Television Personality. Bob Wilkins (born Robert Gene Wilkins) was best known as the creator and host of "Creature Features," a late-night program that specialized in showing horror and science-fiction films. Wilkins started his career as an ad man, writing and producing commercials for KCRA in Sacramento, California, in 1963. He became the fill-in host in 1964 for the station's afternoon movie. In 1966, he started hosting a late-night movie program. Invited to move to KTVU, an independent station in Oakland, California, he hosted "Creature Features" on Saturday nights from 1971 to 1979. The show often topped the local Nielsen ratings. Wilkins' popularity was largely due to his dry wit, which he used to poke fun at many of the B-grade films he aired. Part of his schtick was the use of props such as thick glasses, a large cigar, and a bright yellow rocking chair. Notably, the world television premiere of the classic George Romero film, "Night of the Living Dead," was on "Creature Features." In 1977, Wilkins debuted the children's show "Captain Cosmic" on weekday afternoons, which aired science-fiction serials. Japanese imports and old serials such as Flash Gordon were featured. Wilkins wore a helmet that obscured his face, but fans of "Creature Features" recognized his voice. After his departure from television, Willkins returned to his roots as an ad man, running an independent advertising agency that included Chuck E. Cheese restaurants as a client. He retired to Reno, Nevada, in the 1990s. Cause of death: Alzheimer's Disease.
Television Personality. Bob Wilkins (born Robert Gene Wilkins) was best known as the creator and host of "Creature Features," a late-night program that specialized in showing horror and science-fiction films. Wilkins started his career as an ad man, writing and producing commercials for KCRA in Sacramento, California, in 1963. He became the fill-in host in 1964 for the station's afternoon movie. In 1966, he started hosting a late-night movie program. Invited to move to KTVU, an independent station in Oakland, California, he hosted "Creature Features" on Saturday nights from 1971 to 1979. The show often topped the local Nielsen ratings. Wilkins' popularity was largely due to his dry wit, which he used to poke fun at many of the B-grade films he aired. Part of his schtick was the use of props such as thick glasses, a large cigar, and a bright yellow rocking chair. Notably, the world television premiere of the classic George Romero film, "Night of the Living Dead," was on "Creature Features." In 1977, Wilkins debuted the children's show "Captain Cosmic" on weekday afternoons, which aired science-fiction serials. Japanese imports and old serials such as Flash Gordon were featured. Wilkins wore a helmet that obscured his face, but fans of "Creature Features" recognized his voice. After his departure from television, Willkins returned to his roots as an ad man, running an independent advertising agency that included Chuck E. Cheese restaurants as a client. He retired to Reno, Nevada, in the 1990s. Cause of death: Alzheimer's Disease.
Bio by: countedx58
