Former NBC weathercaster, actor, and writer Fritz Coleman spoke about “Unassisted Living” on Tubi.
“Unassisted Living” reflects on growing old in the era of social distancing and social media.
“It has been doing very well,” he said. “It is slowly spreading throughout the country. It is such a treat, especially at my age to have something streaming. I just love it.”
On his daily inspirations as a writer and actor, he said, “I am inspired every day. Now that I’ve retired from weather forecasting, I can spend my days writing and weekends performing. I feel like I’m finally on ‘creative parole,’ and it feels great.”
The digital age
On being a part of the digital age, he said, “It’s extra work. You have to really build your social media presence. You have to share yourself across many platforms. When I was employed at NBC, I didn’t have to put as much energy into that. Now, social media is your main source of marketing.”
“In addition, YouTube, streaming, and websites are all great platforms to get your work out there. Social media promotes your live shows. Live shows promote your social media presence. It’s a cooperative arrangement,” he acknowledged.
A lengthy career as a weatherman in LA
Coleman recalled his time as a weatherman in Los Angeles for nearly four decades. “My job as a weatherman was a gift,” he admitted. “I got to come into people’s homes in the second largest media market in the United States, and be part of viewers’ lives for 40 years. You develop a wonderful intimacy with folks after all that time. They treat you like a tolerable relative.”
Career-defining moments
On his career-defining moments, he shared, “I think the ad campaigns that were built around sportscaster Fred Roggin and I were phenomenally successful. I had no idea how impactful an ad campaign could be until I became the beneficiary of one.”
“To this day, people will come up to me in a store and say ‘Fritz said it would be like this.’ This would be from an ad campaign in the ’80s. It is just amazing,” he exclaimed.
Proudest professional moments
His proudest professional moments include appearing on the “Tonight Show” with Johnny Carson and Jay Leno, as well as performing on a Bob Hope Christmas special. “Also, getting to broadcast every day from two Olympics, Seoul, Korea, in 1988, and the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta, Georgia.”
Advice for hopefuls in weathercasting and comedy
For young and aspiring weathercasters and comedians, he said, “My only advice to anyone is to not quit. Don’t let someone dictate who you are. Be yourself. Also, to be a successful weatherperson, you have to get a Bachelor’s degree in meteorology or atmospheric sciences. To be a successful comic, you need to discover your true self, and write to that truth.”
Success
On her definition of the word success, he said, “Success is being able to strike a delicate balance between your career and your family. If there are speedbumps in your career….your family will always be there.”
Closing thoughts on ‘Unassisted Living’ on Tubi
“This is my second show about getting old,” he said. “It’s just me babbling about the common experiences of getting old. No politics. In this dark world that we find ourselves in, I just want to take people out of their heads for an hour and give them some laughs and relief from their lives.”
To learn more about Fritz Coleman, check out his official website.
