Around 1972, I had this "brilliant" idea to put on a variety show in one of the local parks in suburban Chicago to raise money for MS. I called WFLD and asked if they had someone who would host the show. Much to my amazement today, Jerry G. Bishop came out and hosted it. He was wildly entertaining. When we were backstage, I don't ever remember what I said, but his response was, "If you are ever in the Loop on Thursday morning, come down to Marina City and watch us tape. Tell the lady at the front desk that you are a personal friend of Mr. Bishop's". The first time I did it, I was expecting to be booted out, but I was ushered right in. He was as gracious as he was funny and entertaining. I went down there 2 or 3 more times and every time was a treat. I can look at back at it now and tell you what an unbelievable opportunity it was. I am only too sorry I didn't realize it then. Jerry G. Bishop was Truly One of a Kind!
Channel 32 I was so young in Chicago. My first movie I saw with Sven was Night Of The Living Dead. I couldn't believe such a movie could air on TV. Today Svengoolie still exists because of the original was so good.
@jamesmcdunn: What a wonderful story! When I was in high school he (as Svengoolie) came to a local store in NW Indiana for an appearance. I went and the line was l-o-n-g. I didn't know there were so many fans! He signed a photo of himself and was soo incredibly nice!! Does anyone remember his "Streaker's Songbook"? I had a copy. Also, does anyone remember him singing "Sheldon the Hebrew Reindeer" at Christmas time? It killed me when SYT was suddenly yanked from WFLD. Then WMAQ changed its format. I thought that it was some kind of joke... Thanks again for the story. I envy you for your experience with THE GREAT JERRY G. BISHOP!!!
This is why Chicago, without a doubt, had the best weekend television. Svengoolie was ahead of my time but I remember seeing the original episodes of Svengoolie when they were running the Son of Svengoolie.
Thank you for posting this video!! Jerry's unique wit will be missed. :( Jerry's show, pioneered the way for Son of Svengoolie who carried on the torch.)
This reminds me of Hilarious House of Frightenstein. A Canadian kids show that ran in syndication in the Northeast in the early 70's. Jerry Bishop even sounds exactly like Billy Van. They both had that hippy vibe too. Also that horn sound at 0:31 was a regular gag.
Ironic that people call him “unique” when the whole act and some of the actual jokes, were stolen from Ernie Anderson in Cleveland. Bishop never hid the fact that he ripped off the Ghoulardi character which all Clevelanders of the time remember. Ghoulardi did the same self-interview bit three years earlier.
Jerry admitted where and how he got the idea, but what I've wondered about is who was the inspiration for the accent. And why such a goofy hippie type would speak like that in the first place. I know it was the early 70s---a time when logic and sense were in short supply.
Around 1972, I had this "brilliant" idea to put on a variety show in one of the local parks in suburban Chicago to raise money for MS. I called WFLD and asked if they had someone who would host the show. Much to my amazement today, Jerry G. Bishop came out and hosted it. He was wildly entertaining. When we were backstage, I don't ever remember what I said, but his response was, "If you are ever in the Loop on Thursday morning, come down to Marina City and watch us tape. Tell the lady at the front desk that you are a personal friend of Mr. Bishop's". The first time I did it, I was expecting to be booted out, but I was ushered right in. He was as gracious as he was funny and entertaining. I went down there 2 or 3 more times and every time was a treat. I can look at back at it now and tell you what an unbelievable opportunity it was. I am only too sorry I didn't realize it then. Jerry G. Bishop was Truly One of a Kind!
Yes... and he will be missed
Channel 32 I was so young in Chicago. My first movie I saw with Sven was Night Of The Living Dead. I couldn't believe such a movie could air on TV. Today Svengoolie still exists because of the original was so good.
@@bkrbyex4339 he’s still alive
Thanks for sharing that awesome story! By all accounts I've heard, he was a great guy. Confirmed again.
@jamesmcdunn: What a wonderful story!
When I was in high school he (as Svengoolie) came to a local store in NW Indiana for an appearance. I went and the line was l-o-n-g. I didn't know there were so many fans! He signed a photo of himself and was soo incredibly nice!!
Does anyone remember his "Streaker's Songbook"? I had a copy. Also, does anyone remember him singing "Sheldon the Hebrew Reindeer" at Christmas time?
It killed me when SYT was suddenly yanked from WFLD. Then WMAQ changed its format. I thought that it was some kind of joke...
Thanks again for the story. I envy you for your experience with THE GREAT JERRY G. BISHOP!!!
This is why Chicago, without a doubt, had the best weekend television. Svengoolie was ahead of my time but I remember seeing the original episodes of Svengoolie when they were running the Son of Svengoolie.
I still love the original Svengoolie
Jerry G. Bishop, one of a kind.
Svengoolie was hilarious. Me & my little brother never missed his show when we were kids. One of the perks of growing up in the Chicago burbs.
Watched his show back in the 70's when I was a kid! Loved it!!!
was his hair green?
He used the link wray song, "Rumble" as his own theme song.
Thank you for posting this video!! Jerry's unique wit will be missed. :( Jerry's show, pioneered the way for Son of Svengoolie who carried on the torch.)
The son of svengoolie is currently being played by rich koz
Someone should remake this so the new Sven gets in the right chair and replaces old Sven so they are both talking to each other.
This reminds me of Hilarious House of Frightenstein. A Canadian kids show that ran in syndication in the Northeast in the early 70's. Jerry Bishop even sounds exactly like Billy Van. They both had that hippy vibe too. Also that horn sound at 0:31 was a regular gag.
I miss that guy.
What a great character
Insanity; when you ask yourself questions and you answer to yourself! 🤣
That was entertaining.
Humm. Just like I remember
From ? 1969 to 1973. The hippie era
The very first Svengoolie aired the day Jimi Hendrix died.
Does anyone got any clear photos or video still shots of him?
What year was this?
Dan Rodden In the timeframe between 1970-1973.
Ironic that people call him “unique” when the whole act and some of the actual jokes, were stolen from Ernie Anderson in Cleveland. Bishop never hid the fact that he ripped off the Ghoulardi character which all Clevelanders of the time remember. Ghoulardi did the same self-interview bit three years earlier.
Jerry admitted where and how he got the idea, but what I've wondered about is who was the inspiration for the accent. And why such a goofy hippie type would speak like that in the first place. I know it was the early 70s---a time when logic and sense were in short supply.
Wait, what in the world kind of sandals is he wearing???! 😆
Back before the cancel culture parasites, when we actually had freedom of speech, and people weren't thin skinned Karen's! Great times back then!