Jim Fowler (1930 - 2019) Co-Host of "Wild Kingdom" and Frequent "Tonight Show" Guest - Sitcoms Online Message Boards

Zoneboy · 05-09-2019, 12:54 PM

http://www.wildkingdom.com/fowler-life

Jim Fowler – naturalist, explorer, wildlife expert and star of Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom – has passed away. Fowler died on May 8th at the age of 89.

Many will remember Fowler from his days as co-host with Marlin Perkins on Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom. Fowler, who appeared on Wild Kingdom beginning with the pilot episode on January 6, 1963, was never one to shy away from danger. Whether hanging out of a helicopter, bluffing a herd of elephants or wrestling an anaconda, he was always in the midst of the action.

Fowler also earned notoriety on late night television, appearing more than 100 times on the Tonight Show with Johnny Carson, where the two became great friends.

Johnny’s the one who started the jokes about me and Marlin in his monologues,” said Fowler. “Johnny would imitate Marlin saying, ‘I’ll stay back at camp mixing drinks for the native girls while I send Jim downriver to wrestle the two-horned rhino in heat.’”

In addition to the Tonight Show, Fowler appeared on the Merv Griffin Show and Mike Douglas Show. He was also a wildlife correspondent for NBC’s Today Show.

Fowler’s early interest in wildlife was nurtured as a youngster on his family’s large farm, Mud Creek Plantation, near Albany, Georgia. His interest grew through his zoology studies at Earlham College in Richmond, Virginia.

A star athlete in college, Fowler turned down tempting baseball offers from the Philadelphia Philles and New York Yankees in order to continue his wildlife career. He had special interest in training eagles and later became an internationally recognized authority on predatory birds. This reputation was earned in part by being the first man to successfully trap a harpy eagle (the world’s largest bird of prey) and bring it back alive to the United States.

Fowler’s mission as a naturalist was to educate the public about wildlife species throughout the world and how to preserve environments for both animals and humans. Whether presenting to a group of fellow animal experts or elementary school students, Fowler’s message remained the same. “What we have to do is ask ourselves, ‘What’s in it for me?’ Only then will we realize that the continued existence of wildlife and wilderness is ultimately important to the quality of life of humans.”

Fowler’s memory will remain through the work he did on Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom, as well as through the many parks, wildlife centers and nature preserves to which he lent his design and consultant expertise. But perhaps his most important legacy will be the role he played in inspiring the next generation of naturalists and wildlife experts.

AB · 05-09-2019, 04:58 PM

Rest in peace.

MA · 05-09-2019, 05:01 PM

Rest in peace.

MA · 05-09-2019, 08:47 PM

He was actually born in 1930 and died at 89, not 87.

Zoneboy · 05-09-2019, 08:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MA

He was actually born in 1930 and died at 89, not 87.

Link please and hopefully something other than Wikipedia.

Thank you.

MA · 05-09-2019, 08:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zoneboy

Link please and hopefully something other than Wikipedia.

Thank you.

http://www.wildkingdom.com/fowler-life

https://www.nytimes.com/2019/05/09/o...wler-dead.html

Zoneboy · 05-09-2019, 09:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MA

http://www.wildkingdom.com/fowler-life

https://www.nytimes.com/2019/05/09/o...wler-dead.html

Thanks, there's obviously some confusion between the major news sources as to his D.O.B.

MA · 05-09-2019, 09:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zoneboy

Thanks, there's obviously some confusion between the major news sources as to his D.O.B.

You’re welcome. He was 89 as per family statement and memorial.

Zoneboy · 05-09-2019, 09:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MA

You’re welcome. He was 89 as per family statement and memorial.

That works for me, I'll take the family's word over anyone else.

MA · 05-09-2019, 09:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zoneboy

That works for me, I'll take the family's word over anyone else.

The article you posted is still saying 87 though, and even the news articles are saying 89 as well.

Zoneboy · 05-09-2019, 09:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MA

The article you posted is still saying 87 though, and even the news articles are saying 89 as well.

Thanks, I'll fix it.

MA · 05-10-2019, 07:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zoneboy

Thanks, I'll fix it.

You're welcome.

Heenan Fan · 05-10-2019, 09:07 AM

RIP Jim Fowler

I loved watching him and Marlon on Sunday evenings after NFL football. Another part of my childhood gone.

05-09-2019, 12:54 PM	#1
Zoneboy RIP, I'LL NEVER FORGET YOU :( Moderator Forum Superstar Join Date: Jul 13, 2003 Location: AT HOME WISHING ALL THIS WAS JUST A DREAM AND THAT I'LL WAKE UP FROM THIS NIGHTMARE. Posts: 34,380	Jim Fowler (1930 - 2019) Co-Host of "Wild Kingdom" and Frequent "Tonight Show" Guest http://www.wildkingdom.com/fowler-life Jim Fowler – naturalist, explorer, wildlife expert and star of Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom – has passed away. Fowler died on May 8th at the age of 89. Many will remember Fowler from his days as co-host with Marlin Perkins on Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom. Fowler, who appeared on Wild Kingdom beginning with the pilot episode on January 6, 1963, was never one to shy away from danger. Whether hanging out of a helicopter, bluffing a herd of elephants or wrestling an anaconda, he was always in the midst of the action. Fowler also earned notoriety on late night television, appearing more than 100 times on the Tonight Show with Johnny Carson, where the two became great friends. Johnny’s the one who started the jokes about me and Marlin in his monologues,” said Fowler. “Johnny would imitate Marlin saying, ‘I’ll stay back at camp mixing drinks for the native girls while I send Jim downriver to wrestle the two-horned rhino in heat.’” In addition to the Tonight Show, Fowler appeared on the Merv Griffin Show and Mike Douglas Show. He was also a wildlife correspondent for NBC’s Today Show. Fowler’s early interest in wildlife was nurtured as a youngster on his family’s large farm, Mud Creek Plantation, near Albany, Georgia. His interest grew through his zoology studies at Earlham College in Richmond, Virginia. A star athlete in college, Fowler turned down tempting baseball offers from the Philadelphia Philles and New York Yankees in order to continue his wildlife career. He had special interest in training eagles and later became an internationally recognized authority on predatory birds. This reputation was earned in part by being the first man to successfully trap a harpy eagle (the world’s largest bird of prey) and bring it back alive to the United States. Fowler’s mission as a naturalist was to educate the public about wildlife species throughout the world and how to preserve environments for both animals and humans. Whether presenting to a group of fellow animal experts or elementary school students, Fowler’s message remained the same. “What we have to do is ask ourselves, ‘What’s in it for me?’ Only then will we realize that the continued existence of wildlife and wilderness is ultimately important to the quality of life of humans.” Fowler’s memory will remain through the work he did on Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom, as well as through the many parks, wildlife centers and nature preserves to which he lent his design and consultant expertise. But perhaps his most important legacy will be the role he played in inspiring the next generation of naturalists and wildlife experts.
	Last edited by Zoneboy; 05-09-2019 at 09:24 PM.

05-09-2019, 05:01 PM	#3
MA Member Moderator Forum Idol Join Date: May 20, 2017 Location: New Hampshire Posts: 127,512	Rest in peace.
	__________________ ~-Mikaela-~

05-09-2019, 04:58 PM	#2
AB Member Eternal Member Forum Icon Join Date: Dec 26, 2006 Location: The South Posts: 59,429	Rest in peace.

05-09-2019, 08:47 PM	#4
MA Member Moderator Forum Idol Join Date: May 20, 2017 Location: New Hampshire Posts: 127,512	He was actually born in 1930 and died at 89, not 87.

05-10-2019, 09:07 AM	#13
Heenan Fan Member Forum Veteran Join Date: Oct 19, 2016 Posts: 6,001	RIP Jim Fowler I loved watching him and Marlon on Sunday evenings after NFL football. Another part of my childhood gone.