Bill Currie passes
Pittsburgh: KDKA-TV is reporting that former Sports Anchorman Bill Currie has died. Currie, who was 85, passed of a brain hemmorage in Yulma, Washington where he was living with his daughter. He was a sports commentator for KDKA's evening newscast from 1971 to the mid-80s and known to wear colorful sport coats and boutonnieres.Readers’ Forum
I realize I’ll venture into dangerous territory, discussing the deceased and all, but Currie wore out his welcome out almost as soon as he earned it. What started as bold commentary became nothing more than redundant criticism, the kind you now hear from the likes of John Steigerwald and his right-wing radio lackey buds. It reached the point of which Currie wasn’t happy with what he was doing unless someone served as his pin cushion. Heck, Ray Tannehill said that on the air after one of his Currie’s commentaries.
Currie was talented and knowlegeable. That’s the part I used to appreciate. It’s too bad he could come off as having a vendetta. That’s the Currie I will not miss.
Rick - February 12, 2008 at 4:31 pm
I could not disagree more. I found Bill to be one of the only Tv personalities not to take himself so serious. His self-depricating manner, willingness to pronounce he was no “expert” on sports, and seeming delight at pointing out all the Monday morning quarterbacks was a refreshing blasts. In a time when those who cover sports all seem to know better that the coaches, GM’s and oweners — Bill was a breath of fresh air. Not only was I entertained by his stories — but educated. I am sure some couldn’t follow his tirades, and others assumed he was being bitter and mean. To those I would say — you just weren’t listening close enough, cause it was 99% tongue and cheek. Not like the milk-toast folks of today. God speed Bill!!!
Doug - February 12, 2008 at 7:33 pm
I really enjoyed the Mouth of the South. His commentary was flowerful and he was opinionated, that was sure. But you had to over look that, to appreciate his style and content.
Whether you agreed with him or not, he was one of a kind.
piratefan - February 13, 2008 at 08:49 am
I know the funniest thing I’ll remember is how he
pronounced “B” Jorn Borg…..when covering Tennis…
Bob - February 13, 2008 at 1:16 pm
Okay, first off, Yulma, I’m pretty sure, doesn’t exist.
It’s Yelm.
And I absolutely adored Bill. My mutti has been his care taker for the past seven years, and I came to know him really well over that time. His stories where the best, and he was a sweet old man. Kind of silly sometimes, and he wore the weirdest clothes…But still. And did any of you know that he collected teady bears? His daughters [yes, he has more than one]had each guest to his memorial take one home with them. I’m holding one right now.
Meep - March 17, 2008 at 12:33 am
BILL, WAS ALSO A MASON, IN GOOD STANDING. WITH HIS HOME LODGE IN NC.
JAMES F. WAGNER - February 11, 2010 at 3:06 pm