in comedy sketches and parodies. They produced memorable segments including “Ben Crazy,” “Readings By Robert,” “Soulman,” “The Kielbasy Kid,” “Pizza Fight of the Century,” and several amusing sketches like “Dueling Accordions,” “The Chase,” “The Streak,” “Troglodyte,” “Junk Food Junkie,” “Ajax Liquor Store,” “The Last Wish,” and “Certain Ethnic Varieties.”

To incorporate ethnic humor without offending anyone, Schodowski cleverly developed the term “Certain Ethnic” as a catch-all expression for diverse cultures. He often donned a fake mustache, a shabby hat, and a striped sweater while playfully fumbling through sketches. The phrase “Certain Ethnic” has since become a part of local vernacular in Ohio.

After the films wrapped up late at night, Wells and Schodowski would slip into pajamas and read jokes submitted by viewers before they turned in for the night.

Schodowski took great pride in directing “The Wandering Muse of Artemus Flagg,” a TV movie released in 1977 featuring Burgess Meredith.

“I put in 14-hour days, seven days a week, for three weeks,” Schodowski remembered. “After it was done, Burgess remarked, ‘I’ve never worked so hard for so little money in my life.’”

Following that, Anderson and Conway invited Schodowski to California for a gig as an assistant director. However, he quickly developed homesickness.

“I spent a week out there,” Schodowski recounted. “I missed home, and I wasn’t a fan of the heat or the smog.”

He said farewell to Hollywood and made his way back home.

When Hoolihan departed in 1979, Schodowski quickly found a new partner in Cleveland jeweler John Rinaldi, who had frequently appeared in sketches and became co-host of “The Big Chuck & Lil’ John Show.”

“He’s a ball of energy,” Schodowski remarked. “If you’re feeling down, it’s impossible to stay that way for more than 10 minutes in his presence.”

Schodowski and Rinaldi also presented “Couch Potato Theater,” which featured their sketches alongside classic Three Stooges and Abbott and Costello films.

After WJW switched affiliations from CBS to Fox in 1996, the programming evolved, leading to a mix of genres. Nevertheless, the show retained its audience despite switchovers between Friday and Saturday slots.

“It’s still enjoyable,” Schodowski stated in 2003. “If it ever felt like a chore, I would reconsider continuing.”

In 2007, he announced he would no longer host the weekly movie show, explaining that while he had the passion, he lacked the necessary energy.

The farewell special titled “Big Chuck and Lil’ John: The End of an Era” was a poignant moment, but it didn’t signify a complete farewell.

In 2008, Schodowski published his autobiography, “Big Chuck,” co-written with Tom Feran. He also reunited with other Cleveland TV personalities at Ghoulardifest, where fans honored them like celebrities.

The demand for comedy skits remained strong.

In 2011, WJW introduced a half-hour program showcasing classic and new material, with Schodowski and Rinaldi returning as the hosts.

Schodowski reflected on the significance of his show for many viewers.

“I received thoughtful, detailed letters and emails sharing what the show meant to people, how it helped them through tough times. For individuals facing troubled childhoods, challenging family dynamics, or job issues, it was a source of comfort,” Schodowski mentioned in his book “Big Chuck.” “I treasure these letters and have kept every single one.”