To anyone who grew up in the New York area in the late 50's, early 60's John Zacherle was essential viewing. This charming ghoul's Transylvanian humor and wit was the accompaniment to Chiller Theater, basically an excuse for Zacherle's improv activities during the presentation of a featured classic horror movie. Never was "horror" more entertaining for an adolescent. I just learned from a friend that Zacherle passed away shortly before Halloween at the age of 98- yes even vampires and their ilk face a day of reckoning.
One interesting career twist was he became one of the more popular DJ's at the very progressive WNEW FM during the golden era of FM rock radio. Knew his stuff and related well to his audience without going back into character (although he always had that slightly ghostly laugh).
This site pays tribute including extensive clips. Cute segment of him hosting a teenage dance party with a very young BoxTops as special guests. http://www.jazzwax.com/2016/10/john-zacherle-1918-2016.html
Thanks, Zach, for helping me get through two different eras of growing up!
"From 1958 throughout most of the 1960s, John Zacherle was a horror movie (and later dance show) host on regional Philly/NYC television, a rather ghoulish character billed as "Zacherley." In 1967, he switched to FM radio just in time for the progressive rock radio heyday, and by 1969 was the 10PM-2AM rock DJ for WNEW-FM New York City. When the Dead came to town to play the Fillmore East, Zacherley was the MC for the night, and you can hear his great introduction on 2/13/70 show tapes, and officially on CD as Dick's Pick #4. "I should've brought my coffin," he mumbles, an aside to all the horror movie fans in the audience who grew up watching him, and then, suddenly, "Ladies and Gentlemen.....the Grateful Goddamn DEAD!!!"
http://gratefulgoddamndead.blogspot.com/2006/08/2-13-70-fillmore-east-nyc-dicks-pick-4.html
I started watching Zach on Shock Theatre starting at 8 years old in 1958. I then continued thru the '60s. I absolutley loved him and his show along with all of the horror and science fiction movies he spun. He was FUNNY. Wow - that laugh of his!!!!! He then wound up on WNEW then WPLJ.
