TV Personality Bob Wells Dies at 93

The veteran weatherman and television host passed away Wednesday morning at his home in Florida.

Updated on Oct. 21, 2026 in Television

Longtime television personality Bob Wells has died at the age of 93. He passed away on the morning of Wednesday, October 21, 2026, at his residence in Clearwater, Florida.

Why it matters

Wells was a fixture of the Cleveland television scene, most notably recognized for his tenure at WJW-TV. His death follows the passing of his former co-star, Big Chuck, who died in 2025.

Wells began his career as a weatherman at WJW-TV in 1965. By December 1966, he helped premiere the popular Hoolihan and Big Chuck Show before eventually departing the station in the late 1970s.

The players

Bob Wells

He was a veteran television personality and weatherman who gained regional prominence for his work on WJW-TV.

Big Chuck

He was a well-known Cleveland television figure who co-starred with Bob Wells on their long-running show.

The details

Known for his work in the Cleveland television market, Wells spent over a decade as a central figure in local broadcasting. He is remembered for his time at WJW-TV and his collaboration on the regional classic, the Hoolihan and Big Chuck Show.

Wells began his career at WJW-TV in 1965.
The Hoolihan and Big Chuck Show premiered in December 1966.
Wells left his position at WJW-TV in the late 1970s.
Big Chuck passed away at the age of 90 in Cleveland on January 19, 2025.
Bob Wells died on the morning of Wednesday, October 21, 2026.

Industry Dynamics

The passing of Bob Wells marks the end of an era for the local hosted variety television format that defined Cleveland broadcasting for decades. These programs once anchored regional stations before the national homogenization of late-night television content.

For viewers who grew up with Cleveland local broadcasting, the loss of Wells serves as a final chapter for the Hoolihan and Big Chuck era. Fans looking to revisit his work may still find archival footage occasionally featured on regional media retrospectives.

The takeaway

Wells leaves behind a legacy as a foundational figure in local Cleveland television broadcasting. His career trajectory highlights the profound impact that regional hosts had on the daily habits of audiences during the mid-20th century.