After Nearly 40 Years, NBC4 Says Farewell to the Legendary Fritz Coleman
The weatherman who brought a little sunshine to every day will head into the sunset after an amazing career that lasted nearly four decades at the station.
By Staff Report ••
NBC Universal, Inc.
The NBC4 family is celebrating the long and illustrious career of legendary weatherman Fritz Coleman. Jessica Vilchis talks to Fritz about his 39 years of broadcasting, what’s next after retirement and his hopes for the future. Happy trails to our friend Fritz!
NBC4 said good-bye Friday to beloved weatherman Fritz Coleman, who is retiring after 39 years of delivering the forecast -- and a lot of smiles and laughs -- to Southern Californians.
After a year of planning his retirement, Coleman decided to spend more time with his family, appreciate his good health, and dedicate more time to his comedy. His retirement was announced earlier this month.
NBC4's Fritz Coleman has many causes that are closed to his heart. Kim Baldonado reports for the NBC4 News.
His last day on-air was Friday, delivering the forecast for the afternoon and 11 p.m. newscasts.
“It’s going to be really busy, and I guess that’s a good thing — keep my mind off of it,” Coleman said Friday morning. “I’ll absorb this over the next couple of weeks.
“Honestly, the only thing I feel, and have felt since we made this official, is being grateful. I take myself out of myself and my career and look at it, and I have just been the luckiest person in the world.”
After 39 years of delivering the forecast to Southern Californians, Fritz Coleman does so one last time. Video broadcast on the NBC4 News at 11 p.m. on Friday June 26, 2020.
Coleman’s departure marks the end of an era. He was part of one of the longest-running news anchor teams in the industry alongside co-anchors Colleen Williams and Chuck Henry and sports anchor Fred Roggin.
“I love my job,” said Coleman. “I tell my children, it doesn’t matter what you do with your life as long as you have a reason to get up in the morning. Not only coming into people’s living rooms at the same time every day… but all the amazing experiences.
Fritz Coleman and Fred Roggin take a trip down memory lane and look at the first "Fritz and Fred" commercial the pair shot together, on NBC4 News at 11 p.m. on June 17, 2020.
“Fifty percent of it is being accepted by others and others wanting to be around you. I love what I did.”
Coleman’s extensive knowledge of weather, seamlessly intertwined with his own style of humor, and his limitless philanthropic work has made him one of Southern California’s most popular and beloved TV anchors in the business.
Jeff Abbott
“Fritz and I at our daughter’s volleyball tournament in orange county. You’re my favorite Meteorologist Fritz. I’ve been watching you since I was 11! Thanks for all the AccuWeather over the years. I’ll miss ya.” - Jeff Abbott
Kathy Lovin
“Nearly 20 years ago, I was the public relations director for the Salvation Army in Los Angeles. As you know, Fritz has been a wonderful friend to the organization for all these years and even before my tenure there. During one of our Christmas celebrations at the Original Farmers Market on Fairfax, Fritz was the MC and our special guest was Fábio, of romance novel book jacket fame. Fritz and I laughed when we witnessed women asking Fabio hold them in his arms like the book jacket photos so their friends could take a picture. Fritz asked me to speak to Fabio’s manager and see if he would hold Fritz in his arms that way when we returned from commercial. Of course, Fabio was a great sport and said yes. The problem is, they were late coming back to us after the commercial break so Fabio’s arms were shaking by the time we got the shot! Fritz had the cameraman in tight on his face and then panned out to see Fábio holding him. It was a blast. We laughed so hard. Fritz was always such a delight to work with and gave so much of his time and talent to The Salvation Army. It won’t be the same without him! (This was long before cell phone cameras so I don’t have any pictures. Hopefully, you will have some file footage of this event. It was in November of 2000 or 2001, I think. Since I’m required to attach a photo or video, please enjoy the photo of my cat! Her name is Louisa!)”- Kathy Lovin
Kaitlin Gefke
"I’m 35 years old, and to this day I will never forget the goodness of Fritz Coleman!!! He is such a strong and important memory. I was in 4th/5th grade and had to do a report on Tornado Alley. My mom called the network asking for any material that he might have on the subject…(yes this was wayyyyyy before Google lol) Not only did Fritz send me information in the mail on the subject/region along with a shirt, he called my landline and asked to speak to “Kaitlin” after my mom picked up. I WAS STAR STRUCK!! my mom said that Fritz Coleman was on the phone for me! 9 year old me was so nervous to talk to him! But he was so endearing. Said “I hear you have a report on Tornado Alley!?” Filled me in on the cliff notes and said more information would be coming in the mail. I still have the shirt and personal note from him to this day!! He is so special!!
Much love, Kaitlin Gefke"
Martha Treadway
"Meeting up at Angel Stadium" - Martha Treadway
Martha Treadway
“With meeting Fritz at Angel Stadium on June 23, 2016. I think he threw out the 1st pitch.”- Martha Treadway
Ann Pulice Owens
“My co-anchor, Ed Arnold (KOCE-TV/ “Real Orange”) introduced me to Fritz at the Golden Mics 2011. It was the one and only time I met Fritz. He did not disappoint. Funny, warm, self deprecating and inclusive, he very sweetly indulged my fan girl gushing. I then stood silently as Ed and Fritz caught up and reminisced. There was a lot of love and respect between those two LA news veterans. And I was privileged to be included. Fritz will be so very missed.”- Ann Pulice Owens
Traci
"This photo is from 12/15 when Fritz presented my Son In Law-Staff Sargent Justin Santiago with a check -Toy’s for Tots. Such a great memory and experience for our family. Justin was in charge of the toy drive that year. Thank you Fritz -we will miss you. Happy Retirement!" - Bob and Traci Drelen Faithfull Channel Four News Watchers
Valerie Tippy
“It’s from 2003 when he visited Wakefield Ct in Saugus to report on holiday decorations. He was kind of him to take a photo with me, as I had been a big fan for years. We all wish him a fabulous retirement!" - Valerie Tippy
Jeff Palkevich
“I often see Fritz when I’d stop by the Starbucks on Riverside (where he often hangs out) and he was nice enough to take a picture with my Chihuahua, Dynamo. I knew Fritz would take the picture, he’s always the nicest guy, he takes the time to talk to everyone and always little facts about each person. I told Fritz once that my parents still live on New Jersey, every time there’s a big snow storm he asks how they’re doing”- Jeff Palkevich
David Laurell
“When I was serving as the mayor of Burbank, Fritz was the honorary mayor of Toluca Lake. He once told me it was awesome to wield the same power as Paul: The King of Big Screens.”- David Laurell
Colleen McCune
“Fritz Coleman is truly a one-of-a-kind person. Two Boy Scouts from my Troop reached out to Fritz to help them meet the requirements for the weather merit badge they were pursuing. In January of 2019, me, the two Scouts, and parents of one of the boys, were invited by Fritz to drive to Universal City and meet him at NBC Studios for a tour. He was so kind and friendly to all of us upon our arrival and made us feel comfortable being with him. The boys sat in the chairs on the actual set where Fritz does his weather and he also put them in front of the camera to show how he does his weather reports on TV. This is something he didn’t have to do but he was kind enough to do it. This will be a memory that we will all cherish forever. Thank you Fritz for being so friendly to all of us and making a lasting impression on these Scouts and us as adults. The weather on NBC4 News will not be the same without you, but good luck in your retirement and enjoy doing the things but you want to do!” - Colleen McCune
Martha Treadway
“Many fans came out to Angel Stadium to see Fritz throw out the 1st pitch.” - Martha Treadway
Audrey Lawrence
“This was in Vintage’s Computer Lab with our computer instructor, Mrs. Stone, and her children. We believe it was about 1997.” - Audrey Lawrence
He joined NBC4 in 1982, and through the years became well known for his affable personality and infectious smile, turning weather forecasts into must-see TV on NBC4, and performing hilarious “Fritz and Fred” and “Fritz said it would be like this” promos that viewers still remember today.
The marquee on the Garry Marshall Theatre in Toluca Lake expresses a sentiment felt across Southern California. 'Happy retirement, Fritz Coleman. Wishing you blue skies & sunshine. Credit: Jonathan Lloyd/NBCLA
Coleman has been named "Best Weathercaster" in nearly every major newspaper in Southern California and devotes much of his free time to supporting hundreds of charity events to benefit local nonprofit organizations. He has also led several NBC4 community town hall meetings addressing the drought crisis that has impacted our region for many years, including educating neighborhoods on weather patterns and water conservation.
Coleman has garnered several awards and honors for his dedication to community service. In 2019, he received an honorary doctorate from Woodbury University in Burbank for his extensive public service in the community. Over the course of 20 years, he has received Humanitarian of the Year Awards from many charitable organizations, including groups like Shelter Partnership and the California Hospital Medical Center.
The City of Los Angeles named Coleman a "Treasure of Los Angeles,” and the United States House of Representatives gave him a congressional “Humanitarian of the Year Award” for his fundraising efforts on behalf of the American Red Cross.
Coleman has also been honored by the Los Angeles Chapter of the Salvation Army for his long-standing commitment to the organization. He also holds the key to the City of Burbank, and is the Honorary Mayor of Toluca Lake.
It's a bittersweet day at @NBCLA as we wish our dear Fritz Coleman the very best! Thank you for a legendary 39 years in Southern California! What an honor it has been to be able to call you a colleague and friend 🙏🏽Here's to sunny days ahead! ☀️#happyretirement@nbclapic.twitter.com/85tiCbl7DS
Since the 1980’s, his humor has been featured in multiple shows that have aired on NBC4, including "What a Week" (1990 – 1991), "It’s Fritz" (1988-1990), "Fritz and Friends" (Special) and "The Perils of Parenting" (Special). He received four Los Angeles area Emmy Awards for his work on these specials and series. His first production "It's Me! Dad!" won the coveted 1997 Artistic Directors Award. A humorous and touching account of what happens when a baby boomer recounts his own life for his young children, the play shows how a father comes to grips with the passage of time and the skeletons in his closet.
Coleman also worked as a stand-up comic at clubs throughout California, most notably The Improv in Hollywood and The Ice House in Pasadena, where he continues to be a regular. Coleman also made several appearances as a guest on the "Tonight Show with Johnny Carson” and other network shows.
A Navy veteran, Coleman is originally from Philadelphia and attended Salem College in West Virginia and Temple University where he studied radio, television and film. He moved to Los Angeles in 1980 from Buffalo, New York, where he worked as a radio personality. Prior to that, he was a disc jockey and radio talk show host at various stations throughout the country.
By Fritz's count, he's probably done around 2,000 comedy shows and brought laughs to thousands more. Ted Chen reports for NBC LA at 5 p.m. Friday June 26, 2020.
