Marvin Zindler facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Marvin Zindler
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| Born |
Marvin Harold Zindler
August 10, 1921 |
| Died | July 29, 2007 (aged 85) Houston, Texas
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| Resting place | Woodlawn Cemetery Houston, Texas |
| Occupation | Television journalist |
| Spouse(s) | Gertrude Zindler, Niki Zindler |
| Children | 4 sons, 1 daughter |
Marvin Harold Zindler (born August 10, 1921 – died July 29, 2007) was a famous TV news reporter in Houston, Texas. He worked for KTRK-TV. Marvin was known for his "investigative journalism." This means he looked deeply into problems to find the truth. He often helped older people and working families. His work made him one of Houston's most important and recognized TV personalities.
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Early Life and Beginnings
Marvin Zindler grew up in Houston, Texas. He went to Pershing Middle School and Lamar High School. He then finished high school at San Jacinto High School. After high school, he attended John Tarleton Agricultural College.
In 1941, when World War II started for the United States, Marvin joined the United States Marine Corps. He later received an honorable discharge for health reasons.
Marvin's father, Abe Zindler, owned a successful clothing store. Abe wanted Marvin to take over the family business. However, Marvin was more interested in other things.
Starting a Career in Media
Marvin Zindler began his career in broadcasting in 1943. He worked part-time as a night radio disc jockey. He also reported spot news for Houston radio station KATL. At the same time, he worked in his family's clothing store.
In 1951, Marvin hosted a radio show called The Roving Mike. This 30-minute show on Sundays covered crime stories in Houston. In 1950, he also worked as a reporter and cameraman for KPRC-TV. But in 1954, he was told he was "too ugly" for TV and was fired.
Two years later, Marvin joined the Houston Press newspaper. He worked part-time as a crime reporter and photographer. He wasn't happy with retail work. So, in 1962, he made a career change. He joined the Harris County Sheriff's Office.
He first handled civil processes for two years. Then he joined the Fugitive Squad. This job took him all over the world. He helped bring fugitives back to Houston.
Before joining KTRK-TV, Marvin helped set up a Consumer Fraud Division. This division worked with the Harris County District Attorney's Office. It still helps people today. This was when he first truly worked to help people.
Joining KTRK-TV News
In 1972, Marvin Zindler left the Sheriff's Department. A KTRK-TV anchor, Dave Ward, suggested Marvin for a job. On January 1, 1973, Marvin Zindler joined KTRK. At that time, the station's news program was in third place.
A Lifetime Contract
Marvin's unique reporting style helped him get a special contract. In 1988, he signed a lifetime contract with KTRK-TV. He kept working there until his death. His last story helped an American citizen get a Social Security card. Marvin was a big reason KTRK's news went from third place to number one.
"Rat and Roach Report"
Marvin Zindler was very famous in Houston for his "Rat and Roach Report." On air, he would read details from restaurant inspection reports. These reports were part of the City of Houston Food Inspection Program.
These reports became famous for Marvin's excited way of saying, "Sliiiiime in the ice machine!" This phrase became his catchphrase. It even got its own section at the end of his reports. Many restaurants in Greater Houston were mentioned in his reports. Even KTRK-TV's own cafeteria was once cited!
Marvin's "Rat and Roach Reports" were usually shown live on Friday nights. They aired during KTRK's 6 p.m. newscast. They were then shown again during the 10 p.m. newscast.
Two other segments came from these reports:
- Marvin also gave "Blue Ribbon Awards" to clean restaurants. In his later years, local beauty pageant contestants helped him give out these awards.
- Another segment was called "Where Marvin Likes to Eat..." This showed places Marvin enjoyed dining. Most were local restaurants. Some were national chains like McDonald's and Ruth's Chris Steak House. But Marvin's favorite place to eat was always his home.
On Friday nights, Marvin also gave viewers good wishes. He would say, "Have a good weekend – good golf, good tennis, or whatever makes you happy."
Other Important Stories
Marvin Zindler's reports on KTRK also covered international stories. Many of these involved trips to different countries. He also had segments called "Marvin's Angels." In these, local business owners helped people who were struggling.
He also focused on stories about older people. This included investigations into nursing home abuse. On his Friday reports, Marvin would also share birthday and wedding anniversary greetings. These were usually for people celebrating their 100th birthday or 50th wedding anniversary.
The station said they received over 100,000 requests for help from Marvin each year. When choosing stories, Marvin looked for two things: great need and a chance to succeed. While low income was important, being chosen for a story was more about fixing an injustice.
Marvin Zindler's famous sign-off at the end of each report was almost a shout: "Marvin Zindler.... Eyewitness News."
Awards and Recognition
Marvin Zindler received many awards. These came from news groups, charity groups, and doctors. The Plastic Surgeons of America honored him. They recognized his honesty about his own cosmetic surgeries. They also praised him for helping charity patients get reconstructive surgery.
He was also a Freemason. He was a member of Temple Lodge #4 in Houston. He was very proud of the 33rd Degree he received from the Scottish Rite.
Marvin's Personal Life
Marvin Zindler was Jewish. In 1941, he married Gertrude S. Kugler. They had five children together. After Gertrude passed away in 1997, Marvin thought he would never marry again. But he fell in love with Niki Devine and married her in 2006.
Marvin and Niki Zindler lived in the Houston neighborhood of Maplewood. Marvin had lived there for 48 years. They had a dog named Magic, a bichon frisé. Marvin also had a cat named Sugar, who died in 2006. At the time of his death, Marvin had five children, nine grandchildren, and one great-grandchild.
Marvin was known for always wearing makeup. He loved cigars and played golf often. He had his own producer, cameraman, and editing suite at KTRK. Marvin was also known for having several cosmetic surgeries. The first was in 1954 after he was fired from KPRC-TV.
Wayne Dolcefino, another investigative reporter at KTRK, described Marvin's unique behavior at the office. This included loud phone calls and his strong dedication to his reports.
Illness and Passing
On July 5, 2007, KTRK announced that Marvin Zindler had been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. The cancer had also spread to his liver. In a news conference, Marvin said he would keep working. He planned to stay on air even while receiving treatment. He even wanted to do restaurant reports from his hospital bed.
Marvin Zindler passed away from cancer on July 29, 2007. He died at The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston. This was two nights after his very last newscast.
Marvin's funeral was held on August 1, 2007, at Congregation Beth Israel of Houston. Many people from ABC-13 and Houston's religious community attended. These included Joel Osteen, Archbishop Joseph Fiorenza, Reverend Bill Lawson, and Reverend Kirbyjon Caldwell. Marvin was buried at Woodlawn Cemetery in Houston.
Marvin Zindler's Legacy
Marvin Zindler's life and work inspired a character in a famous story. The character of Melvin P. Thorpe in the Broadway show The Best Little ... in Texas was based on Marvin. Dom DeLuise played this role in the 1982 film version.
In November 2007, Bellaire Park in Bellaire, Texas was renamed "Bellaire Zindler Park" in his honor.
See also
