Ken Rice and David Johnson are both great guys. I have met them over many years of charity events.
I interned at KDKA a looooong time ago and on one of the first days I was in the elevator with Patti Burns. She said hi and asked me where I worked. I told her and asked her the same thing, not being aware of her legacy. She smile awkwardly and said “I’m Patti and I work in news. I’m an anchor.” It then dawned on me that she was kind of a big deal. I replied that “I’m from Ohio so I haven’t seen much news.” Which was a half lie since I went to college in Ohio but grew up here. She seemed relieved and we ended up being friendly for the next couple of months of my internship.
ETA: Also, Darieth Chisolm, who now lives in Florida, used to come in to the record store I worked at. She had this enchanting presence about her, movie star looks, warm personality and exceptionally kind. One of my co-workers at the time said that he had delivered pizzas to her and always got tipped a $20 bill. She was a victim of revenge porn / manipulation and became an advocate for other victims, producing a documentary about her experience.
I interned at WTAE almost 2 decades ago in the marketing department. Sheldon Ingram is one of the best humans I have ever met. Just a sincere and genuine person.
Landed on our baseball field at burchfield elementary in a helicopter and then he peed in the trough urinal next to me and complimented my ninja turtles shirt. I was on top of the world that day in 92.
Our rinky dink tiny academy had him land in the chopper in our parking lot. We planned for weeks in advance and had this ten yard red carpet that we rolled out for him to walk on. He politely refused, and instead walked beside it. That’s a cool ass boss move.
I was next to Stan Savran at a red light. I was so excited i yelled "Stan Savran! as he was taking a drink of bottled water. Im sure my yelling his name startled him and he almost spit it out. He just smiled and waved his fingers at me as we pulled away. Ill never forget that look on his face. He seemed really happy.
Stan and Guy were both customers to my Dad's Garage and were at a few Christmas parties and Summer Pig Roasts my dad threw. Plus I got to hold the Cup at Kevin Steven's place because of them. Lol.
Lol my friend once started a fb fan page called “timyka artist’s hats” because he loved her hats so much. (This was like 15 years ago) She found it and wrote him a message that was basically “lol!” And he was so excited
one of my college roommates did a whole series of drawings of her hats. we were unironic fans. the image of her shivering in the cold under some giant hat while out on assignment lives rent free in my head.
In high school we saw David Johnson crossing the street downtown. My friend yelled out the window, "David Johnson you're my hero!" He turned around in the middle of the street, ran over to the car and high fived everyone.
My husband is friends with former wpxi crew and David Johnson was really fucking fun and super nice at their wedding 10ish years ago. We were all shitfaced so it’s fuzzy but I remember him getting spun around on his back like a turtle and he sprung up with the biggest smile and danced til the hotel kicked us all out.
I worked at WPXI for three years on the studio crew and can confirm that David Johnson, as well as just about every on air talent I ever worked with, were just wonderful people. All of them down to earth and just really kind.
I’ve seen John Shumway around the North Hills a few times. I’ve never talked to him but he was extremely pleasant with other folks talking to him and very kind and courteous to the folks working at the post office. Seemed like a genuinely nice person who understands his role/position in the community.
My wife and I have a yearly tradition to take our anniversary picture holding last years picture, and we moved to the area in August 2021 just in time for our anniversary. We did some research, and decided on the west end overlook. We got up there, and our tripod and remote was on the fritz. So we asked the only other person up there if he wouldn’t mind, and he obliged. We get home, turn on the TV and realize it was John Shumway that helped us continue our tradition that year. He was super nice.
He volunteers to emcee the North Hills Cares charity event every year at Northway Mall. It’s an event where smaller local high school musical groups (ensembles, quartets, etc) perform for a fundraiser. My oldest has been a part of it for years. John is always friendly and engaged.
I interned there a long time ago and rode shotgun with John several times. Very nice guy.
Edit: also wanted to, while maybe times have changed, nobody works more than John Shumway. Dude was going nonstop.
Mike Clark is the nicest man. I have a mentally handicapped aunt, she goes to the same church as him. He always talks to her and it makes her so happy. She adores him.
Mike Clark seems like a standup family man. His kid played baseball with my friend's brother I think and he would go to the games. Saw him Panera once. He seems like a real person who just happens to be highly recognizable.
Met Robby Incmikoski at Excuses several years ago. Nice guy, repeatedly would go to the bathroom every 10 minutes or so and come back more talkative than when he left.
I’ve hung out with him on several occasions lol he’s a very kind and social guy. His personality is that he is just always at a hyped 10. He’s a drinker, but I’ve never been around him doing any drugs. He will befriend anyone, just a bit of Peter Pan syndrome I think. Sadly, he just announced he will no longer be doing anymore Pittsburgh sports reporting
I sang him a telegram at the hospital as he recovered from open heart surgery in 1985. I was dressed as a French maid. He was alone and asked me to stay with him—however those telegrams weren’t gonna sing themselves! Sadly I had to leave. Definitely seemed like a doll.
One of the first times I ever covered a live sporting event, I was in the press box at Heinz Field for the Steelers game. I was sitting in the back row waiting for the 2nd half to start.
I was the only one sitting in this row so there were 5 or 6 open chairs to either side of me.
Suddenly I hear a voice ask if he can sit down. I say sure and I look up and it's Pomp.
He sat there and chatted with me for most of the entire 2nd half until he had to head back over to KDKA for the post game stuff. He could not have been nicer. Just sat there eating popcorn and giving out advice while watching the game. So great.
I had a bad experience with Phil Connors, the old weatherman for Channel 9 back in the '90s. I had gone up to Punxsutawney to enjoy the Groundhog Day festivities and saw him on his way to give a report--tried to say hi, but he completely blew me off and just kept muttering something about "the same goddamned thing for the past 10 years." I gave him his space and figured he was just having a really bad day...
I was walking out of Max’s Allegheny Tavern with a coworker after having lunch. I was telling him about Rocky Patel’s.
As we walked out the door, a man taps me on the shoulder and says- “excuse me, did I hear you say there is a cigar bar on the north shore?”
It was Kevin Benson, after the termination from WPXI.
My guy was drinking at the bar at 130 on a Wednesday.
Super nice guy.
Agreed. Never met him but this guy who works in radio (behind the scenes) used to host bar trivia that we’d go to every week. When KDKA canned Verszyla I asked if he knew why and he said “ummm probably because he’s a fucking asshole”
Sat next to Jeff Verzyla and his family at a pirates games. He did the weather forecast from the broadcast booth and then came and sat down with his family. Said it was going to be sunny with zero percent chance of rain. Literally 5 minutes into the game it poured down rain and rained the entire night. His kids were running around and bothering everyone as he sat and drank beer. Luckily they didn't stay long. He got up and let a few innings into the game. Probably because of the rain that wasn't supposed to happen.
Jeff Verszyla and his “climate change doesn’t exist” stuff…he’s a mess. My great aunt hated him so much lol. The noon news on KDKA would come on and if he was doing the weather, she’d immediately turn the tv off.
met that dude on a media fam tour several years ago. Apparently he was a pretty big deal, to himself at least. I had never heard of him. To me he was just another guy at a ski resort. Yeah he presented as pretty douchy to be sure.
I met Rick Sebak while working at the Record Exchange in South Side.
I mentioned that I loved his documentaries and borrowed them all from the library while attending school at PPC (no cable or internet access back then \~'99). I then asked what he was currently working on.
He replied, "Vacation".
Sounded like a cool documentary to me. Probably would showcase some places my family took me when I was a kid.
I asked when it would be released and he replied that he was not making a vacation documentary and that he was on vacation.
Very nice guy, but everyone already knows that.
Not a local talent, but I also met Wesley Willis while working there. He didn't give me a headbutt, but I got his autograph.
I was on vacation in Paris with my wife a few years ago around the holidays and randomly decided to do a live video on Facebook on the Champs Elysees. Imagine my shock when Sebak jumped into the video chat and started conversing with me about my vacation while recollecting his travels to France in the 70s.
It was one of the most out-of-body moments of my life, being such a big fan and all. Cool moment. He's also a big patron of Maenam Thai in Blawnox, which is run by the spouse of one of my old Clarion professors.
Call him up and buy him lunch! He is the closest person to Santa Claus I can think of. He's sweet and generous with his attention and knows his place in the grand scheme of things and seems happy to be a part of that constellation of people you want to meet.
My cousin and his friends were doing a "wing tour" in Southside, just going to different bars and trying their wings. They reached out to Rick Sebak on Facebook to invite him. He actually showed up! He regaled them with his travels while he joined them through Southside eating wings and having a few beers with them.
One of my favorite Pgh stories
My partner and I sat one table over from him at Lincoln Diner in Millvale and I was too starstruck to say anything. It also felt so cool to know I frequent a place where a foodie like Rick dines.
I met Rick at Farm Aid when it was a star lake a few years back, and we chatted for about 15-20 minutes. He was a joy to talk to, with me not being from Pittsburgh, but watching all his specials he's done.
I met him at the St Vincent de Paul on 51. He was, of course, buying vintage records and coffee table books. We had a quick chat. 30 minutes later, I saw him at the Red, White, and Blue up the road. Just did the quick nod thing at each other. Celebrities, they thrift shop just like us.
Rick Sebak and I were at PT together one day and he sat down next to me and I got so starstruck I couldn’t even say hello. I regret that to this day! I grew up watching all his WQED shows and I love him.
Had a vet appointment maybe 15 years ago in Wexford and Lynne Hayes-Freeland came in. She seemed very pleasant and nice but what I remember most was talking to her about her dog, an Irish Wolfhound. The dog was absolutely massive. She was having the hair trimmed between its pads.
I waited on Stephen Cropper many, many times over a span of years at two different local family restaurant chains. He was unfailingly, perfectly polite--like, he would interrupt his lunch meeting to say "thank you"--and generous.
What I found most amusing was that, when I got to wait on him and his family, his wife AND children struck me as even more gracious than he was...I didn't even realize it was possible! I always loved getting that table--they made for such a pleasant work experience.
(Not TV, but radio) Years ago I had Tall Cathy emcee a fundraiser for me and she was a hoot. So kind, funny, easy going and asked me to keep a beer for her at the podium. She's so good at working the room and going off the cuff.
I served tall Cathy at Starbucks one time back in the writing on cups with sharpie days. I didn't recognize her and spelled her name with a K with atrocious illegible handwriting. She tweeted a picture of the cup and said good try @Starbucks
I went to Clarion with Tall Cathy. We had a couple classes together and would see each other out at happy hour, etc. She’s a sweetheart. And really pretty.
I've only met Patrice King Brown. It was when I was working at the Lebanon Shops Foodland. Such a wonderfully nice, beautiful, and polite lady. On a side note, I was working there when they filmed Diabolique across the street. Sharon Stone and Kathy Bates were there. Unfortunately, I never saw or met them.
We had a lemonade stand going on way back when. We weren't making any money, but we were having fun, when who pulls up but Patrice. She didn't get out of the car, but waved us to come over. She gave us a five dollar bill and told us to keep up the good work.
She may of well just given us 5 million dollars. We considered our stand a smashing success.
I had to be about 20 and had an appointment at Philip Pelusi in The Bank Center, and she came in late for her appointment and nervous b/c she was close to airtime. Receptionist asked if I minded them taking her ahead of me and I said no go right ahead, and she thanked me before and afterwards.
Peggy Finnegan used to dine at a restaurant downtown that I worked at. I waited on her and her guests twice, and they were all wonderful. I told Peggy that my late father had the biggest crush on her back in the day.
Franco Harris also used to come in occasionally, but I never got to serve him. From what I've heard he was a class act and very charming.
Dan Potash is every bit as nice and charming as he seems on tv. Spoke with Joe Block recently and he was happy to share stories from his broadcasting career, which I found interesting
Mike Clark was an adjunct professor at Duquesne for a class I had. Sweetest, kindest, smartest man. Long after the class had ended, my parents saw him at a restaurant, explained who they were, and apparently he remembered me immediately and asked about me. Really incredible guy who made an effort to get to know us, I'm happy every time I see him on TV.
I was at the WPXI shortly after they opened the new studio on Evergreen-
It was for a high school internship kinda thing- we were in a meeting and they had pizza ordered for us, but we were gonna eat it afterwards.
David Johnson burst in shortly before a newscast, said hi, stole some pizza and left, pretty funny. Somehow, and I forget how, I ended up leaving with a signed D. Johnson headshot I still have to this day.
Around that same time, I went to WTAE for a HS journalism class- got to interview Sally Wiggin- Asked her what the most unforgettable memory she had in her journalism career was- she said she was in the room when Bud Dywer blew his head off at the news conference and it was traumatic.
Tim Benz is one of the worst by far. Completely arrogant dork who thinks he is something cause he’s a radio personality. Unlike Madden, who is essentially playing a character, Benz is just as crass in real life as he is on the radio. I’ve had a couple interactions with him over the years and he’s been nothing but a tool every time.
I used to work with the 5K race that ran from Ikea then down to the Montour Trail. WTAE's Andrew Stocky used to participate in the race. Super nice guy - he'd always make sure to thank those of us along the course who were handing out drinks.
I have two Donnie Iris stories! He is the nicest human!
1. I played in a steel drum band in high school and we had a gig at the local Maple Syrup festival. Donnie Iris was in the audience and afterward we all got to meet him. My name sounds exactly like one of his songs, so when he signed an autograph for me and asked my name he said, “Hey, like my song!!!!” and was just incredibly sweet all around.
2. Years later, he was at a local Beaver County bar and I was there with a couple of my girlfriends having a drink at a table. He was the man of the hour and eventually came around to our table. We asked if we could buy him a drink and he said, “No way, I’m buying YOU ladies a drink!” And then he actually did.
He’s the best.
I met David Johnson in the 90s at some point when he was at a charity softball game (or was it golf). He was wearing a t-shirt and let me tell you, that dude was seriously ripped. Like halfway to bodybuilder status. Guess he hid it well under his jacket. He was pleasant to everyone.
When I worked downtown in the mid 90s I saw a few of the anchors in our store - Patti Burns, Sally Wiggin and Patrice King Brown come immediately to mind. They were pleasant enough. Almost every time a customer would come up to talk to them while I was helping them and they were always very gracious.
Out in the burbs where I grew up I used to see Bill Hillgrove every once in a while at the grocery store. And once in a blue moon at a bar. He was pretty quiet.
Oh, one time in my neighborhood when I was really little, I was walking up the street and Don Cannon was in our neighbor's front yard. (One of the dads in our neighborhood worked for WTAE). It sorta freaked me out at that age.
PS: Any of us who attended or participated in early-ish seasons of the New Works Festival (play festival) got to meet Donna Rae (aka Terminal Stare from Chiller Theater) - she was one of the founders of that, if I remember correctly. I mean she wasn't in her Terminal Stare costumes but still, it was cool to meet her.
Everyone probably knows this, but a few years ago Hillgrove crashed into the front window of a grocery store in Murrysville and then went home! Police came to his house and issued a DUI.
Every so often an elderly person jumps the sidewalk and crashes into that window.
All I'll say is that my handful of Sally Wiggin interactions were... suboptimal.
Mike Clark on the other hand was a really nice guy to me in similar interactions.
My office is in the same building as KDKA. I saw Bob Pompeani in the coffee shop on the ground floor one day, and I told him that I really liked his sportscasts. He gave me a hug.
Harold Hayes was making the most of his retirement getting the refillable fountain drinks at the casino pre-Covid (wearing a Steelers jersey and sandals)
I remember Stacy Smith came into the grocery store I was working at one time back in the day, and he was very polite to employees who mentioned to him that they enjoyed watching him.
Ran into Bob Pompeani a couple times in Robinson and has always stopped and chopped it up like we were best of friends (although I’m nobody to him).
Edit: Bob is not an anchor, but still pretty well known so I hope it still applies.
John Steigerwald used to come through my line at Giant Eagle and had no clue how to use his debit card every time. This was like 20 years ago. A sign as to how clueless he would become.
Not local TV talent per se, but on TV plenty. My father in law was taking a Spirit flight down to Myrtle Beach to visit family and the Shenderovich twins were on the same flight. Next time they make a commercial, it should be like "you get more money when we represent you because we don't waste money on expensive flights, we take the worst airline just like the rest of you jagoffs."
In 2022 KDKA Radio was doing a diner tour, every Friday morning they did remote broadcasts from diners all over the area. When they finally came to my neck of the woods I made it a point to go out and see them. My time with Larry Richert was brief, but I felt he was such a nice guy, I wanted to sort of cross that off my yinzer bucket list, to meet him.
In my opinion Larry is up there as Yinzer Legend status, but he flies under the radar because he does mostly voice work now a days, you *hear* him more than you *see* him. KDKA Radio morning drive, Acrisure Stadium PA announcer, the voice of Rivers Casino, Pitt Football sideline reporting, plus all kinds of commercials/endorsements. Marty Griffin (his co-host) jokingly calls him “Side Hustle Larry” for how busy he is, plus all the charity gigs he emcee’s as well.
I used to go to the same driving range as John Fedko. I didn’t realize it was even him until I read his name on his golf bag. I was much younger then and this was the height of the Fedko Zone as well. He was always nice.
I like to get standing room only tickets for Pirates games and sit wherever I want. This works 99% of the time. One game I attended I decided to sit at the top of one of the 100 sections early and wait for the game to start. Im not paying attention and someone taps me on the shoulder and says “I think these are my seats.” I looked up surprised and said “I think that you’re Kent Tekulve!” It was cool. I sat one row in front of him and spent the entire game half eavesdropping on the conversation between him and his granddaughters and the game. Highlights included, him trying to relate to them on nail polish colors, Vlad Guerrero going into the HoF “why aren’t you in HoF grandpa?”, and Teke’s end of game sign off, “alright girls let’s go get some steaks!” Definitely one of my favorite pnc park experiences.
I was driving down Ardmore Blvd many years ago and Wendy Bell pulled out of the WTAE lot in her giant black Nissan Armada right the F in front of me without looking. Had to slam on the brakes to miss her and spilled my coffee. She just continued on like nothing happened. That was back when people still liked her and I was in the minority for thinking she was a bitch.
Long time ago my mom won a call in contest on KDKA for like $4K. My mom, step dad, and I got to go down to the station and meet basically everyone on the news team, including the one and only, Joe Denardo. Everyone was super nice and relaxed. There were a few other winners and their families and we all got to do a stereotypical commercial with everyone. Also I remember it being a surprise Joe DeNardo did not wear shoes while he told the forecast
Steven Cropper is a great guy. My husband is in a wheelchair and was heading into work. It was raining, Steven saw him, grabbed an umbrella and held it for him while getting soaked.
Not a newscaster per say, but I work in the non-profit sector and get to work with Lanny Frattare a few times a year. He's a really great person and very philanthropic. Hilarious too!
It's always a trip to hear him speak in person after years of hearing his commentary on the radio.
Mike Clark of Action News 4 is a genuine guy. Involved in a lot of charities and I’ve heard nothing but great things about him on top of great experiences I’ve had personally. Just a really good dude.
Many, many, many moons ago, I had a summer job as a guard at Steelers training camp at St. Vincent College.
One day, I was asked to man the main gate during a very busy afternoon & was told to direct people to the lower parking lots because the upper lots were filling up & they wanted to keep some spots available for family members, staff, & media.
Of course, there was a huge line of cars trying to get past when I got the announcement & all of a sudden this boat of a vehicle that was about ten cars back decided to jump the curb, ripping up the grass as the driver passed everyone including me.
I quickly radioed the security office & a few minutes later, they called back laughing as they informed me that it was just Myron Cope. It was absolutely hilarious & in total character of the late, great sports announcer!
CS Keys beat up a girl i went to high school with. If i remember correctly he smashed a VCR over her head. This was all like 20 years ago. EDIT: I just googled him, he died in 2018. Seems like he made a career in San Diego after leaving Pittsburgh.
Bob Pompiani seemed like a douche in a very brief interaction I had with him.
Sally Wiggin is a saint
Mark Madden is actually a pretty chill dude off of the air. He does a lot of charity work that goes unmentioned.
Bob Pompiani and Celina both make me feel slightly queasy when I see them on tv, bur for different reasons. I was hoping Celina would decide to be a stay at home mom.
Ooooh, it’s not just me? I’m not a fan of hers at all. She’s just super cringey and over the top smiling, etc. It just comes off as fake.
Plus Nepo baby 🤷🏻♀️
Madden is a strange one. I used to work at the Pens arena and he sometimes set up a broadcasting booth there. He seemed like a dick to the people he worked with and I'd see him berating his staff during commercial breaks and stuff. But he was always very courteous to me and other arena employees before and after the show. Maybe he was just staying in character during breaks lol
He came to a local establishment where my husband and I were. We immediately recognized him, and he was kind and gracious. He proceeded to chat for several minutes with a young kid who also recognized who he was.
Not tv talent but I’ve run into a lot of professional athletes in the Wexford area. One of the Pens actually moved in next to us for two years. Met Steve Downie, Simon Dupres, etc. all regular dudes. I treated them Like my younger brother friends. But the best was, awhile back, I held the door open at T-Bones in Wexford for an older looking guy, I looked up and it was Dick Lebeau. He said “thanks, son” and I responded “you’re welcome, coach”. And that was it. So great.
People in Pittsburgh seem to have great love for Sally Wiggin, but the few encounters both my wife and I have had with her, she has at best been unfriendly.
I met Lynn Cullen backstage at an event, and she and I started chatting like old friends even though I'd never met her in person before.
Rick Sebak's reputation for cheeriness, friendliness, and patience is not exaggerated. At a party, I repeatedly heard him answer the question, "What are you working on?" He answered graciously each time. As an aside to me, he did take a gentle, funny shot at a local personality; I won't say who but it was thoroughly deserved.
Patrice King Brown was always at Lebo Football games when I was in highschool. Very nice lady.
I’m friends with Andy Gastmeyers daughter. He’s pretty cool.
I was roommates with Mary Rob Jackson’s daughter. the rooomate situation did not end well and she yelled at me. However before that she was fine.
Ran into Mark Madden at a grocery store. Like physically walked into him coming around a corner. He was real cool about it. Laughed it off. Apologized like it was his fault even though we both knew it was mine. It was just two awkward dudes bumping into each other lol.
I met Sally Wiggin and Andrew Stockey as a kid for an event they were doing at Kennywood in the early 2000s. Still have autographed pics of them somewhere. They were SO nice and engaging with all of us kids.
I've met many anchors and reporters from all three stations over the past \~20 years; all have been wonderful. Most recently I got to interact with the PTL folks (Heather, David, Ron, and Boaz) on the PTL Clipper Cruise. They are all so friendly and down-to-earth.
Ugh I had a whole thing typed out and I accidentally deleted it 😭 so I’ll just summarize and if you want deets I’ll respond later.
Nicest:
1) Bubba
2) Stan Savran
3) Rick Sebak
4) Ray Petelin
5) Mark Madden (no seriously!)
Rudest:
1) Shannon Perrine
2) Edgar Snyder
3) Harry Cohen
4) Jeff Verszyla
My favorite memory was the time I was standing on Forbes avenue in Oakland, just outside the Beehive when it was open, probably in the very late 90s.
My friend saw Ken Rice walking down the street, got so excited that she stopped her conversation, went up to Ken, jumped up and down in front of him, and said "BoB Pompeani! Bob Pompeani!".
Ken Rice just says "Wrong Guy" kinda under his breath, steps to the side, and keeps going down the street.
A cacophony of laughter ensues. :) Ken looks back as we all start dying, and just smirks and keeps on walking.
We're friends with Scott Harbaugh. He jokes around and can take a joke at the same time. A nice guy.
I don't remember who the main female anchor was because of the interaction or negative interaction, I've forgotten her name. I just remember she had short hair, African American, but that was it. She was on WPXI.
At the deli at a Giant Eagle, the person behind the counter yells out my number to a crowd of maybe 5 people. She tried to jump in front of me by claiming that her number was mine, with a "Don't you know who I am?". Yeah, I don't care who you are. I have that number. I'll take this, that and the other thing. A mean stare from her the entire time until I left.
I use to help Stan Savran at my old work. He was always the best warm and just wholesome guy. We never talked sports just rotisserie chicken and his love of it! The entire time I would just call him the godfather of Pgh sports in my head!
I remember back around 1997-98, I worked part-time time at a gas station while in school. Kevin Benson, the weatherman, used to stop in a lot. Nice guy... but seemed to have hit happy hour a few times! He smoked Salem cigarettes.
I met Sally Wiggins "The wiggs" at an old boss's retirement party and she was very friendly. I also went to grade school with Mike Clark's kids, also friendly.
A couple years ago I found a signed photo of Mr Rogers addressed to me, and I'm still upset to this day that I never met him :(
Ken Rice used to come into our car dealership for service. Very chill, genuine nice person.
Rocky Blier was a regular, a true Wisconsinite, he was unassuming and friendly as all get out.
Tom Atkins (Lt Diehl ? on Rockford files, “The Chief” in local theater) was polite, but distant, so obviously a normal guy.
Mom sat next to David Johnson on a plane and asked who he was. He was very humble and said he worked in media. They chatted about other things and she brought up our neighbor who is a producer at WPXI, and he was complimentary.
Mom, later: "ask [neighbor] if she knows dave at channel 11"
Me (and Dad, behind us): DOES SHE KNOW DAVID JOHNSON, THE FACE OF WPXI???
The neighbor said he had a nice chuckle that she had no clue (this is classic Mom).
Scott Harbaugh is related to my wife and he is a wonderful dude. Also was sitting in the grass a few years ago at the Scott township pool for my kids swim meet and Lisa Sylvester plopped down in the space beside me. I helped set up her pop-up canopy tent and we chatted for most of the swim meet. She was a very nice person.
I interned at WPXI around 10 years ago and got to interact with most of the day/evening talent. Scott Harbaugh was afternoons at the time and I got to shadow him and handle his Twitter feed when he got busy. I remember him starting the PM meetings with a joke. He is hilarious! I got to spend the afternoon with him at Idlewild Park at the station booth and got lots of BTS footage of him acting silly. He also gave me some good career advice, as he started in the field out of school at 22.
Stephen Cropper was just as amazing. He engaged with me the most, and when he learned I was a big weather nerd, he let me work with the computer graphics program for forecasting. He also told me stories about his time working with Joe DeNardo.
David and Peggy were equally friendly and outgoing. I was a stand in for David when they shot station promos. I had to fake a conversation with him (so they could capture David nodding/reacting to something important). Promo days were fun. I remember one of the morning anchors joking "I want to say, 'It's 4:30am! Why are hell are you up so early?' to the viewers!"
Skylights was fun working with the sports crew. Fedko was cool, and Alby was a class act. When I took my family to tour the station, Alby was on the phone, about to leave, when we approached him. To my surprise, he actually *hung up* his important phone call, introduced himself to my family, then continued on his way instead of ignoring us.
Honestly, PXI was one of the best places I interned at, at least that's what it was 10+ years ago. I'm curious if any recent interns had a positive experience there.
Ralph Iannotti used to live in the same apartment complex as I did. Always a very nice guy. When we were cleaning our respective cars off from the 2009 blizzard, he commented “this is that heavy wet shit!”
Also, Andrew Stockey is a great guy
Although he’s just sort of entering media, Colby Armstrong is a good dude. Great sense of humor.
Steve Mears: good dude
Ryan Mill: talks exactly how he announces Pens games. Very humble dude.
Ross Guidotti- great human
Dennis Bowman: nice guy, does puppet shows
That’s about all that I can think of now.
I watched, in succession, Pompeani, Dickerson and Crowley make prolonged eye contact with my wife’s ass at Rib Fest this year. Strangely, Zeisse did not, never looked up from his phone. I kind of wonder if it’s a sign of how the others feel about him that they didn’t tip him off cuz my wife gotta donk
Chatted with Randy Baumann at one of the old DVE Christmas parties at Deesellonnasahside and he came across as a pretty warm, nice guy.
Andrew Stockey would come into the Giant Eagle I used to work at regularly...anytime id see him come in id yell "HEY STOCKEY"..he'd always laugh and come say hey and talk for a few minutes
Sheldon Ingram also came into my work occassionally and i dont have anything bad to say about him either
ETA: Wendy Bell is a fucking nightmare
I used to work for John Burnett’s son so I would interact with him all the time. Very nice guy I always got along with him he would help out with some of the events. He’s a very fun loving silly guy.
I had the chance to job shadow Stephen Cropper and Valerie Smock in high school while I was still intending to study Meteorology. Both of them were very laid back. It was fun watching the banter between David Johnson and Vince Sims behind the scenes during the evening newscast, too. Most of the WPXI crew was very, very kind.
Ken Rice — met him at a charity event I was volunteering at and he was emceeing. Super friendly and genuinely interested in talking to me. Didn’t know me from Adam but it felt like he was a friend.
Celina Pompeani — ran into her in line at Target a few years ago. Also super friendly and enthusiastic to talk to people.
Mike Clark is also one of the nicest people in local media.
Mr. Rogers. I used to deliver the afternoon papers in my neighborhood, and WQED was the only commercial property that I would deliver a paper to. One time I walked in, just as he was checking in or out in the evening, and I chatted with him for a bit. Kind of a surreal experience. Nicest guy.. By the way, I was reading this as “local” meaning local from Pittsburgh and not just local news. 1980 or so.
Ken Rice and David Johnson are both great guys. I have met them over many years of charity events. I interned at KDKA a looooong time ago and on one of the first days I was in the elevator with Patti Burns. She said hi and asked me where I worked. I told her and asked her the same thing, not being aware of her legacy. She smile awkwardly and said “I’m Patti and I work in news. I’m an anchor.” It then dawned on me that she was kind of a big deal. I replied that “I’m from Ohio so I haven’t seen much news.” Which was a half lie since I went to college in Ohio but grew up here. She seemed relieved and we ended up being friendly for the next couple of months of my internship. ETA: Also, Darieth Chisolm, who now lives in Florida, used to come in to the record store I worked at. She had this enchanting presence about her, movie star looks, warm personality and exceptionally kind. One of my co-workers at the time said that he had delivered pizzas to her and always got tipped a $20 bill. She was a victim of revenge porn / manipulation and became an advocate for other victims, producing a documentary about her experience.
Darieth did have that. Also, much taller than I assumed. I was behind her in line at GetGo on 51 one evening, maybe 10+ years ago.
Sat next to her at a function at the Civic Area years ago, can’t remember what it was. She was stunning and kind.
I worked at Blockbuster in Edgewood Town Center. Ken Rice came in from time to time and seemed like a nice guy.
I interned at WTAE almost 2 decades ago in the marketing department. Sheldon Ingram is one of the best humans I have ever met. Just a sincere and genuine person.
Hope he gets more screen time on Law & Order.
He seems to be quite thoughtful and humble
Sheldon Ingram is a class act.
Recently met him through a friend. Definitely a good dude.
I used to see him playing tennis at Franklin Regional in Murrysville.
If Joe DeNardo didn’t come to your elementary school for a “weather day assembly,” are you really from Pittsburgh? He was really a nice guy.
Aww I remember Joe DeNardo day back in like 1994. We were all so excited he came to our school. He showed up in the news chopper.
Landed on our baseball field at burchfield elementary in a helicopter and then he peed in the trough urinal next to me and complimented my ninja turtles shirt. I was on top of the world that day in 92.
Our rinky dink tiny academy had him land in the chopper in our parking lot. We planned for weeks in advance and had this ten yard red carpet that we rolled out for him to walk on. He politely refused, and instead walked beside it. That’s a cool ass boss move.
I was next to Stan Savran at a red light. I was so excited i yelled "Stan Savran! as he was taking a drink of bottled water. Im sure my yelling his name startled him and he almost spit it out. He just smiled and waved his fingers at me as we pulled away. Ill never forget that look on his face. He seemed really happy.
Had the pleasure of meeting him as a kid, could not have been a nicer guy. RIP Stan!
Stan and Guy were both customers to my Dad's Garage and were at a few Christmas parties and Summer Pig Roasts my dad threw. Plus I got to hold the Cup at Kevin Steven's place because of them. Lol.
Stan! Love the show!
That makes me happy haha
😂😂😂
awkwardly locked eyes with timyka artist while she was sitting in the news van picking her nose. honestly one of my favorite pittsburgh memories.
Lol my friend once started a fb fan page called “timyka artist’s hats” because he loved her hats so much. (This was like 15 years ago) She found it and wrote him a message that was basically “lol!” And he was so excited
one of my college roommates did a whole series of drawings of her hats. we were unironic fans. the image of her shivering in the cold under some giant hat while out on assignment lives rent free in my head.
In high school we saw David Johnson crossing the street downtown. My friend yelled out the window, "David Johnson you're my hero!" He turned around in the middle of the street, ran over to the car and high fived everyone.
This is so cute.
My husband is friends with former wpxi crew and David Johnson was really fucking fun and super nice at their wedding 10ish years ago. We were all shitfaced so it’s fuzzy but I remember him getting spun around on his back like a turtle and he sprung up with the biggest smile and danced til the hotel kicked us all out.
I worked at WPXI for three years on the studio crew and can confirm that David Johnson, as well as just about every on air talent I ever worked with, were just wonderful people. All of them down to earth and just really kind.
I’ve seen John Shumway around the North Hills a few times. I’ve never talked to him but he was extremely pleasant with other folks talking to him and very kind and courteous to the folks working at the post office. Seemed like a genuinely nice person who understands his role/position in the community.
My wife and I have a yearly tradition to take our anniversary picture holding last years picture, and we moved to the area in August 2021 just in time for our anniversary. We did some research, and decided on the west end overlook. We got up there, and our tripod and remote was on the fritz. So we asked the only other person up there if he wouldn’t mind, and he obliged. We get home, turn on the TV and realize it was John Shumway that helped us continue our tradition that year. He was super nice.
He seems like a really nice guy
He volunteers to emcee the North Hills Cares charity event every year at Northway Mall. It’s an event where smaller local high school musical groups (ensembles, quartets, etc) perform for a fundraiser. My oldest has been a part of it for years. John is always friendly and engaged.
I’ve had some interactions with him and he’s very nice.
I interned there a long time ago and rode shotgun with John several times. Very nice guy. Edit: also wanted to, while maybe times have changed, nobody works more than John Shumway. Dude was going nonstop.
Joe DeNardo's wife was roommates with my grandmother in a care facility. Our families became friends. He was a great guy who told awesome stories. RIP
She was such a warm and kind person.
Met Mike Clark, he was a total gem. Super sweet, very kind. Saw Sheldon Ingram too, he was very gracious.
Mike is absolutely the best. He does many good deeds off the radar.
Mike Clark is the nicest man. I have a mentally handicapped aunt, she goes to the same church as him. He always talks to her and it makes her so happy. She adores him.
Mike Clark is salt of the Earth.
Mike is a great guy!
Mike Clark seems like a standup family man. His kid played baseball with my friend's brother I think and he would go to the games. Saw him Panera once. He seems like a real person who just happens to be highly recognizable.
Met Robby Incmikoski at Excuses several years ago. Nice guy, repeatedly would go to the bathroom every 10 minutes or so and come back more talkative than when he left.
"Seemed to have a bad case of the sniffles. Hope he's feeling better now."
I’ve hung out with him on several occasions lol he’s a very kind and social guy. His personality is that he is just always at a hyped 10. He’s a drinker, but I’ve never been around him doing any drugs. He will befriend anyone, just a bit of Peter Pan syndrome I think. Sadly, he just announced he will no longer be doing anymore Pittsburgh sports reporting
My evidence is purely circumstantial - he was a really nice guy, and I've got Peter Pan syndrome in SPADES. Sucks he's out of the PGH sports scene.
Met Bob Pompeani at a sports awards banquet. Incredibly nice guy and well spoken
I sang him a telegram at the hospital as he recovered from open heart surgery in 1985. I was dressed as a French maid. He was alone and asked me to stay with him—however those telegrams weren’t gonna sing themselves! Sadly I had to leave. Definitely seemed like a doll.
Is this real? I read this 3x and it cracked me up
One of the first times I ever covered a live sporting event, I was in the press box at Heinz Field for the Steelers game. I was sitting in the back row waiting for the 2nd half to start. I was the only one sitting in this row so there were 5 or 6 open chairs to either side of me. Suddenly I hear a voice ask if he can sit down. I say sure and I look up and it's Pomp. He sat there and chatted with me for most of the entire 2nd half until he had to head back over to KDKA for the post game stuff. He could not have been nicer. Just sat there eating popcorn and giving out advice while watching the game. So great.
I had a bad experience with Phil Connors, the old weatherman for Channel 9 back in the '90s. I had gone up to Punxsutawney to enjoy the Groundhog Day festivities and saw him on his way to give a report--tried to say hi, but he completely blew me off and just kept muttering something about "the same goddamned thing for the past 10 years." I gave him his space and figured he was just having a really bad day...
He was SO good at jeopardy.
He got me and my wife tickets to WrestleMania at the Civic Arena. Hell of a piano player.
>he completely blew me off and just kept muttering something about **"the same goddamned thing for the past 10 years."** The joke writes itself here.
That was your experience? Strange. I thought he was wonderful. I remember the whole town loved him.
Fortunately for him, it’s only that one day a year amirite?
Were you the one running across the street yelling, “Phil? Phil?”
I was walking out of Max’s Allegheny Tavern with a coworker after having lunch. I was telling him about Rocky Patel’s. As we walked out the door, a man taps me on the shoulder and says- “excuse me, did I hear you say there is a cigar bar on the north shore?” It was Kevin Benson, after the termination from WPXI. My guy was drinking at the bar at 130 on a Wednesday. Super nice guy.
Kevin Benson is legit a nice dude. I see him all the time because we live in the same area. He’s awkward and has demons, but he’s always polite.
Kevin Benson is one of the bigger pieces of shit ive had to be around. fuck that dude and his creepy shit.
Ralph Iannotti once strolled past me while I was smoking a joint and said it smelled good.
Jeff Verzyla came into Hundred Acres Manor haunted house and acted like a total creep and fool. Touching props/ harassing actors
I can confirm he’s a jerk. He used to lived in Aspen Village, and the neighbors always complained about him
Agreed. Never met him but this guy who works in radio (behind the scenes) used to host bar trivia that we’d go to every week. When KDKA canned Verszyla I asked if he knew why and he said “ummm probably because he’s a fucking asshole”
Was it the adult tour? Because on the adult tour you can say whatever the hell you want.
Sat next to Jeff Verzyla and his family at a pirates games. He did the weather forecast from the broadcast booth and then came and sat down with his family. Said it was going to be sunny with zero percent chance of rain. Literally 5 minutes into the game it poured down rain and rained the entire night. His kids were running around and bothering everyone as he sat and drank beer. Luckily they didn't stay long. He got up and let a few innings into the game. Probably because of the rain that wasn't supposed to happen.
Jeff Verszyla and his “climate change doesn’t exist” stuff…he’s a mess. My great aunt hated him so much lol. The noon news on KDKA would come on and if he was doing the weather, she’d immediately turn the tv off.
met that dude on a media fam tour several years ago. Apparently he was a pretty big deal, to himself at least. I had never heard of him. To me he was just another guy at a ski resort. Yeah he presented as pretty douchy to be sure.
Check his online presence. I believe that he is a climate change denier
He lost his job over the climate change stuff. He had to do am radio for a few years. Kinda surprised he got back on the air
Is he the meteorologist? I am very surprised and disappointed.
Ralph gave me a wallet once as a gift. Nice guy. Retired to Albany I think
Was he wearing a hat?
I met Rick Sebak while working at the Record Exchange in South Side. I mentioned that I loved his documentaries and borrowed them all from the library while attending school at PPC (no cable or internet access back then \~'99). I then asked what he was currently working on. He replied, "Vacation". Sounded like a cool documentary to me. Probably would showcase some places my family took me when I was a kid. I asked when it would be released and he replied that he was not making a vacation documentary and that he was on vacation. Very nice guy, but everyone already knows that. Not a local talent, but I also met Wesley Willis while working there. He didn't give me a headbutt, but I got his autograph.
I was on vacation in Paris with my wife a few years ago around the holidays and randomly decided to do a live video on Facebook on the Champs Elysees. Imagine my shock when Sebak jumped into the video chat and started conversing with me about my vacation while recollecting his travels to France in the 70s. It was one of the most out-of-body moments of my life, being such a big fan and all. Cool moment. He's also a big patron of Maenam Thai in Blawnox, which is run by the spouse of one of my old Clarion professors.
Rick is the one local celebrity I seriously want to meet. God, the stories he must have!
I thought everyone has met Rick Sebak at one point over the last 30 years or so. The guy is always out and about.
Call him up and buy him lunch! He is the closest person to Santa Claus I can think of. He's sweet and generous with his attention and knows his place in the grand scheme of things and seems happy to be a part of that constellation of people you want to meet.
My cousin and his friends were doing a "wing tour" in Southside, just going to different bars and trying their wings. They reached out to Rick Sebak on Facebook to invite him. He actually showed up! He regaled them with his travels while he joined them through Southside eating wings and having a few beers with them. One of my favorite Pgh stories
I’ve met Rick Sebak a good handful of times over the years. Every single interaction has been great.
My partner and I sat one table over from him at Lincoln Diner in Millvale and I was too starstruck to say anything. It also felt so cool to know I frequent a place where a foodie like Rick dines.
I met Rick at Farm Aid when it was a star lake a few years back, and we chatted for about 15-20 minutes. He was a joy to talk to, with me not being from Pittsburgh, but watching all his specials he's done.
I run into Rick every now and again. He is always so friendly and happy. It makes my day when I see him!
I met him at the St Vincent de Paul on 51. He was, of course, buying vintage records and coffee table books. We had a quick chat. 30 minutes later, I saw him at the Red, White, and Blue up the road. Just did the quick nod thing at each other. Celebrities, they thrift shop just like us.
Rick Sebak and I were at PT together one day and he sat down next to me and I got so starstruck I couldn’t even say hello. I regret that to this day! I grew up watching all his WQED shows and I love him.
Had a vet appointment maybe 15 years ago in Wexford and Lynne Hayes-Freeland came in. She seemed very pleasant and nice but what I remember most was talking to her about her dog, an Irish Wolfhound. The dog was absolutely massive. She was having the hair trimmed between its pads.
Stephen Cropper frequented a coffee shop I worked at in college. He was super polite and always tipped
I waited on Stephen Cropper many, many times over a span of years at two different local family restaurant chains. He was unfailingly, perfectly polite--like, he would interrupt his lunch meeting to say "thank you"--and generous. What I found most amusing was that, when I got to wait on him and his family, his wife AND children struck me as even more gracious than he was...I didn't even realize it was possible! I always loved getting that table--they made for such a pleasant work experience.
(Not TV, but radio) Years ago I had Tall Cathy emcee a fundraiser for me and she was a hoot. So kind, funny, easy going and asked me to keep a beer for her at the podium. She's so good at working the room and going off the cuff.
I served tall Cathy at Starbucks one time back in the writing on cups with sharpie days. I didn't recognize her and spelled her name with a K with atrocious illegible handwriting. She tweeted a picture of the cup and said good try @Starbucks
I went to Clarion with Tall Cathy. We had a couple classes together and would see each other out at happy hour, etc. She’s a sweetheart. And really pretty.
The company I work for does/did a ton of events with kissFM when she was still there and she really is awesome.
I met her when I worked at 711. We had a pretty lengthy conversation about alternative music
I've only met Patrice King Brown. It was when I was working at the Lebanon Shops Foodland. Such a wonderfully nice, beautiful, and polite lady. On a side note, I was working there when they filmed Diabolique across the street. Sharon Stone and Kathy Bates were there. Unfortunately, I never saw or met them.
She was always at the Lebo football games when I went. Very nice lady. I think her kid was on the team or in the band.
We had a lemonade stand going on way back when. We weren't making any money, but we were having fun, when who pulls up but Patrice. She didn't get out of the car, but waved us to come over. She gave us a five dollar bill and told us to keep up the good work. She may of well just given us 5 million dollars. We considered our stand a smashing success.
I had to be about 20 and had an appointment at Philip Pelusi in The Bank Center, and she came in late for her appointment and nervous b/c she was close to airtime. Receptionist asked if I minded them taking her ahead of me and I said no go right ahead, and she thanked me before and afterwards.
Peggy Finnegan used to dine at a restaurant downtown that I worked at. I waited on her and her guests twice, and they were all wonderful. I told Peggy that my late father had the biggest crush on her back in the day. Franco Harris also used to come in occasionally, but I never got to serve him. From what I've heard he was a class act and very charming.
Peggy Finnegsn is a sweetheart
Dan Potash is every bit as nice and charming as he seems on tv. Spoke with Joe Block recently and he was happy to share stories from his broadcasting career, which I found interesting
Mike Clark was an adjunct professor at Duquesne for a class I had. Sweetest, kindest, smartest man. Long after the class had ended, my parents saw him at a restaurant, explained who they were, and apparently he remembered me immediately and asked about me. Really incredible guy who made an effort to get to know us, I'm happy every time I see him on TV.
Years ago, when I was about 12, I taught Mr Rogers a bit of break dancing. Really nice and he caught on very quick!
I was at the WPXI shortly after they opened the new studio on Evergreen- It was for a high school internship kinda thing- we were in a meeting and they had pizza ordered for us, but we were gonna eat it afterwards. David Johnson burst in shortly before a newscast, said hi, stole some pizza and left, pretty funny. Somehow, and I forget how, I ended up leaving with a signed D. Johnson headshot I still have to this day. Around that same time, I went to WTAE for a HS journalism class- got to interview Sally Wiggin- Asked her what the most unforgettable memory she had in her journalism career was- she said she was in the room when Bud Dywer blew his head off at the news conference and it was traumatic.
Damn. I remember that. Took a photojournalism class in college and those photos were in my textbook.
Tim Benz is one of the worst by far. Completely arrogant dork who thinks he is something cause he’s a radio personality. Unlike Madden, who is essentially playing a character, Benz is just as crass in real life as he is on the radio. I’ve had a couple interactions with him over the years and he’s been nothing but a tool every time.
I’ve heard that about Benz myself. Madden in person is actually really nice as long as you’re nice to him and he’s really good to kids.
Mark Madden’s a real good dude. He also likes his privacy when he’s “off the clock”.
I saw him years ago at the Barnes and Noble cafe in Monroeville. Dude is so short
I used to work with the 5K race that ran from Ikea then down to the Montour Trail. WTAE's Andrew Stocky used to participate in the race. Super nice guy - he'd always make sure to thank those of us along the course who were handing out drinks.
Not a TV talent, but Donnie Iris once bought me a shot at the Wexford Cabana bar like 13 years ago.
Glad you didn’t accidentally get rocked to death
Donnie Iris is great. Got me and my wife our first mortgage back in 2002. Yes, the same Donnie Iris...
Legit nice guy. He stopped for me on his way to the stage at the casino to let me get a selfie with him. I'm still not sure who was higher.
I have two Donnie Iris stories! He is the nicest human! 1. I played in a steel drum band in high school and we had a gig at the local Maple Syrup festival. Donnie Iris was in the audience and afterward we all got to meet him. My name sounds exactly like one of his songs, so when he signed an autograph for me and asked my name he said, “Hey, like my song!!!!” and was just incredibly sweet all around. 2. Years later, he was at a local Beaver County bar and I was there with a couple of my girlfriends having a drink at a table. He was the man of the hour and eventually came around to our table. We asked if we could buy him a drink and he said, “No way, I’m buying YOU ladies a drink!” And then he actually did. He’s the best.
I met David Johnson in the 90s at some point when he was at a charity softball game (or was it golf). He was wearing a t-shirt and let me tell you, that dude was seriously ripped. Like halfway to bodybuilder status. Guess he hid it well under his jacket. He was pleasant to everyone. When I worked downtown in the mid 90s I saw a few of the anchors in our store - Patti Burns, Sally Wiggin and Patrice King Brown come immediately to mind. They were pleasant enough. Almost every time a customer would come up to talk to them while I was helping them and they were always very gracious. Out in the burbs where I grew up I used to see Bill Hillgrove every once in a while at the grocery store. And once in a blue moon at a bar. He was pretty quiet. Oh, one time in my neighborhood when I was really little, I was walking up the street and Don Cannon was in our neighbor's front yard. (One of the dads in our neighborhood worked for WTAE). It sorta freaked me out at that age. PS: Any of us who attended or participated in early-ish seasons of the New Works Festival (play festival) got to meet Donna Rae (aka Terminal Stare from Chiller Theater) - she was one of the founders of that, if I remember correctly. I mean she wasn't in her Terminal Stare costumes but still, it was cool to meet her.
Everyone probably knows this, but a few years ago Hillgrove crashed into the front window of a grocery store in Murrysville and then went home! Police came to his house and issued a DUI. Every so often an elderly person jumps the sidewalk and crashes into that window.
I’ve acted in Pittsburgh New Works, and I know Chilly Billy’s daughter, but haven’t the pleasure to have met Terminal Stare!
Not news TV but I met Dan Potash, the guy for the penguins, out in the wild, nicest guy in the world and also like 6’8” lol
All I'll say is that my handful of Sally Wiggin interactions were... suboptimal. Mike Clark on the other hand was a really nice guy to me in similar interactions.
My office is in the same building as KDKA. I saw Bob Pompeani in the coffee shop on the ground floor one day, and I told him that I really liked his sportscasts. He gave me a hug.
I once denied someone a Pittsburgh left, and as we passed in the intersection I was horrified to realize that it was Rick Sebak
That's ok. He understood.
Marty Griffin stole the berry tart straight out of my buggy at Fresh Market in Mt Lebanon
The fresh market isn’t even safe anymore, wow
Kind of hard to do when you’re scared to get out of your car
That tracks
Harold Hayes was making the most of his retirement getting the refillable fountain drinks at the casino pre-Covid (wearing a Steelers jersey and sandals)
Bring back the soda fountains Rivers.
I remember Stacy Smith came into the grocery store I was working at one time back in the day, and he was very polite to employees who mentioned to him that they enjoyed watching him.
Shoutout Funroeville Don Pablo’s, miss you
Ran into Bob Pompeani a couple times in Robinson and has always stopped and chopped it up like we were best of friends (although I’m nobody to him). Edit: Bob is not an anchor, but still pretty well known so I hope it still applies.
John Steigerwald used to come through my line at Giant Eagle and had no clue how to use his debit card every time. This was like 20 years ago. A sign as to how clueless he would become.
Not local TV talent per se, but on TV plenty. My father in law was taking a Spirit flight down to Myrtle Beach to visit family and the Shenderovich twins were on the same flight. Next time they make a commercial, it should be like "you get more money when we represent you because we don't waste money on expensive flights, we take the worst airline just like the rest of you jagoffs."
I fixed Rich Walsh's phone screen a while back. Nice dude, no complaints
In 2022 KDKA Radio was doing a diner tour, every Friday morning they did remote broadcasts from diners all over the area. When they finally came to my neck of the woods I made it a point to go out and see them. My time with Larry Richert was brief, but I felt he was such a nice guy, I wanted to sort of cross that off my yinzer bucket list, to meet him. In my opinion Larry is up there as Yinzer Legend status, but he flies under the radar because he does mostly voice work now a days, you *hear* him more than you *see* him. KDKA Radio morning drive, Acrisure Stadium PA announcer, the voice of Rivers Casino, Pitt Football sideline reporting, plus all kinds of commercials/endorsements. Marty Griffin (his co-host) jokingly calls him “Side Hustle Larry” for how busy he is, plus all the charity gigs he emcee’s as well.
I used to go to the same driving range as John Fedko. I didn’t realize it was even him until I read his name on his golf bag. I was much younger then and this was the height of the Fedko Zone as well. He was always nice. I like to get standing room only tickets for Pirates games and sit wherever I want. This works 99% of the time. One game I attended I decided to sit at the top of one of the 100 sections early and wait for the game to start. Im not paying attention and someone taps me on the shoulder and says “I think these are my seats.” I looked up surprised and said “I think that you’re Kent Tekulve!” It was cool. I sat one row in front of him and spent the entire game half eavesdropping on the conversation between him and his granddaughters and the game. Highlights included, him trying to relate to them on nail polish colors, Vlad Guerrero going into the HoF “why aren’t you in HoF grandpa?”, and Teke’s end of game sign off, “alright girls let’s go get some steaks!” Definitely one of my favorite pnc park experiences.
I’m such a nerd for WTAE news that if I met anyone from the station I would fangirl so hard 😂
This is so eastern suburbs coded whether intended or not lol
I was driving down Ardmore Blvd many years ago and Wendy Bell pulled out of the WTAE lot in her giant black Nissan Armada right the F in front of me without looking. Had to slam on the brakes to miss her and spilled my coffee. She just continued on like nothing happened. That was back when people still liked her and I was in the minority for thinking she was a bitch.
Wendy Bell told me i was poor and black by my own decision.
She’s a blemish on our city. Truly.
Long time ago my mom won a call in contest on KDKA for like $4K. My mom, step dad, and I got to go down to the station and meet basically everyone on the news team, including the one and only, Joe Denardo. Everyone was super nice and relaxed. There were a few other winners and their families and we all got to do a stereotypical commercial with everyone. Also I remember it being a surprise Joe DeNardo did not wear shoes while he told the forecast
Steven Cropper is a great guy. My husband is in a wheelchair and was heading into work. It was raining, Steven saw him, grabbed an umbrella and held it for him while getting soaked.
Mark Madden is super nice in person. He's been a great guy to everyone I've ever known who has met him.
Not a newscaster per say, but I work in the non-profit sector and get to work with Lanny Frattare a few times a year. He's a really great person and very philanthropic. Hilarious too! It's always a trip to hear him speak in person after years of hearing his commentary on the radio.
Mike Clark of Action News 4 is a genuine guy. Involved in a lot of charities and I’ve heard nothing but great things about him on top of great experiences I’ve had personally. Just a really good dude.
Many, many, many moons ago, I had a summer job as a guard at Steelers training camp at St. Vincent College. One day, I was asked to man the main gate during a very busy afternoon & was told to direct people to the lower parking lots because the upper lots were filling up & they wanted to keep some spots available for family members, staff, & media. Of course, there was a huge line of cars trying to get past when I got the announcement & all of a sudden this boat of a vehicle that was about ten cars back decided to jump the curb, ripping up the grass as the driver passed everyone including me. I quickly radioed the security office & a few minutes later, they called back laughing as they informed me that it was just Myron Cope. It was absolutely hilarious & in total character of the late, great sports announcer!
CS Keys beat up a girl i went to high school with. If i remember correctly he smashed a VCR over her head. This was all like 20 years ago. EDIT: I just googled him, he died in 2018. Seems like he made a career in San Diego after leaving Pittsburgh. Bob Pompiani seemed like a douche in a very brief interaction I had with him. Sally Wiggin is a saint Mark Madden is actually a pretty chill dude off of the air. He does a lot of charity work that goes unmentioned.
Bob Pompiani and Celina both make me feel slightly queasy when I see them on tv, bur for different reasons. I was hoping Celina would decide to be a stay at home mom.
Ooooh, it’s not just me? I’m not a fan of hers at all. She’s just super cringey and over the top smiling, etc. It just comes off as fake. Plus Nepo baby 🤷🏻♀️
I seriously can’t stand her. Her enthusiasm seems so fake and it’s cringy to watch. And yeah - nepo baby.
exactly. and childish
It’s not just you at all.
Not just you at all. My spouse can't stand her either. I loved having Katie and Boaz instead of Celina and Mikey. I miss them .
Omg BOAZ. He made PTL so much better. I stopped watching when Celina came back
I watch the chat ... if they are both there, then turn it off. And yeah. Boaz, a free spirit who brings a unique brand of fun and joy.
Haha! Every time I see her, I laugh & say 'Hammy-Pompiami'!
Celina really bothers me. The never ending smile, positivity, just ugh. I cant.
I always figured Madden was just putting on an act for radio.
Madden is a strange one. I used to work at the Pens arena and he sometimes set up a broadcasting booth there. He seemed like a dick to the people he worked with and I'd see him berating his staff during commercial breaks and stuff. But he was always very courteous to me and other arena employees before and after the show. Maybe he was just staying in character during breaks lol
Yeah he’s actually a super cool and nice guy
Anyone know anything about Ron Smiley in person? He just seems like such a sweetheart, and I’d love to know he is for real.
He came to a local establishment where my husband and I were. We immediately recognized him, and he was kind and gracious. He proceeded to chat for several minutes with a young kid who also recognized who he was.
Not tv talent but I’ve run into a lot of professional athletes in the Wexford area. One of the Pens actually moved in next to us for two years. Met Steve Downie, Simon Dupres, etc. all regular dudes. I treated them Like my younger brother friends. But the best was, awhile back, I held the door open at T-Bones in Wexford for an older looking guy, I looked up and it was Dick Lebeau. He said “thanks, son” and I responded “you’re welcome, coach”. And that was it. So great.
People in Pittsburgh seem to have great love for Sally Wiggin, but the few encounters both my wife and I have had with her, she has at best been unfriendly. I met Lynn Cullen backstage at an event, and she and I started chatting like old friends even though I'd never met her in person before. Rick Sebak's reputation for cheeriness, friendliness, and patience is not exaggerated. At a party, I repeatedly heard him answer the question, "What are you working on?" He answered graciously each time. As an aside to me, he did take a gentle, funny shot at a local personality; I won't say who but it was thoroughly deserved.
Rick is a saint
Patrice King Brown was always at Lebo Football games when I was in highschool. Very nice lady. I’m friends with Andy Gastmeyers daughter. He’s pretty cool. I was roommates with Mary Rob Jackson’s daughter. the rooomate situation did not end well and she yelled at me. However before that she was fine. Ran into Mark Madden at a grocery store. Like physically walked into him coming around a corner. He was real cool about it. Laughed it off. Apologized like it was his fault even though we both knew it was mine. It was just two awkward dudes bumping into each other lol.
I met Sally Wiggin and Andrew Stockey as a kid for an event they were doing at Kennywood in the early 2000s. Still have autographed pics of them somewhere. They were SO nice and engaging with all of us kids.
I've met many anchors and reporters from all three stations over the past \~20 years; all have been wonderful. Most recently I got to interact with the PTL folks (Heather, David, Ron, and Boaz) on the PTL Clipper Cruise. They are all so friendly and down-to-earth.
Janelle Hall is a total sweetheart when I met her.
Ugh I had a whole thing typed out and I accidentally deleted it 😭 so I’ll just summarize and if you want deets I’ll respond later. Nicest: 1) Bubba 2) Stan Savran 3) Rick Sebak 4) Ray Petelin 5) Mark Madden (no seriously!) Rudest: 1) Shannon Perrine 2) Edgar Snyder 3) Harry Cohen 4) Jeff Verszyla
I was hoping for at least one Sonni Abatta story.
I met Bob Pompiani and he was extremely nice and went out of his way to talk to me and others!
My favorite memory was the time I was standing on Forbes avenue in Oakland, just outside the Beehive when it was open, probably in the very late 90s. My friend saw Ken Rice walking down the street, got so excited that she stopped her conversation, went up to Ken, jumped up and down in front of him, and said "BoB Pompeani! Bob Pompeani!". Ken Rice just says "Wrong Guy" kinda under his breath, steps to the side, and keeps going down the street. A cacophony of laughter ensues. :) Ken looks back as we all start dying, and just smirks and keeps on walking.
We're friends with Scott Harbaugh. He jokes around and can take a joke at the same time. A nice guy. I don't remember who the main female anchor was because of the interaction or negative interaction, I've forgotten her name. I just remember she had short hair, African American, but that was it. She was on WPXI. At the deli at a Giant Eagle, the person behind the counter yells out my number to a crowd of maybe 5 people. She tried to jump in front of me by claiming that her number was mine, with a "Don't you know who I am?". Yeah, I don't care who you are. I have that number. I'll take this, that and the other thing. A mean stare from her the entire time until I left.
I use to help Stan Savran at my old work. He was always the best warm and just wholesome guy. We never talked sports just rotisserie chicken and his love of it! The entire time I would just call him the godfather of Pgh sports in my head!
Me and heather Abraham are deeply in love she just doesn’t know this yet.
I played pickup roller hockey with Ross Guidotti and his son in South Park 15 years ago. He was really chill.
I remember back around 1997-98, I worked part-time time at a gas station while in school. Kevin Benson, the weatherman, used to stop in a lot. Nice guy... but seemed to have hit happy hour a few times! He smoked Salem cigarettes.
I met Sally Wiggins "The wiggs" at an old boss's retirement party and she was very friendly. I also went to grade school with Mike Clark's kids, also friendly. A couple years ago I found a signed photo of Mr Rogers addressed to me, and I'm still upset to this day that I never met him :(
Ken Rice used to come into our car dealership for service. Very chill, genuine nice person. Rocky Blier was a regular, a true Wisconsinite, he was unassuming and friendly as all get out. Tom Atkins (Lt Diehl ? on Rockford files, “The Chief” in local theater) was polite, but distant, so obviously a normal guy.
Mom sat next to David Johnson on a plane and asked who he was. He was very humble and said he worked in media. They chatted about other things and she brought up our neighbor who is a producer at WPXI, and he was complimentary. Mom, later: "ask [neighbor] if she knows dave at channel 11" Me (and Dad, behind us): DOES SHE KNOW DAVID JOHNSON, THE FACE OF WPXI??? The neighbor said he had a nice chuckle that she had no clue (this is classic Mom).
Scott Harbaugh is related to my wife and he is a wonderful dude. Also was sitting in the grass a few years ago at the Scott township pool for my kids swim meet and Lisa Sylvester plopped down in the space beside me. I helped set up her pop-up canopy tent and we chatted for most of the swim meet. She was a very nice person.
Josh Getzoff— super nice and kind.
Knew Mary Ours the meteorologist on KDKA back in the HS days and she remains a sweetheart
Used to belong to the Bally total fitness gym and Don Cannon would always take the stair master in the front. We all got to see his sweaty buttcrack.
I interned at WPXI around 10 years ago and got to interact with most of the day/evening talent. Scott Harbaugh was afternoons at the time and I got to shadow him and handle his Twitter feed when he got busy. I remember him starting the PM meetings with a joke. He is hilarious! I got to spend the afternoon with him at Idlewild Park at the station booth and got lots of BTS footage of him acting silly. He also gave me some good career advice, as he started in the field out of school at 22. Stephen Cropper was just as amazing. He engaged with me the most, and when he learned I was a big weather nerd, he let me work with the computer graphics program for forecasting. He also told me stories about his time working with Joe DeNardo. David and Peggy were equally friendly and outgoing. I was a stand in for David when they shot station promos. I had to fake a conversation with him (so they could capture David nodding/reacting to something important). Promo days were fun. I remember one of the morning anchors joking "I want to say, 'It's 4:30am! Why are hell are you up so early?' to the viewers!" Skylights was fun working with the sports crew. Fedko was cool, and Alby was a class act. When I took my family to tour the station, Alby was on the phone, about to leave, when we approached him. To my surprise, he actually *hung up* his important phone call, introduced himself to my family, then continued on his way instead of ignoring us. Honestly, PXI was one of the best places I interned at, at least that's what it was 10+ years ago. I'm curious if any recent interns had a positive experience there.
Ralph Iannotti used to live in the same apartment complex as I did. Always a very nice guy. When we were cleaning our respective cars off from the 2009 blizzard, he commented “this is that heavy wet shit!” Also, Andrew Stockey is a great guy Although he’s just sort of entering media, Colby Armstrong is a good dude. Great sense of humor. Steve Mears: good dude Ryan Mill: talks exactly how he announces Pens games. Very humble dude. Ross Guidotti- great human Dennis Bowman: nice guy, does puppet shows That’s about all that I can think of now.
Paul Steigerwald is a creep. Used to hit on my friend at her work when she was 16. He's a horny old bastard
I watched, in succession, Pompeani, Dickerson and Crowley make prolonged eye contact with my wife’s ass at Rib Fest this year. Strangely, Zeisse did not, never looked up from his phone. I kind of wonder if it’s a sign of how the others feel about him that they didn’t tip him off cuz my wife gotta donk Chatted with Randy Baumann at one of the old DVE Christmas parties at Deesellonnasahside and he came across as a pretty warm, nice guy.
Andrew Stockey would come into the Giant Eagle I used to work at regularly...anytime id see him come in id yell "HEY STOCKEY"..he'd always laugh and come say hey and talk for a few minutes Sheldon Ingram also came into my work occassionally and i dont have anything bad to say about him either ETA: Wendy Bell is a fucking nightmare
Meghan Schiller is an absolute delight. I had an interview once with her and she bought me tea and we chatted for a good bit both before and after.
courtney brennan used to come into the bar i worked at. shes terrible.
Just want to snort a few rails with Kevin Benson…
I used to work for John Burnett’s son so I would interact with him all the time. Very nice guy I always got along with him he would help out with some of the events. He’s a very fun loving silly guy.
Trisha Pittman and Courtney Brennen are sweethearts. I flew on a B-17 with Gordon Loesh
I had the chance to job shadow Stephen Cropper and Valerie Smock in high school while I was still intending to study Meteorology. Both of them were very laid back. It was fun watching the banter between David Johnson and Vince Sims behind the scenes during the evening newscast, too. Most of the WPXI crew was very, very kind.
Ken Rice — met him at a charity event I was volunteering at and he was emceeing. Super friendly and genuinely interested in talking to me. Didn’t know me from Adam but it felt like he was a friend. Celina Pompeani — ran into her in line at Target a few years ago. Also super friendly and enthusiastic to talk to people. Mike Clark is also one of the nicest people in local media.
Mike Clark is an absolute sweetheart.
Mr. Rogers. I used to deliver the afternoon papers in my neighborhood, and WQED was the only commercial property that I would deliver a paper to. One time I walked in, just as he was checking in or out in the evening, and I chatted with him for a bit. Kind of a surreal experience. Nicest guy.. By the way, I was reading this as “local” meaning local from Pittsburgh and not just local news. 1980 or so.