Houston lost a home town boy – at age 85.
Posted by Rob Longenecker on July 30th, 2007
”HOUSTON (AP) – Marvin Zindler, the flamboyant television consumer reporter whose crusade against a rural brothel inspired the play and movie «The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas,» died Sunday. He was 85. Zindler died of complications from pancreatic cancer.”
Marvin Zindler wore white wigs and blue sunglasses, had numerous plastic surgeries and tripped over pronouncing unfamiliar names of people and places.
Having lived in Houston myself since Marvin closed down the infamous “Chicken Ranch” house of ill repute in 1973, I thought I knew who he was.
He always signed off with a lound and self-important sounding, “Marvin Zindler, Eyewitness News!” For years I thought he was a buffoon. I didn’t like the way he looked, sounded or acted.
Now that I’ve matured a bit, I realize that I made a judgement of the man early on and I never really saw the real Marvin or acknowledged how much good he did. Frequently, I’m quick to judge someone by outward appearance, their voice or their quirks and totally overlook their commitment to doing good with their life. Yes, sometimes I’m a real jerk.
Marvin, did a lot of good for many, many people (and he didn’t care what I thought about him). You can learn more about ol’ Marvin here and here.
Marvin, if you happen to read this blog post, I’d like to apologize for my early judgements and wish you “godspeed.” You were helping folks from your hospital bed as recently as last night.
The lesson I learned is to judge people by what they’re committed to accomplishing rather than their idiosyncrasies, quirks, wardrobe or looks. Let’s hope I can remember that the next time I meet someone new. I don’t want to make the same mistake again.