Philadelphians Share Their Favorite Gene London Stories
A whole generation of kids around the Delaware Valley grew up with Gene London. They learned from him, laughed with him and even crushed on him! Below is a collection of stories and memories immortalizing the children’s TV host who passed away this week:
Damn.
— ralphgarman (@RalphGarman) January 22, 2020
"Gene London, Philly children’s TV host, dies at 88" https://t.co/YcHrh9tB3c via @phillyinquirer
https://twitter.com/DavidUosikkinen/status/1219730931952619521
Gene London was as comforting as a cardigan sweater, as warm as hot chocolate with marshmallows, as impactful as the best pre-school teacher OBE could have. #RIPGeneLondon https://t.co/divXPnR4kB
— Claire Smith ⚾️ (@MzCSmith) January 21, 2020
Of all the kid's shows I watched as a youngster, Gene London's was my favorite. He had such a kind, comforting way about him, and his storytelling was second to none. I loved watching him draw, too. Plus, he played The Beatles' music on his show. A lot. RIP. Gene.
— Andre Gardner (@andregardner) January 21, 2020
https://twitter.com/DEKidd95/status/1219786950455877632
Just learned of the passing of Philadelphia kid’s show legend Gene London, on whose show I made my TV debut at age 5, holding a live chicken. He sparked my interest in cartoons and encouraged my career making them. He’ll be missed by so many.
— Schooley (@Rschooley) January 22, 2020
Gene London, Philly children’s TV host, dies at 88 https://t.co/Z272c1jWJb via @phillyinquirer - A great childhood hero of mine, then I met him @PHSgardening in 2015 and got to chitchat with him over several days. So charming. Can't believe he was 84 in this photo. (l) pic.twitter.com/8G031IZHHX
— PhillyChitChat (@HughE_Dillon) January 22, 2020
This man had such a big influence on me. His gentleness, sensitivity, wonderful storytelling and natural artistic ability resonated in me in a way nothing else on television ever did when I was young. Thanks, Gene! https://t.co/L5cNliBODV
— John Flynn (@singwriter) January 22, 2020
https://twitter.com/DEKidd95/status/1219786950455877632
If you are a Philadelphian of a certain age, you probably watched Gene London. Mr. London passed away on Sunday. In the mid 60’s he partnered with @PhillyFireDept for fire prevention week. Pictured here is Mr. London with Engine 16. To see more photos: https://t.co/KUVJt3ibxv pic.twitter.com/QWlOjRCWnA
— Firemans Hall Museum (@FiremansHall) January 22, 2020
RIP Gene London
— Nina L. Diamond (@ninatypewriter) January 22, 2020
I was on his show in 2nd grade. I was terrified of dogs then, and they had me stand next to a big dog and hold his leash! Well, the show must go on. I did it.
If you grew up in the Philly area in the '50s, '60s, '70s, Gene London was your Mr. Rogers.
He was mine. https://t.co/pS2h4tZ5la
It's with heavy heart that I share that Gene London has passed. Gene showed the importance of being true to yourself and to always explore your imagination. In 2016 Gene and I had a wonderful chat @wxpnfm that cemented my admiration for this amazing man.https://t.co/nm9t7UCmli
— DJ Robert Drake 🏳️🌈 (@DJRobertDrake) January 21, 2020
Gene London was Mr. Rogers before Mr. Rogers. #RIPGeneLondon
— frank fitzpatrick (@philafitz) January 21, 2020
It's a sad week in Philadelphia as Gene London, a local TV pioneer and children's show host, has died. I met Gene a few years ago. He was as kind, charming, and funny in person as he was on TV. Philly will miss him.https://t.co/mujdPdY60d#RIP #RIPGeneLondon
— Michael Rosen (@MLInnovations) January 22, 2020
Just found out Gene London died. I worked the spot light for one of his fashion shows when I worked at Boscov’s at Monmouth Mall in Eatontown New Jersey, I got to talk to him and found him to be a great person. He... https://t.co/i0p5lys9Xy
— William Yanson (@Yanni24) January 21, 2020
https://twitter.com/Non__Cents/status/1219758281880670211
Oh my gosh... I think Gene London was my first crush. I searched on YouTube for some old shows. I remember The Golden Fleece... and some sort of haunted house on the... https://t.co/BWvOoDy4Cy
— Holley Pokora (@HolleyPokora) January 22, 2020
#GeneLondon, icon of Philly children’s TV, has died. When I met him he pretended to be interested in my 50-yr-old story of how I got kicked off the set of his show as a tot. He was always good at make-believe. RIP, Gene. pic.twitter.com/SMaYtHLOEc
— Jamie ~ Like Liberty, I was born in Philadelphia (@Twinmom0) January 21, 2020