WCVB-TV personality Frank Avruch, at 89
Frank Avruch, a legendary Boston broadcaster and performer for more than 40 years on WCVBTV (Ch. 5) died Tuesday night at his home in Boston. He was 89.
Mr. Avruch was a graduate of Boston University.
He began his career on the radio before transitioning to television, wearing many hats.
Mr. Avruch was a contributor on “Good Day” and host of “The Great Entertainment” and WCVB’s “Man About Town.”
He is best known for playing Bozo the Clown from 1959 until 1970, which he said was one of the highlights of his career.
He was inducted into the National Television Academy’s Gold Circle.
“Frank Avruch was one of the most influential and beloved personalities on Boston television and a cherished member of the Channel 5 family,” said Bill Fine, WCVB’s president and general manager. “Frank’s talent was limitless, whether as host of ‘The Great Entertainment,’ ‘Boston’s Man About Town,’ or ‘Bozo the Clown,’ he could do it all. His kindness and enthusiasm were contagious, his style elegant, with an unmistakable voice to match. He loved this television station and city, dedicating a lifetime to entertaining us all. We send our love and deepest sympathy to his beloved wife, Betty, and the Avruch family. He truly was the Man Around Town and we will always be grateful to Frank for his friendship and many contributions to our industry and community.”
Avruch’s son, Steven Avruch, told WCVB: “My brother and I lost our dad last night after a long battle with heart disease. He was a devoted husband to our surviving mom, Betty, and a loving father, grandfather uncle and friend to many. While it’s hard to say goodbye, we celebrate the legacy of joy and laughter he brought to millions of children around the world as Bozo the Clown on TV and as a UNICEF ambassador and later as host of Channel 5’s ‘Great Entertainment’ and ‘Boston’s Man About Town.’ Our dad loved the children of all ages who remembered being on his show and was always grateful for their kind words. We will miss him greatly.”
A native of the Boston suburb of Winthrop, Avruch attended the University of Missouri’s School of Journalism and completed his bachelor’s degree in communication at Boston University in 1949. In addition to his wife, Frank is survived by two sons, Matthew and Steven; a son-in-law, Ed MacLean; and two grandchildren, Robert and Max.