The previous posts in our "Retro Huell" series have usually involved Huell Howser interviewing someone who was famous at the time they talked. This post is no exception -- in the intro, Huell himself says that she became a television sensation in Nashville circa 1978 -- but you likely haven't heard of her. She's the Junebug Lady. She got that name because her home was besieged by junebugs. Yes, it's a very "California's Gold"-esque clip before "California's Gold" was a thing.
There are two good reasons to watch this video. For one, the Junebug Lady has a charming accent, the likes of which you don't often hear in Southern California. I wish I could pronounce "porch" the way she does, but I don't think you can if you're born in California. It's almost like her accent empowers Huell's own Tennessee twang to mighty new levels. Secondly, the video also features about a full minute of Huell and the Junebug Lady scampering around a field, trying to catch the bugs. You maybe didn't wake up today saying, "Gee, it would sure make me life better if I saw Huell Howser trying to catch bugs," but it really will. You have no idea.
A highlight: The Junebug Lady telling Huell, "Really, I thought of [calling] no one but you, because I admire you for some reason. Every night I look at you when you're on. I just get a kick out of you, with all these stories you bring along." True words from the Junebug Lady.
Read previous "Retro Huell" posts:
- Dolly Parton
- George Burns
- Zelda Rubinstein
- Luciano Pavarotti
- Richard Simmons
- John Ritter
- Tony Danza
- a leopard
- Hulk Hogan & Mr. T
- The Eagles
- Minnie Pearl and Porky the Pet House Pig
- Dolly Parton (again)
- David Hockney
- Tammy Wynette
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